The $860,000 in grants will support 31 men’s sheds to build new spaces, upgrade facilities and purchase new equipment through the Victorian Government’s 2025-26 Men’s Shed Funding Program.
Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative received $20,000 under the program, while Goulburn Valley Woodworkers received $10,000.
The Rumbalara money will be used to refurbish the existing shed which is located within an aged care facility and provides culturally relevant, gendered, workshop-based activities for men and women, according to the government.
The facility will also be used for youth programs and cultural events.
Goulburn Valley Woodworkers’ money will be used to buy a new thicknesser and jointer machine to enable members to cut several pieces of timber to the same size.
The woodworkers group provides a workshop atmosphere where people can work on their own self-directed projects, or projects for the community.
Elsewhere in the region, Rochester Men’s Shed received $90,000 in funding, while Yarrawonga Mulwala Men’s Shed was granted $4800.
The Rochester Men’s Shed’s current facility is being repurposed so the grant will construct a new shed for the group.
The shed will have flood mitigation design built in, be in a more high-profile location and will also be larger, enabling partnerships with community organisations.
The Yarrawonga Mulwala grant will be used to concrete the floor of their existing new shed, increasing accessibility for elderly members and NDIS recipients.
Carers and Volunteers Minister Ros Spence said this year’s grants would deliver money to help local sheds grow stronger, expand and better support their members and community.
“Men’s sheds are at the heart of so many communities — they’re where people come together, build friendships and find a sense of community,” she said.
“Every upgrade and new space means more opportunities for members to share skills, learn from each other and make a difference locally.”
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