Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 John BERGER (Southern Metropolitan) (19:30): (2201) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Carers and Volunteers in the other place, Minister Spence, and I am pleased to hear that the recipients of the 2025–26 men’s shed funding program were announced. Men’s sheds are pivotal in supporting men’s mental health across the state. These spaces provide positive wellbeing outcomes for men by creating opportunities for social connections among people at risk of isolation. With more than 360 men’s sheds across Victoria, these spaces are a vital part of the Victorian community, which is why the Victorian government continues to invest an annual fund of $1 million in men’s sheds across the state and through the men’s sheds funding program. Last year North Balwyn Community Men’s Shed received a $10,000 grant from the 2024–25 men’s shed funding program. The action that I seek is for the minister to visit the North Balwyn Community Men’s Shed with me to see the incredible work they are doing in supporting the Southern Metropolitan community.