Across the Latrobe Valley community organisations and Men’s Sheds have become an integral part of local communities and they are continuing to work with men, and at times women, assisting them to re-engage with the community and to feel valued.
The project seeks to employ a Latrobe Valley Field Officer to work with local men, Men’s Sheds and other men’s groups across Latrobe City to achieve healthier outcomes, both mental and physical. The Officer will focus on assisting and engaging with men who have been affected by the downturn of employment in the Latrobe Valley, and their families.
The Field Officer will work closely with Men’s Sheds in Toongabbie, Traralgon, Traralgon South, Boolarra, Churchill, Moe, Newborough and Morwell. The officer will liaise with Sheds that have had men referred from the Latrobe Valley or who have worked in the Latrobe Valley and been made redundant or depressed due to the industrial and other changes in the Valley.
Recruitment for the Men’s Shed Field Officer began in early 2020 however was immediately impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Due to Men’s Sheds being forced to close due to health concerns for many members in the high-risk category, the Field Officer position remains vacant.