MEDIA RELEASE

Ben Hardman MP - Member for Seymour

16 June 2009

MORE HELP TO REBUILD FIRE-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

THE Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to rebuild the fire-affected communities will be boosted by a $173,000 Brumby Labor Government grant to build new men’s sheds.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said a $50,000 Brumby Labor Government grant would fund the new Kinglake Ranges Men’s Shed.  “This grant will help the Kinglake Ranges Men’s Shed to construct the internal fittings in its shed, which is aimed at being accessible for men of all ages,” Mr Hardman said.  “Many men affected by the bushfires are looking for help and men’s sheds make it easier for them to access the support and services they need. Local men will be encouraged to come along, talk over their issues with others, seek help and advice and work on projects that will have real and practical benefits for the community in a relaxed environment.  Using their existing talent, or learning new skills from others, the shed will help local men to build benches and playground equipment for public parks and other rebuilding projects needed within the broader Kinglake Ranges community.”

Shed co-ordinator Cris Ruhr said the funding would be used primarily for internal fittings, including a kitchen, toilets, an office and furniture.  Mr Ruhr said the shed had already generated great community interest from those still living in the Kinglake area and those temporarily living elsewhere.  The group currently has about 14 members but once the shed is complete, “every bloke that’s still living on the mountain will be ready to join up”, he said.

Senior Victorians Minister Lisa Neville said that the Kinglake Ranges Men’s Shed was one of five grants for men’s shed facilities in Victorian fire-affected communities. “The Brumby Government will continue to stand by communities as they recover and rebuild after this year’s tragic bushfires and we are doing everything we can to assist people better connect with their neighbourhoods, to build stronger families and stronger communities,’’ Ms Neville said.  “These sheds will provide a relaxed place for men to make new friends, talk things over, learn new skills and get involved in the local community, which has great benefits fro their individual health and wellbeing as well as the wider community.’’  Ms Neville said the new men’s sheds would build on 25 funded by the Brumby Labor Government last year as part of its $4 million program.  “Victoria led the nation by being the first government to provide specific funding for the establishment of the sheds and they have been a great success,’’ Ms Neville said.

Men’s sheds are funded as part of the Brumby Labor Government’s $1.9 billion Fairer Victoria initiative; a whole of Government social policy action plan to address disadvantage and promote inclusion and participation.