An $8000 grant from the Stronger Communities Programme will ensure an extension to a current slab before the installation of a frame and room are completed.

Uralla Men’s Shed president Gordon Stewart said that the group provides support and friendship to many men and women in the community.

“There are a number of men here, as everywhere, who are alone and fellows who are not alone but are at a bit of a loss as to what to do so the shed gives them a place to congregate and meet.

Fellas come here to be together, for friendship and fellowship.

We’ve come to play a fairly major role in the lives of a number of fellows,” he said. 

Mr Stewart hopes that the extension will allow them to run a mentoring program for disadvantaged youth and has been in discussion with local schools.

He hopes the program will be available early next year.