Keen woodworker Bailee Baxter will showcase his work at the Calliope Rotary markets

“I like working with my hands and I like woodwork; making little wood fish hooks and wooden boxes.”

Twenty-one-year-old Gladstone man Bailee uses a support worker, funded through the NDIS, to assist him with his woodworking hobby.

For Gladstone man Bailee Baxter, a passion for woodwork build on his carpentry skills and showcase his work at a local market.

The 21-year-old uses a support worker, funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), to assist him with his work while also helping to develop his independence.

Twenty-one-year-old Gladstone man Bailee uses a support worker, funded through the NDIS, to assist him with his woodworking hobby.

“I like working with my hands and I like woodwork; making little wood fish hooks and wooden boxes,” Mr Baxter said.

“I do it myself, but my support worker is there to help if needed – it is going well.”

Mr Baxter, who has an intellectual disability and autism, is also working with his local Rotary to take his carpentry to the next level and develop a business.

“I want to explore employment within my interests in woodworking and carpentry. Joining Rotary gives me business opportunities in the community,” he said.

Bailee Baxter with his creations, including a purple sword made from wood.

Rotary’s Greg Brown said Mr Baxter will soon showcase his works, including wooden pirate swords and chests, at the local Calliope markets, giving him an outlet and opportunity to build networks and friendships while continuing to develop his skills.

“Rotary will be there through the whole process and setting him up in the marketplace and helping him to talk to customers,” Greg said.

“This will give Bailee more exposure to the community, more opportunities and people will know Bailee; eventually we can expand on this and look at builders in the community for work.”

When Mr Baxter is not developing new woodwork pieces, he is continuing to build on his independence with his support worker in other ways.

“I am supported with my cooking, shopping and house cleaning. I am doing my own cooking, but my support worker prompts me; I like making pizza the best,” he said.

“It is good to be independent; I have my own car and do drumming lessons. I can access anything I want.”

Mr Baxter’s interests are broad, and include taking part in the local Special Olympic basketball team, and in the last two years has also developed a love for model trains.

“I like winning and exercising, and Monday night is basketball training,” he said.

“I do model railway train club every Tuesday and play with the trains around the tracks and decorate the tracks; I have my own model railroad display at home.”

Mr Baxter received assistance to apply for and implement his NDIS funding from Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Rockhampton region.

Greg said he had seen Bailee grow as a person who was lacking confidence to becoming an independent young man, all through both the informal and formal supports he has received.

Rotary's Greg Brown said Bailee will soon showcase his works, including wooden pirate swords and chests, at the local Calliope markets

“The NDIS has been a wonderful support for Bailee as it has given him opportunities to be independent and develop skills and build confidence,” he said.

Carers Queensland can support you to find out more about the NDIS, to apply for funding and to help you get started with the NDIS.

If you have a disability but are not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can also help you identify and link to options for support in your community.

You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or [e-mail]