Two cubby houses built by Rookwood apprentices for CQ children in need

Apprentices working on the Rookwood Weir project have used their new skills to help bring joy to children in need in Central Queensland.

Six apprentices working on the Rookwood Weir project have worked to build two cubby houses for families in need.

Two new cubby houses have been donated to a Central Queensland organisation to help bring enjoyment to children in need.

The small structures were built by apprentices from the Rookwood Weir project, who used their newly acquired skills to benefit Central Queensland families in need.

The 3m by 2.2m structures, made with weatherboard cladding and a corrugated plastic roof, were presented to Roseberry Qld, based in Rockhampton and Gladstone.

One of the houses will be delivered to Roseberry’s Gladstone office and the second will go to a property within the region to provide a play environment for young children.

More than 30 apprentices and trainees have worked on the Rookwood Weir project, with six of them helping to build the cubby houses.

Fourth-year apprentice Jack Warrington said working on the project was “enjoyable”.

“I’ve been with the Rookwood Weir project since mid-2021 and have had a fantastic time learning my trade and working on such a landmark water project for Central Queensland,” he said.

“The skills I have been able learn on the project include form-setting, steel fixing and concreting whereas, working on the cubby houses has broadened my carpentry skills through making timber walls, doors and window frames along with learning roofing techniques.

“It’s been an enjoyable task, building the cubby houses with the other apprentices and knowing they will be put to good use in the community.

“I’m almost finished my apprenticeship and I’m looking forward to working on the next project as a fully qualified carpenter.”

Roseberry general manager Michelle Coats thanked the apprentices for their work on the cubby houses.

“At Roseberry, we aim to help vulnerable people to lift themselves out of disadvantage and to create safe, vital, and resilient lives for their families,” she said.

“We would like to thank the Rookwood Weir apprentices for their hard work building these wonderful cubby houses, which will put a smile on the faces of many young people.

“We place great value on working together with our fellow Central Queenslanders to provide positive social and economic benefits for families in our region that are experiencing tough times.”

Rookwood Weir is currently more than 95 per cent complete with construction expected to wrap up this year.