Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (19:35):

I want to talk about one of the biggest grassroot movements in this country: Men's Sheds. As Australia's first Special Envoy for Men's Health, I'm proud to shine a light on the amazing work happening in sheds right across the nation. This is the first time Australia has ever had a role focused completely on men's health. For too long, men's wellbeing has not received the attention it deserves. We have always been really good at servicing our utes and keeping our tools sharp, but we are not so good at checking on ourselves or on our mates. My role as special envoy is about helping to change that. It's about encouraging blokes to talk more openly about their health, to act early and to stay connected to their communities and with their mates. One of the best ways to do that is through one of the 1,361 Men's Sheds in Australia.

Men's Sheds are a great Australian idea that has grown into a global movement. They have been built on the simple belief that men are stronger, healthier and happier when they have purpose, connection and community. The Albanese Labor government recognises this and has invested strongly in sheds all around our beautiful country. We have provided funding for tools, upgrades and programs that keep sheds open and welcoming.

This investment is about more than just tools and timber. It's about giving men a place to belong, a reason to get out of the house, and a chance to share a laugh and support each other through life's ups and downs. Every dollar invested in a shed pays off in better health, wellbeing and connection. As special envoy, I have had the privilege of visiting sheds across Australia, from the suburbs of Sydney to the red dirt of the Northern Territory. Each shed tells a story and reflects its unique community. In Aboriginal communities, sheds are places of culture, country and connection. Elders share stories, language and skills with younger men, building pride and identity.

Back home in the Hunter, I always make time to visit the Singleton Men's Shed. They're a great bunch of blokes. We usually end up chatting about politics, sport and life over one of their famous sausage sandwiches. There's always a jar of Gerry's Men's Shed tomato relish to take home, with every cent spent on it going to the Cancer Council. So far, they've raised over $4,000 from those little jars of relish. Keep up the good work, gents! That is mateship in action, and that's exactly what Men's Sheds are all about.

I also want to give a big shout out to the Monash Men's Shed, which is celebrating its 15th birthday on 12 November. Congratulations, guys. Fifteen years of helping the community is something to be very proud of. Congratulations, and thank you for all you've done supporting the health and wellbeing of men across your area.

There is another shed that deserves a special mention. For the past 11 years, the Southlakes Men's Shed has been quietly making bereavement boxes for families that have experienced the loss of an infant. They build around 10 of these a month, completely free of charge. Bunnings donates the timber, and the men skilfully craft each box by hand. A lovely lady from Speers Point paints them beautifully. Before this, many grieving families were given nothing more than a cardboard box. Now, thanks to these men, families receive something made with care, compassion and dignity. Each box includes a teddy, a blanket, hand- and foot-print material, and information to help parents honour and remember their baby.

These are just a couple of examples of what Men's Sheds are doing right across this country. They are real blokes making real differences. That's the true heart of the Men's Shed movement: compassion, community and mateship in action. Men's Sheds are not just a place to build furniture. They are places where men rebuild themselves. They save lives through simple acts like sharing a chat, a laugh, a helping hand, a cup of coffee or—and we all love them—a sausage sandwich. So thank you. In a country where too many men still struggle in silence, these sheds give them a safe space to open up, to connect and to heal.

As special envoy for men's health I will keep visiting sheds right across this beautiful country and making sure they have the support they need to help blokes stay connected, stay healthy and stay as strong as they can be. To every shed member, volunteer and supporter across this country, I say thank you. Whether you're in Monash or Southlakes, Sydney, Singleton, Broome or Broken Hill, you're building stronger men, stronger families and a stronger Australia. I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with you. Thank you for all you do. Keep up the great work, all the men's sheds all around this beautiful country.