February/March News Leather

Welcome to the Feb/March 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!

WELCOME BACK BOOTSTRAPPERS.

It is with great pleasure that we can bring back the Bootstraps News Leather. We had to pause the distribution of the news leather last year, due to some health concerns of one of our staff, but we are back now better than ever.

2025 proved to be not only a challenge, but also a blessing in disguise. One of the main issues facing us last year, was a lack of staff. I am honoured to say, this is no longer a problem for Bootstraps, and we have some of the best people working with us now.

The news for 2026 – We have commenced our inaugural Certificate II in Leather Production, with a cohort of two students. We also have another intake mid-year with places filling up fast. We have also officially launched our Saddle Academy project. We are hoping to raise $1.5 million and begin training eight saddlers per year on paid traineeships. During all of this, we are also running our usual suite of monthly classes, that are advertised on our website and Social Media platforms.

A special mention must go out to our I.T coordinator, events manager, Treasurer and HR department – who is, just one person. Annette has been doing a stellar job in her ‘combined operations’ job title. Single handedly, Annette has taken our social media presence to over 35,000 since Christmas. Thank you so much for your dedication to the team. Bootstraps would not function without you.

Thank you all once again for joining us on this leatherbound journey. Please share the Saddle Academy page as much as possible, and thank you all for your support.

Stay safe all, and I hope to see you again soon.

– Sam Kavanagh, CEO Bootstraps

EVENTS

LEATHERWORK CLASSES:

We continue to host as many formal leatherwork classes as people want; so far this year we have had an introduction to leather craft class where participants chose their own small project to work on while being introduced to the basic skills needed to start their leathercraft journey. Our leatherwork classes run regularly, including Saturday classes at least once per month. Check out our events page for more details. If you have any ideas for classes please reach out.

We have also run our first Home School class for the year. It was a fun day where the students got to make their very own custom water bottle holders. The did the whole process using maths skills to measure their bottles to determine the size of the piece of leather needed. All of the kids had fun choosing stamps for their holder and dying the leather. They also learnt that in Leathercraft, there is a lot of waiting for things to dry. If you know anyone what would be interested in our Home School classes then please pass on our information.

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://www.gofundme.com/fundraisers

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.

For the past five years, Lockyer Valley Toyota together with Suncorp, have generously supported Bootstraps through a number of monetary donations. This year, their support will go to another local community organisation, but we wanted to take a moment to show our appreciation.

To say thank you, we presented Lockyer Valley Toyota with a lasered Leather Certificate of Appreciation. While Ian was not available to accept it in person, Abby was more than happy to receive it on behalf of the team!

A heartfelt thank you to Ian and the entire team at Lockyer Valley ToyotaLockyer Valley Toyota, and to Suncorp, for your ongoing support. Your generosity has truly helped our cause, and we are incredibly grateful.

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 Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm.

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

STAFF:

We have been fortunate enough to welcome new members to the team and now have a core group of volunteers.

Callum, Andrew, Ali, Rob, Lani and Jeff kept things flowing in the centre. We could not do what we do without the support and time that they give up each week to come in and volunteer.

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

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

But for those other times, when you feel this way, know that there is support available via text on 0477 13 11 14 through Lifeline Text. They also have a live message service on their website, and a phone line 13 11 14.

This is a service openly available 24/7, and ran by Lifeline.

You can text them anything that’s on your mind – no matter how overwhelming, they are there to listen. Just know, that there is someone there when you’re ready!

Please feel free to share with your friends, families and colleagues!

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 acknowledge Sun Valley Trading Co https://sunvalleytrading.com.au/

Sun Valley Trading Co are the Australian distributors of Cowboy and Hightex industrial sewing machines, leather bench tools and leather workshop machines. Stocking a large range of machines to suit leather work for the hobbyist to factory with shipping options right around Australia, backed with friendly customer service, back up support and parts and accessories. Their goal is to supply creative people with machines at an affordable price, to bring great plans to life.

So if you are looking for a great machine for leather working or any other industrial sewing needs, contact Jessica or Mitchell today and have chat.

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!

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!

PROJECTS:

Below are some of the items we’ve been working on so far this year.

First up Rob has made a tool belt – A very old and well worn belt was given to us some time ago to fix/remake. The old one was pulled apart and a new one crafted to last many more years to come.

Rob was also busy making some covers for some very nice looking chefs cleavers.

Next up the staff participated in staff training for an upcoming Halter class that we have in March.

Lani has been busy making a backpack. There has been lots of sewing involved. Lani is making great process.

And lastly, Jeff has made a cross body bag with fantastic tooling and Callum has made a basic knife sheath.

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