‘There are no limits for him’: Joshua Gaw’s Jobs4Josh hits growth spurt

He’s been a Townsville character since he was a wee tacker, now Joshua Gaw is turning 21, moving out, and expanding his business. Find out how.

Josh Gaw, pictured with support team David Caisley, is tuning 21 years old and is growing his business while living with a disability. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Happy 21st birthday Joshua Gaw.

If you’ve lived in Townsville long enough, you probably know who Mr Gaw is.

Born with low functioning autism and intellectual disabilities, Mr Gaw started running his odd job business ‘Jobs4Josh’ when he was 13, helping locals with green waste removal, rubbish collection and tip runs.

Eight years later and things are changing.

Darin Gaw said his son was moving out of home and expanding the business.

Josh Gaw, pictured with support team David Caisley, is tuning 21 years old and is growing his business while living with a disability. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“Ever since he got his own car in November he’s started living a few days a week away from home,” Darin Gaw said.

“Now he’s away Monday to Friday in supported independent living and is in the process of moving out full-time into his own place.”

Well-known Townsville handyman Joshua Gaw turns 21 this Friday. Pictured is Josh in 2015, aged 13.

Close friend and support worker David Caisley said moving out has been a big goal for Mr Gaw.

“Josh wants to be financially independent. He wants to make enough money to run his own vehicle and rent or buy his own place and not be dependent on welfare,” Mr Caisley said.

“There will always be the NDIS to support him, but he doesn’t want to be in public housing.”

David Caisley and Joshua Gaw first met when Josh and his father Darin offered to collect cardboard and recycling from the cafe Mr Caisley was running.

Last month, the well-known handyman went into a joint venture with ABLE Programs to collect 10c recycling from local businesses.

The inclusion of the side business creates more potential income for Mr Gaw going forward.

“Recycling is something Josh really enjoys,” Mr Caisley said.

“This will help increase his business for Jobs4Josh.”

The new venture involves Mr Gaw dropping off red wheelie bins at a premise and returning to collect the recycling, which he then processes with Containers For Change.

“If we get enough businesses on-board, we could expand this to other people who want a bit of cash, or want to build their experience or social skills,” Mr Caisley said.

“Josh loves getting out and meeting people. He’s always been very good at that. Maybe one day we could see Josh employing people to work for him. There are no limits for him.”

Originally published as ‘There are no limits for him’: Joshua Gaw’s Jobs4Josh hits growth spurt