New storage for men’s shed

Kooweerup Men's Shed will receive $2000. Photo taken prior to lockdown.

The Kooweerup Men’s Shed has been successful in the latest round of grants from the Victorian Government, receiving $2000 for new shelving and storage.

It is part of the almost $1 million in support for men’s sheds, giving more men the opportunity to learn new skills, build friendships and give back to their communities – when it’s safe to do so.

Kooweerup Men’s Shed secretary Brian Harlow said the group receives a lot of donated tools and machinery.

“The new shelves and storage will allow for workbenches so that all our kindly donated equipment can be stored properly,“ he said.

Men’s sheds improve the health and wellbeing of their members by reducing social isolation and promoting social inclusion.

Shedders get to share their skills, learn new ones and make new mates in their local area.

Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said the funding would allow the men’s shed to continue after the pandemic.

“This funding goes towards the upgraded storage and shelving at Koo Wee Rup Men’s Shed so they can continue their programs and provide vital support and connections as we recover from this pandemic,“ she said.

“Men’s sheds are all about connecting community, they provide a relaxed, supportive environment where men can roll their sleeves up, build friendships, learn something new and help their local community.”

The Government provides $1 million to support men’s sheds each year, which includes $130,560 to the Victorian Men’s Shed Association.

Victoria’s vibrant men’s shed community continues to grow, with this grant round enabling five new shed organisations to form, covering the communities of Colac-Otway, Swan Hill, Baw Baw, the Mornington Peninsula and the Njernda Aboriginal Corporation in Echuca.