Bannockburn men’s shed extension will go ahead

A PLANNED extension of the Bannockburn and District Men’s Shed will proceed, with news last week that the State Government has funded much of the cost.

Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence announced a grant of $45,466 for the shed as part of the Government’s 2025-26 Men’s Shed Funding Program.

It will cover about 80 per cent of the project’s estimated total cost of $60,000, and shed president Syd McConachy said the announcement meant the extension will definitely proceed.

“We had just enough money in the kitty to cover the 20 per cent, and it’s basically all go from now,” Mr McConachy said.

Mr McConachy said talk of an extension first started about three years ago, but actual moves towards building one were made as membership increased.

“We’ve run out of room and it’s getting a little bit cramped some days,” he said.

“Our membership’s been growing pretty well; the last four years we’ve been getting five or six new members that are consistently coming along each year.”

The shed, in Pope Street, now has more than 50 members.

Mr McConachy said he and shed members were very happy to get the news that the grant application had been successful.

“We’re all very grateful,” he said, adding that the Golden Plains Shire had been very supportive of the project.

“If we had the shed (extension) built by this time next year I’d be happy.”

Ms Spence’s announcement was for $860,000 in grants to support 31 sheds in building new spaces, upgrading facilities and buying new equipment.

The funding program has delivered more than 500 grants across Victoria in a partnership with the Victorian Men’s Shed Association.

“Men’s sheds are at the heart of so many communities,” Ms Spence said.

“They’re where people come together, build friendships and find a sense of community.

“Every upgrade and new space means more opportunities for members to share skills, learn from each other and make a difference locally.”