The award comes after the extensive struggle, over four years, to establish a Men’s Shed in the local area.

Mr Philbrick said he could not have cut through the bureaucratic red tape to set up the establishment without the help of all the Men’s Shed members.

“I got involved because having spent years in the public service, I was used to trying to get through bureaucracy and I took on the role as secretary/treasurer,” he said.

“I’m not really a workshop guy so my involvement was pushing through paperwork.

“I couldn’t have persevered or put up with the frustrations and set backs without the eight guys who would turn up every week and talk about our next steps over coffee and cake.”

Mr Philbrick said he saw this award as something to acknowledge the group of people behind this perseverance.

“We finally moved into the premises about two months ago,” he said.

“The titles on the land are still not sorted but we have a lease arrangement with [Bombala] council at a very minimal cost, they have been very supportive.

“Local businesses have also been very generous in giving us materials and supplies to start our installation process.”

Since the Bombala Platypus Men’s Shed officially opened in November 2013, 20 new members have joined.

Mr Philbrick said he hopes even more members will jump on board.

“It’s a great establishment,” he said.

“The persons involved right from the beginning were Paul Gimbert, Barry Hines, Ian Niven, Tom Kennedy, Robert Feilen and Kevin Turnbull.”

The presentation will be held over morning tea on Tuesday, September 2 at the Airport International Hotel in Queanbeyan.

For more information on the Bombala Platypus Men’s Shed or to become a member contact Chris Philbrick on 6458 4789 or 0412 474 342 or visit during opening hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 4pm.