Guy Barnett, Minister of Primary Industries and Water

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is proud to support the Tasmanian Men’s Shed Association and is pleased to announce that the grant program for 2021-2022 is now open.

This coincides with the start of Tasmanian Men’s Shed Awareness Week September 20-27.^e which promotes the benefits of joining the Men’s Shed movement as well as the important role our Sheds play in their communities.

As promised in the 2020-21 state election, increased funding of $ 175,000 is now available through the latest grant program and has been expanded to include mental health and wellness projects, recognizing the role essential that the Sheds play in supporting their members and communities.

Funding is available in two categories:

• Grants of up to $ 6,000 for tools, equipment, men’s health, including mental health and wellness initiatives, member training and community initiatives. This includes funding the Sheds to purchase hygiene and other equipment to help them meet their COVID-19 Safe Workplace Guidelines and COVID-19 Safety Plans; and
• Grants of up to $ 20,000 for capital works.

Nominations come from Tasmanian Men’s Sheds who are either members of TMSA or an organization that functions as a Men’s Shed and which is able to demonstrate alignment with the values ​​and vision of TMSA.

Men’s sheds are a valuable community asset and contribute to the community in many ways. They provide a safe and supportive environment where men can form friendships, learn and share skills, seek support and advice regarding health and wellness issues, and participate in projects that benefit the whole community. community.

In my role as Minister of Primary Industries and Water, I have seen with my own eyes how valuable a men’s shed is in a regional or rural community when the opportunities for interaction and support of your friends can be limited.

Given the importance of men’s shelters in the community, the Tasmanian government implemented a grant program in 2014, to develop the capacity and sustainability of shelters statewide.

The grants program is administered by Communities, Sport and Recreation (CSR) of the Department of Communities Tasmania (Communities Tasmania).

The grant program guidelines and application form are available on the Communities Tasmania website www.communities.tas.gov.au/csr.