To many people, they’re simply toy cars and collectables. To Gary, every item tells a story. Each piece has its own history, memories and value and over the years, his passion has grown into much more than a collection. It has become a way to connect with others, build confidence, develop new skills and share his knowledge with the community.
At MaudCare, we believe meaningful support starts by understanding what matters most to each individual. By building on a person’s interests and strengths, we can create opportunities that encourage independence, confidence and genuine community participation.
For Gary, collecting began many years ago with model cars, particularly Holden and Ford vehicles. What started as picking up the occasional collectable gradually grew into an impressive collection of more than 1,000 cars, figurines and vintage toys. Along the way, Gary discovered that every collectable has its own story and learning about the history behind each item became just as enjoyable as finding it.
Today, Gary regularly visits markets, auctions and collectable events with the support of his peer mentor, Kylie. While he still enjoys searching for hidden treasures and the occasional bargain, the markets have become about much more than buying and selling. They have become a place where Gary can connect with others who share the same passion.
One of Gary’s favourite pieces is a vintage tin haunted house that still works today. The roof shakes, the windows light up and it even makes sounds. It’s a special item in his collection and one he believes is now worth around $2,000.
Gary also enjoys researching the value of his collectables, learning about their history and deciding fair prices before selling them. Through this hobby, he has developed valuable skills in organisation, money handling, researching collectables and communicating with customers.
Over time, the markets have helped Gary build confidence in ways that extend well beyond his collection.
He enjoys talking with customers, sharing the stories behind his collectables and helping people find pieces that interest them. He has also formed friendships with other collectors and now recognises many familiar faces each time he attends a market.
With Kylie’s support, Gary has become increasingly independent. Together they transport his collection, set up his market stall and explore auctions and markets in search of new treasures. Today, Gary is confidently able to set up his own stall, display his collectables and price his items independently, demonstrating just how much his confidence and skills have grown.
Kylie has seen remarkable changes since supporting Gary.
“One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is Gary’s confidence and social skills,” she said. “At the markets he enjoys chatting with customers, sharing his knowledge about his collection and teaching others about the history and value of his collectables. It’s been wonderful to watch him become so independent that he can set up his own stall and confidently price his own items.”
Gary is also beginning to think about the future of his collection. While he still enjoys finding unique pieces, his goal is to sell more of his collectables through markets and online auctions, allowing him to carefully downsize while continuing to share his passion with other collectors.
When asked what advice he would give someone starting their own collection, Gary encourages people to take the time to learn about the items they are buying, understand their value and discover the different collections available. For him, collecting has always been about more than simply owning something, it’s about appreciating the history behind it.
As Gary puts it:
“Every collectable has its own story and history to learn about. It’s fun to find new treasures.”
Gary’s journey is a wonderful example of how a lifelong passion can become a pathway to confidence, independence and meaningful community connections. What began as a hobby has helped him develop practical life skills, build friendships and share his knowledge with others who appreciate the stories behind every collectable.
At MaudCare, we’re proud to support Gary in turning his passion into something that continues to inspire confidence, connection and personal growth, proving that sometimes, a collection can be so much more than just a collection.
