Northern Suburbs Community Centre’s Denise Delphin said it was a positive step towards securing a grant from the State Growth Department, which required co-contribution to be applicable.

“At the moment, the men’s shed is being run in two shipping containers and it’s really time to find the blokes a new home,” she said.

“This will be a men and community shed, where we’ll mentor young people and run a range of community programs.

“There are endless opportunities. At the moment, we have a limited number of people we can fit in and we’re turning people away all the time.

“This will give us the opportunity to really expand on what we’re doing.”

Applications for the State Growth grant close next week. Ms Delphin said she hoped to have the new shed open within 12 months if the community centre secured the state funding.