Page 2309 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 12 August 2014
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In recognising the challenges the community faces in trying to establish new men’s sheds, the government will develop an information resource to assist community groups interested in establishing new men’s sheds to understand and navigate the processes and issues involved.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, what were the outcomes following the men’s shed forum which was hosted in the Assembly on 29 April this year?
MR GENTLEMAN: The inaugural men’s shed forum was held in the Legislative Assembly in April this year, and it was a great success. The forum provided an opportunity for representatives of men’s sheds to meet and to share information and informally discuss issues of mutual concern and interest, challenges they had faced in establishing their sheds and what had contributed to their success.
Topics of discussion included exploring opportunities for support from private sector organisations such as Bunnings, opportunities to promote men’s health, the level of support required from the government regarding the availability of grants, promotional opportunities and services such as CIT training. The forum suggested a one-stop shop approach to reduce confusion when dealing with different levels of government. It was also noted that greater networking between men’s sheds would be beneficial to assist in sharing of skills, equipment and experience to solve problems.
The forum was attended by the consultant who was engaged by the Community Services Directorate to undertake the feasibility study on the provision of more men’s sheds in the ACT. The outcomes of the forum were considered in the overall findings and recommendations of the feasibility report.
The forum was a positive event and appreciation was expressed for the level of support shown by the ACT government for men’s sheds. Based on the success of the inaugural men’s shed forum, consideration will be given to the potential of supporting the Canberra men’s shed community to hold an annual forum. The use of annual forums can be instrumental in progressing important items such as how participation in groups such as men’s sheds can further assist in improving the physical health and mental health outcomes for older men.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Ms Berry.
MS BERRY: Minister, what opportunities do men’s sheds provide to assist older men overcome social isolation?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Berry for her question. Like the rest of Australia, Canberra is experiencing a rapid increase in the age of its population. It is anticipated that between 2011 and 2019, the total male population in Canberra will increase by 11 per cent. By comparison, the male population aged over 65 years is anticipated to increase by 47 per cent.
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