July/August News Leather

Welcome to the July/August 2026 edition of the Bootstraps newsletter.

Here we discuss everything going on, upcoming events, welcoming new members and celebrating our love and passion for everything leather!

Welcome one and all!

G’day everyone and thank you for joining us.

Since our last News Leather, we have not slowed down at all. The biggest event by far was the Gatton Show. The four days of the event proper were huge, to say the least, not to mention the few weeks lead up. We developed our very own design for our Duffle Bag range and made a stunning Hair-On-Hide duffle, for Stanbroke, who donated the hides to us originally. This bag was donated back to them for use in their Gatton Show Raffle, which raises money every year for the Gatton hospital. The duffle, along with a few other items, raised over $2000 alone, and was a huge hit with everyone who saw it. Well done team for stellar work on the bag.

We must thank the Lockyer Valley Regional Council, and the Gatton Military Museum for their kindness and support. Over the period of a year, $2 from every ticket sold was collected for Bootstraps. We recently received a cheque from these two fantastic groups, for over $7000. Thank you both for supporting us. I am happy to also report that the Australia Post Grant money has been spent on some fantastic new tools and toys for the workshop. Thank you, Australia Post.

I normally end my chat by thanking my staff for their fantastic work. I am still going to do that as it should be done daily, but I would also like to thank the wider community. As I have been writing this, I become very aware of the broader groups and individuals who assist us, in even the smallest way. With out YOU ALL, Bootstraps would not be what it is today, and for that reason, I thank YOU ALL. Be safe, and I hope to see you next time.

– Sam Kavanagh, CEO Bootstraps

EVENTS

LEATHERWORK CLASSES:

We continue to host many leather working classes. We have recently hosted a Belt Class and another two day Halter making workshop.

Our next classes that are scheduled are:

Leather Clock Class – 08/08

Unleash your creativity in our Leather Wall Clock Making Class and create a one-of-a-kind timepiece that’s as unique as you are.During the class, you’ll learn how to tool your own design into premium leather, giving your clock a personalised look that reflects your style and creativity. Whether you choose a floral pattern, geometric design, wildlife scene, initials, or something completely original, you’ll have the opportunity to add your own personal touches before assembling your finished wall clock.

https://events.humanitix.com/leather-wall-clock-workshop/tickets

Father’s Day Wallet Class – 05/09

Looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift? Why not give Dad something truly special by making it yourself! In this hands-on Leather Wallet Workshop.

He’ll create a quality handmade leather wallet that he can use and treasure for years to come. He will have the opportunity to personalise the wallet with his choice of tooling, patterns, initials, or experiment with 2D and 3D craft tools or other unique touches to suit his style and personality. This workshop is a fun and rewarding experience that results in a practical keepsake made with care and craftsmanship.

https://events.humanitix.com/father-s-day-leather-wallet-making-workshop/tickets

Want to learn to make something that is not in one of our up coming classes, please let us know.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

We continue to show what we get up to on social media; if you haven’t already, comment on our posts. We’d love to hear about the type of content that you want to see – so let us know!

Stay up to date with the latest at Bootstraps; be sure to like and follow us on socials.

Linktree is a one-stop-shop that signposts to all our socials, 500 Club members, and other important agencies. Click the banner or snap the QR code to try it today!

SADDLE ACADEMY:

We are aiming to launch

The Saddle Academy

as soon as we can, but we do need assistance with funding.

The Saddle Academy is a specialised training initiative developed by Bootstraps, focused on preserving traditional saddle-making skills while creating real pathways into skilled trade work.

The program is designed to: Teach practical, transferable skills; Create pride in craftsmanship; Support sustainable, long-term outcomes.

The Saddle Academy will operate as a paid traineeship, with participants working toward a formal qualification, Certificate III in Leather Production (Saddlery). This ensures the skills gained are recognised, transferable well beyond the program itself, create real opportunities for learning, employment, & connection to meaningful work. This is education with a purpose.

To bring the Saddle Academy to life, our goal is to raise $1.5 million to establish & operate it as a long-term, sustainable training program.

Reaching this goal will enable: A fully fitted, dedicated workshop; Ongoing program delivery; Long-term investment in equipment & facilities; Broader access to training opportunities

With the support of investors, donors, & our wider community, we’re confident we can make this vision a reality & kick it off this year.

If you’d like to be part of building something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you or if you know someone who wants to invest in this concept, then please share this post.

Let’s preserve the craft. Let’s create opportunity. Let’s build the future of Australian saddlery.

To find out more: https://bootstraps.org.au/the-saddle-academy/

To Donate: https://www.paypal.com/au/fundraiser/charity/3567897 or https://gofund.me/2da0e26b9

NETWORKING:

We are always looking to expand our network within the Lockyer, and the wider Veteran and Leatherwork communities.

If you know of anyone within your personal or professional networks that would like to help us, or could use our services, then please introduce us. Feel free to drop into the centre.

DONATIONS AND GRANTS:

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Queensland Transport Museum and the Lockyer Valley Regional Council for their incredible support throughout the 2025/2026 year.

As part of their wonderful community initiative, $2 from every ticket sold at the Queensland Transport Museum was donated to Bootstraps Veterans Charity and yesterday we took delivery of a large donation of $7,602.00.

These funds will be used in keeping our centre open and our costs down to support our cause and continue helping with the wellbeing of veterans, their families and the community, through our leathercraft programs, training opportunities, and community connection.

To everyone who visited the museum over the past year, thank you! Your day out has helped us continue providing a safe, welcoming space where veterans and members of our community can learn new skills, build friendships, and improve their wellbeing through creativity.

Community partnerships like this show what can be achieved when local organisations come together to support an important cause.

We were also delighted to recently receive a generous donation from Senator Malcolm Roberts in support of Bootstraps and the veteran community we proudly help.

Senator Roberts has been a wonderful supporter of our organisation and our veteran community, and has consistently shown a genuine willingness to help in whatever capacity he can. His ongoing encouragement and practical support continue to make a meaningful difference.

Today, we extend our sincere thanks for this donation and for standing alongside our veterans and the work we do every day.

Thank you, Senator Malcolm Roberts for your support it is truly appreciated and this donation will be used to support our veterans and their families in an event that we intend to hold in the coming months. Stay tuned for more on that soon.

We are ever so grateful to all of the organisations for their kind support. For a small charity like ourselves, ever dollar really does count; it all goes towards keeping the doors open and buying the supplies, allowing us to do what we do best.

BOOTSTRAPS HQ:

Our centre of operations, located in Gatton, Queensland, is open to all current and ex-military personnel, and the local community, to drop in.

The centre is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm.

“Feel free to drop by to say hello and introduce yourself!”

STAFF:

We are always welcoming new faces to volunteer their time, experience and skills. Without the tireless support of our volunteers, keeping Bootstraps going would be impossible. Regardless of your background or skillsets, every one of us can help to play a part. It doesn’t need to be huge, it could be only a few hours a week through to a few days a week – really every little bit helps.

If you’re in a position to offer some voluntary assistance to our organisation, then please reach out to us today by contacting us by phone 0480 239 994, or email admin@bootstraps.org.au

Also if you are in a position to assist us through monetary donations of any value, please visit our website and follow the link to: http://bootstraps.org.au/donations

Beyond Words: How Creative Therapy is Healing the invisible Wounds of Our Veterans.

For many military veterans, the hardest battles are the ones fought long after the uniform comes off. Traditional talk therapy has long been the frontline approach for managing combat stress. However, a growing body of clinical research highlights a stark reality: when a person experiences profound trauma, the language centres of the brain can quite literally shut down.

How do you talk about experiences for which no words exist?

That is where creative arts therapy steps in, transforming the veteran recovery journey across Australia and globally. From painting, sculpting and even leather craft to music and songwriting, creative therapies offer a vital, non-verbal avenue for veterans to process complex emotions, reclaim their identities, and find safety in civilian life.

Engaging the Whole Brain to Process Trauma

Traditional cognitive therapies primarily engage the left hemisphere of the brain—the side responsible for logic, structure, and verbal communication. Trauma, however, often stays trapped as raw, sensory, and visual fragments in the right hemisphere.

Clinical research shows that the physical act of creation acts as a bridge between these two hemispheres. By mapping out memories using symbols, colours, or musical notes, veterans can safely externalise traumatic material. This process creates “emotional distance,” allowing individuals to look at a difficult memory from a safe vantage point without immediately triggering a fight-or-flight response.

The benefits of these programs extend far beyond a simple creative outlet or hobby:

Targeting Avoidance and Numbing: While traditional standard therapies are excellent at treating hyper-vigilance, they can struggle to break through the emotional numbing or severe avoidance common in post-traumatic stress. Creative expression gently bypasses these walls, bringing suppressed feelings to light.
Physical Regulation: Studies confirm that rhythmic, repetitive creative tasks—such as stitching leather, carving clay, or controlled brushstrokes—directly alter neuro-endocrine pathways. This physical focus reduces cortisol (stress hormones), lowers blood pressure, and calms an overactive nervous system.
Restoring Agency and Control: Trauma strips away a person’s sense of safety and autonomy. Transforming raw materials—whether it is a blank canvas, a block of wood, or a piece of tough leather—gives total control back to the veteran. They decide what to create, how to shape it, and when to change it, rebuilding self-esteem piece by piece.
Breaking the Isolation: Group sessions provide a unique dynamic where veterans can connect without talking about military rank or background. Sharing a creative workshop space builds an immediate, non-judgmental community where shared experiences are understood without explanation.

SUPPORT:

For some of us, we’re not ready to talk, as it means saying things out aloud reminds us of the issue; it may, however, be more comfortable to text how we’re feeling.

As the classic song by Cold Chisel says “When the war is over, it’s time to start again!” But for some of us that war internally is ongoing.

Here at Bootstraps we have all been in that situation and know what it feels like. Please remember if you need to talk you can drop in to our centre and say G’Day to some like minded folk

Suicide Call Back Service offers free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support to people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone at risk, bereaved by suicide and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues.

For more information on how the Suicide Call Back Service can help you or your family member please see their website.

https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

Remember there is always someone willing to listen!

500 CLUB:

We are always so proud to promote all of our 500 Club Members that proudly support us!

The last couple of years have been really difficult for many businesses and we want to take a moment to acknowledge the continued support of all of our 500 Club members. Despite their own struggles, our valued partners have stuck with us through their dedicated support. Please make sure that you support them however you can!

Every News Leather, we aim to showcase a new 500 Club member to thank them for their support, but also to let you know about the legends that support us!

This month we would like to hightlight Cooinda Therapy.

Cooinda Therapy is a Psychology practice based in Plainland with a long standing commitment to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families across the Lockyer Valley and southern Queensland. Since opening, they have worked closely and continue to work with current and former ADF members, providing trauma informed, culturally responsive psychological care. They accept DVA referrals and are an Open Arms provider, supporting access to high quality, veteran focused mental health services.

Their team includes:

• Sandra Bennett – Principal Psychologist with experience supporting veterans and service related mental health needs. Sandra is EMDR Institute trained.

• Maha Bansuri – Provisional Psychologist offering warm, grounded, evidence based support across the lifespan.

• Dr Cassandra (Cass) Brockett –clinically trained Psychologist with 25+ years’ experience, family connections to the ADF, and in trauma and complex mental health.

Together, they provide accessible, compassionate care that honours the service, resilience, and lived experiences of those who have served.

If you would like more information about Cooinda Therapy and their services, take a look at their website – https://cooindatherapy.com.au/, call them on 0490 416 368 or email them at admin@cooindatherapy.com.au.

Bootstraps is really proud to have its many supporters onboard as 500 Club members.

But to keep the centre marching along we’re always looking for more businesses to become 500 Club members! If you too would like find out what’s in it for your business, learn a bit more and show your support for our work, click below to discover how you can become a 500 CLUB MEMBER!

We even have our own hashtag, #500club; search for it on social media to find out the amazing things our members are doing.

LEATHER LAUGHS:

They say that laughter is the best medicine… so here’s your dose of giggles for this month’s News Leather!

I bought a piece of veg-tan hide to make a simple purse,
But tracking down the right-sized tools turned out to be a curse.
I sat down at my workbench with an optimistic grin,
Unknowing that the battle of the leather would begin.

I tried to use the rotary punch to make a perfect line,
But squeezed it on my finger, which was painful, but I’m fine.
The wing dividers slipped right off and scratched across the grain,
And then I glued my trousers to the tabletop again.

I grabbed the diamond stitching chisels, aiming to go straight,
And whacked it with a mallet with a force that carried weight.
My neighbor started banging on the plaster of the wall,
As twenty steady thunderclaps reechoed down the hall.

The thread became a tangled knot of sticky, waxed despair,
I stitched it back-to-front lost my needles, they were my favourite pair.
They are somewhere in the carpet fluff, where I do not know,
I’m sure I’ll find them later, when they stab me in the toe.

I slicked the edges with Tokenole, or maybe it was spit,
And burnished till my arm was sore and ready to just quit.
The final product is a charm, if you ignore the stains,
The crooked lines, the bloody cuts, the general muscle pains.

It looks a bit like roadkill, and it cannot hold a card,
But please admire my custom craft, because it was so damn hard!

VETERANS VENUES:

Each month we like to feature a Veteran owned business or place where veterans, their families and friends can spend time and enjoy life.

If you have, or know of a business or place, why not let us know so we can feature them here!

We couldn’t be prouder of our incredible participants & team members who entered their handcrafted leatherwork into the Gatton Show Arts & Crafts competition this year. Every single one of them came away with a prize, & their achievements are a testament to the dedication, perseverance, creativity, & skills they have developed through countless hours in the workshop.

A very special congratulations to Lani!

Lani received 1st Place for her beautifully handcrafted leather backpack & was also awarded the prestigious Gatton Show Champion in her category!

Lani, a veteran, joined Bootstraps last year, to use our creative therapy in leathercraft to help her with her mental health journey. Watching her confidence grow, her skills flourish, & now seeing her recognised with such an incredible achievement has been nothing short of inspiring. We are so incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished.

Jeff also took home 1st Place for his outstanding Cross Body Bag. Jeff a veteran as well, joined us last year for much the same reason, to find a positive outlet to support his mental health. It has been wonderful to watch his skills develop, & his award is thoroughly deserved.

Rob was awarded 3rd Place for his stunning handcrafted bag featuring beautiful pyrography artwork. Rob another veteran, has always had a creative flair, & leathercraft has given him another way to express that creativity while supporting his wellbeing. His work never stops impressing us all.

Our talented instructor Callum received 2nd Place for his incredible Skull Bag, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship he brings not only to his own work but also to the guidance he gives our participants every week.

Ali had an outstanding show, receiving 2nd Place for her unique Plague Doctor-inspired bag & 1st Place for her beautiful Decorative Leather Vase & Leather Flowers.

These awards are wonderful achievements, but for us, the greatest success is

seeing veterans walk through our doors looking for hope, purpose, friendship, & a way to improve their mental wellbeing, then watching them discover new skills, build confidence, create beautiful pieces of art, & realise they are capable of so much more than they imagined.

One of our amazing homeschool students, Malachi, came along to our Leather Water Bottle Holder class here at Bootstraps Veterans Charity this year, where he learned new leathercraft skills and created his very own handmade water bottle holder.

Well, he decided to enter it into the Gatton Show Arts & Crafts competition…

And he won 1st Place!

Malachi, we are incredibly proud of you! It was wonderful to see your hard work recognised, and we hope you’re just as proud of yourself as we are.

But that’s not all, Malachi also entered several other items in different sections of the Gatton Show, and he placed in every one of them!

PROJECTS:

To say that it has been busy in the centre over the past couple months is an understatement. We have been super busy with everyone working their own projects both big and small.

Jenny has been busy doing all the things. She has created a pattern for a drink holster, she has added some lovely lacing to a bag. After doing our flower making class, Jenny is now considered the expert and has been passing on her skills and teaching others. Jenny has also been working on a personal project and created a lovely cover for a photo album for a 90th Birthday celebration.

Robin and Callum has been working flat out to complete the custom round Duffle bag made from hair on hide that we kindly donated to us by Stanbroke, the Duffle bag was then donated back to Stanbroke for their auction at the Gatton Show. As Sam mentioned this along with some other goods raised over $2,000 for the Gatton Hospital. The Duffle bag definitely challenged the guys but the finished product is absolutely beautiful.

Andrew has been busy working on repairs and commissions as well as his own personal project. Andrew opens the centre on a Friday which is usually quite quiet. Andrew has also helped young Malachi with some of his projects.

Lani finished her backpack!! And with some encouragement decided to enter it into the Gatton Show and won Show Champion. We are all super proud of Lani and her achievements. Lani has also been spending time with Kev learning some tooling and carving.

Ali and Callum have been working on matching horse shoe bags. These have bee fantastic and fun project to do following a pattern by Creative Awl. These bags are available to purchase in the centre. Ali has also been working in the background refining our Cert II content.

Jeff has been busying working on repairs, including for a vintage motorcycle. Jeff has completed the refining of the Bridle class and everything is much smoother to follow. He is also working on exciting secret project but that is all I can say for now. Watch this space.

Callum has completed the corset commission and the customer look absolutely stunning in her outfit, which included a necklace and crown. Callum has also been busy instructing the Cert II and delivering our weekend classes. With a sneaky little watch strap replacement out of some cool green leather. Callum has also been helping newcomer Col with making a motorcycle tool roll.

While Sam and Annette don’t get much time to come and play in the workshop with us, they are busy working their magic behind the scenes to ensure that Bootstraps keeps humming along. We wouldn’t be here if not for them and their vision and tireless efforts.

All

We always welcome new faces to the centre, as well as familiar ones. If you’d like to create a unique leather piece yourself, why not visit our centre today, or contact us about class times; better still, why not take home an exclusive piece of leatherwork from our many items for sale in our display!

CERTIFICATE II IN LEATHER PRODUCTION

Bootstraps, in conjunction with Learnivation Pty Ltd (RTO 45570), is proud to now offer an entry-level qualification in Leather Production – MST20319 Certificate II in Leather Production.

Discover the different types of leather and learn how to design and craft your own leather products. Our qualified trainers will teach you practical skills to create items such as handbags, horse tack, belts, and other small leather projects through hands-on and creative learning.

This qualification is ideal for anyone wanting to gain skills and knowledge for work with different types of leather including hides, skin and leather processing or in the production of leather goods.

Course Details:

1 day per week for 12 months

In-class delivery

Theory + hands on practical work

Fully supervised

Open Entry – No previous experience required

If you’d like to know more about this exciting qualification, please email admin@bootstraps.org.au for more information.

Start your journey into leather production with us!

Training and assessment is delivered by Bootstraps on behalf of Learnivation Pty Ltd (RTO 45570).

The photos below showcase some of the work that our first two students have been doing since they started.

Remember to leave us your feedback or a comment on what you would like to make at our centre or have covered in future edition of our News-Leathers!

Go to our Linktree to submit an expression of interest for our classes, or a custom project.

Thank you again to our 500 Club members – click the logos to visit their websites