Sophie throws support behind Euroa Men’s Shed

08-April-2009

Federal Liberal member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella has thrown her support behind the Euroa Men’s Shed.

Mrs Mirabella, on a recent visit to Euroa met with board members and Co-ordinator Mr Brett Thomas, and pledged her support behind the organisations push for a bigger and better shed in order for the organisations to continue to grow and succeed.

“Within our local community, many blokes rely on this vital and widely used service. I have written to the State Minister for Agriculture the Hon. Joe Helper, and implored him to support the Men’s Shed with State Government Financial assistance and support,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“The shed is an important part of the Strathbogie shire. The Euroa Men’s Shed team want this service to continue to grow and the State Government must acknowledge a resource like this, so admired and appreciated by the local area, needs to remain open and needs support for improvements.”

“The organisation is experiencing problems at the moment due to the group growing larger than the current location will allow. It is a wonderful thing that this group has grown in numbers and it shouldn’t mean the group are punished and not support by the State Government,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“Local people are counting on this organisation and that is why I have requested the State Labor Minister act immediately and accordingly.”

“It must be remembered and acknowledged that close to 80% of the Men’s Shed members live with some form of disability. This organisation has a place in the hearts of the community, it has a role to play within supporting all members of the community, something that rural areas are renewed for doing,” Mrs Mirabella said.

Whilst visiting the shed with Mr Thomas and other members, they expressed to me that the organisation wanted the communities and the Governments support to continue to strengthen the mental health and wellbeing on their members.”

“As well as writing to the Minister I have also written to the Strathbogie Shire to request that the DPI Hall in Euroa be thoroughly investigated as a possible venue for this great organisation,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“The group members cherish this shed. They need a sense of belonging and ownership. It was said to me on my visit that for some members, coming along to the shed may be the only contact they have had with the community in years.”

“This shed clearly as a place in the Euroa Community and beyond and I will be doing all in power to promote, support and grow this organisation that provides so much joy for so many people,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.