A Year in Review at the VWA

As we wrap up another vibrant year at the Victorian Woodworkers Association, we’re looking back at the moments, meetings, and makers who shaped 2025. From inspiring presentations to practical conversations, new residents, community wins, and shared learning, it’s been a year that reflects the strength and generosity of our creative community. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been involved.

Here’s a look at what unfolded across the year:

• Feb – A relaxed first meeting of the year, sharing updates and hearing what members wanted from 2025.

• Mar – Wei Wu (Woodway Studio) on material-led design and thoughtful experimentation.

• May – We set off to visit Glen Arm Trees to learn about agroforestry, what it takes to grow trees and then turn them into furniture-grade timber. Read more. 

• Jun – AHEC presentation on sustainable American hardwoods and emerging global timber insights. Read More. 

• Aug – Pricing Panel: a practical discussion on quoting, pricing models, and communicating value. Read more

• Oct – AGM + CERES Fair Wood on ethical timber sourcing; congratulated 2025 Vic Wood Scholarship recipient Ben Adams. Read More. 

• Dec – End-of-Year Artists in Residence presentations, celebrating progress and welcoming new residents. Read more. Read more…

Alongside our meetings, 2025 was a year of strong creative activity across the VWA community. During Melbourne Design Week, several members and Residents presented work exploring materiality, sustainability, and contemporary craft. Read more.

VWA makers were also recognised in the Clarence Prize, with finalist Jess Humpston and a collaborative entry from Adam Markowitz and Ruth Allen. Read more. 

Our Vic Wood Scholarship program continued its support for emerging makers, with this year’s scholarship awarded to Ben Adams and we got some wonderful updates from our 2023 recipient Hannah Cheetham.

We welcomed two new Artists in residence, Caleb Biffanti and Margot Feast.

We also launched Design Club, a monthly, informal gathering that has quickly become a favourite space for sharing works-in-progress, testing ideas, and supporting each other’s design development.

As we look toward the new year, we want to thank every maker, member, supporter, and visitor who has been part of the VWA community in 2025. Your creativity, curiosity, and generosity continue to shape this space.

Here’s to more learning, making, and shared moments in 2026.