In his professional life, for decades, Russell had worked for one of the major local manufacturing companies on the Gold Coast, Kings Springs, a company that manufactures automotive springs, suitable for around 30 popular brands of vehicles, including some of the Chinese brands that emerged on the Australian market. “I’ve just about done every job in that factory,” he said, “from really dirty jobs such as collecting the slags, through to skilled jobs, driving industrial-size forklifts and operating the Shot Blaster.” Shot blaster? It’s a machine, similar to a sandblaster, but it uses little bullets instead of sand. This one is huge, as in the size of a room... Then he retired. But, as is not uncommon for a man who by his very nature needs to be busy, he needed something to deploy his energy and skills. What a perfect man to run our new sandblaster! And that is where you’ll find Russell on most days when the shed is active (see photo).And what does he do when he is not working at our Wheelchair Shed? Turns out he is a keen 4WD enthusiast and fisherman! And he helps his son in his roofing business (“but I don’t go up on the roof anymore”, he said), and together, they work on a 1965 Ford Mercury Comet – 2 door, or on a 1932 Ford Roadster. Is there any time left? Yes, he’ll spend it with his wife, kids and the 6 grandkids, listens to good music (Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles are some of his favourites). Great to have you on our Wheelchair Team, Russell!