The federal program offers grants to support the purchase of tools and equipment and to invest in community projects, training, building maintenance and development and health improvement activities.

Federal Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon welcomed the important investment and praised local Men’s Sheds for their commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

“I have been fortunate to have a strong association with Men’s Sheds in the Hunter for some time. I have seen first-hand on my many visits to their sites the wonderful impact they have on not only their participants but in the wider community through their many and varied projects,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“I congratulate Wangi, Branxton Greta, Muswellbrook and Cessnock men’s sheds as well as Lake Macquarie Classic Boat Association on their successful funding bids and look forward to seeing how the investment contributes positively to the organisations and our local community.”

Wangi Men’s Shed will be more energy efficient with the installation of solar panels and will also benefit from a new computer for record keeping and training thanks to a $4472 grant.

Meanwhile, Lake Macquarie Classic Boat Association has received $2500 for the purchase of a bench saw, thicknesser and planer and a disc sander for its workshop.

Men’s Sheds provide an informal venue where the men of the community can spend time together.

They are a place where social activity is maintained and friendships are formed. Men are provided with new opportunities for interaction in their post-work lives, in an active workshop, participating in community projects. 

The Men’s Shed movement has become one of the most powerful tools in addressing health and wellbeing and helping men to once again feel valued and productive members of their community.