Skillaroos celebrate World Wood Day in China

Brett Cahill, 2013 Cabinetmaking Skillaroo and Lukas Page 2010 National Joinery Competitor and 2011 BBM recipient along with Steve Bulman, long-time WorldSkills Australia volunteer and Joinery expert, recently returned home from their trip to XianYou in Fujian Province, China where they participated in the 2014 World Wood Day (WWD) celebrations.

Brett and Lukas were invited by the International Wood Culture Society to participate in the first International Furniture-Making event held as part of WWD celebrations and the International Wood Culture Exposition.

17 competitors from the United Kingdom, Israel, Ghana, India and Kenya to name a few, made the journey to XianYou, the centre of furniture and woodcarving, to participate in the challenge. Brett and Lukas were up against fellow international WorldSkills competitors including UK’s George Callow (2013 International Cabinetmaking gold medallist), Taiwan’s Lai Jianwen (2009 International Cabinetmaking gold medallist) and Japan’s Nishisu Yuki (triple National medallist).

The competitors were given a brief to design and build an adjustable desk and seat for a child aged 6-12 years old over three days.

It was only fitting that the panel included 20 young Chinese children and 20 parents who judged the furniture and voted for their favourites.

Brett and Lukas were applauded for their skills; professionalism and conduct at the closing ceremony which saw Lukas receive a Judges Award for functionality.

“Brett and Lukas were sensational ambassadors for Australia. In a gold, silver and bronze scenario, both would have had the engravers busy with medals in several categories. The more relaxed atmosphere gave us all welcome opportunities to enjoy the whole event and marvel at the skills and traditions of wood carvers, turners, marionette makers and international skills,” said Steve Bulman.

06/04/2014