Redcliffe and District Woodcraft Society (RDWS) began in 1992 and continues to expand upon strong roots in skilled workmanship and community connection.
Located off Oxley Avenue in a building that was once a Scouts hall, and with an added workshop as an upgrade, the society is a hub for passionate local woodworkers.
According to outgoing president Ernie Hobson, the organisation provides for a range of interests and skills, including, but not limited to, musical instrument making, woodturning, pyrography, wood carving, toy making, box making, scroll sawing, and furniture making.
Although RDWS has its traditions, including featuring at the Redcliffe Show every year, it has adapted over time to suit modernity.
“We moved to a larger building in 2004 as our member numbers and variety of activities expanded,” Mr Hobson said.
Community Connection, Sustainability, and Leadership Transition
With a new president moving into the leading role, the society builds on the legacy of Mr Hobson, who served for the past three years, and the contributions of life members, founding members, past presidents and committee members.
According to incoming president Shona McKay, after retiring from a career in education, she had decided to drop by the clubhouse to have a look around.
“I had no experience at all with woodworking but was given lots of support and training to help me complete projects and make things that my friends and family enjoy,” Ms McKay said.
She said that it wasn’t just learning new skills and improving on existing abilities that was a benefit of being a part of the society, but that social cohesion was a vital offshoot.
“Social isolation can impact upon retired and unemployed people, and our club plays a strong role in providing the social connections and friendships needed when people leave the workforce,” she said.
Ms McKay said that working with wood also provides members with a link to nature and to utilise timber that would otherwise have been wood chipped or burnt.
“We supply the timber for our members through our sawmilling facility and always appreciate donations of uncut timbers,” Mr Hobson added.
Find RDWS on Facebook at ‘Redcliffe Woodcraft’ or visit 463 Oxley Avenue, Redcliffe (covered footwear required).
Email redcliffewoodcraft@gmail.com for general enquiries.
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