Words by ALLEY PASCOE & Photo by MEL BRAUTIGAM
The Top End’s most in-demand canopy maker is building a lasting legacy.
Left to right: Stephen, Nick and Billy
There are family businesses, and then there’s The Canopy Man, the 40-odd-year-old Darwin business run by Nick Billias for the last 27 years. Working alongside Nick in his Woolner warehouse is his son Stephen, and his nephews Remi and Billy, a trades assistant and apprentice respectively. “They’re good boys,” says Nick, watching Billy, 15, sew a seat cover.
“This is a family business, we laugh a lot, the banter is non-stop.” Just like the in-jokes, the work is non-stop at The Canopy Man. Nick and the boys make shade cloths, boat covers and canopies, engine covers, canvas seat covers for vehicles, cushion covers for disabled children, boat tents, and offshore tarps, to name just a few of their services. “We’re always innovating, trying different things, and thinking outside the box. We don’t just rest on our laurels, we’re always trying to make ourselves better,” Nick says of the business’ longevity.
Father & son, Nick and Stephen. Billias
It all started in the summer of 1980. Nick was in high school and had left his work experience nomination to the last minute, leaving him with a choice between hairdressing and motor trimming (which he thought was chopping up car engines). In fact, a motor trimmer is a type of upholsterer, a lesson Nick learned during his work experience placement. After a week on the job, Nick was offered a permanent position. Two days later, he left school and started that job, and he hasn’t stopped since.
Having discovered the industry as a young fella doing work experience, Nick is passionate about repaying the favour and training the next generation of trimmers. He hopes to pass his work ethic onto his son and nephews. “I’m always telling them, do it once, do it right. Stitch straight, cut straight. Take pride in your work,” he says, admitting he feels a burst of pride when he sees one of his canopies or covers out in the wild. “The day I stop being proud of my work, is the day I stop doing the work.” Today is not that day. “I’m still happy with the things we’re designing and creating for our clients,” says Nick, admiring Billy’s finished seat cover. “It’s unbelievable to see a 15-year-old doing this kind of work!”
You can find The Canopy Man at 17 Bishop St, Woolner NT 0820
(08) 8981 8181
