WELCOME TO THE BACKSTREETS
WOOD DUST backstreets being held in Melbourne.
October 6 to 10, 2025
​WOOD DUST backstreets is a hardcore woodworking event for both the enthusiast and professional woodworker being held at the Coburg Studios in the backstreets of Melbourne.
This WOOD DUST event offers a full program including WOODWORKING WORKSHOPS featuring inspirational makers and educators from around the world. A special WELCOME DINNER where you can meet, chat and sit down for dinner with our visiting guests. And a YARN of course where you can hear all our guests’ backstories and ask your burning questions.​
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WOODWORKING WORKSHOPS
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WOOD DUST backstreets 2025 offers a full program of Woodworking Workshops including:
A Five Day Stick Chair Woodworking Workshop led by American writer and woodworker Christopher Schwarz assisted by Melbourne chair maker Bern Chandley.
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A Five Day Chair Design Masterclass led by Canadian designer/maker, teacher and mentor Michael C. Fortune assisted by Melbourne furniture maker Patrick Holcombe.
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A Three Day Kumiko and a Two Day Box Making Workshop led by American writer and craftsman Matthew Kenney
And as a special treat, and because he may never visit Australia again, Chris Schwarz will also lead a second Five Day Stick Chair Woodworking Workshop in the Newrybar Community Hall located on NSW's Far North Coast, just down the road from Byron Bay October 14 to 18, 2025.
Read on to see all the details and ticketing information below.​​​​​​
Five Day Stick Chair Workshop with Christopher Schwarz
During this Five-Day Woodworking Workshop, you will build a Seven-stick, Comb-back chair guided by Christopher Schwarz assisted by Bern Chandley. If you are into hand tools and traditional chairs, this is no doubt your ultimate chair building experience.​
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Choose your preferred venue to learn more and purchase tickets.
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Five Day Chair Design Masterclass with Michael Fortune
During this Five-Day Chair Design Woodworking Workshop held at the Coburg Studios in Melbourne, you will conceptualise, design and build a prototype chair guided by Michael Fortune assisted by Patrick Holcombe. If you want to build strong design development skills and create a resolved chair design, then this woodworking masterclass is for you.
WOOD DUST backstreets 2025
Boxes by Matthew Kenney
Three Day Kumiko Workshop with Matthew Kenney
During this Three-Day Kumiko Woodworking Workshop, you will practice and learn the art of Kumiko guided by Matthew Kenney. This workshop is suitable for both new and the more experienced Kumiko maker.
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Two Day Box Making Workshop with Matthew Kenney
During this Two-Day Box Making Woodworking Workshop, you will make and finish a delicate and detailed box guided by craftsman Matthew Kenney. This workshop is suitable for both new and the more experienced woodworker.
MORE TO COME
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The WELCOME DINNER - Tuesday October 7 from 6.00pm in Brunswick Melbourne, speakers and special guests to be announced.
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The YARN - Thursday October 9 from 6.00pm in Brunswick Melbourne, speakers and special guests to be announced.​​​
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There is a little further to go. Information and Tickets to the WELCOME DINNER and the YARN will also become available soon as venue details are confirmed. Stay tuned for more as our event unfolds, tell your friends and get ready for WOOD DUST backstreets.
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Located in the Byron Bay Hinterland
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Newrybar is a historic village located just west of Byron Bay, a ten minutes drive from Ballina in far Northern NSW. The Newrybar Community Hall was built in 1899 and features solid timber floors, views of the valley and great natural light. Harvest cafe and a convenience store are across the street, accommodation options are plentiful. Broken Head beach is just down the road. This is your perfect regional hideaway to get woodworking.
The week after WOOD DUST backstreets Chris Schwarz will lead a 5 Day Stick Chair Woodworking Workshop in the Newrybar Hall. If you are in Brisbane it's only two hours down the highway. If you are in Sydney, it's a direct one hour flight into Ballina.
If you have ever wanted an unforgettable woodworking experience, this may be it. Places are limited, tickets coming soon.
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About Newrybar NSW​​​​
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The Newrybar Community Hall
Fantail Chair by Michael Fortune
About Coburg Studios​​​​​
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69 Charles Street, Coburg 3058
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Coburg Studios is an arts and creative hub in the new Merri-bek Creative Precinct offering studios and creative spaces for designers & artists of all disciplines. ​Ground floor of the Coburg Studios is where all the action is with over 1000 square metres of woodworking Nirvana fully equiped to meet the needs of WOOD DUST backstreets.
Coburg Studios offers extensive street parking or is a 15 minute walk along Gaffney Street from Batman Station. Batman is on the Upfield train line direct from the CBD via the northern inner suburbs of Melbourne. Gaffney Street is also serviced by bus. Pentridge Shopping Mall featuring accommodation, bars, restaurants, cinemas and all types of shopping is just down the road.
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Backstreets?
Where it all happens
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If you have ever been an inner city woodworker then you will know the backstreets. Those lines of old factories. Shared work spaces. Graffiti. Taking inspiration from what you find and see. Making it work. The backstreets are where it all happens.​
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See you in the backstreets at WOOD DUST 2025.
Seven Stick Chair by Christopher Schwarz