18 September 2026
PCFA is strengthening its relationship with Men’s Sheds around Australia, working together to get more men talking about prostate cancer, early detection and their health.
It’s a natural partnership. Men’s Sheds create trusted spaces where men can connect, build friendships and have conversations they might not have elsewhere. For PCFA, they provide an important way to take prostate cancer information and support directly into communities.
There are almost 400 Sheds across Victoria and around 1,300 across Australia, representing an enormous network of men, families and communities.
Taking prostate cancer awareness on the road
This year, PCFA has been joining Men’s Shed events and roadshows to meet Shedders where they are.
More than 130 people from Sheds across Gippsland recently came together for a Victorian Men’s Shed Association regional roadshow, with PCFA joining other health organisations to share information and connect with local communities.
Mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention have been major themes of the Victorian roadshow program this year, alongside conversations about physical health and prevention.
PCFA has also participated in regional roadshow activity in places including Geelong, where prostate cancer presentations have helped get Shedders talking about their health. Six roadshows are being held across Victoria during 2026, with PCFA and members of our Support Group Network represented at most of them.
The relationship extends beyond Victoria too.
Recently, around 100 Shed members from across Western Australia came together at Fremantle Community Men’s Shed for a BBQ breakfast, with PCFA among the health and community organisations supporting the event.
These events give PCFA volunteers, Support Group members and staff opportunities to have informal conversations with men about prostate cancer risk, PSA testing and where to find support.
PCFA Southern Regions Community Engagement Manager Linley Watson says those conversations can make a real difference.
“After every presentation, someone tells me they're going to book a PSA blood test or encourage their partner, father, brother or friend to get checked,” she says.
It’s a simple example of why taking health information into places like Men’s Sheds matters. A conversation over a cuppa can prompt a man to talk to his GP, understand his risk or reach out for support.
Sheds and Support Groups working together
The relationship is also creating stronger links between Men’s Sheds and PCFA’s Prostate Cancer Support Group Network.
Some Sheds already provide a home for local prostate cancer groups. In Lakes Entrance, for example, the local Men’s Shed hosts the Prostate Cancer Support Group, providing a welcoming place for men and their partners to meet, share experiences and stay connected.
It is a model PCFA would love to see grow.
Support Groups can bring lived experience and trusted prostate cancer information into Shed communities, while Sheds can provide the connection and local networks that help those messages reach more men.
Helping Shedders understand prostate cancer
With prostate cancer now Australia’s most commonly diagnosed cancer, getting accurate information into trusted community settings is increasingly important.
Nearly 29,000 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, around 79 every day.
PCFA is working with Men’s Sheds to help men better understand their prostate cancer risk, the importance of PSA testing and the support available if they or someone close to them is diagnosed.
Watch the Men’s Shed video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6wrpv4cZ_w
It’s time for Sheds to Light Up Blue
During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, PCFA is encouraging even more Men’s Sheds to get involved by joining Light Up Blue.
Nearly 4,000 Australian men die from prostate cancer each year, but the disease is often treatable, particularly when it is found early.
Sheds can help get the message out in all sorts of ways: hold a Wear It Blue day, organise a blue morning tea, put up blue lights, build a Blue Bench for Blokes, create blue birdhouses or signs, or even paint a Shed door blue.
Whatever your Shed decides to do, take some photos and send them our way so we can share your efforts and inspire other communities.
Because whether it happens at a regional roadshow, a Support Group meeting, around the workbench or over a cup of tea, every conversation is another opportunity to help a man take action on his health.
Find out more about Light Up Blue: thelongrun.org.au/light-up-blue
