The Lismore Men's Shed has had a frustratingly slow journey to finalise its occupancy of the new site at Industrial Drive, East Lismore, more so when you factor in the floods.

As the saying goes, "all good things come to those who wait". Yesterday they received an $80,000 grant from the NSW State Government as the process nears completion.

(Mayor Steve Krieg and Minister Ben Franklin in discussion with President Don Abraham)

In a great show of bipartisanship between the State Government, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin and Lismore City Council (LCC) the Lismore Men's and Community Shed only need to finalise and sign a 5-year lease with a 5-year option to complete its journey that began before the flood.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Arts and Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the communities have worked hard to make the dream a reality.

"This is what the community expects. They want everybody to work together, no matter where you sit politically, and that's exactly what we've done."

"If it's one thing we have learned out of the flood it is that people don't care where you sit, they just want you to get on with the job."

The land was originally Crown Land so needed to be transferred to LCC before a lease could be offered. Initially, the state government asked for $400,000 from LCC who obviously didn't have that sort of money. After ongoing discussions and lobbying by Ms Saffin with the communities interest at heart, the land was sold to LCC for $1. The lease agreement is now being written up to be signed.

This is when the volunteers can start making the necessary improvements to the premises that yesterday's announcement gives them.

President Don Abraham said, "Today is an absolutely exciting day for the Lismore, men and community shed. Today is the day that we finally move into our new premises. We finally have something to work for not only just for the blokes in the shed but for the entire community."

"We are a Lismore, men and community shed. Community is very important to us. Community at this particular point in time, (having) been through the devastation they've been through, it is such an important part of the repair on people's mental health."

Don explained the $80,000 would be spent on tools, as everything was lost in the flood, they need to create an ablutions block for men and women. That's right, the name is the Lismore Men's and Communnity Shed so they accept women with open arms.

"There's so many women out there who love to work with tools and we feel that the skills here can help those people," Don said.

Don also acknowledged the work of LCC and the relationship they have forged which has never happened before.

"We truly appreciate the fact that these guys have stepped forward, ladies and gentlemen and they have done the job. And I really want to pat them on the back."

"We needed support and they came to us and gave us 100% support."

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the Men’s Shed upgrade is welcome news for the community.

“Following the devastation of the floods earlier in the year, it is more important than ever to have facilities like the Men’s Shed which are imperative for mental well-being,” Mr Krieg said. 

“It has been a long road to get the Lismore Men’s Shed back up and operating and I would like to congratulate all those involved who made this happen.”

We will give the last word to the President of the Lismore Men's and Community Shed Don Abraham, "We are looking at a bright future, a bright future that we've never had before. We can really build on what we've got here to make this a magnificent asset to the community of Lismore."