The Moyne Shire community will be boosted by a $50,000 Brumby Labor Government grant to build a new Men’s Shed.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP, said men’s shed would be a wonderful asset to the local community.
“This grant will help the Shire construct a facility in Port Fairy that is accessible for men of all ages,” Ms Tierney said.
The grant will contribute towards a base for the Port Fairy Men’s Shed at the Port Fairy showgrounds.
The shed will provide a workspace for the Men’s Shed, storage space for the local Lions Club and a shared toilet, kitchen facility that can also be used by the Show Society.
“Local men will be encouraged to come along, talk over their issues with others, seek help and advice, and work on projects that will have real and practical benefits for the community in a relaxed environment,’’ Ms Tierney said.
“Using their existing talent, or learning new skills from others, the shed will assist local men to build benches and playground equipment for public parks and other rebuilding projects needed within the broader Moyne Shire community.
Senior Victorians Minister Lisa Neville said the Moyne Shire community was among 26 communities to benefit from the latest round of the $2 million Men’s Shed grant.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to assist people to better connect with their neighbourhoods, to build stronger families and stronger communities,’’ Ms Neville said.
“These sheds will provide a relaxed place for men to make new friends, talk things over, learn new skills and get involved in the local community, which has great benefits for their individual health and wellbeing.’’
Ms Neville said these new men’s sheds would build on 25 funded by the Brumby Labor Government last year as part of its $4 million program.
“Victoria led the nation by being the first government to provide specific funding for the establishment of the sheds and they have been a great success,’’ Ms Neville said.
“Each of these five new projects will be of great benefit to local communities and make a valuable contribution to the recovery and rebuilding effort.’’
Men’s sheds are funded as part of the Brumby Labor Government’s $1.9 billion Fairer Victoria initiative; a whole of Government social policy action plan to address disadvantage and promote inclusion and participation.