Unique Vanities: West Tamar joinery UDW facing nine civil suits

A company which collapsed owing an estimated $185,000 is facing a multitude of civil claims, it can be revealed. Meanwhile, the liquidator has made a move in advance of its creditors’ report.

A Tasmanian carpentry and joinery company ordered into liquidation by a court in July is facing nine separate civil claims, it can be revealed.

Meanwhile, liquidators looking into the affairs of West Tamar business UDW Pty Ltd, have disclaimed a vehicle belonging to the company as it is considered onerous due to a security lodged over it.

UDW Pty Ltd, previously based at Legana and owned by West Launceston director, Damian John Whybrow, was wound up on July 6 after successful action in the Supreme Court of Victoria by creditor Australian Glass Group (Holdings) Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of New Zealand firm Metro Performance Glass Ltd.

According to Mr Whybrow’s report on company activities and property, he estimated UDW owed approximately $185,000 to dozens of creditors. He believed the company had about $75,000 worth of assets.

Mr Whybrow and partner Emma Tubb, who co-owns the business, have both claimed unpaid wages from UDW.

Now, the Mercury can reveal the company, which operated businesses Unique Vanities and Unique Doors and Windows, is facing no less than nine civil claims for unpaid sums. Eight are before Launceston Magistrates Court and one before Hobart.

Two of the suits have had default judgment entered in favour of the claimant, as Mr Whybrow lodged no defence, while one, worth approximately $2600, was settled a fortnight ago.

The claims are understood to be a mixture of minor civil claims (i.e. less than $5000) and liquidated claims (an agreed upon sum when, for instance, commercial contracts are breached).

On July 19, UDW was ordered to pay $25,820 plus interest to Tas City Building and David McEvoy.

On May 30, UDW was ordered to pay $1000 to Neil Heathcote.

The Mercury was unable to access the statements of claim in the remaining six outstanding civil matters.

Attempts were made to contact Mr Whybrow via text, Facebook message and email.

Liquidators GS Andrews Advisory are yet to file their final creditors’ report with corporate regulator ASIC.

On August 2 they lodged a notice to disclaim onerous property.

The property in question was a 2021 Nissan Navara, a security over which is held by Nissan Financial Services Australia Pty Ltd.

Mr Whybrow, in his ROCAP, estimated about $56,000 was owed on the Navara.

A second vehicle owned by UDW was put up as collateral for the Navara.