Five Islands Woodtec founder David Wilson

When many people are often making retirement plans, Figtree’s Dave Wilson decided to act on a lifelong dream before it was too late. After a long and varied career which began at 16 when he left Corrimal High School, Dave wanted the freedom of being his own boss.

“I started with BHP as an apprentice fitter and machinist, but when the downturn hit in 1999, I took a redundancy that allowed me to get a Bachelor of Education,” says Dave.

But after nearly 15 years teaching in multiple high schools from South Sydney to the Illawarra, Dave moved into adult education in 2017 and knew he had found his niche.

“I started woodwork classes for adults at Port Kembla and loved it because I was teaching people who wanted to learn,” he says.

But in 2023 when the course ended, Dave decided it was time to resurrect the dream he had as a kid of working for himself.

However, there was one major hitch – finding an affordable workshop site – but his resourcefulness and the generosity of Corrimal High School, quickly sorted that out.

Dave’s brainchild Five Islands Woodtec has become a valued newcomer to the Illawarra’s senior education landscape.

He runs weekend classes and the number of enrolled students are gradually growing. “ While originally designed for seniors, we often welcome teenagers as well."  

"One particularly encouraging trend is the growing number of women’s groups joining us from the northern suburbs,” David says. – "who are looking for a challenge in a safe and friendly environment."

Many have never used power tools before, and learning those practical skills is immensely empowering. 

Dave’s teaching credentials are evident in the structure of his classes which lead students through the basics, including safety procedures, before they get to a point where they are self-sufficient under minimal supervision.

“As well as the skills I’m teaching, I like the fact that it is bringing many people together for company and a good laugh – the focus is on the lessons and safety but there’s always room for a laugh,” he says.

The materials used in classes are from Corrimal Hobby Timber, salvaged timber, which in the past would have gone to the tip or been turned into woodchip.

He likes to gauge students’ comments at the end of each term and this one warmed his heart:

“Since being widowed, this course has filled a great void. Where else can the women in this course go to learn. I came with no knowledge on how to build beautiful furniture and I can now make large and small items. I would love to continue woodworking as it is very satisfying and gives me a purpose in life.”

Region Illawarra | July 2024 |