15 March 2010 Around the country thousands of Dads and other ‘ordinary’ blokes come together every week under the ‘Men’s Shed’ banner.
The Men’s Shed – there are more than 400 of them across Australia – provides a location and support system for many men who are socially isolated, lonely or who just want to connect with others.
However the organisation is in danger of disappearing.
Australian families would be amazed to learn that The Men’s Shed Association only receives $50,000 a year from the Rudd Government and that this is potentially under threat.
Shadow Minister for Health Peter Dutton said ‘shed nights’ were a vital community resource for many men and had proven to be an important aid in dealing with men’s health issues.
.“Mr Rudd is quite literally starving to death The Men’s Shed Association, and thousands of Australian males who benefit from the shed activities may miss out on the incredible support provided,” Mr Dutton said.
Shadow Minister for Families Kevin Andrews said the Department of Families and Minister Jenny Macklin must guarantee support for The Men’s Shed Association.
“Minister Macklin is creating uncertainty and making it very difficult for the Association to do its work. Connecting with men in need of help is not easy and the Men’s Shed Association has successfully done that and they need support,” Mr Andrews said.
Mr Andrews called on Ms Macklin to end the uncertainty immediately.
“This is a practical local program that deserves ongoing support, he said.
Media contacts:
Nick Demiris (Mr Andrew’s office) – (02) 6277 4585 or 0414 347 439
John Wiseman (Mr Dutton’s office) – (02) 6277 4884 or 0429 983 618