BUILDING social capacity is made easier as $860,000 has been distributed between 31 Victorian men’s sheds programs to help men come together in a mutual space to spend meaningful time with each other.
In the 2025-26 funding program, The Romsey Men’s Shed received $48,589 to fit out their newly constructed shed extension with utilities and accessible toilets.
Secretary Tony Cooper spoke with the Review and said (when complete) the infrastructure can also be used by the wider community.
“We have outgrown where we are at,” he said.
“We had to combine our metal work and wood working days to Tuesday and keep the Thursday for social welfare. There’s no room to do it all on one day!
“Macedon Ranges Mayor and Councillor, Dom Bonanno helped us get the planning permits and the [building] lease approval came through today [Tuesday].
“We are going to be able to open the premises up to the community.”
Mr Cooper also said that rebuilding a Model T Ford is a highlight for many of the sheds users and that Jeff Smith is the driving force behind the project.
Its cabin will be painted a classic maroon and its wooden tray will have a clear varnish applied, further inquiries revealed.
The Romsey Shed has around 60 users and there is a great deal of excitement as the restoriation project nears its completion.
Across the Great Divide, The Whittlesea Men’s Shed received $37,000 in funding to also make improvements to their shed with upgrading social capacity also a priority.
President, Eric Gunstone welcomed the funding announcement on behalf of 60 members.
“I was interstate when I got the SMS,” he said.
“It was great news, and the money will be going towards expanding our shed…there’s a corner missing, so to speak.
“We’ll be moving our Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery around and that will relieve the noise for the men that come along for the social side.”
The major improvements will create employment and also build report for the members who have been patiently waiting.
“We were getting frustrated,” Mr Gunstone said.
“One project we had was to improve our dining and seating facilities and we did that with our own money.
“We just had enough cash left to cover our financial commitment [to the shed extension].”
The Whittlesea Men’s Shed is proud to partner with the Whittlesea Women’s Shed, since 2024.
Mr Gunstone said the ladies were not ready to give up their hobbies when the Mernda Woodworking Club closed.
Once a week, on a Wednesday, the shed keys are handed over.
“We have trained a couple of them to use the machines and some hand tools, and now they can train each other,” he said.
There is no doubt that men’s sheds are making a positive impact on all genders.