New members are welcomed by the Woodies!

The Blackall Range Woodcrafters Guild was formed in 1996 out of the need to create a shared space where lovers of wood and woodcrafting from all walks of life could come together and practice their craft.

Today, it is a thriving community based in Montville, where people can come together and access a range of timber, tools and machinery and create anything from children’s toys, jewellery boxes, to grand pieces of furniture and fine art sculptures.

Beginners can learn from experienced woodworkers through a range of workshops and events, and the community is welcome to visit periodic exhibitions and purchase the work of talented local artisans.

As Aime Ontario Fraser says, “Woodworking matters. It’s more than a pastime or hobby. Being a woodworker means you know the satisfaction and pride that comes from using your hands and mind to build beautiful, functional objects. You’re as interested in the process as the outcome.

“Amid the speed and chaos of the modern world, woodworking gives us a place where we can slow down, pay attention and take the time to do things right.”

Since its inception, the ‘Woodies’ have earned an enviable reputation for thousands of donations made voluntarily by its members to Sunshine Coast community organisations and continues to do so. 

The Salvation Army Children’s Christmas Toy Appeal has been the recipient of thousands of wooden toys donated by members who spend the whole year at their workshops situated at the Montville Sportsground making toys for this very worthy cause.

In addition, the Woodies hold a Children’s workshop which encourages children to try woodworking under the guidance and watchful eyes of experienced woodworkers from the Blackall Range Woodies.

Did you know that the magnificent entry doors to the Maleny Community Centre were made by Woodies members and donated to the Centre? Woodies’ members worked for over six months to create these doors, of which they are extremely proud.

Woodies members also designed and built the unique carved entry doors to the Mary Cairncross Park Discovery Centre in Maleny.

Blackall Range Woodcrafters Guild Inc acknowledges the support of the Sunshine Coast Council with grants to upgrade equipment and infrastructure which has allowed our members to continue to produce high quality woodwork, and support community organisations with donations of high quality woodwork.

If you are interested in becoming a members, there are many benefits, such as access to a range of excellent and varied timber to purchase for your projects; a number of exhibitions through the year providing opportunities to display and sell your work; periodic competitions which provide the opportunity to have your work assessed against the work of others (a great way to learn and improve your skills), and regular training sessions in all aspects of woodworking.

Member Jane Miller shares, “Getting involved in woodworking with the Blackall Range Woodies has been one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done. Great mates, new skills, and I am constantly creating new things!”

If you’d like to get involved, email secretary@blackallrangewoodies.org.au, or call 0409 050 418  during shed hours – Mon/Tues 8am-11,30am, Wednesday 8am-2.30pm, Thurs/Fri/Sat 8am-11.30am.