Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan said the Grafton Men’s Shed will receive $4000 from the Federal Government to continue to promote and support men’s health and wellbeing in the Clarence Valley. Announcing the grant last Friday, Mr Hogan said the Men’s Shed Programme is providing benefits for the community at large. “The community is benefiting from the projects undertaken in the sheds and family ties are becoming stronger with happier and healthier men,” he said. “Men are not encouraged to talk about their physical and mental health but a Men’s Shed gives them a space where they are comfortable to talk to other men about whatever is on their mind,” Mr Hogan said. “Men’s Sheds reduce social isolation, particularly for older men and men living in rural and remote areas, enabling positive social interactions, enhancing health and wellbeing in the men who attend.” “The value of the Australian Government’s National Shed Development Programme cannot be overstated. It is an extremely popular programme as can be seen by the number of Men’s Sheds which have popped up around the country. The $4000 grant will be used to purchase tools, equipment and fund community projects and training. Grants are competitive with priority given to sheds in disadvantaged areas. Further rounds of funding will be available for Men’s Sheds in 2015/16. Details can be found at www.mensshed.org For information on the application process, contact AMSA via email at amsa@mensshed.net or phone 1300 550 009.