The Manning's Bailey Farr is gaining a reputation for exemplary work as a carpenter and joiner.
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He was named Apprentice of the Year in the 2020 Hunter Housing Awards. From that win, he earned himself a place as a national finalist in the 2021 Housing Industry Association - CSR Australian Housing Awards 'Jim Brookes Australian Apprentice of the Year 2021' category.
Bailey was first nominated for the Hunter Housing Awards by his employer Viison Kitchens in Taree and Forster in 2019, as a second-year apprentice. That year he made it to the top three in the finals, but didn't win.
"In the first year when I was a finalist, I didn't even win but I didn't care at all, because it was just such a great night," Bailey said.
Luckily the 2019 awards were pre-COVID and Bailey was able to experience an awards ceremony where they were plied with champagne and a three course meal.
Unfortunately the 2020 awards had to take place digitally. Comedian Ed Kavalee was host for the ceremony.
"We weren't in the atmosphere at the awards because of COVID, it wasn't at the top level of excitement but I was still super excited that I won it. Just watching it online and seeming my name and photo pop up, was just like 'wow'. It was an incredible experience.
The 2021 2021 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards also had to be held digitally. The national awards, hosted by Osher Gunsberg, took place on July 30, 2021, the same day as Bailey completed his apprenticeship.
"Unfortunately I didn't get it but I think it's still a huge achievement for myself to be in the running three years in a row. It's something I'll definitely keep on my resume forever," Bailey said.
I reckon it's an incredible job and I'm proud, and I love my work.
Now a fully qualified tradesman, Bailey works full time with Viison Kitchens.
"I reckon it's an incredible job and I'm proud, and I love my work. I've got a huge passion for it."
On weekends he is working to build his own company, BMF Carpentry and Joinery. He only started getting set up a few months ago, and this weekend has his first job in Newcastle.
And somehow, Bailey, with his partner Caitlyn Cameron, finds the time to work on his big dream - owning their own home by the time they are 40 years old by building and selling houses.
They have already bought, renovated and sold their first house, and are now in the process of building a house in the new King Valley Drive Estate in Taree. Once finished, they will live in that house while building another house.
"Once the next stage of that development opens up and the land comes on sale I'll buy another block and do it again. It's a lot of moving, but it's worth it in the end," Bailey said.
"I've sacrificed a lot of time to do it all, but there's a big light at the end of the tunnel, and I'll be laughing at the end of it."
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