Jason Rhoades has made it his life’s work to continue a century-old family legacy of building, farming and timber services in Canungra.
The Rhoades family have lived in the district for more than 120 years with roots tracing back to Jason’s great-grandparents in Boyland during the 1900s.
The family business was later established by his grandfather Sidney and continued by his father Eric.
Today, Jason proudly upholds that 107-year tradition.
Early life
Born in 1964 at Beaudesert Hospital, Jason grew up in the family home at Botan Creek – a property originally purchased by his parents in 1930.
He still lives there today on Rhoades Road, a street named in recognition of his family’s long-standing presence in the area.
He grew up with his siblings Narelle, Warren, Dell and Erin.
Jason attended Canungra Primary School and Beaudesert State High School where he enjoyed sport, particularly excelling in short distance running.
Alongside his younger brother Erin, Jason developed a strong competitive streak.
From the age of 14, the pair competed in steer riding at local rodeos, continuing into their early 20s.
Both achieved championship success and still hold onto their belt buckle trophies as a reminder of those days.
Farming, bees and show success
From an early age, Jason followed the agricultural traditions of his family, developing a strong interest in beekeeping and fruit growing.
He and Erin regularly exhibited produce at the Canungra Show, earning multiple awards.
At the Canungra Centenary Show in 1979, they were recognised as the most successful exhibitors.
Jason also helped produce first-grade honey, supplying Capilano Ltd and distributing product as far as Sydney.
From belt buckle to tool belt
Jason’s ambition to become a builder began at just five years old, inspired by his father and grandfather.
In 1980, he began a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship under his father and obtained his BSA builder’s license in 1991.
By 1984, at age 20, Jason officially joined the family business.
Jason’s focus gravitated toward carpentry while the farming side continued with fruit production and cattle breeding, including a shift to Santa Gertrudis.
Timber operations also continued with a focus on selecting quality materials for construction.
The building arm of the business evolved to service commercial, domestic, rural and industrial projects across the region.
Jason has worked on numerous structures throughout the Canungra district with some projects spanning multiple generations of the family’s involvement.
The Canungra Show Pavillion is one example where all three generations contributed at different stages.
Jason, along with Eric, also helped construct the first rotary dairy in Canungra in 1990.
He recalls that some early projects even bear the family’s engraved markings in timber, left as a signature after completion.
A tangible link between generations is also preserved in the original hammers used by all three generations of builders, kept today as a tribute to the evolution of tools and craftsmanship within the family.
Active life and legacy
Outside of work, Jason remains highly active.
He enjoys bushwalking and has climbed Uluru 10 times over 12 years, sometimes with his family members.
Despite decades in the industry, Jason has no intentions of slowing down.
He hopes to continue serving the community for as long as the family legacy continues – even if it eventually concludes with him.
“Somebody else has to have their chance of making a mark on the town,” he said.
The post Jason Rhoades – Keeping the Rhoades legacy going appeared first on The Canungra Times.