The Rosedale Men’s Shed has secured a slice of $400,000 in national funding to be shared among 93 community men’s sheds across Australia. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said Rosedale would receive $4100 from the Federal Government to spend on electrical work at its building at the Rosedale Neighbourhood House. “The new wiring will provide electricity to the new kitchen, a welding bay and newly installed lights,” Mr Chester said.“Men’s sheds offer a range of activities for men. They create a feeling of belonging among those who participate, which is particularly important for older men and men living in rural and remote areas. “This funding will go towards ensuring the shed is wired to meet the needs of those who use it, whether that’s while they are using power tools or making a cup of coffee.” Rosedale Neighbourhood House auspices the men’s shed. Neighbourhood House manager Heather Shaw said although the shed was relatively new, it had become a source of activity, fun and hard work for local men. “The men’s shed has already had a positive impact on some of the more isolated men in Rosedale,” Ms Shaw said. “It’s given them a place to meet other people, socialise, learn something new and give back to the community. Men who are newly arrived in town are going there to meet new people. “It’s a place and a space where men can have their own time and space, and share a comradery with other like-minded county blokes. “The friendly and supportive atmosphere at the shed has encouraged a lot of men to open up, talk and listen to one another and it’s created a strong sense of community – and that benefits the whole town.” The Australian Government has provided $5.1 million (from 2016-17 to 2018-19) to the Australian Men’s Sheds Association (AMSA) to provide support and resources to new and existing men’s sheds and to manage the National Shed Development Programme. For details, visit www.mensshed.org.
