Great Start to our Road Shows 2026!

The Victorian Men’s Shed Association kicked off its 2026 Regional Roadshow series in style, welcoming over 100 shedders from across Gippsland to Sale for a day focused on mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention.

Shedders made the trip from across the region, from the High Country to the Low Country and everywhere in between, for what proved to be a memorable and meaningful day. The Sale Greyhound Club once again proved to be an excellent host, providing a great venue, meals and going the extra yard by donating raffle prizes. The day began with a hearty breakfast and coffee from the El Cappuccino van, setting the tone for the day ahead.

Mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention were the focus of this year’s Roadshow series, and while these can be difficult subjects to discuss, the VMSA was fortunate to have two outstanding keynote speakers in Sallie Jones from Gippsland Jersey and Paulo Withall from the Zero Suicide program. Both spoke with empathy and care, and an engaged audience ensured there was no shortage of questions and conversation throughout the day.

State Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull spoke about the vital role Men’s Sheds play in their local communities, and the VMSA was also joined in the afternoon by National Party leader Danny O’Brien. Health partners the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Ambulance Victoria and Walk for Mental Health were also welcomed on the day.

With the support of Bonney Energy, five Gippsland sheds were recognised with Community Awards for their outstanding contributions to their local communities. Congratulations to Sale Men’s Shed, Loch Sport Men’s Shed, Devon North Men’s Shed, Meeniyan Men’s Shed and Golden Paradise Beach Men’s Shed. Full details of each shed’s achievements can be found below.

Throughout the day, whenever there was an opportunity to chat, the noise levels in the room rose steadily, with shedders appreciating the chance to connect, share ideas and swap stories with one another. That camaraderie is at the heart of what these events are all about.

The VMSA would like to extend a sincere thank you to all sponsors whose support made the day possible: National Centre for Farmers Health, Total Dust Extraction, JC Walsh, Bonney Energy, Beyond Bank, AMSA and WURTH.

With Sale done and dusted, the VMSA Roadshow moves on to Pomonal in the heart of the Grampians on Friday 17 April. The VMSA looks forward to seeing all the sheds from that region there.