Page 1237 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 7 May 2014
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MR BARR: The preliminary work also demonstrates that each men’s shed has its own unique character, and that this is one of the most important things that men’s shed participants wish to maintain. This character also changes over time, and adapts itself to changing membership, to the interests of members, and to when and how they meet. It is clear that men’s sheds are very diverse, some meeting daily, others operating on a weekly format. Some meet purely for socialising. Others meet only to get their hands dirty and to craft and produce a wide range of products. Others have a more exercise and lifestyle approach, and participate in regular outings across the city and the region.
Despite these differences, there is a common thread as to why these men participate. They want to connect with each other, give back to the community, be active, and share and learn from one another. These are the hallmarks of a healthy community. It is really pleasing to be able to report that men’s shed numbers across the city are growing. This reflects the change in demographics of our city.
In closing, I thank my colleagues for bringing this motion forward today, for hosting the forum, and for your advocacy on behalf of your constituents and older men across the city. I note your advice from the men’s shed forum; people have been able to communicate directly with government on the ways that we can help and investigate the best ways forward to provide information and services to men’s sheds and to look at the range of opportunities for further assistance. We look forward to this work continuing, and to receiving the final report about men’s sheds later in the month.
MS GALLAGHER (Molonglo—Chief Minister, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Health and Minister for Higher Education) (5.47): I thank Mr Gentleman for updating the Assembly with this motion, in particular about last week’s forum with representatives of men’s sheds in the ACT. These local sheds have become part of a strong national movement delivering enormous benefits to the mental and physical health of older men. The benefits also flow through to their communities, in particular through the volunteer work that many of the men’s sheds do.
One key to the success of men’s sheds has been widespread support amongst political parties and at different levels of government. I am very pleased that this government is able to continue its support for men’s sheds here in the ACT. As part of this commitment, the government provided funding for a study into men’s sheds across Canberra. The initial findings of the study confirmed the many benefits they provide through support, participation and socialisation for older men.
As the study continues, aided by the forums, such as the one held last week, I hope to see a strong future path emerge for our local sheds. We want the ACT sheds to retain the freedom and flexibility to serve local communities’ needs as they see fit. However, we have heard a consistent message from shed organisers that some administrative and organising functions are a drain on their resources. This study will also look into those issues. Making sure the sheds are sustainable is something that we need to work together on.
I would like to focus on the significant health benefits the men’s sheds offer the growing group of older men, in particular, across our community. It is estimated that
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