McEwen MP Rob Mitchell is a big fan of the men’s shed movement.
As co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Men’s Sheds he has long supported the valuable work they do and the important role they play in men’s health.
Last week, during Men’s Health Week 2026, Mr Mitchell paid a visit to the Lancefield and Woodend Men’s Sheds, meeting with members and promoting this year’s theme ‘See Your GP’.
“It was great to catch up with the shed men, have a chat and hear first-hand the impact their involvement with the shed has had on them,” Mr Mitchell said.
“Having a place of connection and support with other men has a huge impact on your physical and mental health.
“Sheds are places where blokes can connect, talk openly, learn new skills and support each other through life’s challenges. They help reduce isolation and create a sense of purpose and belonging.
“In regards to physical health, they also can be that place where you are encouraged to ‘go get that checked’ because we all know us blokes aren’t that good at that.”
This year’s theme ‘See Your GP’ aims to encourage more men to visit their GP and get a blood test. Something as simple as a blood test can tell you so much about your health.
“Let’s look at the fact that we lose 4000 men each year to prostate cancer when a simple blood test can catch this early. This is one of the most treatable cancers and we really need to get on top of this and drop that number,” Mr Mitchell said.
“There are some really scary statistics out there. In the city men, on average, die just over four years younger in age than women. In rural and regional areas, it is up to 13 years younger. That shows the difference in how we are taking care of ourselves compared to women and we have to get better at it.
“If we can get just 10% more Aussie blokes reaching out to their GP every year, we could literally save thousands of lives.
“With more bulk billing clinics around, thanks to the Albanese Labor Government’s historic investment in Medicare, there is no excuse so book that appointment.”
The Woodend Men’s Shed is located at 988 Black Forest Drive Woodend and is open on Monday and Wednesdays. Lancefield Men’s Shed is on High St Lancefield and is open Monday to Saturday.
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