Supporting men’s health with men’s shed boost

The Andrews Labor Government is building or upgrading men’s sheds for communities all over Victoria.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas announced this year’s Men’s Shed grant applications are now open.

The Labor Government is investing nearly $900,000 to build, upgrade or refurbish men’s sheds, which play a key role in safeguarding the emotional and social health and wellbeing of Victorian men.

Men’s sheds are safe and productive spaces for men to work on common projects, form friendships and give back to their community. There are more than 360 sheds across Victoria.

The grants are available to the Macedon community to build and upgrade sheds across the state, so more people can benefit from the valuable services and companionship a men’s shed offers.

Men’s shed groups can apply for grants of up to $80,000 for the construction of a new sheds or the replacement, extension and refurbishment of an existing shed.

Across the Macedon Ranges, funding from this program has already assisted the development of Men’s Sheds in Romsey, Kyneton and Trentham.

The Labor Government provides $1 million to support men’s sheds in Victoria each year, which includes $116,000 to the Victorian Men’s Shed Association.

For information about the 2019-20 Men’s Shed Grant program and how to apply, visit: http://providers.dhhs.vic.gov.au/mens-shed-program

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:
"Having somewhere to go and spend time with other men makes a huge difference to men’s health and wellbeing."

"A men’s shed is a wonderful asset for the community. These Sheds engage men from across the region so they have the chance to come together, share their skills and catch up with mates."