The 937 Men's Sheds across Australia will spend a $4.5 million Father's Day gift from the federal government buying tools, improving facilities and developing health programs that can save lives.
About 150,000 men, most in their early 60s and no longer employed full time, gather at the Men's Sheds throughout Australia, which have been set up as meeting places to prevent social isolation.
The program has been credited with making a major contribution to the mental health and wellbeing of men and saving around 7,500 lives a year.
David Helmers executive director of Men's Sheds told AAP the three years of extended funds would be mainly dispersed as $8,000 grants.
"We give priority to the disadvantaged areas," he said.
"It allows them to continue to build their capacity to service the community and improve male health."
Mr Helmers said that while the money would help improve facilities and buy tools for the men to work on their projects, the real purpose of the sheds wasn't tinkering with busted lawnmowers.
"The most important thing in a Men's Shed is the kitchen table and the jug, where they'll sit and talk," Mr Helmers said.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he wants to provide certainty to the funding that was due to expire on June 30, 2016.
"Men's Sheds are an important part of many Australian communities. They keep men active, contributing to their mental health and physical wellbeing," Mr Abbott said in a statement on Sunday.
Labor has welcomed the announcement.
Mr Helmers said it was money well spent.
"Each shed probably saves around eight lives a year so 7,500 lives a year being saved through shed programs, $4.5 million is extremely good value for money."
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