Men’s sheds at Tamworth and Manilla will get upgrades for their members with the allocation of Crown Lands’ stimulus funding to support improvements.
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said a total of $182,500 would be provided to the two men’s sheds.
Tamworth Community Men’s Shed will get $180,500 for a two-bay extension to its shed which will provide more space for members and their work activities.
The current facility is too small forcing some work to be carried outside and limiting membership growth, but this expansion will increase the shed’s size by 66 per cent providing plenty of new capacity.
“I know the members of the Tamworth Men’s Shed have been wanting this upgrade for some time so I am thrilled that they can now get on with the job of providing their members with a comfortable home,” Mr Anderson said.
$2,000 is also being provided to Manilla Men’s Shed to help it construct four steel doors and also extend roofing from its shed to a storage container.
Mr Anderson said $1.62 million was being allocated statewide for improvements to men’s sheds, as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus program.
“Men’s sheds are places where men can hang out with mates, learn to build things, pass on skills, and give back to their local community,” Mr Anderson said.
“A study by Beyond Blue found men’s shed members can even fare better on physical functioning, general health, vitality and mental health.”
Australian Men’s Shed Association NSW president John Sharples said the upgrade projects would empower men and create renewed interest.
“We have 377 sheds in NSW with about 20,000 members and this stimulus funding will make a big difference,” Mr Sharples said.
“By improving infrastructure and making workplaces better and safer, we will be able to create a supportive environment that provides opportunities for members to contribute to their men’s shed and the wider community.”
Minister Anderson with members of the Tamworth Men’s Shed
Tamworth Men’s Shed members at work on projects
