An elected Nationals and Liberals Government will give the Victorian Men’s Shed Association (VMSA) a formal seat at the table to help shape how Men’s Sheds are funded, deliver vital services and plan for the future, at no extra cost to taxpayers.
Shadow Minister for Disability, Ageing, Carers and Volunteers Jade Benham said the Victorian Men’s Shed Association (VMSA) had been shut out of decisions by the Labor Government on how Men’s Shed grants are allocated despite representing 330 Men’s Sheds and more than 10,000 active members across Victoria.
“Men’s Sheds are run by volunteers who give their time to keep men connected, active and supported in their communities,” Ms Benham said.
“The VMSA knows which projects are viable, where the need is greatest and what a small, volunteer-run shed in regional Victoria actually requires. They deserve a say in their own future but Labor has locked that expertise out of the room.”
Ms Benham said the current process favoured polished applications over genuine local need, leaving smaller regional sheds at a disadvantage.
“The VMSA used to have a formal consultative role in assessing these grants. That was lost after political tension with Labor governments, and it is local sheds that have paid the price,” Ms Benham said.
“The process shouldn’t reward the flashiness of an application, but rather the need.
“The VMSA has made clear it wants to rebuild a constructive, transparent relationship with the state and an elected Liberal and Nationals Government will give them a seat at the table.”
An elected Nationals and Liberals Government will:
- Restore a formal advisory seat for the VMSA on the Men’s Shed grant assessment panel
- Ensure capital grants of up to $100,000 for new builds and up to $30,000 for refurbishments and major equipment upgrades target genuine need, local shed viability and upgrades
- Rebuild trust and governance between the Victorian Government and the VMSA network
- Maintain the existing $1 million annual funding envelope, delivering this reform at no additional cost
- Consult with the VMSA on whether the current split between administration ($140,000) and grants ($860,000) can better support statewide safety and administrative needs
- Keep final decision-making authority and public accountability for grant approvals with the Minister
Ms Benham said the reward for investing in Men’s Sheds was clear.
“Independent research shows every dollar invested in Men’s Sheds returns around $11 in health and social value, through reduced isolation and better mental health outcomes for men. Since 2015, these grants have supported more than 480 local shed projects, delivering over $10 million,” she said.
“This is a practical, no-cost reform that respects the volunteers who run these sheds and makes sure taxpayer dollars go where they will do the most good. The Nationals trust local people and local organisations to know their communities, and this policy puts that into action.”
