New Men’s Shed opens in Stratford

With up to 160 Men’s Sheds established in Victoria over the past five years, men in the Stratford region can now reap the benefits of this popular program with the official opening of the Stratford Men’s Shed last Friday by State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull.

Mr Bull said, the Dixon Street shed was built thanks to a $33,387 grant from the Victorian Government and an enormous community contribution.

“The sheds give men a place to go where they can meet, talk and learn about important health and well-being issues and the whole community benefits from projects that they get involved in.”

Colin Counsell, secretary, Stratford Men’s Shed said, “the construction of this facility would not have proceeded without the State Government’s contribution and I also wish to thank members of the public and local business community for their support and in kind donations such as machinery.”

“In short, this really is a community working together in the best possible way and is a great success story resulting in the creation of a facility that will service the local community for many years to come.  We, as a club are very proud of our achievement,” Mr Counsell said.

Community Services Minister, Mary Wooldridge, said through the Strengthening Men's Sheds Program, $700,000 will be available to refurbish existing men's sheds, with grants of up to $30,000 for assistance to redevelop and modify an existing shed to meet occupational health and safety and disability standards or to meet increased community demand for established shed activities.

“This latest round of funding is in addition to the Men's Shed Capacity Building Fund of $100,000 that is administered by the Victorian Men's Sheds Association to provide small grants to develop informal networks and tackle issues of sustainability.”

Successful applicants will be required to match their grants on a 2:1 ratio.