The Caboolture and District Woodcrafters Incorporated, a thriving woodworking club, will celebrate its 25th anniversary on 15 July.
What started as a small gathering of woodworkers has evolved into a dynamic community of enthusiasts, fostering a love for woodworking and promoting various crafts associated with the trade.
“The club's early days saw members like John Luxhoj and Jack Anderson generously sharing their sheds and skills. Dori, John, and Jack, remain connected to the club, with Dori being the sole active member from the pre-incorporation era. John and Jack, now both in their nineties, continue to inspire the woodworking community with their knowledge and experience.”
The club's inception can be traced back to Sunday, April 19th, 1998, when a group of like-minded individuals, including Dori Durisotti, John Horsburgh, Ron Turner, Dick McKean, Jack Stocks, and Cassie Durisotti, met at Dori's home. Sharing a passion for woodcraft and struggling to find suitable meeting times at other clubs, they decided to establish a woodworking club in Caboolture.
Following their initial meeting, the group organised a subsequent gathering on May 17th, 1998, at Dick McKean's house. Thirty-two individuals attended, and it was during this meeting that the decision was made to form a committee. The committee aimed to hold regular Sunday meetings, providing a platform to discuss the club's future direction and arrange demonstrations showcasing various aspects of wood crafting.
On June 2nd, 1998, the club convened in a classroom at 14 Carlisle St Morayfield. The meeting, attended by 37 individuals, including the Mayor, demonstrated the seriousness and commitment of the woodcrafters to establish a thriving club in the region. As a testament to their dedication, the Caboolture and District Woodcrafters Incorporated was formally incorporated under the Association Incorporation Act 1981 on July 15th, 1998.
The club's early days saw members like John Luxhoj and Jack Anderson generously sharing their sheds and skills. Dori, John, and Jack, all esteemed life members, remain connected to the club, with Dori being the sole active member from the pre-incorporation era. Remarkably, John and Jack, now both in their nineties, continue to inspire the woodworking community with their knowledge and experience.
Over the years, Caboolture and District Woodcrafters Incorporated has expanded its horizons, encompassing a broad range of woodworking disciplines. From woodturning, pyrography, and scroll saw work to toy making, basic woodwork, carving, CNC machining, and even milling with horizontal bandsaws and Lucas mills for slabbing, the club welcomes enthusiasts with diverse interests and expertise.
The woodworking club actively engages with the local community, showcasing its philanthropic spirit by donating hundreds of handmade toys to local charities each Christmas. The club boasts a diverse membership, including males and females aged 14 and above, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
With approximately 120 members, Caboolture and District Woodcrafters Incorporated has expanded its operations and currently utilises three sheds at the Caboolture Historical Village. The club's doors are open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings from 8 am to 12 pm and Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5 pm to 8:45 pm, providing ample opportunities for members to pursue their woodworking passions.
To sustain their endeavours, the club organises fundraisers to maintain machinery, covering rent, power expenses, and insurance costs. Additionally, members showcase and sell their creations twice a year alongside club merchandise at stalls in local shopping centres.
The Caboolture and District Woodcrafters Incorporated actively engages with the community, participating in local events such as the CHV and the annual show. During these occasions, members conduct demonstrations, display their craftsmanship, and facilitate sales, all while promoting the art of woodworking to a broader audience.
The club takes pride in nurturing the next generation of woodworkers. Through their Junior Program, they have successfully guided aspiring artisans, some of whom have progressed to become tradespeople. Two former junior members have established their own woodworking businesses, demonstrating the club's profound impact on the local woodworking industry.
With its dedicated members, extensive range of woodworking disciplines, and commitment to community engagement, the Caboolture and District Woodcrafters Incorporated continues to serve as a haven for woodworking enthusiasts in the region. As they craft intricate art pieces and spread their knowledge, the club remains a testament to the enduring allure and craftsmanship of woodworking.
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