The Malinauskas Government has invested more than $1.2 million since 2022 in initiatives that strengthen community mental health and wellbeing, recognising the vital role of connection, purpose and community in improving lives and breaking down social isolation.
The latest investment, a $280,000 election commitment towards the expansion of the Blackwood Hills Men's Shed will help create a dedicated, purpose-built space for its rapidly growing membership and ensure more men have access to safe, supportive community connection.
Founded in 2022, the Blackwood Hills Men's Shed has quickly become a vital local hub, supporting more than 80 members aged from their 30s to 93. Operating from a temporary space at the rear of the Blackwood Hills Baptist Church, it provides opportunities for men to connect through woodworking, metalworking and community projects.
Importantly, the Shed has created an inclusive environment where all men including those who are blind or vision impaired are welcome, fostering a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose.
The new facility will enable the group to expand its reach, welcome more members and continue providing a safe space where men can build connections, share experiences and support one another.
The investment is a response to a clear and growing challenge in South Australia and around the world, where men continue to account for majority of suicide deaths and are significantly less likely to seek help.
National data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows men account for around three-quarters of all suicides, a trend also reflected in South Australia with loneliness and life pressures being key drivers. The impact is stark with The Hospital Research Foundation Group also reporting that:
- seven men die by suicide every day in Australia,
- men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women.
Research from Beyond Blue also shows men are far less likely to access professional support, often relying on small, informal networks, with many men having just two or three people they can turn to in times of need.
Among younger males, the picture is equally concerning. National mental health data shows young men and teenage boys are less likely to seek help than their female peers, despite experiencing high levels of psychological distress, social disconnection and pressure to cope alone. Early patterns of isolation and emotional suppression can carry into adulthood, increasing long-term mental health risks.
Across South Australia, these trends are playing out in communities where social isolation, ageing populations and changing work patterns are leaving many men of all ages without strong, reliable social connections.
That's why community-led spaces like Men's Sheds that bring men together matter as they play an increasingly important role in supporting men's mental health across South Australia, with around 5000 regular members attending Men's Sheds across the State, demonstrating the scale of demand for safe, community-based connection.
As put by Minister for Human Services Katrine Hildyard
We know too many men in South Australia are experiencing loneliness and poor mental health, too often in silence.
When men don't feel connected, when they don't feel they have people to turn to, the consequences can be devastating, and that is something we see tragically reflected in suicide rates.
Men's Sheds are a powerful example of what works; they bring men together in a way that feels natural, practical and stigma-free.
Our $1.2 million investment and latest $280,000 commitment is about tackling loneliness and despair by helping ensure South Australian men and boys have places where they feel welcome, valued and connected.
This investment will help ensure places like the Blackwood Hills Men's Shed can continue to grow, reach more people and strengthen communities across our state. I thank all at the Shed for the positive difference they make in the lives of men in the area.
We also know that sadly, patterns can start early with boys and young men less likely to seek help, more likely to bottle things up, and more likely to become isolated over time, which is why safe, accessible spaces for connection are so important.
Supporting local, community-led initiatives is critical to improving mental health outcomes and building a more connected South Australia, without leaving anyone behind.
As put by Graham Brown, President Blackwood Hills Men's Shed
Our Shed has been growing steadily since its establishment in 2022 and currently has more than 80 registered members. We're seeing enquires from between two and four new members every month.
The Shed is about building a connected community for men and supporting their health and wellbeing. It's a place for men share their stories and enjoy lots of laughs in the company of other guys as they work 'shoulder to shoulder' on a range of community and private projects.
Our area includes a higher-than-average number of residents over the age of 65 and we aim to address the three social plagues of the 21st century: hopelessness, helplessness and loneliness.
As put by Catherine Hutchesson MP, Member for Waite
The Blackwood Hills Men's Shed provides something our community needs now more than ever. It is a warm and welcoming place where people can come together, share stories, learn new skills and build genuine connections.
At a time when many men are experiencing mental health challenges, loneliness and isolation, the Men's Shed offers something incredibly important: friendship, purpose, support and a sense of belonging.
Seeing firsthand the positive impact the Shed has on men's wellbeing in our community, I was so pleased to work alongside them before the election and proud to make the commitment to support their plans to expand.
I believe there is nothing more important than creating opportunities for people to connect and support one another. Places like the Blackwood Hills Men's Shed strengthen our community, build resilience and remind people they never have to face life's challenges alone.
