Crafting Community: Graham MacKellar’s Commitment to Woodworking Safety and Connection 

By Rhiannon Arnold

This article was originally published in the WA Men's Shed Magazine and is reproduced here with permission. 
 

For Graham MacKellar, the world of woodworking is much more than crafting timber into functional or decorative items—it’s about fostering community, safety, and passion. As the Western Australia and South Australia Solution Specialist for Carbatec, Graham has spent the last two and a half years dedicated to helping Men’s Sheds and woodworking groups unlock the full potential of their workshops. 

Before stepping into his current role, Graham enjoyed a long and successful career in IT. However, his passion for woodworking led him to make the transition to a more hands-on and community-oriented role with Carbatec. 

“My role is to assist the Sheds and other woodworking clubs and groups to get the most out of their woodworking in the safest way possible,” Graham said. 

He looks after approximately 300 Men’s Sheds across Western Australia and South Australia. 

“At Carbatec we see the Sheds as a really important initiative, helping and supporting  people especially as they reach retirement age,” Graham said.  

This commitment is evident in Graham’s day-to-day work, which involves delivering complimentary onsite workshops and courses tailored to the unique needs of the Sheds. These sessions cover crucial topics such as machine safety, proper setup and operation, and strategies for maintaining a collaborative and hazard-free environment. 

“We are committed to supporting the Community / Men’s Sheds and demonstrate this by providing special discounts on products purchased. Equally, through my activities, we support shed members to extend their woodworking knowledge and abilities whilst making sure that safety is front of mind.” 

“Our Intent is to increase the skill level that  Shed members might have and in some cases simply help them to feel more comfortable in using various pieces of equipment. In truth,  woodworking equipment can be quite scary, especially if you’re not from a wood working background and some people are a bit hesitant to want to use it,” Graham said. 

His own experience in woodworking is the result of years of self-teaching and hands-on experience. His personal journey into the craft gives him a unique perspective when working with Men’s Sheds. He understands the challenges and joys of learning woodworking techniques from scratch and is passionate about sharing his knowledge to help others thrive. 

“What drives me is the thought of helping people,” he said.  

“The satisfaction I get working with the Sheds is seeing an improvement in the projects they undertake,  coupled with the fact that no one has injured themselves  while I’ve been on my watch. My focus and interest is to make sure people get the most they can out of the Sheds. Where Carbatec and I can help, we want to do the most we can.” 

For Graham, safety is paramount. His workshops emphasize not just the technical aspects of woodworking but also the broader considerations of running a safe and inclusive Shed. His ultimate goal is to ensure every Shed he works with becomes a thriving and secure space for its members. 

While visiting around 300 Sheds across two different states, Graham has been able to gather a lot of information about successful Shed activities. 

“I get to hear of some great projects that Sheds undertake that often contribute significant revenue, helping to keep the shed financially buoyant,” he said. 

“Where possible, I can use this information to help other sheds avoid any pitfalls in adopting new initiatives or kick start a conversation between sheds to share information.”

Although Graham is currently immersed in his role, he’s already looking forward to the day when he can join a Men’s Shed himself. Until then, he’s committed to giving his all to the Sheds he supports through Carbatec. 

His appreciation for the Men’s Shed movement and his dedication to its mission make him a valued ally for these groups. His work not only helps ensure that members can engage in woodworking safely but also reinforces the vital social connections that make the Sheds so meaningful. 

Graham’s story is a testament to the importance of community and the value of sharing knowledge. As someone who shifted from IT to woodworking, he demonstrates that it is possible to follow a passion and make a difference. Through his work with Carbatec, Graham is contributing to a safer and more connected woodworking community across Western Australia and South Australia.  

For anyone fortunate enough to attend one of Graham’s workshops or meet him during a Shed visit, the value of his contribution is clear. And for those yet to reach out, his message is simple: “If anybody in a Shed thinks we can help, they just need to call me.”