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 in Coburg led by American writer and woodworker Christopher Schwarz assisted by Melbourne chair maker Bern Chandley. This workshop is now sold out.
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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. Some tickets still available.
Read on to see all the details and ticketing information below.​​​​​​
Social Events
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​WOOD DUST invites you to the WELCOME DINNER - Tuesday October 7 from 6.00pm at the Post Office Hotel Dining Room Sydney Road Coburg. ​And The YARN - Thursday October 9 from 6.00pm at the Vizzini Social Club Sydney Road Coburg. Want to come to both events? The check out the Dinner & Yarn Combo Ticket and save.​​​
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Read on to see all the details and ticketing information below.​
The Dinner & Yarn in Newrybar
COMING SOON
Tickets for the Welcome Dinner & Yarn in Newrybar will be released soon. Stayed tuned for details.

The Venues
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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About The Post Office Hotel​​​​​​
229-231 Sydney Rd, Coburg
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The Welcome Dinner is being held at the historic Post Office Hotel Dining Room in Coburg. This venue features a very cool warehouse styled dining area, a well-stocked bar and private garden. The Dining Room is situated on the southern side of the main hotel, to enter go through the doors to the left of the main building.
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The Post Office Hotel is located at 229-231 Sydney Rd, Coburg. On the corner of Sydney Road and Reynard Street. There is generally plenty of parking along Sydney Road or in the surrounding streets. If you are catching public transport, catch the train along the Upfield Line getting off at either Moreland or Coburg Station. You can walk from either of these stations, alternatively catch the Number 19 Tram along Sydney Road.​ For further information contact us at hello@wooddustaustralia.com.au, otherwise, see you at the dinner!

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About the Vizzini Social Club​​​​​​
322 Sydney Rd, Coburg
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The Vizzini social club is a stylish, multipurpose club that caters for members of Melbourne's Italian community as well as catering for a wide variety of functions. The main room is equipped with comfortable seating, stage, kitchen and bar.
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The Vizzini Social Club is at 322 Sydney Rd, Coburg. On the corner of Sydney Road and Sheffield Street. There is generally plenty of parking along Sydney Road or in the surrounding streets. If you are catching public transport, catch the train along the Upfield Line getting off at either Moreland or Coburg Station. You can walk from either of these stations, alternatively catch the Number 19 Tram along Sydney Road. For further information contact us at hello@wooddustaustralia.com.au, otherwise, see you at the Yarn!

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