MEMBERS of the Oakdale Men's Shed have received a $10,000 grant from the IMB Community Foundation.

The group, established in January, provides a place for retired men to go and keep themselves fit, active and motivated.

The latest grant will buy new machinery, insurance and lighting for the shed.

Organiser Clive Hales said the group was a health-based operation for older, isolated people.

``The shed runs purely on community funding, so this grant means a big boost for us,'' he said.

``It will enable us to install electricity in the shed so we can continue to build, construct and create items that we can then give back to the community.''

Since its inception, the men have made toys, hardware, furniture and outdoor items.

Their latest project included nesting boxes senior citizens can use to attract birds to the gardens and parks of Wollondilly.

``The object of the Men's Shed is to bring isolated persons into unity and encourage them into some form of activity,'' Mr Hales said.

``We're proud to be giving to such a fantastic initiative like the Men's Shed.

``It's great to be able to give back to the people and community that we work so closely with.''

The group runs every Thursday from 9.30am.

Details: 0420509540.