Wynnum-Manly and District Men’s Shed gets upgraded thanks to Morrison Government funding boost

Wynnum-Manly and District Men’s Shed recently completed upgrades to their facilities thanks to funding from the Morrison Government’s Community Development Grants Program.

This Men’s Shed secured $200,000 in funding to improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant viable communities.

Men’s Shed is community-based, non-commercial organisation that is open to all men. They do wonderful work to address social isolation and boost men’s mental health by enabling them to feel safe, make friends and share in meaningful activities.

Earlier this week, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP visited the Wynnum-Manly and District Men’s Shed to see the upgrades that had been made.

“The Wynnum-Manly and District Men’s Shed is accessible to all men in our community, providing a safe and friendly environment where men are able to work on a variety of projects from manual crafts to gardening,” Mr Vasta said.

“These projects are often donated back into our communities, whether it be model trains for childcare centres, supporting local businesses with handmade décor like table numbers for the Wynnum Leagues Club or providing carpentry support to those in need.

“I was thrilled to see the incredible upgrades to the Men’s Shed, as it will continue to aid their work in our community, with the best possible facilities and tools to do so. The Shed and its members are very deserving of this funding boost.”

The funding was able to upgrade the Wynnum-Manly and District Men’s Shed’s office facilities, shed tools and equipment including a laser cutter and dust extraction system as well as the installation of solar panels and more.

“Programs like the Community Development Grants Program are invaluable as it enables us to give back to communities and recognise those who go above and beyond to make a difference. Nurturing this is essential to fostering a supportive community, just what we have in Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said it was vitally important that Shed Members felt valued and remained connected to their community during a period that was difficult for many Australians.

“Our Government is committed to ensuring that even doing the pandemic, members can stay in touch and continue to providing meaningful contributions to their communities,” Minister Hunt said.

Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton said there are more than 1,000 Men’s Sheds across the nation.

“Men’s Sheds play a vital role in preventing social isolation and mental ill health. They offer thousands of men of all ages a safe and friendly environment where they can work on meaningful projects while building strong social connections,” Minister Coulton said.

Including this announcement, the Morrison Government has provided $6.4 million in grant funding to support Men’s Sheds since 2013.

Men’s Sheds are an integral part of their local communities. This Government will continue to support Men’s Sheds as part of our comprehensive approach to improving the health of Australian men and boys.