Bacchus Marsh Men’s Shed
Mr McGHIE (Melton) (17:07): (6529) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers. The action I seek is for the minister to visit my electorate of Melton to see the activities of the Laurels Bacchus Marsh Men’s Shed. We know that men’s sheds play an important role in improving the wellbeing of participants and their community. Earlier this year the Andrews Labor government announced a funding round of $870 000 in grants of up to $80 000 each for the construction of new men’s sheds or the refurbishment or extension of existing sheds. These grants give the local community an opportunity to establish a men’s shed or 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.
The COVID pandemic has affected all Victorians in different ways, and these grants will support the mental wellbeing of men’s shed participants across the state. I am aware that the Laurels men’s shed has submitted an application for funding, and I would like to take this opportunity to voice my support for their work. Previously the men’s shed funding program provided grants to 29 men’s sheds across Victoria throughout the 2021–22 financial year. The Victorian government will continue to provide $1 million to support men’s sheds each year. This funding includes $130 000 to the Victorian Men’s Shed Association to provide capacity building and support to men’s sheds.