Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the Boorowa Men’s Den was awarded $3500 while Tarago Men’s Shed received $3100 under Round 15 of the programme.

“This funding round helps men’s sheds to buy tools and equipment, support community projects and training, maintain or develop their buildings, or create local activities to improve men’s health,” Mr Taylor said.

“These grants will mean a lot to the Boorowa and Tarago members and their broader communities and I congratulate them on their success.”

Boorowa Men’s Den will use the grant to purchase welding equipment and to conduct community projects and training.

Tarago Men’s Shed will also invest in new equipment including a laptop, mobile tool cabinet, mitre saw and stand, and a smart TV for health education purposes.

Mr Taylor said men’s sheds provide a sense of community, a safe and friendly environment where men can work on meaningful projects at their own pace, in their own time, in the company of other men.

“Members have an opportunity to pass their skills to others, learn new things, or just catch up regularly with other men in the community for a chat and a cup of tea,” he said.

This grant funding is part of the $5.1 million the Federal Government has provided to the Australian Men’s Shed Association through to 2018-19 to support the national network of Men’s Sheds.

Applications for Round 16 of the National Shed Development Programme opened October 30 and close December 8, 2017.