Westvale Men's Shed Upgrade
Following the successful receipt of State Government funding, together with significant Council investment, the Westvale Men’s Shed will be expanded to more than double its current size. Council will oversee the construction works, which are scheduled to commence on 29 June and be completed by mid-September.
During this period, current participants will continue to meet at the Westvale Community Centre to socialise and stay connected; however, access to the Men’s Shed building will be restricted for the duration of the works.
This project will significantly improve the safety, accessibility, and overall usability of the facility for both current and future users. The upgrades will also enhance the functionality of the space, enabling broader community use, increased participation, and greater opportunities for connection and engagement.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Men’s Shed temporarily closing?
Why is the Men’s Shed temporarily closing?
The Men’s Shed will temporarily close from Friday 29 June to Friday 11 September to allow construction and upgrade works to be completed safely at the site.
Why are these works being undertaken?
Why are these works being undertaken?
The works are being undertaken to improve the safety, accessibility, and overall usability of the facility to better support current and future users.
The upgrades will more than double the current size of the facility and enhance the space's functionality to support broader community use and participation.
These improvements will also support more opportunities for:
- social connections
- Inter-generational collaboration
- Creativity and learning
- Community programs and activities.
What is the cost of the project?
What is the cost of the project?
The total investment in the project is $300,000, including:
$100,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Department of Families, Fairness and Housing as part of the 2025-26 Men’s Shed Funding Program.
Additional funding provided by Brimbank City Council.
When will the Men’s Shed reopen?
When will the Men’s Shed reopen?
The current planned closure period is from Friday 29 June to Friday 11 September 2026.
These timelines may change due to weather conditions, contractor availability or other unforeseen factors. Any updates will be communicated to the community as they become available.
Council is planning to officially reopen the new Men’s Shed to the community in October or November 2026, depending on construction progress.
The official reopening celebration will also coincide with the 10-year anniversary of the Men’s Shed.
More information about the reopening and the event will be provided closer to the date.
Will the Men’s Shed programs continue during the closure?
Will the Men’s Shed programs continue during the closure?
The Men’s Social Program will continue at an alternative space provided at the Westvale Community Centre.
Woodworking programs will be suspended during the construction period and restart once the newly constructed Men’s Shed re-opens.
Will the Men’s Shed building be accessible during the works?
Will the Men’s Shed building be accessible during the works?
No. The building will be closed to all Shed users and visitors while construction works are underway.
Are there alternative arrangements for current participants?
Are there alternative arrangements for current participants?
Yes. Current participants will be provided with a designated space at Westvale Community Centre to continue social activities during regular program hours while the Men’s Shed facility is closed. Details will be provided directly to participants.
Will parking or site access be affected during construction?
Will parking or site access be affected during construction?
No. The Westvale Community Centre carpark will remain open, and site access to the centre will not be impacted during the construction period.
Will participants still have access to tools or equipment during the closure?
Will participants still have access to tools or equipment during the closure?
No. Participants will not have access to tools, equipment, or woodworking areas during the closure. This is necessary to ensure safety while construction works are underway.
What is happening to the garden beds behind the Shed?
What is happening to the garden beds behind the Shed?
The garden beds located behind the Men’s Shed will be removed to accommodate the construction works.
What support is being provided to affected garden plot holders?
What support is being provided to affected garden plot holders?
Only limited use was occurring across the five affected garden plots.
Current plot holders have been contacted directly and offered an alternative garden plot if they wish to continue or reactivate their gardening activities during the construction period.
Can the outdoor pergola area still be used for machinery?
Can the outdoor pergola area still be used for machinery?
No. Once the works are completed, the outdoor pergola area will no longer be suitable or available for moving machinery in and out of the building. All machinery and equipment will need to be used within the Shed building for safety reasons.
Will Westvale Community Centre remain open during the works?
Will Westvale Community Centre remain open during the works?
Yes. Westvale Community Centre including its programs, events and venue hire bookings will continue throughout the works. Every effort will be made to minimise disruptions and keep the facility operating as normally as possible during the construction period.
Will Westvale Community Gardens still be accessible during the works?
Will Westvale Community Gardens still be accessible during the works?
Yes. Gardeners will continue to have access to the Community Gardens throughout the construction period.
A temporary pedestrian gate will be installed near the current driveway entrance to maintain access. While pedestrian access to all garden plots will remain open, the existing access gate will be locked during the works. As a result, vehicle access for deliveries and drop-offs will not be available.
Some minor disruptions may occur during construction, but every effort will be made to minimise impacts on gardeners.
Will the community be regularly updated?
Will the community be regularly updated?
Updates regarding the project timeline and reopening arrangements will be shared with the community as they become available.
Could the construction timeline change?
Could the construction timeline change?
Yes. Construction schedules may be affected by weather conditions, contractor availability, or other unforeseen factors. Any changes to the timeline, including the possibility of early reopening, will be communicated to the community.
Who can I contact for more information?
Who can I contact for more information?
For project updates and further information:
- Follow us on social media for announcements
- Check back to this webpage for the latest information
- Contact Phyllis Knight, Senior Team Leader, Neighbourhood Houses at:
- Email phyllisk@brimbank.vic.gov.au
- Call 9249 4197
About the Westvale Men's Shed
The Westvale Men’s Shed opened on 29 November 2016 after receiving a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Westvale Men’s Shed is a community-based program that promotes the health and wellbeing of men and the broader community by providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space. It brings together people from diverse backgrounds and skill levels to connect, share skills, and work on individual or community-focused projects. The program encourages social interaction while fostering a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose.
The Westvale Men’s Shed does not provide a commercial woodworking or repair service. However, it welcomes expressions of interest for community-based woodworking projects supporting schools and not-for-profit organisations. Woodworking sessions are informal and not formally facilitated; instead, they are supported by Shed Champion volunteers who help maintain a safe environment and offer general guidance to participants.
Opening hours:
- Monday, 9:30am – 12noon: Social session (men)
- Tuesday, 9:30am – 1:00pm: Woodworking session (women)
- Thursday, 9:30am – 1:00pm: Woodworking session (men)
Other activities associated with the Men’s Shed include men’s health events and initiatives, such as the annual Men’s Health Day in mid-June, health information workshops, DIY and repair workshops, and programs delivered in partnership with external agencies. The Shed also supports intergenerational programs, woodworking displays, mentoring opportunities for local students, and tool-sharpening workshops.
Most programs are free or low-cost, however, participants are generally required to cover the cost of materials for their own individual woodworking projects.
To register your interest for the mandatory intake and safety induction process for the woodworking program, please contact Westvale Community Centre on 9249 4665 or westvale@brimbank.vic.gov.au or visit us at 45 Kings Road, Kings Park.
