The Lismore Men's Shed has been looking for a new home for two years then the old one on Norco Lane was virtually washed away in the February 28 mega-flood.

(Opening the doors on March 6 after the mega flood. Photo: Lismore Men's Shed Facebook page)

It was a while members were picking up a dog from their new premises in 2020 that they enquired into the possibility of the space on Industry Drive opposite Rifle Range Road in East Lismore.

A bit of investigation discovered that the shed and block was actually Crown Land.

Vice President Bob Greig told the Lismore App they wanted $400,000 at the time, "We're flat out coming up with four hundred bucks," laughs Bob.

The lobbying started through local Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, former Mayor Isaac Smith and MLC Ben Franklin and just before the flood, the good news came through they had secured the land.

This is where bureaucracy comes into play.

Following the flood, Lismore Men's Shed was told they can store their equipment at the new premises but they can't do any work until the paperwork is complete.

That paperwork is not unsubstantial as the land first has to be transferred from the State Government to Lismore City Council before a lease agreement can be drawn up, agreed to by both parties and signed.

In the meantime, members of the Men's Shed cannot perform any work on any equipment until that lease is signed.

This means flood-damaged lawn mowers, whipper snippers, generators and the like cannot be fixed for flood survivors until the paperwork is complete.

((Flood survivor equipment waiting to be fixed. Photo Simon Mumford)

On top of that, the Lismore Men's Shed has been given an $80,000 grant to make the land and premises on Industry Drive a viable proposition.

"We plan to concrete and put up a shelter between the two sheds, putting in disabled toilets as well as get electricity into the second shed," Bob said.

As you can imagine, that sort of work will require a Development Application (DA) from council which, generally speaking, is not a quick process.

The Lismore App contacted Lismore City Council (LCC) for an update on proceedings and received this reply from General Manager John Walker:

"Lismore City Council signed the purchase agreement for the land to house the Men’s Shed with the State Government last Friday."

"Council won’t take possession of the land at 15 Industry Drive until the contract is settled. However, we are now in the position to finalise the lease with the Men’s Shed and start the Development Application process that is required."

There is light at the end of the tunnel for the team at Lismore Men's Shed, it all comes down to time and patience. When you want to help people out of a natural disaster, they are two items you don't have which causes some frustration.

As this is a volunteer organisation that relies on donations and government grants, you can help by giving equipment or money. All their tools were flood-damaged, most beyond repair, their three-phase electrical gear destroyed. If you can donate to help rebuild their depleted stock, it would be very much appreciated.

(Shelves of damaged tools are still being sorted through in the new shed on Industry Drive, East Lismore)

If you purchase a flatpack that needs building, call the Men's Shed on 0404 860 504. They will build it for only $25 an hour no matter how many men turn up.

This is another volunteer organisation that the community needs to get behind.