DEREK WHITMILL
Born in South Africa, Derek arrived in Australia 1988.
A butcher by trade, he started his career in Australia in the food industry which included a pizza shop and then pie manufacturing business. He also invented a fishing related product which he sold on the internet.
Since childhood he always found joy in his creative side by making and renovating things at home.
About 16 years ago, Derek volunteered to make the desks and chairs for the new Cairns Hinterland Steiner School, which his children attended. It was during this time that he realised that his passion and purpose was to work with his hands.
At the age of 48 Derek had the opportunity to do a mature age student cabinetmaking apprenticeship which led to the start of his business eight years ago and he hasn’t looked back since.
I DO WHAT I LOVE AND LOVE WHAT I DO
MY VALUES
As the owner of Independent Cabinetmaker I guide my clients as they take their first and sometimes overwhelming steps into kitchen design and renovating. I am committed to providing an excellent service that meets their their specific needs and budget.


PASSION
I do what I love and I love what I do. My passion for my work is evident in every project I undertake from beginning to end.


SERVICE
Customer service is my focus and you can rely on receiving quality workmanship, superior business relationships and meeting deadlines of projects.


PASSION
Understanding my customers needs and interpreting their ideas which result in the end product exceeding their expectations.
A BUSINESS BUILT ON REFERRALS
The success of my business has been built on word of mouth referrals based on:
- Excellent people skills
- Satisfied clients
- Outstanding hand made products
- High attention to detail
- Entire project undertaken and personally made by me
All projects delivered on time