Community icon William ‘Bill’ Upton recently celebrated his 95th birthday at the Ridley Road Community Men’s Shed, a place that has played a pivotal role in his post-retirement life.
Bill, who enjoyed a successful career running a large building company, made history as the first Australian builder to use a tower crane to construct a high-rise building. After retiring, he shifted his focus to community service.
At 79, Bill was invited to join the committee of the Ridley Road Community Men’s Shed. His leadership was crucial in the Shed’s development, with the first sod turned in 2008 and its official opening in 2010.
“I was able to assist in getting information from suppliers of woodworking equipment and we built the Shed,” Bill said. “I was invited to be the first chairman of the Shed.”
The Importance of Community and Connection in Retirement
Bill said the Men’s Shed had been a source of great enjoyment.
“It came at the right time,” he said. “It gave me the opportunity to lead a very active retirement.
“I needed to have a group of friends and the Ridley Road Community Men’s Shed provided that opportunity.
“While I’m unable to do a lot of the things I was able to do at the start of the Shed, I still enjoy the company. It’s kept me active physically and mentally and I’ve enjoyed the friendships that I’ve made.”
Bill’s legacy also includes building the original Girl Guide Gut on Dundalli Street in West Chermside in the 1960s/70s, now the Girl Guides Queensland Archive.
In his retirement, he served in multiple roles with the Rotary Club of Aspley, including District Governor.
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