OFFICIAL

DAN REPACHOLI MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR HUNTER

SPECIAL ENVOY FOR MEN’S HEALTH

SHARON CLAYDON MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR NEWCASTLE

MEDIA RELEASE

10 September 2025

CELEBRATING MEN’S SHEDS IN ELERMORE VALE

Special Envoy for Men’s Health Dan Repacholi MP joined Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP and Australian Men’s Shed Association CEO Dave Helmers at the Elermore Vale Men’s Shed today to celebrate Men’s Shed Week 2025.

This year’s theme, Building Healthy Communities, highlights the important role Men’s Sheds play in supporting men’s mental and physical health, providing connection, and giving back to their communities.

There are more than 1,200 Men’s Sheds across Australia, including many in the Hunter and Newcastle regions. Each shed offers a safe and welcoming place for men of all ages to meet, share skills, and contribute to local projects.

Since 2011, the Australian Government has invested more than $30 million to support Men’s Sheds, including funding for the Australian Men’s Shed Association and grants for local sheds through the National Shed Development Programme. A further $8.3 million has been committed over the next three years to expand support and deliver new health promotion programs.

Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Men’s Health Dan Repacholi MP:

“Men’s Sheds are awesome. They give blokes a reason to get out of the house, catch up with some mates, and stay mentally and physically healthy.

“No two sheds are the same. That’s the beauty of it, each one reflects its community. But what they all have in common is giving men a place to chat, share skills, and tackle isolation head on.

“Our sheds don’t just help men, they help whole communities, fixing things, raising money, and backing in local schools, clubs and charities. That’s why they’re so important, and why we’ll keep supporting them.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP:

“Men’s Sheds are about so much more than tools and timber, they’re about friendship connection, and wellbeing. I’m so proud to celebrate Men’s Shed Week here in Elermore Vale.

“Isolation is one of the biggest challenges facing men, especially as they get older. Men’s Sheds are helping to break down that loneliness and replace it with community, purpose and joy.

“This Men’s Shed Week, let’s celebrate the power of community, the strength of connection, and the difference that camaraderie can make in people’s lives.”

WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

MEDIA CONTACT:

Chad Griffith             (REPACHOLI)          0400 292 120

Jarrod Melmeth        (CLAYDON)              0487 807 987