The program was designed to assist people with a short term (six to 12 months) ‘breather’ financially, and help them to get back on their feet and become a part of the community.

“People are always saying to me ‘But we don’t need something like this program in Harden’,” Mrs Stewart said. “But they would be shocked to realise just how many phone calls we receive daily requesting help with somewhere to stay.

“We have a house on Albury Street that has been a part of the program for the last 18 months and it has proved to be very successful. We lease the home from the owner and all the renovations are done by donation – it’s a win-win deal for both the owner and the person needing accommodation. It also helps the community as the renovations seriously improve the look of the properties.”

‘Shrek’, the quietly spoken giant with a lilting Scottish accent, has travelled from Victoria to help the Stewarts with the renovation of the home.

“I love being involved with this type of program,” Shrek said. “It gives me an opportunity to use my skills to give back to the community.”

The Stewarts hope to have the renovations completed by April 2017, but need more volunteers to help get the program along.

“You never know where volunteers come from with the last house we renovated we had 15 dancers turn up to help with the painting – it was great,” Mrs Stewart said.

“People are often put off by the term ‘renovation’, but it is not all about volunteering manual labour,” Mrs Stewart said.

“We need people to help with all sorts of things – from making cushions and curtains through to painting, landscaping and gardening – even turning up with a plate of sandwiches for the workers – everything helps.”

To find out more about the ‘Give a man a home’ program, or to volunteer, please call Ros  on 0406 379 561, or Glen on 0409 384 444, or pop in to the Hard Rock Gym.