Tracey Roberts (Pearce, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate an initiative that is quietly but powerfully transforming the lives of many men across Australia: the men's sheds. The origin of men's sheds are deeply tied to Australian culture. The backyard shed has long been a symbol of refuge, a place for men to unwind and escape the pressures of daily life. However, as more people move into smaller homes and retirement villages, the classic backyard shed is disappearing. In response, community sheds have sprung up across Australia, providing a shared space where men can continue to do what they've always done: build things, fix things and create things, whilst forming meaningful connections with others. These grassroots community spaces provide a welcoming environment where people can come together, sharing experiences and developing friendships. They offer more than just a space to tinker with tools or work on projects; they are vital hubs for social connection, emotional wellbeing and even health promotion.

The benefits of men's sheds go beyond giving men a space to escape. They offer a unique opportunity to address several key determinants of health, such as reducing social isolation, boosting self-esteem and fostering a sense of purpose. Research has shown that these social connections are linked to improved mental and physical health outcomes. In fact, studies have demonstrated that men who maintain strong social ties live longer, healthier lives. While many sheds focus on hands-on activities, like woodworking or machinery repair, the sheds also offer opportunities for learning new skills, sharing health information and even providing direct health services. The informal peer based environment of the shed encourages men to open up about health issues in ways that they may not feel comfortable doing in traditional health settings. Here, men can discuss their experiences with health, learn from each other and even engage in programs designed to promote healthier lifestyles.

What makes men's sheds particularly effective is that they meet men where they are, both literally and figuratively. They offer a practical hands-on environment where learning is done through doing, which resonates with men who may not engage with more formal education or health promotion programs. The shed is not just a place to fix things; it's a place to build relationships, gain knowledge and restore a sense of self-worth. As we celebrate Men's Shed Week it is essential to recognise the important role that these sheds play in addressing the broader issue of men's health in Australia. With proper support, these spaces could serve as a cornerstone for health promotion, especially for those men who are least likely to engage with traditional healthcare services.

I am pleased to know that the Albanese Labor government's ongoing support of the Australian Men's Shed Association continues to be strong, with a commitment in the 2024-25 budget to provide over $6 million to support men's sheds across the country. This funding will go towards health and wellbeing events, shed improvements, tools and equipment, as well as automated defibrillators and ensuring that these essential community spaces are well equipped to serve their members.

In my local community of Pearce we are so fortunate to have four men's sheds: Quinns Men's Shed, Yanchep Community Men's Shed, Wanneroo Community Men's Shed and Northern Suburbs Men's Shed. These sheds are more than just workshops. They are lifelines for many men in our area, offering them a place to belong, to share and to thrive. Men's sheds have the potential to reach men who are socially isolated or who are dealing with loss of identity after retirement or struggling with their mental health. By offering them a space to reconnect with themselves and their community, we are giving them the tools and the time to build objects but also to rebuild their lives. Men's sheds are a place of transformation. They are spaces that promote not just physical activity but also mental, emotional and social wellbeing, and the Albanese Labor government is committed to ensuring that they continue to grow and thrive for future generations. We recognise that men's sheds are a vital avenue for improving men's health and wellbeing, and we will always ensure that they are always integrated into state and national health policies.

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