05 Sep 2018 McIvor Times, Heathcote VIC (General News) by Gus McCubbing Funding secured to build standalone in Heathcote HEATHCOTE is on the way to having its very own mens shed, worth $90,000, after funding was secured from the Victorian government last week. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced that the government is contributing $60,000, while contributions have also been made from the Lions Club and the Heathcote District Community Bank, to build the new shed on a site adjacent to Heathcote Health at 39 Hospital St. While the Heathcote Community House has been able to run some temporary mens shed programs in the past, the launch of a purposebuilt, standalone mens shed means these programs, including metalwork and woodwork, can now be offered on a permanent basis. And this service, HCH coordinator Vicki Forde said, would prove to be of vital importance to the Heathcote community. Mens suicide has been a problem here in the past, through the likes of depression, social isolation, or alcohol and drug issues, so it will make a huge difference in that realm, she said. It fills the gap for people who dont have a shed, or dont get to work with other people. And men being men, they sometimes isolate themselves, so having this project will give them more connections. Heathcote Community Health board member and mens shed project manager Jim McKenzieMcHarg agreed. It will be great, because theres a lot of older, single blokes around, who might have lost their wife, and theres generally not a lot of things for them to do as a group of men, he said. And blokes often need to get out and have time on their own with other blokes. Ms Symes said the community established there is significant need for a new mens shed in Heathcote, one of nine across the state, and that she was rapt to secure the funding in conjunction with Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos. Mens sheds are a wonderful part of the Victorian community and Im particularly pleased to see this funding will engage more men across Heathcote so they have the chance to come together and catch up with mates, Ms Symes said. It fills the gap for people who dont have a shed, or dont get to work with other people. And men being men, they sometimes isolate themselves, so this will give them more connections Vicki Forde