AT Mulleraterong participants are learning more than just new skills; they’re building confidence, community connections, and a sense of pride.

This is the focus of Mulleraterong’s thriving woodworking program, where participants engage in creating handcrafted wooden planter boxes and garden stakes, available for custom orders by the public.

The woodworking program, located at Mulleraterong’s French Street workshop, is led by Michael Borrodell.

What began as a small-scale initiative has blossomed into an empowering experience for participants, allowing them to step outside the centre and into a new environment.

They take on various woodworking tasks, from sanding and drilling to using nail guns - all under the watchful eye of trained staff.

“For our participants, it’s more than just woodworking,” Mr Borrodell said.

“The workshop gives them the chance to try something different, interact with local businesses, and experience the satisfaction of seeing a project through from start to finish.”

One of the program's highlights is the creation of durable garden stakes, crafted from recycled hardwood pallets, sourced from local businesses.

The stakes are popular among surveyors and gardeners alike, being stronger and more durable than those found at large retailers, providing a quality that lasts longer in any condition.

Participants like Jesse Goodwin and Neil Rowe take great pride in the work they do.

Mr Goodwin stacks completed stakes, ready for delivery, while Mr Rowe adds the final touches, painting and preparing them for customers.

Their contribution is essential to the program’s success, and they enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with each completed order.

Custom-made planter boxes are another product of the workshop’s creativity and craftsmanship.

Fully adaptable, the planter boxes allow customers to choose the size, finish, and material that best suits their needs.

Whether natural or painted, the boxes are made to a high standard using a mix of recycled and quality materials.

Participants like Steve Trimnell and Francis Goodwin, have also worked on unique projects such as constructing wishing wells.

The program is a natural extension of the centre’s commitment to personal development.

“We tailor tasks to each participant’s abilities, always prioritising their safety,” Mr Borrodell said.

“While I handle the more complex operations like the table saw, participants take on everything from marking and measuring to sanding and fastening the wood.”

Participants are supervised closely and matched with tasks that suit their skill levels, maintaining a safe and supportive environment at all times.

The hands-on experience also opens doors for new interactions with the broader community, such as picking up pallets from local businesses - a task that further enriches their experience.

The woodworking program isn’t just about creating products; it’s about creating a meaningful impact on participants' lives, fostering independence, self-esteem, and new skills.

Participants, like Casey Robinson, are encouraged to explore personal projects as well, giving them a sense of ownership and pride in their work.

Mulleraterong invites the community to support this initiative by placing custom orders for their handcrafted garden stakes and planter boxes.

By doing so, customers not only receive high-quality, durable products but contribute to the continued success of a program that empowers individuals with disabilities.

To place a custom order, contact Mulleraterong Centre.