Applications for grants are now open to help establish, expand, or improve men’s sheds, as part of a $1 million investment by the Allan Labor Government.

Opening the new grant round, Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence said grants of up to $100,000 each will support communities across the state.

Men’s sheds provide a place for men to come together and build friendships and support networks. They improve the health and wellbeing of their members by reducing social isolation and promoting social inclusion. Shedders get to share their skills, learn new ones, and make new friends in their local area.

They also help to support local communities including schools, emergency services like the CFA, and through donations of handmade goods to local charities.

The last round of grants funded the construction of eight new sheds and the renovation of 21 others across regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne, covering the communities of Colac-Otway, Swan Hill, Baw Baw, the Mornington Peninsula and Echuca.

In addition to helping build new sheds, the grants program also helps successful applicants upgrade premises, and refurbish facilities, to make them more accessible and inclusive for people with disability.

There are currently more than 360 Men’s Sheds across Victoria, each contributing great value to their local community and the people who attend them.

Applications close at 5.00pm on Friday, 8 December. For information about the 2023-24 Men’s Shed Funding Program, visit vic.gov.au/mens-shed-funding-program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence

“Men’s sheds provide a place to learn new skills, share interests, make friends and contribute to local communities.”

“This investment will support upgrades throughout the state and create more opportunities for Victorians to get involved with their local men’s shed.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian Men’s Shed Association CEO Derek O’Leary

“Men’s sheds make a powerful contribution to the health and wellbeing of Victorians, bringing individuals together and strengthening communities.”

“These grants will help men’s sheds grow and welcome new members.”