BULAHDELAH MEN’S SHED TO BENEFIT FROM THE $150,000 STRONGER COMMUNITIES PROGRAM LYNE FUNDING POOL - 14 August, 2025
Federal Member for Lyne, Alison Penfold MP, has announced the Bulahdelah Men’s Shed as one of the recipients of funding under Round 9 of the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.
The $12,000 grant to the Bulahdelah Men’s Shed will support the acquisition and installation of a solar power and storage system for the new Men’s Shed facility, currently under construction on land provided by the Bulahdelah Golf Club.
“The Bulahdelah Men’s Shed made a strong funding application and I am pleased that the work by the members and volunteers is recognised,” Ms Penfold said.
“The funding will help them move the new shed project one step closer to completion – a visionary project that has been completely driven and almost entirely funded through the blood, sweat and tears of its members.”
“This Stronger Communities Programme enables local MPs to nominate projects in their electorate that deliver real social benefits. I want to acknowledge the Hon. Dr David Gillespie, former Member for Lyne, for his role and advocacy for this Round 9 project.”
The Stronger Communities Programme Round 9 launched in February 2025, with each of the then 151 federal electorates receiving $150,000 to fund small capital projects that strengthen local communities.
The installation of the Shed’s solar panels will deliver a renewable energy solution that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lowers running costs over the long term.
Ms Penfold also noted the Shed’s recent successful application to the Australian Government’s 2025 Volunteer Grants Program, receiving $1,000, which will be used to purchase a new computer for the facility.
“Sheds like this are about more than just tools and timber – they’re about connection, contribution and community,” Ms Penfold said. “It is always wonderful to catch up with the members, see the camaraderie first-hand, and witness the pride they have in what they’re building together – both literally and socially.”
Shed President David Flynn welcomed the funding and praised the volunteers and tradespeople who have donated their time and expertise to the project.
“Every little bit of funding helps,” Mr Flynn said.
“Without the volunteers and the trades who’ve given their time, we’d be nowhere near where we are today.”
Ms Penfold will be visiting other successful grant recipients across the electorate over the coming weeks, with further announcements to follow.
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact:
The Office of Alison Penfold MP
Wauchope Office: (02) 6586 4462
Taree Office: (02) 6557 8910