Many of us don't have much contact with our Volunteers at the Project Shed. They turn up with clockwork regularity every Saturday morning, take bicycles apart, restore some to saleable condition, drill, cut, grind, spray paint, pack them into boxes, work on the big projects such as the Sleeping Sanctuary or the X-Ray Unit for Vanuatu. So here is the first segment:
Meet Laurie RobertsLaurie is best known for his recent exposure in the local media, when the 'Sleeping Sanctuary' (we just call it the POD) featured in the Gold Coast Bulletin and on Chanel Nine News. Laurie is the man who, almost single handed, constructed the multiple prototypes of the POD. The first one was made of fibre glass (too expensive for mass production), then he made another one using primarily plywood. That was the model which featured in the media, including the TV reportage on Channel Nine's 'A Current Affair'. Laurie has been there for so many years that, along many others of our volunteer force, he is listed in the inventory! Here are some more details to allow you to get him to know better:
Born in Cairns some 75 moons ago, he lives in Labrador with his wife Kay. Before retirement, Laurie was a Cartage Contractor. At the shed, his principal job is in the woodworking department. "I just love the community spirit we have at the shed", Laurie enthused. He enjoys a nice glass of red wine (don't we all!), is a fan of NRL and Motor Racing: he is very partial to the MG brand of motor cars. In addition to our projects, he also volunteers at the RSL. When asked what was the highlight of his life, his instant reply was "meeting my wife" (hope you read this, Kay! ☺ Ed). And what is next on the bucket list? "Seeing more of Australia" he said. Well, it's a big country, plenty to choose from, Laurie!