• Past students David and Sarah enjoying the view whilst collaborating on our campus in Coffs Harbour.
    Past students David and Sarah enjoying the view whilst collaborating on our campus in Coffs Harbour.
  • Current student's entry into the annual Sculpture in the Gaol exhibition held in South West Rocks.
    Current student's entry into the annual Sculpture in the Gaol exhibition held in South West Rocks.
  • Using an original John Van Der Kolk designed bow sander to finish off some carved spoons
    Using an original John Van Der Kolk designed bow sander to finish off some carved spoons
  • John Van Der Kolk's annual carving workshop getting underway.
    John Van Der Kolk's annual carving workshop getting underway.
  • Concept sketch and scale model of an armchair from a current Certificate II student, emphasising the importance of thorough design.
    Concept sketch and scale model of an armchair from a current Certificate II student, emphasising the importance of thorough design.
  • Students using Arbortech tools to carve during the annual workshop with John Van Der Kolk.
    Students using Arbortech tools to carve during the annual workshop with John Van Der Kolk.
  • Camphor laurel serving platter with river oak banding.
    Camphor laurel serving platter with river oak banding.
  • A pair of side tables in progress in the workshop, all ready for veneering.
    A pair of side tables in progress in the workshop, all ready for veneering.
  • Tom Hook's 100% non-toxic rocking toy made with locally harvested hoop pine veneer suitable for children aged 1–4.
    Tom Hook's 100% non-toxic rocking toy made with locally harvested hoop pine veneer suitable for children aged 1–4.
  • Past students work utilising gas struts for functionality whilst maintaining elegance in form.
    Past students work utilising gas struts for functionality whilst maintaining elegance in form.
  • Never a dull moment around the workshop with Trevor ripping this rosewood plank in half using the 16hp bandsaw.
    Never a dull moment around the workshop with Trevor ripping this rosewood plank in half using the 16hp bandsaw.
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Coffs Harbour TAFE School of Woodwork is a melting pot of creativity

30 October 2018
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From Tom Hook, Student at Coffs Harbour TAFE School of Woodwork 

We are a community based group of diverse individuals, both men and women with an age bracket of 18-70+, coming together in a melting pot of creativity, Coffs Harbour Education Campus.

We are supported by four teachers who are all life long business men in their respective fields and still committed to the longevity of the local industry, whilst maintaining high standards of education and teaching.

As a cohort we collaborate on group projects and public sculpture installations, Urunga’s Sculptures in the Park, South West Rocks – Sculpture in the Gaol to name a couple.

As individuals we strive to design original pieces with constant internal critique and conversations surrounding our end goals, with particular attention placed on design, modelling, material selection and cost effective manufacturing.

To maintain industry relevancy and fresh enthusiasm there are a number of extracurricular activities which build a positive culture and allow for the social connections to become as ingrained as the theoretical aspect.

An annual three day excursion to a mystery spot with a variety of stops along the way, including carving workshops with local legends and welcome BBQs. This culminates in our annual exhibition –this year titled ‘Arbor’ to be held from the 17th November, for ten days at the Bellingen Gallery and Framing Studio.

All the timber we use is locally sourced and a strong ethos within our environment has been established to facilitate ongoing tool and machinery maintenance, along with safe working practices as well as sustainable resource usage and waste management.

There are three courses on offer at CHEC which provide dynamic opportunities to suit any schedule and intention, be it a one day a week Certificate II or the whole hog of four days full time, engaged in a Diploma of Furniture Design and Technology. The Courses offered are unique in NSW, as well as across the nation, with a shift of woodworking schools becoming privatised. A last vestige of woodcraft supporting the community, available for any age, gender, background and ability!

Learn more at www.northcoasttafe.edu.au

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