More room for a cuppa at men’s shed

A NEW ‘Tea-Pod’ at the Bendigo Men’s Shed has been officially opened.

The pod, an extension of the shed’s existing tearoom, was opened by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards last week.

Ms Edwards said it will allow more shed members and visitors to connect, share their stories and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in a welcoming space.

“Men’s sheds are more than just buildings – they are places of purpose, connection and community,” she said.

“The new Tea-Pod here will help more men come together and share their stories, increasing connection and building resilience.”

The extension at the Long Gully shed was made possible by a grant of $9866 through the State Government’s Men’s Shed Funding Program.

It is expected to ease congestion and improve accessibility, ensuring that more members can enjoy the shed’s social benefits.

The City of Greater Bendigo and private donors also contributed.

More than $860,000 is available through this year’s Men’s Shed Funding Program to pay for construction of new sheds, upgrading or extending existing facilities, and to buy machinery and equipment.

Past local grant recipients include the Mount Alexander Vintage Engine Club, which is working on a purpose-built shed for community activities, and the Newstead Men’s Shed, which is being expanded.

Ms Edwards said that, with more than 360 men’s sheds across Victoria, these vital community hubs continue to offer connection, inclusion and support for men who may otherwise be at risk of social isolation.

“The Labor Government’s Men’s Shed Funding Program has delivered more than 500 grants to date, supporting sheds and the work of the Victorian Men’s Shed Association,” Ms Edwards said.

For more information about the grants or to apply, go to providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/mens-shed-program.