The men’s support group, based near the Tuncurry Waste Management Centre, will soon have a brand new premises after the first slab of concrete was poured at its new site earlier this month.   

The new shed, which is being built directly next door to the group’s existing shed, has been made possible thanks to a grant of $135,125 that Great Lakes Council received through the NSW Government’s Better Waste Recycling Fund and will allow for more members, equipment and new facilities. 

Member George Wilson said the new building was much needed. 

“We have about 120 members but only 75 of those are active because our current shed is too crammed and dangerous,” Mr Wilson explained.

“We hope to have them all coming along once we move. We will also look at doing a membership drive because we will be able to cater for more people and trades.”

President John Belcher said the new shed will be three times bigger than the existing one and will feature a large meeting room, bigger office space, a wood craft area, woodworking and machinery floor space, an engineering workshop, painting studio and wheelchair access from the front door through to the meeting room. 

“Hopefully in about five or six weeks we’ll have the shed erected and the internal fit out will be done,” he said. 

“At the moment though, we are actively seeking sponsorship and donations for framing and construction materials for the internal fit out.”