Thursday, 24 September 2026

 Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:47): (2660) My constituency question today is for the Minister for Mental Health, and my constituents ask: will the minister increase the funding for senior male mental health and men’s sheds? Men’s sheds have filled a perilous gap in the physical and mental health of men, especially in regional areas. In many cases men’s days spent in the men’s shed may be their only outlet for socialising and creativity. Men’s sheds do amazing work in their communities. Some take care of the local primary school gardens, others restore bikes and furniture for underprivileged families. Almost all are keen to share their wealth of knowledge with young people who may not have someone to teach them. Men’s sheds are a vital part of the community. My constituent Bill explained to me that there has been an explosion in the number of men’s sheds in Northern Victoria but a proportionate decrease in funding. Minister, will you increase the funding for senior male mental health and men’s sheds?