Airdate: Demolition Man
It was during a shoot for Aussie Pickers that talent spotters discovered Geelong-based Lawrie Voutier.
- Published by David Knox
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A new locally-produced observational series, Demolition Man, premieres next month on A&E.
The series, produced by CJZ, features Geelong-based demolition proprietor Lawrie Voutier, his crew and trucks, and collections.
Voutier has amassed one of Australia’s largest antique collections including 15 steam engines, 50 vintage petrol bowsers and hundreds of enamels signs.
Jim Buchan, General Manager – Factual said “We’re thrilled with our latest series Demolition Man as it’s a lot of fun unlike any other you’ll see on television. We discovered Lawrie in regional Victoria during the final series shoot of another of our local commissions Aussie Pickers. We knew then we’d found a real life gem of a character who’s recognisably familiar to us all being the personification of the tough, hardworking Australian battler success story.
“Lawrie is a family man with a big heart and a great team who always get the job done in spite of the odds. With their self-deprecating sense of humour these characters are reminiscent of those depicted in classic Aussie films like The Castle and Kenny yet they are truly unscripted and real making it even better. Our A&E audience are tough critics who we believe will love watching how this demolition team can turn a buck out of almost anything.”
Meet Lawrie Voutier the demolition man and his crew of misfits, big trucks and excavators as they smash, crash and bash everything from heritage mansions to industrial warehouses for cash.
Don’t be fooled, Lawrie’s not just a demolition man, he’s also a treasure hunter. He salvages stuff that would otherwise end up at the tip, finding rare items which he’s accumulated into one of the world’s best collections, worth millions.
Lawrie’s one of those people who has turned his hobby into a business. As a keen collector, Lawrie strips out anything of value from houses before he knocks them down. It might be hardwood floorboards, a fireplace or hundred year old stained glass window. Everything goes straight to his collection or is sold in his salvage yard.
Years of experience mean Lawrie’s eagle eye can pick the treasure from the trash. Combined with boundless energy and a love for the deal, Lawrie has amassed one of Australia’s largest antique collections including 15 steam engines, 50 vintage petrol bowsers and hundreds of enamels signs just to name a few.
Assisted by his right hand men, Jabba and Benny, with wife Sue by his side and son Charlie in his footsteps, Lawrie operates in a world where everything has a price – if you know where to look.
Tuesdays from March 21 at 7.30pm on A&E.
- Tagged with Aussie Pickers, Demolition Man