Daily Mercury, The; Mackay, Qld., Mar 9, 2010 by Kate Bastable
HOW handy are you when it comes to carpentry?
The search is on for Australia’s National Carpenter of the Year, and last year’s winner, Walkerston carpenter Tom Casey, is encouraging people to lodge their nominations now.
Nominations for a new category, Best Apprentice Carpenter, are also open.
Mr Casey, who has almost 40 years experience as a carpenter, said the awards celebrated carpenters and the work they did in their communities.
“It can only better your career to throw your hat in the ring,” Mr Casey said.
Mr Casey, who won last year’s award for his work on Mackay’s St Paul’s Uniting Church, which is more than 100 years old, said he loved working with timber.
“I’ve always wanted to be a carpenter, ever since I was a young boy.
“My father was what they called a bush chippie.
“I specialise in building timber Queenslanders.”
Mr Casey said carpentry skills were very handy to have.
“There’s no better skills you can have in life than to be able to go out and build your own home.
“Once you become a carpenter you get to do a lot of trades — a bit of plumbing, a bit of plastering and a bit of painting.”
Entries for the awards close on March 24 with the winners announced on National Carpenters Day, Friday, April 16.
The judges will choose six state finalists in each category before choosing a national winner.
Nominations can be made by visiting www.carpentersday.com.au.