A Love Of Wood, A Life In Wood
Born on the side of the road between Tamborine Village and Beaudesert in October 1938, just near the bridge at Flagstone Creek, the second of seven children of parents Alfred and Florence Bobermien, Graham Bobermien (a fifth generation early pioneer of Logan Village) has lived all of life in the local region. From a family of timber-getters and carpenters, Graham has been working with wood as long as anyone can remember. When mere children, ‘aspiring timber-getter’ brother Doug tried to cut down a wild tobacco bush on their dairy farm property at Pine Creek, Canungra, and almost cut Graham’s left toe off with the bush hook instead. In 1946, the family moved to an 80 acre dairy farm homestead at Stockleigh where Graham enjoyed his teenage years, working the farm and the milk and cream run to the Logan Village Railway Station, where it was then transported to the Kingston Butter Factory. In this year, he also began school at Maclean School. Graham joyfully recalls how he and his siblings had to row a boat across the river to Chambers Flat Road to get to school and back.
Originally owning the Saw Mill at Bobermien Road, Logan Village, upon selling the business to his Uncle Colin (who had an accident cutting off three fingers from his right hand not long after purchasing the mill) he moved equipment into sheds on his property at Logan Village and began creating a multitude of wooden items from red cedar and many other varieties of timber – some from lightning struck camphor laurel trees he has managed to cut down. He has also constructed a rail to guide heavy logs into his shed.
Noeleen Bobermien, Graham’s daughter and local historian, proudly shows us his immense collection of wooden products, including bowls, platters, trays, planters, and very impressive Grandfather clocks (one named for each of his eight grandchildren). If it can be made out of wood, it appears Graham can make it. He has also built several houses including his own home, it too lined with red cedar and silky oak timber, and also very impressive. Together with his wife, Glenys, the love of his life (whom he met working behind the counter at the Logan Village Post Office and general store – owned by her parents, Stan and Myra Warwick), used to have a stall at the Tamborine Markets but had to stop attending when she sadly became unwell in 2016.
Graham still manages to turn out countless items every week in his workshop, an occupation he greatly enjoys and showing to visitors of all ages.
Noeleen has moved in with her father since the recent passing of her mother to care for him and keep him company, and decided, due to the sheer quantity of wooden creations discovered in the shed, to make available Graham’s handiwork for viewing and sale on Saturdays. “‘The Shed Shop’ is proving to be more of a lovely place for small hobbyist to come and gather timber, slabs, and items to be creative with, so I am always giving them ideas for things they can make. The Facebook page ‘Graham – the Silky Oak Timber Man’ is proving to be very popular and well loved by the local community.” Noeleen said.
It is Graham’s birthday at the end this month, and he turns a young 82. We would like to wish Graham a very happy birthday, and thank you for showing us a little piece of your amazing life!