The Andrews Labor Government is creating more positive, safe and practical spaces for men from Rowville to work together and contribute to their local community.

Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos and Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, today announced will receive $60,000 to help build a new men’s shed, as part of the Labor Government 2018-19 Men’s Sheds funding round.

The Rowville Men’s Shed is one of 29 men’s sheds to benefit as part of the funding round, with the money to be used to construct a 336m2 accessible community workshop with associated garden, parking area and landscape works.

In total, nine new men’s sheds will be built and 20 existing sheds refurbished.

It adds to the tally of 70 men’s sheds the Labor Government has already built or upgraded since November 2014.

Each year, the Labor Government provides $1 million to support men’s sheds in Victoria, which includes funding for the Victorian Men’s Shed Association.

Today’s funding adds to the $75,000 that was recently announced to continue support for a dedicated Victorian Men’s Shed Association Field Officer and their work to improve the sustainability and governance of the state’s men’s shed network.

Men’s sheds are safe and practical places for men to meet, make social connections and actively participate in their local communities.

The Labor Government is a proud supporter of men’s sheds and recognises the important role they play in bringing communities together. For more information, visit providers.dhhs.vic.gov.au/mens-shed-program.