- 0480 239 994
- 4 GOLF LINKS DRIVE, GATTON, QLD, 4343
- admin@bootstraps.org.au
- 0900-1500 Wed/Thurs/Fri
Welcome to the April/May 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 back one and all.
We have had a great few months since the last issue of the News Leather. We have had the privilege of making some equipment for the fantastic people of the QLD Fire & Rescue, some restorations, a beautiful bible cover, some minor repairs for our Light Horse Troop, and much more.
Our events calendar has been very active as well. We were recently invited to set up our stall at the Gatton Military Museum open day, which turned out to be a fantastic day enjoyed by all. We made a lot of good contacts and had a great deal of interest in our leather products as well as our classes.
Over the last two months, we have run half a dozen classes creating various items, and term 2 of our Certificate II in Leather Production is underway after the holiday break. We have also been successful in our Australia Post grant application, which will go to purchasing some new tools and equipment for the centre. Thank you very much Australia Post.
I would like to take the time to mention a new addition to our ranks here at the centre. Kev has come on board over the last few months and has helped instruct a few classes and all our staff on the wonderful art of tooling. Kev’s skill at tooling is masterful and he is a fantastic teacher. We are all learning from him and very thankful to have him share his time and knowledge with us.
The quality of the work that is being produced by the staff at Bootstraps is second to none, and to that end, I will close with my usual but very much heartfelt thank you to all the crew at Bootstraps. You volunteer your time and make the centre the fantastic place it is. Thank you guys.
– Sam Kavanagh, CEO Bootstraps
LEATHERWORK CLASSES:
We continue to host many leather working classes. We have recently hosted a Flower Making class for Mothers Day and a belt making class. We also hosted a two day Halter making workshop for members of the Lowood Fernvale District Hack and Pony Club.
Our next classes that are scheduled are:
Leather Valet Tray Class – 13/06 – Learn the art of crafting stylish and functional leather valet trays from scratch. Our expert instructor will guide you through each step, from stamping or tooling, to dying leather to assembling and finishing your own unique piece in this 6hr class.
Leather Belt Class – 11/07 – Join us and create your own design by carving, tooling or stamping on the belt, staining it in your choice of colour dye, sealing and finishing off with a brass or nickel belt buckle.
Want to learn to make something that is not in one of our up coming classes, please let us know.
The flower making class was such a fun class to run. We worked through some challenges along the way as it was our first time running this class but the finished results speak for themselves, so many beautiful flowers.
The Halter Class was run over two days especially for the Lowood Fernvale District Hack and Pony Club. It was such a great couple of days filled with learning, laughter, and plenty of hands-on experience. Everyone got stuck into creating their own halters and picked up so many new skills along the way. If you are interested in finding out more about the Pony Club feel free to check out their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567867418834
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!
The Saddle Academy as soon as we can, but we do need assistance with funding.
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 say a huge thank you to the local organisations that have recently donated towards the work we do at Bootstraps supporting Veterans and their families.
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.
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 Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm.
“Feel free to drop by to say hello and introduce yourself!”
We have been fortunate enough to welcome Jenny and Kev to our core group of volunteers.
Kev has been teaching our staff the art of tooling and where each of the different tools are used best. Kev’s many years of experience show in his work and we really appreciate the time that he has given to our staff to help them refine their skills.
Jenny has been a regular to the centre over the past year. Jenny started with wanting to make log book cover for her husband, and was hooked from there. Jenny wanted to learn more and started to make more & do more classes. Given that Jenny was part of the furniture all ready, when Sam asked if she would like to become a member of the team, there was no hesitation in Jenny accepting.
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
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
Beyond Blue is a leading Australian mental health organization providing free, confidential, 24/7 support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. They offer a 24/7 hotline (1300 22 4636), online chat, and email support, alongside forums, information resources, and targeted programs like NewAccess – A free 6-session mental health coaching program for everyday stressors, available via telehealth or in select NSW and QLD regions.
For more information on how Beyond Blue can help you or your family member please see their website.
Remember there is always someone willing to listen!
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 Australian Veteran Health Services.
AVHS provide complete healthcare for Veterans. They bring together GPs, medical specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health social workers, and registered nurses under one roof. Their integrated approach means your healthcare team knows your story, works together, and supports you at every stage of your journey.
https://avhs.com.au/ or better still, give them a call on 1300 766 206
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.
They say that laughter is the best medicine… so here’s your dose of giggles for this month’s News Leather!
Each month we like to feature a Veteran owned business or place where veterans, their families and friends can spend time and enjoy life.
The month we are highlighting Lockyer Printing.
Lockyer Printing is a small, veteran-owned and operated family business that has proudly serviced the Lockyer Valley and surrounding areas for over 30 years.
Alana and Ian Mayled have owned Lockyer Printing since November 2024. Alana brings over 19 years of experience in the printing industry and holds a Certificate III in Printing and Graphic Arts (Graphic Pre-Press). Ian joined the business after serving 12 years in the Australian Defence Force and is enjoying the transition into the printing industry.
Together, they are committed to continuing the strong reputation of Lockyer Printing while delivering quality print and design solutions to the local community. Click on their logo below to find out more details of the amazing work that Alana and Ian do.
If you have, or know of a business or place, why not let us know so we can feature them here!
The centre has been humming with activity over the last few weeks.
Jenny was recently asked by a friend to restore a worn-out leather log book cover that had clearly seen years on the road and keeping with the log book theme is currently working on her second log book cover. Jenny has also worked on a coin purse, her carving skills have improved so much with the expert tuition from Kev.
Robin has been at it again, showing off his craftsmanship while working on a beautifully made belt. He has also been practicing his pyrography skills on the bag he has made using leather scraps. It looks amazing and I’m sure the intended recipient loved it. Robin also had a very delicate bible cover restoration job on a very old bible.
Andrew has been busy carrying out repairs on an old World War Two set of straps, a very special piece to work on and preserve and has also crafted a new sheath for a small Army machete.
Recently, we were contacted by one of our local fire brigades and commissioned to create a set of custom radio belts for their team. They supplied us with one of their existing belts, and we carefully modelled the new ones from that design while adding a special personalised touch. Sam, Robin and Callum worked hard on this and the end results are amazing.
Lani is continuing her work on her backpack. We love that her project is taking time, because leathercraft can’t be rushed. It means she gets to spend more time in the centre, creating something meaningful and enjoying the calm that comes with it.
Ali has spent time making a bag out of a recycled woollen shirt and leather scraps, highlighting that leather craft can be sustainable. She also spent time experimenting with the flowers for the flower class, adapting patterns and refining the process so that it worked for the class.
Jeff has been busying making a Bridle and refining the techniques for the lesson plan so that we can run this as a class in the future.
Callum has been working hard on a commission for a leather corset. Working out the pattern and measurement from scratch. The corset highlights how the laser can enhance a leather piece and complements the tooling.
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
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
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
