$6,500 to improve men’s health in Bowen and south Townsville

Support for the health of men and boys will be given a further boost in the region with the announcement of $6500 to two men’s sheds in the Dawson electorate in the latest round of grant funding under the National Shed Development Programme.

I’m very pleased to announce the Australian Government has decided to award Bowen Men’s Shed $3,300 and Cungulla Men’s Shed $3,200.

The important work undertaken by men’s sheds in providing opportunities for men to get together in their communities is well recognised, and I congratulate the teams at both Bowen and Cungulla on continuing their good work.

This funding means that the Bowen Men’s Shed can buy first aid kits as well as tools, and the Cungulla Men’s Shed will invest in shed improvements such as a 3-phase wiring system, safety switches, outlets and circuit breakers.

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 the difficulties the COVID-19 pandemic presented.

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