State grants available for Men’s Sheds

by JAMES POYNER
6th April 2026

WHAT HAPPENS in Men’s Sheds goes well beyond woodwork and a cuppa.
Information on the Federal Government’s Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing website states that Men’s Sheds improve the general mental, physical, and social wellbeing of men in Australia by providing a safe space where they can make friends, be social, and participate in meaningful activities.
Men in Warrandyte have had a Men’s Shed group for a number of years, but lack a permanent, bespoke home — something that was highlighted as part of the community response to the Warrandyte Community Facilities Review.
While this new round of financial investment by the State Government may have provided an opportunity, the local Men’s Shed group feel schemes like this will continue to be beyond their grasp.“Not surprisingly, although established well before COVID, the Warrandyte Men’s Shed (Inc) is still not in a position to utilise the numerous grants available for this key form of community connection for our menfolk,”
said Warrandyte Men’s Shed Vice President Don Hughes.
“Thwarted by the lack of appropriate bespoke facilities to bring men together, negotiations to find a suitable location for a ‘Men’s Shed’ with Manningham Council are ongoing.”
While this is not good news for the Warrandyte group, other Men’s Sheds in the area may be able to benefit.
Victorian Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence recently announced the opening of applications for grants of up to $100,000 to help Men’s Sheds buy new or update equipment, expand their sheds and upgrade their facilities, or build a new shed to improve community access.

“A shed isn’t just a room — for a lot of men, it’s where they build a community and find support.
“This is about more than just tools and timber — we’re proud to support the incredible work Men’s Sheds do in local communities across Victoria, helping men stay connected, healthy and supported.”

The State Government says there are more than 360 Men’s Sheds operating across Victoria and that the Government has delivered more than 600 grants to sheds across the state.
Yet in Manningham, the only official Men’s Shed is in Warrandyte, and it does not have a permanent place where its members can participate in traditional Men’s Shed activities.
A lack of Shed has not deterred members from being active in the community.

“The men continue to meet each Wednesday (10am to midday) outside the Warrandyte Scout Hall,”
said Mr Hughes.
“At the recent Warrandyte Festival, the Warrandyte Men’s Shed conducted a stall offering medical health checks for the community.
“It proved most popular.”

While the $100,000 grant is not available to Warrandyte at this time, perhaps the Men’s Shed groups in Eltham, St Andrews, and Ringwood can make use of the opportunity.
Men’s Shed groups looking to apply can visit at dffh.vic.gov.au/mens-shed-program.