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Men’s sheds offered keys to the cash drawer, but...

By Daniel Harvey

Oct 31, 2026

Members and supporters gather around the table at the Rochester Men’s Shed, which serves as an important social anchor for locals.

Our men’s sheds are on the verge of being handed the keys to their funding future but may inadvertently have been caught up in a grassroots competition for cash.

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Shadow Disability, Ageing, Carers and Volunteers Minister Jade Benham has told the Victorian Men’s Shed Association The Nationals will hand the keys of the grant assessment panel back to it when elected.

A move designed to ensure funding for men’s sheds and communities with the greatest need, rather than those best resourced to write competitive applications.

While peak bodies have welcomed the push for grassroots representation, local managers point out funding demands stretch across multiple community sectors.

Tanya McDermott, co-ordinator at the Lockington Neighbourhood House – which also manages the Lockington Men’s Shed – said while the shed itself is currently in a stable position, wider community infrastructure in her community needs urgent attention.

“From Locky's perspective, funding for neighbourhood houses which more appropriately addresses the work undertaken is the most pressing election promise,” Ms McDermott said.

“Our Men’s Shed is sufficiently funded,” she said.

Across the Campaspe Shire, facilities such as the Lockington’s and Rochester’s men's sheds – the latter situated at the rear of REDHS and managed by the Rochy Community House – serve as vital social anchors, fostering mateship, skill-sharing, and mental health support.

Supporters of the Liberals and Nationals plan say bringing the VMSA back to the table will give smaller regional sheds a fairer shot at funding, particularly those which struggle to meet the demands of complex grant applications.

Local responses make clear while greater industry input into grant decisions is a welcome step, the ongoing funding and resourcing of community house networks across the region remains the priority issue for coordinators as the election approaches.

Under the plan, the VMSA would return to the grant assessment panel to help direct capital grants – up to $100,000 for new builds and $30,000 for refurbishments – toward communities with the greatest need, rather than those best resourced to write competitive applications.

Local responses make clear while greater input into grant decisions is a welcome step, the ongoing funding and resourcing of community house networks across the region remains the priority issue for coordinators as the election approaches.