By Callum Ludwig
The Victorian Government have announced the reopening of grants for men’s sheds across the state.
The $1 million dollar program was announced today by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines, who opened up the application process for the 2022/23 round.
Committee member and former president of Ben’s Shed in Yarra Junction Philip Ashley said while Ben’s Shed is unlikely to apply, he wants to see grants go to sheds in need.
“Men’s Sheds normally don’t have a lot of money left over at the end of the year, simply because of rates and insurance, as well as electricity, gas and the unseen costs such as testing and tagging equipment or a new fridge or microwave,” he said.
“Without grants like this, I would hazard to say that men’s sheds would have difficulty in progressing beyond where they are actually now.”
Mr Carbines said men’s sheds play such an important role in communities.
“They provide a place to learn new skills and share interests, as well as the opportunity to make friends and contribute to the community,” he said.
“This investment will support upgrades for men’s sheds throughout the state, delivering more opportunities for Victorians to reconnect after a difficult couple of years.”
In the 2022-23 grant round, men’s shed groups can again apply for a grant of up to $80,000 for the construction of a new shed or the extension or refurbishment of an existing shed.
There are currently more than 360 communities with men’s sheds throughout Victoria.
Mr Ashley said Ben’s Shed has been able to establish itself strongly with the support of grants and the community.
“We apply for small grants for things like our new benches we are making, a lot of men’s sheds start out by just getting whatever they can from anywhere, it’s quite difficult,” he said.
“This money is essential, because it’s very difficult for sheds to make a lot of a lot of dollars.”
Mr Ashley is aware of the struggles of the Belgrave and Upwey Men’s Sheds financially, through Ben’s Sheds’ involvement with the Yarra Ranges Men’s Shed network, and hopes grants can go to groups like them. Upwey’s Men’s Shed currently does not even have a building they can gather in, having to organise gatherings at members’ houses.
“Other sheds, especially Upwey, still have no building and they’ve got 60 members, even more people than us, and they’ve got nowhere to meet at all,” Mr Ashley said.
“Buildings, extensions, equipment, money would allow them to do more, but also to provide a safer working environment which is good.”
For information about the 2022-23 Men’s Shed Funding Program and how to apply, visit providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/mens-shed-program
