The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to support the work of Men’s Sheds in improving the health and wellbeing of men, with further funding to build new spaces or extend and refurbish existing workshops.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP today visited the Newstead Men’s Shed to announce their successful grant of $26,504 as part of the Labor Government’s $1 million investment in Men’s Sheds across the State.

Funding will go towards the construction of an extension to the Newstead Men's Shed. The new facility will provide a dust free space for health seminars and computer connectivity.

“Congratulations to the Newstead Men’s Shed, they are such an important part of the Newstead community. Since their new shed was opened, they have gone from strength to strength with increased membership and participation in the broader community," Ms Edwards said.

“Previously, the Men’s Sheds grants have delivered new sheds across the Bendigo West community including in Castlemaine, Newstead and Long Gully.”

“The grants allow opportunity to undertake refurbishments that will ensure an existing men’s shed is fit for purpose so that safe, productive and accessible meeting places are available to our diverse men’s sheds groups.”

State-wide, the grants will support men’s sheds to provide a welcoming place where men of all ages can connect, socialise, learn new skills and work on common building projects together.

Men’s sheds groups create practical and engaging spaces which support local communities in many ways, such as running first-aid courses, building picnic tables for local schools and making toys for local childcare groups.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all Victorians in different ways and these grants will give local communities an opportunity to establish a Men’s Shed or undertake refurbishments to create safe, productive and accessible meeting places.

There are currently more than 360 communities with Men’s Sheds throughout Victoria.