WELL-known identity around Braybrook, Neil Dillon is hanging up his tool-belt after two decades.
Mr Dillon, 81 (pictured), has been recognised for his 20 years of work as a volunteer since founding the Western Region Tool Library with a handful of tools in 1992.
He has been honoured by Maribyrnong Council as part of celebrations commemorating 50 years since the Braybrook Community Hall was officially opened in 1962.
Mr Dillon’s enthusiasm for his work with the not-for-profit community service has never waned. “People can’t believe I’m 81. The work keeps me young and active.”
The master builder of 30 years established the library with the help of colleagues from a men’s support group.
After Mr Dillon and his wife moved into a unit in 1996, there was no space for him to stock his tools so the Braybrook Community Centre and Western Region Health Centre provided an empty garage.
“People saw my workshop and asked me several times, ‘How do you do this?’ Eventually, we had the idea of setting up classes to relieve the boredom of just sitting around.”
Mr Dillon has helped people build everything from chairs and tables to dog kennels. He has also helped with house renovations.
Mr Dillon has dedicated up to six hours a day to the centre and taught woodwork to dozens of eager students.
While officially retired, he continues to act as an adviser to the Braybrook tool library.
Asked whether he has more to offer in the coming years, Mr Dillon says: “My word I do. I’ll continue carpentry as long as I possibly can.”
