Gosford Men’s Shed and the Wood Glen Workshop at Erina will share $4,090 in funding from the Federal Government in the latest round of the National Shed Development Program.
Men’s Sheds aim to improve and maintain men’s health by giving them a space in which to engage in craftwork and social activities.
They operate under the Australian Men Sheds Association and exist in many communities all over the country.
Gosford Community Shed President, Larry Lloyd, said as a non-profit organisation, funding was essential to the shed’s survival during the coronavirus pandemic.
“With all that help that the Government gave out we didn’t qualify for anything, so we did not have income for 14 weeks, but we still had expenses,” Lloyd said.
“Even though (our share) is only $2,000 we will put it good use.
“We want to put in an electronic sign-in system, at the moment it is all done by a book.”
Gosford Men’s Shed is only allowing 20 people to come at one time because of the restrictions with spots filling up every week.
“I think it is very important because we have a lot of single people and people with depression and mental health issues and they need that company to get out of the house,” Lloyd said.
“It is good for them to get here and have a cup of tea and talk to other men.”
Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the funding had come at a great time.
“Now more than ever, sheds offer men a critical avenue for social support and engagement,” she said.
“To stay healthy, we need to do regular activities with the people around us, and our local men’s shed has become a focal point for the Central Coast community.
“I’m pleased the Wood Glen Workshop in Wood Glen Retirement Village, Erina, will now be able to upgrade their health and wellbeing equipment with this funding.”
Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton, said Men’s Sheds are particularly important for regional, rural and remote communities across the country.
“Men’s Sheds are fast becoming one of the most important organisations, one where members make connections and serve their community,” he said.
“More than 6,000 men across Australia are expected to benefit from the program, with 121 men’s sheds receiving funding under this round.”
Since 2013, the Government has provided $5.4M through the National Shed Development program.
Jacinta Counihan