Wheelnutz Garage is a small family business teaching people with disabilities how to repair and restore vehicles.
The only one of its kind in Australia, this service was born out of a home garage in late 2020.Â
Owner operators Gavin McCarthy and Jade Burgmann, together enjoyed supporting people with disabilities to explore Southeast Queensland in the back of a 4-wheel drive, packed with swags and kayaks.
A non-running Nissan Patrol at home was the inspiration to create an opportunity for these young people to not only enjoy a weekend of camping but to learn how to fix any mechanical issues and learn how to use the recovery gear they would often see, on their trips to the Sunshine Coast or the Glasshouse mountains.
For Gavin and Jade, it was an opportunity to introduce young people with disabilities to the 4-wheel drive community, and in turn, teach meaningful skills, pathways to employment and a social setting forthose interested in cars, bikes and all things automotive.
Now operating from two garages, their largest and most popular is located in Meadowbrook.
They are determined to create an environment for people with autism, sensory difficulties, acquired brain injury and neurological conditions, build friendships and grow their capacity for future employment and independence.
Recognising the sensory challenges a working automotive garage brings, experienced, skilled staff with an automotive background are handpicked, equipment selected and strategies now commonplace on the garage floor, ensuring that everyone can participate to their capacity, and everyone’s contribution is valued.
Like all good things, the cost in time and money is significant.
To ensure the program is accessible for everyone, Gavin and Jade run weekend adventure respites to afford the tools and equipment for the program to run, to provide a free barbecue lunch each day, and for those who turn up daily without breakfast, they have something to eat before the program starts.
With a commitment to strong community partnerships, the team at Wheelnutz are hugely grateful for the warm welcome and continual offer
of support from Logan City Council.
Positive relationships with council representatives have fast-tracked connections across the region.
Not only does Wheelnutz Garage create a stepping-stone to paid employment for many, but they also offer a solution to the staffing challenges for other local trades and services.
Wheelnutz Garage is operated by Adventure Crew Pty Ltd.
