Wujal Wujal SQW builds a special seat for Santa
A new chair for Santa to sit in when he makes his yearly visits to the remote community was gifted to Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council early in December.
The fantastic throne for Saint Nick is the latest project from our Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) Pride of Place Project. This Queensland Government funded initiative provides employment for Trainees while they earn a certificate in needed skills for their community.
“The team’s hard work resulted in a fantastic Santa Chair, it’s really awesome and is sure to bring joy to our kids for years to come” said Project Mentor Lucas Creek. Black Star Radio have some great pictures of the first visit from Santa here.
Santa’s throne is far more than a seat. The chair is made from timber the trainees recovered from used pallets generously donated by Cooktown Hardware, learning valuable skills in disassembly, de-nailing and dressing, before beginning the construction (pics left). The finished chair has been dedicated to the late Lane Hooker, who was a vibrant part of the project team before his passing. In this way it will serve as a yearly reminder of the bright young man and his place in the community.
Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council CEO Kiley Hanslow thanked the Pride of Place SQW team for their efforts to provide this important piece for the community, and the many other tasks they have been involved in through the project.
Paints and other tools were donated by the Cook region CDP Joint Venture
The finished chair
The trainees will continue to assist Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire council with more rejuvenation and revitalisation tasks around the community in the first quarter of 2025, before trainees graduate with their Certificate 1 in Construction and the varied and very employable skills and experiences they have developed through it.
The team with the guest of honour at the Christmas party!
Skilling Queenslanders for Work projects are an initiative of, and funded by, the Queensland Government.