An advertisement placed by John Pierce in the Ballarat ‘Courier’ of 2 June 1984 marked the first step in the formation of the Ballarat Woodworkers Guild Inc. The notes from the first meeting recorded that 19 interested woodwork hobbyists attended. Members of the Geelong Woodworkers’ Guild came to the second meeting and shared valuable insights on the formation, structure and activities of their Guild for Ballarat to implement.

From these humble beginnings the Ballarat Woodworkers Guild has grown, as a non-profit organisation, with around 90 members regularly using our excellent facilities at the Ballarat airport.

These include a well equipped workshop, various slabbed and cut timber stocks (supplied to members at discounted prices), and the John Pierce Memorial Hall, where regular meetings are held, recreational activities are conducted, and you can still have morning tea for a nominal 20 cents. A comprehensive library of books, magazines videos and DVDs is also maintained for members to use, and an in-house Shop supplies key items at a nominal cost to assist members with their woodworking projects.

Our Guild is involved in a number of projects which support local and State charities. These include the annual production of over 700 wooden toys for the 3BA Christmas Toy Appeal and supply of ‘Memory’ or ‘Angel’ boxes for the SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Foundation and for parents of still-born children in Victorian hospitals.

We have also produced over 3,000 wooden kits annually for children attending the Ballarat Begonia Festival each March, and, following the Black Saturday bush fire several years ago, produced and supplied over 500 bird and wildlife boxes for affected areas throughout Victoria.

Members regularly participate in demonstrations at local events such as the Begonia Festival, Anderson’s Mill Festival and Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally (held twice a year). When fund-raising BBQ’s are held throughout Ballarat, you will also find a team of dedicated members demonstrating their skills and providing a selection of whistles, spinning tops and cut-out animals free to interested children.

Various wood shows and competitions are held throughout Australia and members regularly attend these events to share and exchange ideas which improve their woodworking skills and techniques.