Two years ago, Mr Davy launched a campaign to raise funds to build a men's shed on the Salvation Army's Bonnells Bay site where he works as a community counsellor.

"I was successful in getting a NSW Government grant for $72,000 and with Lake Macquarie City Council administering the funding we were able to start turning the project into a reality," he said.

Free labour from volunteers and practical help from several business owners has enabled Mr Davy to complete the slab foundations and get well ahead with the construction of an 18 metres by 10 metres steel shed.

"We hope to be completed in time for an official opening in November," he said.

The project will be a bit different from other men's sheds, he said.

"Normally, a men's shed is used as a workshop and social club base for retired blokes, but ours will provide young blokes from 20 to 40 years of age with something constructive to do with the older blokes in mentor roles.

"Half of the shed will be workshop but the other half will be turned into a gym with predominantly male equipment for weight lifting. A lot of young blokes in this area are unemployed and I hope this shed will help their prospects but we will also cater for the older guys, " Mr Davy said.

Mr Davy can be contacted on 0407 108 215.