The photos were taken by Rob Annesley, a professional photographer, and we extend our gratitude to Rob for capturing these amazing shots.
It’s your creative reuse of this wood that inspires us daily!
You allow us to experience the joy of using big old machines, sourcing and rescuing expeditions, and sharing the journey.
The dream: If you build it…:
Imagine a wood hub in every local area, recycling local wood into clean-cut sizes, owned and operated by a local.
A network of wood hubs filled with goodness – recycling wood waste, affordable wood more accessible, strengthening Australian manufacturing, connecting communities, training and employment opportunities.
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How WasteWood started + what we’re all about.
Chief Experience Officer – Hammy is responsible for all things play. A reminder to be kind, gentle, present and not to take life too seriously. He’ll greet visitors to Wastewood, show them around, sniff their butts and occasionally find a squidgy ball to tempt you with. Hammy fully knows the safety rules of the shop, so after a little tease, he’ll be happy with a pat and a walk with no treats though, as he has very particular diet he follows!
A young Joe, worked for his family business, designing & supplying kitchen projects in inner Sydney. Known by locals to have ridiculous stick-to-it-ness, disarming transparency and bewitching appreciation of craft, Joe moved on to become a carpenter including home renovations, unique projects for schools and even went on to deliver Tiny House courses with the Bower. With each person in these projects, he observed how the wood’s journey through renewal and rejuvenation was a reflection of the change they were going through themselves. A few meanderings later, along came Wastewood.
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Lucas, from Blue Mountains was a cabinet maker and noticed how offices and retail shops refits were increasingly disconnected from the products they were installing. Curious about materials and fascinated with the engineering of yesteryear, Lucas explored alternatives where he could tinker to his heart’s content, increase his impact in the environment without detriment effects to his soul. A stumble into Wastewood location, he tenderly grabbed a salvaged piece of Australian red cedar, with his big throbbing biceps and finally accepted it was love at third sight.
Addicted to repurposing, and on her year off the finance world, Kaljit discovered Wastewood in search of alternatives to bed slats. After a few no-shows and early starts to appointments, the annoyingly inconvenient Kaljit made herself a role helping the Wastewood repurpose its operations, and in the meantime, she used every tiny offcut for her own almost finished projects!
Wastewood was allocated as her case study for Strategic Design at Sydney Uni. After conducting several research campaigns and testing solutions with customers, Wanting was hooked. Graduating with Masters Design, Innovation and Strategy , Wanting recognised Wastewood’s potential in transforming the human connection with wood and the meaningful change it can bring to local communities where wood is salvaged so decided to join the team as resident Service Designer in November 2022.
Meet Tim, our Architectural Maestro! From designing skyscrapers to crafting dreams at Wastewood, he’s the brain behind our blueprint magic. His journey began unexpectedly in a dog park, bonding with Joe over frisbees and floor plans. Tim’s a wizard with 3D models, turning wild ideas into tangible wonders. Known for his patience, creativity, and trustworthiness, he’s not just shaping structures, but also our team spirit. Whether it’s a quirky project or a dog-friendly design, Tim’s the man with a plan!
Meet Samuel, Wastewood’s Resilient Renovator! From kitchen steward to timber genius, Sam’s journey through the twists of life’s labyrinth led him to us. A pandemic pivot? No problem for Sam! With a sprinkle of determination and a dash of Joe’s guidance, he turned challenges into timber triumphs. Now, he’s not just processing wood; he’s crafting dreams. At Wastewood, Sam’s learning newfound timber skills, seasoning each project with his unique blend of resilience and creativity. He’s the proof that when life gives you sawdust, you make spectacular floorboards! Welcome aboard, Sam – the floor is truly yours!
Introducing Paul, an ex-lawyer and self-taught woodworker starting out on a new path. At Wastewood, he’s found his natural home, handling our website and workshop with a lawyer’s eye and a craftsman’s touch. Paul’s handmade furniture and unique creations are testaments to his artistic spirit. He brings a blend of meticulous precision and creative flair to our team, turning every task into a work of art. For Paul, Wastewood isn’t just a change of pace; it’s a newfound source of inspiration, where he crafts not just objects, but also his next chapter.