The Werribee community is being encouraged to apply for an Andrews Labor Government grant to build more men’s sheds and support the emotional and social health of men.

This year’s Men’s Shed Funding Program grant round – with $885,000 up for grabs – has an emphasis on supporting Aboriginal men and those from regional areas.

Men’s sheds are safe and productive spaces for men to work on common projects, form friendships and give back to their community, with almost 1,000 sheds across the country and more than 360 in Victoria.

Around 15,000 people attend a shed in Victoria each day.

Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos and Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas today encouraged men’s shed groups here in the Werribee electorate to apply for grants, with up to $60,000 available to build new men’s sheds, and up to $30,000 to upgrade or refurbish existing ones.

The Labor Government provided nearly $900,000 in 2017 to support the construction of 13 new men’s sheds and the refurbishment of 10 existing sheds.

Each year, the Government provides $1 million to support men’s sheds in Victoria, which includes $114,000 to the Victorian Men’s Shed Association

That has helped create and upgrade 70 sheds since November 2014.

Applications close on Friday, 8 June, 2018. For more information, visit providers.dhhs.vic.gov.au/mens-shed-program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos

“Men’s sheds are a wonderful part of the Victorian landscape – and we’re building and upgrading more of them so more Victorians can benefit.”

“This year we’ll also be getting more Aboriginal men’s sheds on board – as well as those in regional areas – so the community has better access to this vital service.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“Men’s sheds give men a chance to come together, give back to the community and talk or learn about what matters to them.”

“I fully encourage local groups in the Werribee electorate to apply for funding and help build our men’s sheds network.”