The Yankalilla and Districts Community Men’s Shed can now fit out their new kitchen area thanks to a $10,000 grant.

The money, announced by Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie, will fund much-needed items such as a hot water 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 says.

“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."

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 says.

“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.”