Page 3582 - Week 11 - Thursday, 23 October 2014
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This grants program has been established in recognition of the fact that the men’s sheds initiatives have delivered strong and positive benefits within our community. The aim of this new grants program is to support those ACT sheds that welcome men from all cultural, social and economic backgrounds to conduct programs developed by and for men. The ACT government recognises a men’s shed is a community-based, non-profit, non-commercial organisation that is accessible to all men and whose primary activity is the provision of a safe, friendly and healing environment where men are able to work on meaningful projects at their own pace and in their own time, in the company of other men. A total of $100,000 is available under the 2014-15 men’s sheds support grants program.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, what funding proposals might the men’s shed grants program consider?
MADAM SPEAKER: Could you repeat that question please, Ms Porter?
MS PORTER: Yes. What funding proposals might the men’s shed grants program consider? In other words, what types of things would the grants program consider?
MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you. That is a much better way of doing it. Otherwise I was getting into the hypothetical space.
MS PORTER: What types of things?
MADAM SPEAKER: That is a perfectly reasonable question. Mr Gentleman.
MR GENTLEMAN: The men’s sheds operating in the ACT may apply for the non-recurrent grant of up to $15,000. The ACT government may fund the full cost of a project. However, applications which include a co-contribution from the applicant are also encouraged. The applicant’s contribution may be in cash or other funding assistance or any kind of assistance such as providing voluntary labour or supplying materials. These one-off grants will allow eligible applicants to seek support for projects that help establish a men’s shed, provide for facility improvements, purchase tools and equipment or for the purchase of materials.
Since February 2012 the ACT government has provided in excess of half a million dollars in direct as well as indirect funding for men’s sheds. Funding activities have included the upgrade of the Majura men’s shed and the construction of the Tuggeranong men’s shed. Indirect assistance to men’s sheds across Canberra has also included the provision of subsidised accommodation, maintenance of facilities and waiving of development application fees.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Berry.
MS BERRY: Minister, how might these grants enable older men to overcome social isolation?
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