A brief history and overview

The Eltham and District Woodwork club has been operating since 1987, its prime objective being to promote the finer skills of woodworking in the local community. Run entirely by volunteers, club members develop skills and complete projects by mutual assistance, sharing knowledge and experience across a range of activities which include cabinet making, wood turning, carving, and scroll sawing.

Skills learned are put to good use by members. They may complete projects on an individual basis, work in groups on club projects, and participate in public woodwork demonstrations, local shows and community assistance programs. The club assists a wide range of community groups, having undertaken projects for local organisations such as Schools, CFA, Museums, Churches, and the Children’s Hospital. Each year, club members assist at the Nillumbik Community Health Centre providing woodwork sessions for the frail aged and acquired brain injury groups.

Supported by the Shire of Nillumbik, the club contributes strongly to the “active living” objectives of our local community. The opportunity for individuals to participate in projects either independently or as part of voluntary groups is a meaningful way to employ leisure time, and contributes to the health and well being of those involved.. Members include men and women of varying age and woodworking ability, many of whom are retirees bringing wide experience to the club.

In November each year an exhibition is held, at which members display work they have completed throughout the year. The exhibition displays items across all woodwork disciplines, and provides the opportunity for members to demonstrate skills they have acquired through club participation. Important features of the exhibition are a “hands on” woodwork program for children, and continuous demonstrations of traditional woodwork skills by demonstrators drawn from within the club and the local community.