The grant of $8520 was announced on Wednesday as part of the IRT Foundation's 2016 investment of more than $150,000 in local initiatives and projects in NSW, the ACT and Queensland.

The projects funded will provide practical solutions for achieving age-friendly communities and improving the lives of older Australians. Acting IRT Group chief executive Rod Young congratulated Narooma Men's Shed.

"Narooma Men's Shed will be able to extend the activities available to members as well as support the Narooma community by manufacturing metal items for other community groups,” Mr Young said.

"Many of the projects funded recognise the importance of increasing social participation. This project will help older men maintain their connection to the community by bring them together in a social setting. The successful projects were chosen as they demonstrate a clear benefit to the community and value for money while supporting IRT Foundation’s goals and objectives.”

Travelling down for the  presentation ceremony at the Narooma Men’s Shed on Wednesday were Toby Dawson, IRT Foundation Manager, and Mark Surace, Regional Lifestyle Manager (Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and ACT).

Narooma Men's Shed member Bernie Perrett welcomed the grant, saying: "The engagement of our members in developing new skills enhances their self worth, mental health and community inclusion."

The Men’s Shed was known for its woodworking, but now the new metal shop would allow them to “spread their wings” and make new items for community groups and individuals, he said.

The books show that last year, the men created 72 items or job, and of those the majority or 42 were created out of wood. 

Metal work expert Boy Lucas showed off the equipment already purchased included a plasma cutter, steel bender, MIG/TIG welder, spot welder and metal sanding belt. Still to come was a guillotine cutting machine. 

“This is a dream come true, all my life I have dreamed of a metal workshop like this and being able to pass my skills to my mates in the men’ shed is a great thing,” Mr Lucas said.

IRT Foundation’s Community Grants Program is part of IRT Group's commitment to give back $20 million to the community by 2020.

The program, now in its second year, funds community groups and not-for-profit organisations to deliver practical solutions that ensure older Australians remain active and have opportunities to enjoy a better quality of life.

Also attending Wednesday’s ceremony at the Narooma Men’s Shed was local Cancer Council NSW community engagement coordinator Kate Brett, who accepted a grant of $15,393 toward the upcoming Connecting Communities Volunteer Expo.

The Cancer Council expo will provide a one-stop shop for volunteers to explore new volunteer opportunities, develop new skills and get advice on how to get more out of their volunteering experience. Sessions on leadership, self-care, technology, training, advocacy, cancer preventions, as well as media and communications will be provided.