The Federal Government has come to the rescue of Australia’s largest Men’s Shed with a grant worth half a million dollars.
“The Buderim Men’s Shed found out last year it needed to move from its current location and embarked on a massive million dollar fundraising campaign to finance a brand new shed,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Today I can announce that the Buderim Men’s Shed has won funding through the Coalition Government’s Building Better Regions Fund to the tune of $500,000, the full amount requested under the grant.”
The Buderim Men’s Shed began six years ago and in that time has grown to support some 300 members, but it was only ever on borrowed ground.
Patrons Dr Bill Glasson and his wife Prof Clair Jackson have been providing the Mill Road site since the group’s inception and extended their generosity until 2022 but then a new site would be required.
The Shed has since secured a lease on State Government land at Kuluin and made plans to build a custom designed Shed and community centre there.
Today’s funding announcement means building plans can begin as early as this year.
“We started fund raising in September and have so far raised $100,000 from members and supporters,” Buderim Men’s Shed Vice President Barry Cheales explained.
“We are just so grateful for the Government’s support, I just can’t believe it, it’s wonderful,” he said.