Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, today announced $10,945 will be provided to support the Ku-ring-gai Community Workshop. The funding is part of $2.23 million that will be allocated state wide for improvements to men’s sheds on Crown land under the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus program.
“Men’s sheds are community-based organisations that do a fantastic job by providing people a welcoming environment to work on projects and make friends in their local area,” Mr O’Dea said.
“The Ku-ring-gai Community Workshop, known as “The Shed”, is a home away from home for men and women in the local community. They can gather regularly to share their skills, knowledge and experience which helps keeps them active and productive.
“The stimulus funding is for the installation of two concrete pads and outdoor tables to create a multi-use space for work activities, meetings, and for morning tea and lunch.
“Inside the shed a dust extraction system and roof exhaust fans will be installed, with associated electrical work to support a healthy workspace” Mr O’Dea said.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes, said $1 million would be provided this financial year and $1.23 million next financial year for priority upgrade work to a range of men’s sheds across NSW.
“Men’s shed are places where men and in this case, women too, can hang out with friends, learn to build things, pass on skills, and give back to their local community,” Mr Stokes said.
“A 2013 study by Beyond Blue found shed members can fare better on physical functioning, general health, vitality and mental health.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding for men’s shed upgrades would support local employment while revitalising essential community hubs.
“By investing in these sheds, we are helping keep people in jobs while ensuring people have a place where they can come together and find community,” Mr Perrottet said.
Australian Men's Shed Association NSW president John Sharples said the upgrade projects would empower members and create renewed interest.
“We have nearly 377 sheds in NSW with about 20,000 members and this stimulus funding will make a big difference by improving infrastructure and making workplaces better and safer, which will help us attract more members,” Mr Sharples said.
