Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams said he was pleased to provide the good news that these valuable organisations, including those at Muswellbrook and Branxton Greta, would receive Australian government funding to help with purchases of tools and equipment and to run courses.

Senator Williams announced the following allocations:

Cessnock Men’s Shed and Community Garden will receive $4000 to run mental health seminars;

Wangi Men’s Shed at Arcadia Vale will receive $4472 to purchase specialised equipment and install roof solar panels;

Muswellbrook Men’s Shed will receive $3633 for specialised tools and first-aid training;

Branxton Greta Men’s Shed will receive $3441 for equipment and fire-fighting appliances and signage; and

Lake Macquarie Classic Boat Association will use its $2500 to purchase specialised tools and equipment.

“Men’s Sheds are a great meeting place for men where they can work on meaningful projects, pass on their own skills or learn new ones, and sit down with others for a chat and a cup of tea,” Senator Williams said.

“This round of grant funding is part of $5.1 million being provided by the Australian Government to the Australian Men’s Shed Association through to 2018-19.”