Queensland’s Tom Casey has been awarded the national winner in the inaugural National Carpenter of the Year competition.

National Carpenter of the Year, sponsored by the Wood. Naturally Better.TM program, celebrates carpenters and their valuable contribution to the environment, the economy and the community.

Wood. Naturally Better.TM spokesman, Ric Sinclair, said the program was an initiative to help Australians understand how they can play a part in tackling climate change by using one of the planet’s most natural materials – wood.f

“By using wood, carpenters are helping to tackle climate change. Every time they build a timber framed house, extend a timber deck or make a beautiful piece of wooden furniture, carpenters are protecting our environment because wood stores carbon throughout its life,” Mr Sinclair said.

“I would like to thank everyone who nominated carpenters for the awards. The standard of entries was very high and it’s pleasing to see such impressive and dedicated carpenters working for their communities.”

The state winners of the awards are:

• Queensland – Tom Casey• NSW – Gregory Bennett • Victoria – Dayle Pugh • Tasmania – Malcolm Wright • South Australia – Mark Van Eck• Western Australia – Kim Mouritz

Tom, a qualified carpenter and joiner who has been building for the past 28 years, was chosen as the national winner from hundreds of entries because of his commitment to his local community and love of his trade.

A member of the Mackay Regional Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee, Tom was instrumental in organising a successful community appeal to restore St Paul’s Uniting Timber Church in Mackay, one of the largest timber churches in North Queensland.

Tom helped restore the unique 100 year old timber church to its original beauty and prevent the historical and cultural asset from being demolished. In addition to recruiting and training volunteers and carpenter apprentices to donate their time, Tom also donated his labour and skills to restore the church to its original beauty.

A man who loves his craft and the breathing qualities and feel of timber, Tom is also known for his integrity, attention to detail and high standards of workmanship.

Tom nominated by his partner and various customers, state that Tom’s skill has seen him receive the QMBA State Workmanship, QMBA Best Use of Timber, QMBA State Best Heritage House and the Queensland National Trusts John Herbert awards, amongst others.

Tom was surprised to hear that he was considered for the awards, let alone awarded Australia’s top carpenter.

“I was shocked to hear that I had won but I feel very honoured, because I am lucky to be working with other carpenters, who I think are equally deserving of the title.

“It is great to see carpenters recognised for their hard work and contribution to the community, as well as their contribution to fighting climate change,” Tom said.

For his efforts, Tom will receive a Hitachi Power Tools megapack valued at $2,500 and Wood. Naturally Better.TM merchandise.

The inaugural National Carpenter of the Year was launched on Australia’s first ever National Carpenters Day on April 21, 2009. Almost 300 entries were received for the awards and were judged by Ric Sinclair; Tom Williams, ambassador, TV personality and carpenter by trade; Timber Development Association CEO, Andrew Dunn; and The Tradie Magazine representative Graham Joss.