Chippy is state’s best

By Jade Lawton
Mr Pugh was nominated by clients and staff of his business, DP Carpentry, and then selected from hundreds of entries for his commitment to the community, from employing local apprentices to registering his services with the Victorian Bush Fire Appeal.
His work can be seen throughout Casey – he even built the lookout tower at the historic Wilson Botanic Park, in Berwick.
“I was definitely surprised to hear that I had won, but I feel very honoured,” Mr Pugh said.
The award is sponsored by the Wood Naturally Better program, which celebrates carpenters and their contribution to the environment, the economy and the community.
Spokesman Ric Sinclair said carpenters were helping tackle climate change by using wood.
“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,” he said.
Mr Pugh said he chose carpentry because it was ‘in his blood’ and offered a hands-on, outside career.
He started DP Carpentry three years ago, with Mr Pugh’s wife, Natasha, looking after the administration side.
The couple have two children, six-year-old Jorja and four-year-old Rhiley.
“Rhiley builds Lego houses, and they are actually really good,” Mr Pugh said.
“I think we’ll have a third-generation carpenter,” Mrs Pugh said.
Mr Pugh said he was flattered that clients had nominated him for the award.
“I guess it’s for the whole experience, from Tash in the office to the boys working on site,” he said.
“They are working really well as a team, which is what we’re after.”
It is the second time he has been recognised for excellence in carpentry, with Mr Pugh previously named runner-up Apprentice of the Year in the early ’90s.
For his efforts, Mr Pugh will receive a limited edition racing jacket, shirt, cap and Wood Naturally Better merchandise.
The inaugural National Carpenter of the Year was launched on Australia’s first-ever National Carpenters Day on 21 April 2009.
Judges selected Queenslander Tom Casey as the 2009 National Carpenter of the Year.