The government grant, awarded to the shed on August 5, was received through the Men's Sheds Grant Program and was a welcome boost to the regional shed.

About 18 locals meet regularly at the Exeter Men's Shed to form relationships, work on projects and create items that are then sold to the community.

The Australian Men's Shed Association was set up to be a bigger version of the backyard shed, and aims to encourage men to speak with others about their feelings, and about health issues and illness, both physical and mental.

Brian Barrington, from the Exeter Men's Shed, said that they had produced many items, including barbecue tables, chicken sheds and chopping boards, which were then sold through the community centre to raise money.

With the grant, the shed will be able to buy new equipment to be used by their members.

"Our old buzzer is used every day, but it is pretty tired now and the new machine will give us added flexibility and a better result," Mr Barrington said.

Lyons MHA Guy Barnett said that the men's shed played an important role in promoting men's health and wellbeing, and it delivered practical benefits to the community.

"This is funding that gets right to the grassroots of communities, and it was great to see the smile on the faces of these guys when they found out that their grant application had been successful," Mr Barnett said.

More than 20 men's sheds benefited from $77,615 in grants in 2015.

The Exeter Men's Shed, which is next door to the Tresca Community Centre, is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 3pm.