Ms KATRINA HODGKINSON (Burrinjuck) [3.52 p.m.]: The Men's Shed movement brings particular benefits to the electorate of Burrinjuck. A large number of homes in Australia have a shed. They may be a well laid-out, large expanse where hobbies or crafts are pursued or a tiny tin shed crammed with things that might come in handy one day. Whatever their size, shape, degree of tidiness or use, they are invariably places where most Australian males feel a certain degree of comfort. However, in today's society there is escalating concern about men's health issues, social isolation, loneliness, depression, domestic violence and a lack of male-to-male companionship. For isolated men, particularly in rural areas, it is often very difficult to find someone with whom they are comfortable talking about such issues. This is particularly evident as men reach retirement age and stop working full time. Many find themselves seeking a new purpose or direction in life. In the area covered by the Greater Southern Area Health Service, about 120 men took their own lives between 2002 and 2005. It is a disturbing figure. The Men's Shed movement aims to address this situation by providing a non-threatening space where men can talk, share skills, swap ideas, solve problems or just discuss life in general.

The Men's Shed concept is relatively new. It has been around for only about a decade, but it is expanding rapidly. The common theme in all sheds is about men feeling useful and contributing to their communities, learning or sharing skills, making friends, networking and availing themselves of health information programs and opportunities. I understand there are about 220 Men's Sheds Australia wide. In the electorate of Burrinjuck there are Men's Sheds at Young, Grenfell, Cootamundra, Cowra, and Boorowa. Perhaps the newest of these is the Men's Shed in Cowra, which officially opened its doors on 17 February 2008. The establishment of the Cowra Men's Shed was a community project undertaken by the Rotary Club of Cowra, but the operations of the shed are self-funded, with money being raised by a volunteer committee headed by chairman Doug Beer and vice-chairman Bill Bundy. The Cowra Men's Shed is particularly keen to involve young men in its activities to help bridge the age gap and allow the older men to pass on skills they have learned over a lifetime.

I dropped in recently to the Cootamundra Men's Shed and had a cuppa with members Keith Cahill, Jim Lyster and Ron South. My young son, Hamilton, has benefited from their skills, as he has the use of a set of beautifully crafted steps to get to places that he sometimes should not and a handcrafted trolley for carting his toys around the house. I have had many dealings with the Grenfell Men's Shed, particularly in relation to its ongoing requests for assistance and visits from Greater Western Area Health Service staff. I have raised its problems on many occasions during question time. I reaffirm the significant need by Men's Sheds throughout New South Wales for support from health services on mental health matters. Frequently, friends and companions at the Men's Sheds can identify the early signs of depression. A close working relationship between the Men's Sheds and local community health services is vital to making sure that early treatment is obtained.

The Young Men's Shed was started in 2006 following the success of the sheds in Cootamundra, Boorowa and Grenfell. Lambing Flats Enterprises donated a shed in Mackenzie Street for use by the group. I commend that enterprise for its generosity in donating such an important facility. The Young Men's Shed is seeking funding to upgrade tools and equipment. I hope the Government supports its request for funding. The Boorowa Men's Shed resulted from an initiative by local community nurse Kay Nash, whose hard work has assisted the Boorowa group to achieve success. I was happy to assist the Boorowa Men's Shed to obtain a $20,000 grant to purchase equipment for the shed. Before the grant, the shed contained a few handsaws and screwdrivers. Now the men at Boorowa Men's Shed are planing and sawing away to their hearts delight. My electorate office is equipped with some wooden children's chairs and a table, which youngsters use while I meet with their parents. This furniture was skilfully constructed by the Grenfell Men's Shed and is a valued, decorative, useful and sturdy addition to my office. I frequently chat with Boorowa Men's Shed president Hugh Darling and hear the fantastic things being achieved by the club's members.

I commend to the House the Men's Shed concept, of which I am a great supporter. The sheds are places where blokes can go to have fun and do practical things. They generally focus on physical, hands-on activities. At these places new friendships and mateship can be developed. Most importantly, they provide a venue to address the significant number of men's health issues in communities. Men's Sheds are for males of every age and ability. I congratulate the magnificent volunteers in the Burrinjuck electorate who run the Men's Sheds on their contribution to the wellbeing of the community. I hope that my ongoing requests for funding for additional equipment and tools for these wonderful Men's Sheds are met with favourable consideration by the Government.