Glen Innes' men's shed celebrates its tenth birthday next month.
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Secretary Col Wallace said an institution that long struggled for money and was once on the verge of bankruptcy is now able to donate thousands to community groups through Glen Innes.
Just this week, the shed donated $773 to the Westpac rescue helicopter, money they raised through a spin and win competition at the services club.
"I think we've been very fortunate, the community has helped us out a fair bit," he said.
"The community has supported us a lot, and in turn we're now supporting the community."
The shed opened on June 5 2009. Originally they were in a literal shed in a small lane in Glen Innes. But with the assistance of then MPs Tony Windsor and Richard Torbay they were able to raise enough money to construct their premises at the showground. Richard Urkhart also assisted to win grants.
"I think it's a good fellowship up at the shed, some fellows go up there for a bit of a chat, others to play cards, others for metalwork or woodwork," said Col Wallace.
"Some people are at home by themselves all day and need a bit of a break from home.
"Some people need a bit of male companionship sometimes."
The shed plans a birthday party two days late at the show grounds base from around 11.30am Friday June 7 for a barbecue. Past members and family are also invited.
The shed has recently won another federal government grant, to buy a new computer as part of a $1470 subsidy.
The shed will use the money to do first aid training twice, a food handling course and health and wellbeing events, for tools and equipment and a desktop computer.
The federal government has a national shed development problem - this is it's eighteenth round. It will cost the taxpayer $5.1 million over three years.