In 1978 twenty woodworkers participated in an exhibition "Woodcraft ‘78" at the design Centre in Sydney. The exhibition proved to be popular beyond all expectations, and in response, "Woodworkers’ Group was established later that year. The new wood working association became the vehicle whereby meetings, projects and exhibitions were organised. The group later adopted the name "The Woodworkers Association of NSW (incorporated)".

The founders, Leon Sadubin, Alan Wale and Les Miller, and many members, have become well known both in Australia and internationally.

Leon Sadubin is best known for his furniture in (the new) Parliament House and the Power House Museum. Les Miller was foremost an eductor who became a household name with his participating in the ABC’s "Woodies" program and "The New Inventors". Alan Wale established Sturt School for Wood in Mittagong which is currently in its 20 ^th year.

Members such as Tony Kenway, Mathew Harding and Evan Dunstone have been awarded Churchill Fellowships as well as international recognition for their work. Many other members working quietly away on commissions produce uniquely designed and made furniture and other wooden objects. Many are hardly known outside of a their clientele base and woodworking enthusiasts. .

The Association is a forum for all those interested in wood. Many amateurs, both seriously dedicated and slightly interested, benefit from our regular bi-monthly meetings and other activities. Some have gone on to become full time woodworkers.

The bi-monthly general meetings provide a forum for discussion, demonstrations and presentation by guest speakers. Guests are always welcome. There are also periodic vests to member’s workshops and other sites of interest as well as group projects and competitions. Our bi-monthly newsletter and web site are important lines of communication between members particularly those outside the Sydney metropolitan area as well as other interested people.

The Association also provides an educational role in promoting fine woodwork to the general public and assisting people seeking our assistance. We have a regular presence at events such as The Timber and Working with Wood Show, "Out of the Woodwork" (Historic Houses Trust), and activities of State Forests of NSW. The public also seek assistance via our website.

The Association was born from an exhibition of fine woodwork. There is a proud history of continuing exhibitions, albeit less frequently in recent years. We are finding it increasingly difficult to find suitable exhibition spaces at reasonable rates. The following is a list of exhibitions staged by the Association.

Woodcraft 78 The Design Centre Margaret Street, Sydney. 1978

Woodcraft 79 OTC House, Martin Place 1979

Woodcraft 80 OTC House, Martin Place 1980

Woodcraft Afloat Maritime Museum, Birkenhead Point, Sydney 1982

Woodcraft 83 OTC House, Martin Place 1983

Woodcraft goes to the Opera The Opera House Exhibition Hall 1985

Woodcraft goes to the Opera The Opera House Exhibition Hall 1987

Hand On Dixon Gallery, State Library of NSW 1991

For Tomorrow Mitchell and Dixon Galleries, State Library of NSW 1993


Woodmasters 2000 ABC Building / Ultimo 2000

Most of the exhibitors are individual designer / makers who work to commissions so exhibitions provide a rare opportunity to see such a display of fine woodwork

The increasing appreciation of our work has been evident in galleries, and in private and public collections such as the permanent collection of the Powerhouse Museum. The Henry Kendal Collection established by the Forestry Commission of NSW (now State Forests of NSW)

Parliament House in Canberra provides a permanent and spectacular showcase for Australian woodwork from panelling to the furniture in the chambers and offices. Members of the Association were commissioned to carry out much of this work.

Australian timbers are unique and beautiful and our woodworkers are very talented. They have received acclaim in Australia and internationally.

Updated June 2007