Two Men's Sheds in the Blue Mountains have been awarded federal funding to continue their work in the local area.
Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman congratulated Blackheath Area Men's Shed on receiving $2250 and Lower Mountains Men's Shed at Mount Riverview for receiving $6000.
"Men's Sheds play an invaluable role in our communities, providing support and comraderies to men from all walks of life," she said. "They help strengthen mental and physical health and provide a fantastic community service by bringing men together in an informal setting.
"I was delighted to help kick start the establishment of the Lower Mountains Men's Shed, with the assistance of a $20,000 Macquarie Stronger Communities Grant in 2017. They've now been awarded $6000 under the National Shed Development Program to help with the cost of shed improvements that will address space, storage and shed health and safety."
Blackheath Men's Shed will receive $2250 for a defibrillator package.
"There are close to one thousand men's sheds across Australia - who like our local sheds - are making a huge difference to men's health and wellbeing," said Ms Templeman. "They're a wonderful community asset and I congratulate the members and volunteers for their continued dedication."
The National Shed Development Program provides Men's Sheds with the opportunity to apply for funding up to a total of $10,000 through a competitive grants process. All Men's Shed are eligible to apply for grants that support the purchase of tools, equipment, community projects, training, building maintenance and development, and health improvement activities.
