By Bobby Hale - Founder of BSW
When I founded Brisbane Social Woodworking in 2022, my goal was simple: to connect with people who shared my passion for woodworking. Little did I know that this small initiative would blossom into a thriving community with almost 2000 members. Over the past couple of years, I've had the privilege of making some amazing friends through this group, and I've seen firsthand how our shared interest has brought so many of us closer together.
Reflecting on our journey, it's incredible to see how far we've come. We've held countless meetups, workshops, and events where we've exchanged ideas, learned new skills, and supported each other's projects. The camaraderie and enthusiasm within our group are truly inspiring, and it's this spirit that drives me to envision an even brighter future for Brisbane Social Woodworking.
Looking ahead, my vision is to transform Brisbane Social Woodworking into a central resource hub for the woodworking community. I want us to be the go-to place for events, stories, tips, and shops related to woodworking. Imagine a vibrant online platform where members can easily access resources, share their projects, and stay updated on the latest trends and tools in woodworking. This hub would not only serve our current members but also attract new enthusiasts, fostering a larger and more diverse community.
I'm thrilled to announce the next step in that, which is that we're adding a shop to our site, in conjunction with Hammer Roo. This shop isn't just about providing quality woodworking tools and materials; it's about reinvesting in our community. Proceeds from each sale on the shop will go back into funding our events, workshops, and resources, making our group even more self-sustaining and impactful.
Where we make our purchases matters. By choosing to buy from our shop, you're not only getting great products but also supporting the entire Brisbane Social Woodworking community. The combined purchasing power of our members can make a real difference, allowing us to offer more and better resources, organize bigger and better events, and provide more opportunities for everyone involved.
One of my key goals is to make our group sustainable. While I have enjoyed every moment of leading Brisbane Social Woodworking, I recognize the importance of creating a structure that doesn't solely rely on me. By empowering other members to take on leadership roles and contribute their unique skills, we can ensure that our community continues to thrive, even if I have to one day step back and focus on other aspects of my life.
Ultimately, I want Brisbane Social Woodworking to make a real, measurable, and tangible difference to its members and the broader community. This means providing valuable resources, organizing impactful events, and creating opportunities for members to showcase their work and support one another. By doing so, we can contribute to the growth of the woodworking community in Brisbane and beyond, inspiring more people to discover the joy of woodworking.
As we move forward, I invite each of you to share your ideas, get involved, and help shape the future of Brisbane Social Woodworking. Together, we can build a strong, supportive, and dynamic community that celebrates our shared passion and makes a positive impact on our lives and the lives of those around us.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Here's to many more years of creativity, friendship, and woodworking excellence!