During high school, Peter discovered what would later become his lifelong passion - woodworking. “At school, my favourite subjects were tech drawing and woodwork - I really loved working with timber and wood,” said Peter, smiling.
“Maths was never my favourite subject, but once I did my apprenticeship, I learnt that I needed to know all the things I hated most about maths,” laughed Peter. “But then I got used to it.”
During his 50 years in wood machining and estimating, Peter created fine furniture, bars and bar stools, timber windows, and contracted bespoke furniture. Some of the famous buildings across Sydney he’s worked on include the Sebel Townhouse and Sydney Law Courts.
“I also worked on a church spire at Sydney University. We created the spire frame in wood, which then got cladded in copper. I also made windows and shutters at the Old Government House in Parramatta,” said Peter, proudly.
Peter laughed as he recounted a funny story while working on a grand staircase at Kirribilli House. “I was there to measure the storey height and waited two hours while they called the architect, who then rang Canberra, before I could get permission to drill a one-inch hole in the floor, under the carpet, on a floor that was actually coming out!”
Peter then added, “The staircase cost a quarter of a million dollars - but we didn’t get anywhere near that money, the architects got most of it.”
Working with wood in the early days has unfortunately left Peter with a lung condition that makes it hard to breathe, but Peter’s positivity is what keeps him smiling. “I did a training video 18 months ago for NSW Health. It showed staff how to use a special fan that helps you breathe. I found out recently that they’re still using the video.”
Peter's motto in life: “I will give anything a try.”
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