Yankalilla Men's Shed kitchen all kitted out thanks to Federal grant

23 Jul 2020
Yankalilla mens shed kitchen

Posted December 16, 2019

The Yankalilla & Districts Community Men’s Shed can now fit out their new kitchen area thanks to a $10,000 grant secured by the Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie.

Photograph: Yankalilla & Districts Community Men’s Shed members show their new kitchen to Rebekha Sharkie MP. Rebekha has successfully advocated for a $10,000 grant to allow members to install much needed items such as a hot-water service, a microwave, some crockery, tables and chairs.

The money will allow members to install much needed items such as a hotwater service, a microwave,crockery, tables and chairs.

“There are more than a thousand Men's Sheds right across Australia, more than a dozen of which are in Mayo, and I am a huge supporter of these non-profit organisations that enhance the physical and mental health of men in a very local, hands-on way,” Rebekha said.

“One of Mayo's more recently established Men's Sheds is at Yankalilla and membership is growing with the group coming up with new ways to expand their equipment and facilities.

“They have recently built their own kitchen and meeting area, and while they have hands on skills, they do need some assistance in fitting out their kitchen so I was pleased to advocate on their behalf when they came to me seeking funding assistance.

“I am delighted that I have managed to secure grant funding to cover much needed items such as a hotwater service, a microwave, crockery, tables and chairs.”

Rebekha has also questioned the Government about an election promise to provide portable defibrillators to Men’s Sheds as part of an overall $11.2 million commitment to the program over four years.

“With most of the men at retirement age and in the high-risk group for cardiac arrest, the Yankalilla Men’s Shed consider, as I think many Men's Sheds do, a defibrillator to be as essential as a fire extinguisher,” Rebekha said.

“I recently raised their concern with the Health Minister Greg Hunt, and I was pleased to be advised during Question Time that the program should be rolled out early in the New Year. This is welcome news.”

Yankalilla & Districts Community Men’s Shed Secretary Phil Morecroft welcomed the funding announcement.

“Rebekha has shown that she is passionate about Mayo and has been a great help to us,” Phil said.

“We are very grateful for her and her staff for the continual commitment to our shed.

“Rebekha is in constant contact with us and has proven that she listens to our community and acts on what she hears.

“Mayo is such a large area but Rebekha seems to be able to cover it all with equal intensity for everyone."

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