New Men’s Shed for Linton

LINTON Men’s Shed will get $60,000 for upgrades as part of a statewide funding boost for the program in 2018-19.

The announcement was made by state Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos when she visited the shed last week.

Currently the Linton Men’s Shed uses a two-car garage for their facility but relocate to a site further down the Glenelg Highway, where a purpose-built facility will be constructed.

A further $116,000 has been provided to the Victorian Men’s Shed Association to help lead the sector and promote growth within the Victorian network.

Men’s sheds improve the health and wellbeing of participants by promoting social inclusion and providing a place for locals to meet, make social connections and actively participate in their local communities.

There are more than 1,000 sheds across the country, with more than 360 in Victoria. Additional funding of $150,000 was recently announced to continue the support of a dedicated Victorian Men’s Shed Association Field Officer, who is responsible for improving the sustainability and governance of the state’s men’s shed network. Linton is one of 29 men’s sheds that are sharing in over $900,000 in grants.

Linton site will be one of nine brand new sheds built, along with Rutherglen, Rowville, Penshurst, Trentham, Leongatha, Mount Martha, Mildura and Heathcote.

20 existing sheds will be refurbished, meaning 99 shed projects across the state have been funded since 2014.

“The benefits of having a men’s shed are clear– which is why we’re helping communities build nine new sheds across Victoria and expanding the services and capacity of 20 more,” Ms Mikakos said.

“I am particularly pleased to see this funding will engage more men across Victoria so they have the chance to come together and catch up with mates.”

Linton Men’s Shed President Michael Hough added that the Shed has 25 members with a number of extras that come and go.