Residents invited to explore woodworking talents

The establishment of a residents’ workshop at Living Gems Caboolture Riverfront was planned as early as 2017 before it eventually opened in January 2019.

Today it boasts a membership of 84, and secretary Graham Saunders, who was there from the start, couldn’t be happier with the workshop’s progress and popularity.

“This is something that resort residents really wanted and, with the help of a $20,000 grant from Ruby Developments and donations of tools from generous homeowners, we were able to make it a reality,” said Graham, who moved into the resort with wife Sally in 2017.

With a committee of eight, as well as two people volunteering to be in the workshop each day to ensure it can stay open for residents who want to exercise their woodworking skills on individual projects, the workshop has become a hive of activity.

Many of its members combine their talents to voluntarily undertake resident requests for everything from ramps or steps to storage units, kitchen benches and cupboards.

“We like to help people, so we encourage them to approach us for help with many of their projects. All our labour is voluntary, so all the resident pays for are materials and a small donation to help keep the workshop viable for which we need about $1200 turnover a year,” said Graham.

The workshop is well equipped with everything from a bench saw and big band saw to sanders, handheld routers and Makita drills.

All members must pass an induction course before being able to use the tools and machinery, and there is always someone experienced on hand to help where needed.

The workshop, which is open from 10am to 4.30pm five days a week and by arrangement on weekends, welcomes men and women to join, with groups ranging from pyrography (decorating wood or other materials with burn marks) to wood carving already attracting regular attendees.

Graham’s major interest is in woodturning, a hobby that has seen him create many bowls, plates, jewellery boxes, pens and more.

Each year many of the products created in the workshop are sold at resort market days held in April and November.

“Last year our members made a timber hallway stand which was raffled off at the market day with proceeds divided between three groups here at the resort that struggle to get donations including the library, artistic seniors and native bees’ group,” said Graham.

Anyone interested in pursuing their woodworking interests are encouraged to contact Graham at the workshop to find out more and see what some of the other handy residents are creating firsthand.