With the earthworks now complete ready for the construction of the space, Bega company Leser Build has been awarded the contract to begin the 100-day project on Wednesday, May 3.

Community Carers Accommodation South East president Lynne Koerbin said keeping the project local was part of the tender criteria.

“We want to use local builders and local staff,” she said.

“We are really excited to have Leser Build on board, because David Leser’s approach is about working collaboratively – he offered us a discount because it is a community-spirited company.

“We looked at his contribution to community projects and experience working with a committee.”

Ms Koerbin said she is excited to see the building phase of Stage 1 finally arrive, ahead of the planned October/November opening of the accommodation.

“During this next stage we’ll see very visible progress, it’s all been fiddly infrastructure work so far,” she said.

Leser Build’s David Leser signed the paperwork on Friday and said he is aiming to make the construction as cost effective as possible.

”I’m very pleased to be appointed the builder for such an important community project,” he said.

“I am glad to be working with such a positive committee, and being part of the reality of something that is so badly needed for our community.”

Once the construction phase is complete, the space will be fitted with soft furnishings, Ms Koerbin said.

With five months until the space is fully operational, a successful application to the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund will fast-track Stage 2 of the project.

“We are currently waiting on the application, and if we are successful we’ll have to be dig ready in 12 weeks,” Ms Koerbin said.