Community
22 July, 2026
One man’s trash is another man’s robot at Wyche Probus
Trickbot’s Nullawil’s Dan Trickey was the guest speaker, who treated members to afternoon tea and a show as he presented them with eight sculptures made from an old toaster and more innovative former pieces of rubbish.
WYCHEPROOF Probus got a look into the future at this month’s meeting.
Trickbot’s Nullawil’s Dan Trickey was the guest speaker, who treated members to afternoon tea and a show as he presented them with eight sculptures made from an old toaster and more innovative former pieces of rubbish.
“Dan talked about his past career as a motor mechanic and hurting his back, how he had only ever envisaged being a mechanic and how that was cut short,” Probus publication officer Martin Duke said.
“He did suffer some depression due to the inability to work as a mechanic, but he eventually remembered that he loved tinkering on the side ‘after hours’ with metal items and perhaps could make his passion his income.”
Having been pensioned off his mechanics work just prior to the 2020 pandemic lock downs, Dan and his wife Maz started a new business down in south Gippsland. What started as selling his creations at markets was quickly shut down when restrictions were put in place.
The couple decided it was time for some new scenery, so after looking and a few failed attempts, they found a property in Nullawil.
“Within the 16 days, he moved thousands of tyres, loads of Metal Art, 11 cars as well as everything else to Nullawil,” Mr Duke said.
“The new neighbour looked over the fence and was initially concerned.
“Within another three days, Dan had sorted, organised and set up the yard to be in a presentable state, and the neighbour could see how things could improve. Trickbots was then set up.”
Dan’s concern was making a career out of a hobby, how would that work and how would he get satisfaction.
But it was the joy people get from looking at his art work that he says was his reason to continue.
“He said he feels thankful he is doing what he loves,” Mr Duke said.
“He is also so grateful for the support he has from his wife and daughter.”
Dan told Probus that each sculpture takes time, the parts have to be cleaned and then put together then painted - five to six hours would go into each item.
Small items might take two and a half hours.
“Dan likes his artwork to be clean and protected, however he observed that some folk like Rusty Art work,” Mr Duke said.
“He said he uses automotive paints and had found a clear finish for his works, as he would like the art work to last for 30 years.
Dan said he has lots of ideas, and now has a note pad at his bedside, so he does not have to wake up his wife to tell her of his latest ideas.
Dan credits his wife Maz for all the support she provides, her going to work at the Wycheproof Supermarket, which has helped them financially to move forward.
Dan talked of having depression and what helped him through.
He told stories of people visiting his art sculptures and how one lady who had been depressed for years, however she and her husband visited and bought a small sculpture.
Dan was unaware of her depression until a phone call from the husband a few days later advising of the joy she got and still gets from the artwork, and how that had helped her through to a positive state.
The couples are now friends and they get regular visits from that couple.
He said laughter is the best experience for himself and others.
He had wondered how he would get satisfaction himself without a steady job, but now finds that joy in others visiting him and viewing the sculptures and artwork gives him great satisfaction.
Christmas in July
EIGHTEEN of the Wycheproof Probus members made the journey to the Kerang Sporting Centre and enjoyed a special Christmas in July hot meal.
Mr Duke said the meal was greatly enjoyed.
The main course consisted of three meats and vegetables, and was finished with hot plum pudding and sauce.
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