Page 1224 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 7 May 2014
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product training and IT skills to ensure that their respective local men’s sheds are safe and able to run in the most efficient way possible.
In conclusion, men’s sheds achieve positive health, happiness and wellbeing outcomes for men who participate, as well as for their partners, families and communities. A renewed sense of purpose and the act of giving back to the community returns a sense of value and self-respect to those participants. The strong sense of belonging built on the companionship and shared learning that is generated by these sheds alleviates and prevents social isolation for its members.
The social and community benefits of men’s sheds in the ACT have already been shown to be significant. Men’s sheds in the ACT strengthen and integrate community links and participation and have significant social impacts for individual members.
Finally, I would like to thank all the participants of last week’s forum, including yourself, Madam Deputy Speaker, Dr Bourke and Ms Berry—but also John Murphy, or “Spud” to his mates, Ian Dalziel, Mark Quilligan, Howard Fraser, Ray Nelson, Billy Williams, Graham Wright, Gavin Bennett, Bob Haverfield, Don Stewart, Michael Ashbury, Doug Edwards, Marcus Jense, Paul Parritt, David Wise, Roy Halton, Jim Thornton, Keith Billingham, John Landos, Peter Kercher and Bob Richardson for taking their time to meet with us. I extend my broader thanks to all of their members for their ongoing contribution to our community. May they grow in strength.
MR DOSZPOT (Molonglo) (5.02): I thank Mr Gentleman for his motion today on what is an important program for our ageing population. For most men the start of retirement is an exciting new stage in their lives, but for some it is met with isolation and fear. The benefits of physical activity later in life are well known. However, the importance of continuing mental health later in life is less renowned.
A report produced by the ACT government in 2010 titled Population Ageing in the ACT: Issues and Analysis says in regard to anxiety and depression:
At the most recent assessment in the PATH through life study, 39.6% of older adults had a high chance of clinically significant depression symptoms. Almost one third (31.4 per cent) of older adults also reported a high likelihood of clinically significant anxiety.
A similar report conducted by National Seniors Australia in March 2013 titled Staying Connected: Social Engagement and Wellbeing among Mature Age Australians had similar results with 20 per cent of those surveyed reporting to feeling downhearted and blue at least sometimes.
Clubs in any form play a very important part in the lives of the ageing, whether they be sport or hobby based. The support and social inclusion they provide the community has wide-ranging benefits. Men’s sheds are one of the very important community programs that are being delivered both in the ACT and Australia-wide.
The Australian Men’s Shed Association was formed in 2007 to provide support and guidance to men experiencing or at risk of experiencing mental illness or other
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