ABOUT US
Purpose of the Bellarine Woodworkers Inc.
To encourage an active interest in all aspects of woodworking through:
· Regular Club meetings, social events and group outings.
· Workshop activities and specialist interest groups.
· Community projects for local not-for-profit organisations.
· Teaching and training in woodworking and safety.
· Fellowship with local woodworkers.
· Organising exhibitions of members’ woodwork.
The ultimate aim of the Club is to be able to provide a comfortable, stimulating, and safe working environment for members, particularly those who are not able to support a home workshop of their own, or have the necessary equipment.
Club History
In 1983, seven retired men with a common interest in woodworking met in Point Lonsdale with the aim of starting a woodworking group in the local area. This led to the formation of the Queenscliff and District Woodcrafters Guild. Meetings were held at the Queenscliff High School woodwork rooms twice a month during the school year. Despite this limitation of meetings to align with the school year, the location and associated facilities such as work benches and use of the school equipment, using the school was a real benefit. The membership grew quickly and by 1988 had reached 35, with members residing on both sides of the Bellarine Peninsular. In 1994 the group held an exhibition of their work which has continued each year to this day, with interest from all over the state.
When the Queenscliff High School was closed in 1997, the group found a home at the new Bellarine Secondary College in Drysdale, using its woodworking facilities. However, the members perceived this change to be a backward step due to the limited access to the venue, difficulty of access for members with a disability, and limited car parking for the increasing membership numbers. This situation led to meetings being moved to the railways station buildings in Drysdale.
Membership continued to grow, again impacting on the Club’s accommodation. Meetings were move to the Springdale Neighbourhood Centre in Drysdale. This however did not overcome the problem of providing hands-on instruction and demonstrations. With government funding, a workshop was built at the railway site.
At a general meeting in 2006, the name of the Club was changed to the Bellarine Woodworkers Inc. to reflect the membership residency across the Bellarine Peninsular.
Within the Club there are several special interest groups:
Box Making
Carving
General Woodworking
Guitar Making
Intarsia
Model Making
Wood Turning
All specialist interest groups meet at the Club's workshop at the Drysdale railway reserve. Instruction and tuition are provided by the more experienced members, using the Club's equipment and tools.
Club Members
The background of the members varies and includes carpenters, mechanics, teachers, engineers, electricians and plumbers, most of whom are retired. The Club encourages women to join as we are definitely not a “Men’s Shed”. Members have varying years of experience and a common interest in working with wood. All members are encouraged to share their knowledge and learn new skills from others. Our membership is around 100 of whom 25% are women.
Since the year 2000, a "Woody of the Year" has been awarded to a member who has given exceptional service to the Club. In 2001, Life Membership was introduced and has been awarded to members who have provided a high level of service to Club over a number of years.
Club Meetings
The Club meets in the morning on the second day of each month at 11am. The meeting is very informal and includes a “Show and Share” session, an activity or demonstration, and is usually followed by a sausage sizzle to provide the opportunity for members to network and socialize.
Members are encouraged to participate in the “Show and Share” section of the meeting by bringing items of interest for showing to other members, talking about their experiences that may be of interest, or seeking assistance with problems that they may be encountering in their woodworking.
There is ample opportunity for questions to be asked at this meeting as well as informal discussions with individual members during the tea and coffee break.
At times, activities or demonstrations are held at the Club’s workshop and may include a BBQ lunch.
Club Constitution and By-laws
The Club is incorporated under the Associations Incorporations Reform Act (2012). The Club Constitution (known in the Act as the “Rules of Association”) is based on the Model Rules set out in the Act.
The Club also has a set of by-laws that define the day-to-day operations of the Club, particularly setting out the limitations that are placed on the Committee to act on behalf of the Club, and the reporting of actions by the Committee to the Club members.