Getting the project off the ground initially was plagued by issues with the Men's Shed being on government land and its lease expiring, and then the lease needing to be extended to accommodate the additional shed.

"I could write a book," Mr George said. "But look what you've got when everyone contributes, and with the drought and now fires it's been a trying period.

"When I come in and see Matthew (Coker) who so enjoys his day here, and the members, it provides fellowship that's lacking elsewhere.

Next, the breezeway: MP Thomas George said members are already angling for the next phase.

Mr George said he was pleased to see support from all three levels of government for the project, but left to government on its own, it wouldn't have happened.

Men's Shed president Rex Holley said lots of local tradespeople contributed, noting Seb Puglisi (earthwork), Darryl McCarthy (fill), Michael Townes (donated the concrete) and Grant Townes (transport), Karen and Brad Holley (erecting the shed), Tony Webb (flooring), Wayne Pattison (plumbing), Chris Stark (lining the kitchen), Jim Huston (painting) and many more, including a federal grant from Barnaby Joyce to help with fit-out.

The Tenterfield Men's Shed turned on a fine lunch to celebrate the official opening of the new facility.

Mr Holley got in the MP's ear for more grant money, to create a breezeway to connect the two buildings. While the original shed will house woodworking activities (and the dust they create), the new building will contain metalworking activities, and their sparks.

The latter's large airy space and connected kitchen may also open opportunities for the facility to be hired out.