ABOUT US
Learn more about Melbourne Woodworking Courses
About
We are Rob & Kym Fabris, a husband and wife team. We have commenced a new woodworking school offering both Weekly Classes and Short Courses. We are not new to the industry both with many years experience running a woodworking school, Rob having been the Operations Manager for 14 years and a weekly and short course tutor for many years. Kym was the Administrator for the same institution for 12 years.
It was time for a fresh start and so Melbourne Woodworking Courses was born in early 2023.
Our highly skilled and experienced tutors, whom we have been working with for many years, have come with us.
We have another business which has been in operation since 2014, Australian Premier Veneers, selling timber veneers and furniture-grade solid timber, Australia wide and overseas.
We believe our two businesses complement each other very well and we are committed to maintaining our customer satisfaction-focused approach at Melbourne Woodworking Courses, just as we do at Australian Premier Veneers. Both businesses are conveniently located in the same building in Box Hill North.
Rob Fabris
Kym Fabris
Why we exist
Melbourne Woodworking Courses was started to fulfill a need in the market for people who want to learn and improve their woodworking skills in a supportive environment and in a hands-on manner. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive and practical learning experience so that students can take their skills to the next level whether they are beginners or more experienced. We have courses catering to all levels of experience and provide hands-on instruction and support to help everyone achieve their goals. We are a place to come and connect with like-minded individuals, further enhancing the learning experience. In essence, Melbourne Woodworking Courses are here to help people turn their passion for woodworking into a tangible skill and to foster a community of woodworkers who support each other’s growth and development.
Why choose us?
Expertise and experience
Our instructors are experts in their field, with years of hands-on experience in woodworking and a deep understanding of their craft. They bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the table and are committed to helping students learn and grow as woodworkers.
Passion for teaching
Our instructors are not only skilled woodworkers, but they are also passionate teachers who love sharing their knowledge and expertise with others. They are patient, supportive and dedicated to helping each and every student reach their full potential
Commitment to quality
Our instructors are committed to delivering high-quality instruction that is both comprehensive and practical. They are dedicated to ensuring that students leave our courses with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as woodworkers.
Personalised approach
Our instructors understand that everyone learns at their own pace and in their own way and they are committed to providing a personalised learning experience that takes into account each student’s individual needs and goals.
Our team
Rob Fabris
In 1996 Rob completed “Designing in Wood” at the Coles School of Woodcraft. Since 1998 his workshop has been located in Box Hill where he has been making bespoke furniture and teaching woodworking courses.
Rob was the Operations Manager at the Melbourne School of Fine Woodworking for 15 years finishing up in 2022. He was also a Tutor Group Tutor and taught the very popular Woodwork for Beginners (4 day) Make your Own Occasional/Side Table short course for many years.
With his wife, Kym, they have since commenced their own woodworking course business, Melbourne Woodworking Courses.
Rob enjoys imparting his knowledge in a friendly and supportive manner. He really enjoys teaching woodworking skills and seeing the happy faces of students once they have completed their projects. He receives rave reviews after every course.
Andrew Gibbs
Andrew graduated in 1986 from RMIT with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons) in Landscape Architecture and practiced landscaping architecture in Melbourne, London & Kuching, Malaysia until 1996.
In 1994 he completed “Designing in Wood” at the Coles School of Woodcraft and established a furniture design and production business specialising in both interior and outdoor furniture. Andrew continues to produce one-off and limited production run pieces and commissioned designs for domestic, commercial and government clients.
Andrew has been teaching furniture design and making since 1998. He taught at Coles School of Woodcraft for 6 years, at the Melbourne School of Fine Woodworking from 2002-2022 and is now teaching at Melbourne Woodworking Courses.
Ben Hodgetts
Ben is one of Australia’s most experienced restorer/conservator of quality furniture. He has over 30 years’ experience in restoration/conservation of furniture and artworks for museums and private collections in England and Australia, and in tutoring on these topics.
Before coming to Australia, Ben’s work included restoring and conserving furniture and artworks in Charles II’s birth place [St James’s Palace] in London, the private collections of Queen Victoria’s and Queen Elizabeth II and the UK Ministry of Defence historic art collection.
Since moving to Australia, his clients include the Governor General of Victoria , Beleura House, the Johnston Collection at Fairhall House and the National Geographical Society of Victoria. He is a consultant/adviser on restoration and conservation to Melbourne University, Ormond College and the National Trust and has served as a member of the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material and the Museum Accreditation Board.
Ben is committed to passing on his knowledge, skills and craft to people with all levels of ability and interests at Melbourne Woodworking Courses. He brings to this task passion, humour and patience. Ben previously taught furniture restoration at Coles School of Woodcraft and other venues.
Carl Lutz
Carl is a master craftsman, with a career spanning fifty years in commercial and bespoke furniture design and production, building construction, hand carving and restoration. He has inaugurated and judged prestigious woodworking and carving competitions in Victoria and has been a demonstrator of fine wood working techniques at annual ‘Working with Wood’ shows.
Carl is a highly experienced tutor. He has taught: furniture making and design at Outer Eastern Tafe; router and woodwork techniques for Carbatec; antique furniture restoration and French-polishing; furniture making and specialist project-based workshops at Melbourne School of Fine Woodworking; and fine woodworking for the Victorian Woodworker’s Association.
Carl brings to students of Melbourne Woodworking Courses his deep knowledge and capabilities in all aspects of fine furniture design and making and woodworking/restoration. He tailors his approach to the needs of his students, from a basic understanding of the characteristics of different timbers and design considerations, through to the safe and effective use of power and hand tools, wood turning and detailed project execution. Carl’s passion for his craft, patience and gentle sense of humour make for a productive and enjoyable learning experience.
Bruce Moonie
Bruce’s journey in the furniture industry began over 30 years ago when he studied to be a teacher at The University of Melbourne, majoring in furniture design. Primarily using timber, he quickly developed a lasting respect for the provenance, beauty and intrinsic properties of the material. Since then Bruce has been making fine furniture, teaching furniture making and working in the specialist timber industry.
In the late 1990’s he set up a small business designing and making bespoke furniture, founding a co-operative arts studio in Brunswick for workspace. Bruce taught at Coles School of Woodcraft for 5 years and from 2002-2022 at Melbourne School of Fine Woodworking. He has lectured in education at The University of Melbourne and also currently teaches part time in furniture design at RMIT.
A love of Australian timbers and the thrill of watching novice woodworkers gain skills and be proud of their finished work is at the core of Bruce’s tutoring at Melbourne Woodworking Courses.
Richard Lloyd
Richard Lloyd’s journey from a collector and enthusiast of mid-century furniture to a professional restorer showcases his passion for preserving and revitalizing these iconic pieces. Based in Northcote, Melbourne, Richard’s commitment to eco-friendly restoration sets him apart in the industry.
With a focus on eliminating harmful chemicals from traditional restoration processes, Richard’s workshop offers exclusive eco-friendly refinishing services. His dedication to sustainability not only benefits the environment but also ensures a safer and healthier approach to furniture restoration.
Collaborating with various partners in the mid-century industry, Richard aims to combine expertise and resources to achieve the best results for each project. His desire to make tired pieces functional and attractive again reflects his understanding of the historical and aesthetic significance of mid-century furniture.
What truly distinguishes Richard is his personalized approach and meticulous attention to detail. Every project receives his expert care, ensuring that each piece is restored to its former glory. With a focus on high-quality materials and finishes, Richard guarantees that restored furniture looks and feels as it did when it was first made.
In addition to his restoration services, Richard now offers group workshops and private assistance to share his knowledge and skills with others. This initiative demonstrates his commitment to preserving mid-century craftsmanship by passing on techniques and methods to future generations of enthusiasts and artisans.
Richard’s dedication to excellence, sustainability, and education makes him a valuable asset to the mid-century furniture community in Melbourne and beyond.
MCM Restoration Man #mcm.rm
Andrew Fabris
With 20 years experience in the Building and Construction Industry and having completed his Certificate IV in Building & Construction, Andrew has a vast range of carpentry skills and knowledge from his years as a qualified Carpenter and Site Manager. With a passion for teaching and training apprentices, Andrew will be able to instil confidence in students to safely tackle home DIY tasks.
Chris Maruca
Chris grew up in country Victoria and after finishing school he moved to Melbourne to complete his cabinet making/furniture making apprenticeship. He has been working and gaining experience in various furniture making businesses across Melbourne ever since, as well as completing a wide range of private commission work, from custom shop fit outs to smaller intricate furniture pieces.
An exciting opportunity unfolded when Chris received an invitation to spend two years studying fine furniture making under the guidance of a renowned Japanese Master. This experience has allowed him to immerse himself in and master the intricacies of hand tools and refine his techniques, adding a unique blend of Japanese and Western style craftsmanship to his repertoire.
Chris currently works for the reputable furniture company Tide Design in Melbourne and makes handmade wooden puzzle boxes in his home studio during his spare time.
Chris is excited about sharing his knowledge and helping others bring their ideas to life, reflecting a commitment to fostering creativity within the woodworking community.
Chris’s instagram @maruca_furniture
Chris’s Website www.marucafurniture.com
Remy Tramoy
As a member of the ancient French guild, Les Compagnons du Devoir, Remy undertook his 10-year apprenticeship as he journeyed across France, Switzerland and Germany. Since arriving in Australia, Remy has continued to cultivate his contemporary, organic and enduring style, inspired by the place he now calls home—the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. He creates his own designs as well as client commissions.
Remy was a finalist in the Australian Wood Review – Maker of the Year in both 2020 and 2021.
Australian Wood Review – Finalist in Maker of the Year 2020 – Furniture category
https://www.woodreview.com.au/news/the-shortlists-maker-of-the-year-2020
https://www.woodreview.com.au/photocompentry/becoming
Australian Wood Review – Finalist in Maker of the Year 2021 – Tables, Chairs, Desks category
https://www.woodreview.com.au/moty2021/tables-chairs-desks-2021
https://www.woodreview.com.au/photocompentry/alive
Remy taught fine furniture making at the Melbourne School of Fine Woodworking from 2013-2022 and commenced teaching at Melbourne Woodworking Courses in 2023.
He is a generous and subtle instructor and will help you to feel both capable and challenged at the same time.
Tracey Malady
After working for a number of years in wood turning, which included being a judge at AWTEX (Australian Woodturning Exhibition), giving numerous woodturning demonstrations and making ‘how to’ videos for a woodworking retail company, Tracey has turned her attention to straw marquetry, a centuries-old craft that involves the delicate arrangement of dyed straw to create intricate designs and patterns.
Tracey’s transition from wood turning to straw marquetry represents a new chapter in her creative journey. Although there are very limited learning resources in Australia, Tracey has had the privilege of being under the tuition of Laura Inguaggiato, a leading French straw marquetry artisan, who was in Melbourne for a period of time.
She has dedicated herself to mastering the techniques and nuances of this intricate art form and to share her newfound knowledge and enthusiasm with others who are interested in exploring the timeless allure of straw marquetry.
You can check out some of Tracey’s work here on her Instagram and website Malady Designs.
Our values
Passion for woodworking
We are dedicated to promoting and preserving the art of woodworking and its rich traditions, and are committed to sharing our love and knowledge of the craft with others.
Empowerment through education
We believe that everyone has the potential to learn and master woodworking, and our objective is to always provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment that empowers individuals to reach their full potential.
Quality instruction
We are committed to delivering high-quality instruction. All of our instructors are highly experienced and have many years in the industry. They all enjoy the process of passing on their skills to others.
Community building
We believe that woodworking is a social and collaborative activity and we are all about nurturing a community of learners and practitioners who support and encourage one another.
Respect for the environment
We recognise the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship in woodworking and we are committed to promoting responsible practices that respect and protect the environment.
Our history in the industry
Melbourne Woodworking Courses was started by Rob & Kym Fabris in early 2023. They are not new to the industry with both having had many years experience running a woodworking school for others. Rob was the Operations Manager for 14 years and a weekly and short course tutor for many years and Kym was the Administrator for 12 years. It was time for a fresh start and so Melbourne Woodworking Courses was born.
Testimonials
Ground Floor/6 Rowern Court, Box Hill North
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I recently completed the two-day furniture restoration course with Ben Hodgetts – it was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it. I am a relative … More beginner to furniture restoration and I learned so much over the weekend and have so much more confidence now. As well being an extremely experienced restorer, Ben is an excellent teacher and shared lots of really valuable insights and techniques with us. He also has the most interesting stories! Being a small group, Ben was able to provide a lot of individual guidance to each of us over the weekend.
The workshop itself is beautiful space, with an amazing collection of tools. Rob and Kym, who run the woodworking school, are the nicest and most supportive people and made the whole thing so much less daunting for a beginner like me. I look forward to doing more courses with Melbourne Woodworking Courses in the future! -
I started with MWC this year and I love that I am learning old-school, traditional woodworking skills alongside amazing machinery. I am learning to 'think' … More in the craft and utterly appreciate the skill and craftsmanship that goes into making an heirloom piece of furniture. Now a term into my learning and I have learnt so much about woodworking and the tools and what I would need to do to achieve a handmade piece (for whatever you choose to make). Our teacher, Carl, has many decades of experience and learnt traditional methods that date back thousands of years. He is truly an artisan and graciously passes on that experience and knowlege, giving you the opportunity to try out those methods yourself. I came in as a complete novice and have never been made to feel that I am. Each week I have built on my skills while working towards a side table as my first piece. The workshop and school is amazing. So very neat, tidy and well set out. Everything is labelled and easy to find. The space is a woodworker's dream and the owners Rob and Kym are beautiful people that make you feel so welcome and comfortable no matter what your skill level. The other students travel far and wide and it's been great to meet them at their different skill levels and witness them in the making of their chosen piece. 5 stars. Highly recommend. Oh and MWC has a library!
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I have recently discovered Straw Marquetry - and I have fallen in love! Last weekend I did the Advanced Straw Marquetry Course at the Melbourne Woodworking … More Courses. I think I would have to say that it will be one of the highlights of 2024. It absolutely surpassed my expectations. To begin with, we were warmly welcomed by Kym and Rob. They really did look after us and did a great job organizing everything. And of course our super talented teacher, Laura Inguaggiato was amazing! Laura is French, as is Straw Marquetry. She has years of experience and has worked with some of the most gifted Straw Marquetry artists in the world. She is also a natural teacher who loves sharing her knowledge of this fascinating art. I also enjoyed meeting the others in the course, Richard and Steven, and I loved working with my mentor Tracey, who will be teaching a Beginners Straw Marquetry course in the future. I look forward to more Straw Marquetry Courses further down the track and hope that more people become interested in this beautiful art form.
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This March I have travelled from Sydney to Melbourne to attend the Beginners and Advanced Straw Marquetry Courses run by Melbourne Woodworking Courses. … More So fortunate to do the courses tutored by the wonderfully talented Laura Inguaggiato.
Well worth the effort to travel down from Sydney to do these courses.
MWC is run by Kym and Rob. Kym was so helpful with arrangements and very kindly picked me up and dropped me off at the Box Hill tram terminus. This made life so much easier! Thank you Kym!
The workshop is very well laid out, top grade equipment and good facilities.
Check out their website ! -
Really enjoying classes here, there is a lot to learn and the teachers are really passionate. I’m excited to come back for the next term and start tackling … More some new projects. The set project is a great starting point for everyone and great to all learn the same skills
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What an unexpected delight. Recently a weekend opened up and I was able to secure the last place in the inaugural introductory straw marquetry course held … More at MWC. The course tutor shared her expertise from the outset, encouraging a very hands-on approach, such that the second day was spent on each student's own design. The reward for me was not only a sense of achievement but the confidence to continue to grow in experience on my own in the weeks ahead. Highly recommended.
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The restoration course was brilliant, all hands on and no time wasted in theory lessons. Ben is very knowledgeable and passionate, I learned a lot in two … More days. I also had a lot of fun and I hope to go back again soon!
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I had a great time on the Make Your Own Side Table course held over two weekends. Rob was an engaging tutor who adapted to the varying levels of skill … More and experience in the class. He took the time to explain methods in detail, often giving both a hand and power tool demonstration. Rob also gave plenty of hints and tips throughout.
The class size was small, only 5, and that helped to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Overall I couldn't rate this course, or the team at Melbourne Woodworking Courses, more highly. Thank you! -
The course was an enormously informative experience, coupled with wonderful people and a great tutor. It was well worth attending.
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I did the box making class and it was fantastic, not only did I make a box but I learnt other tips and tricks along the way. The people are really friendly … More and knowledgeable, I’d recommend.
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This course was brilliant, it was presented in an engaging manner where the participants were able to apply finishes in various manners and see the impact. … More We even were able to take the samples home so we could appreciate how some finishes develop over time.
Richard engaged with all of the participants and delightfully answered any and all questions. It was a bonus to have Rob there as well to show us around their brilliant facilities. For any wood worker their setup at Melbourne Woodworking Courses is like an Aladin's cave. I have already signed up for their make your own Side Table and will be keeping an eye out for other courses in the future.
This is a wonderful business that I would highly recommend. -
I attended Andrew Gibbs' tutor groups for a number of years and found them to be fantastic. Andrew is a teacher extraordinaire - hugely experienced, … More and always helpful, encouraging and supportive. I can't recommend him highly enough. Andrew is supported by Rob and Kym who work tirelessly to provide the very best learning environment. Happy and rewarding times. Rob Francis
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The veneering course was most interesting and highly informative. Rob's veneer knowledge and process to work with it is very impressive. Great course … More and extremely highly recommended if undertaking projects where veer would add value.
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The box making course with Remy was absolutely brilliant. Booking and communication with the company was flawless and easy. My final product looked great … More thanks to a small helpful class and a lot of one-on-one guidance from the instructor. The venue was very clean and well equipped, thus everyone had their own bench and tools provided.
Highly recommend and looking forward to doing another course! -
Furniture Restoration Course
Great "Furniture Restoration Course " which was very well organised in a spacious, clean woodworking factory environment. … More
Master and respected restorer, Ben Hodgetts provided a very interesting and informative program for our hands on restoration projects.
This was a very well structured 2-day program which provided knowledge and inspiration. My 4 pieces of furniture comprised of a 3 draw French Biedermeier chest of draws, English oak pot cabinet from the early 1900s, early Australian blackwood pedestal and a Danish mid-century side table.
The workshop was outstanding as Ben guided us through our projects with his expert knowledge, anecdotes and tips in a passionate and fun working environment.
I can highly recommend this course to anyone interested in restoring pieces of furniture which have been passed down or acquired over the years in need of some care and attention.
Ben's enthusiasm to transfer his knowledge in a relaxed and entertaining way makes this course one of the best I have ever attended.
James -
For my first piece of fine furniture, I decided to reproduce a wooden wheel barrow I had allow to fall to bits in my garden.
I did not realise how something … More so seemingly simple and easy was actually extremely complex and difficult.
Thus I learned a great deal about thinking before even beginning to designing a piece and how it will go together.
Some people, not now with Melbourne Woodworking, were heard to mutter that it was not fine woodwork.
Rob reassured me, when I was well into the project and committed emotionally and financially, that what I was doing was as difficult as a chair. Indeed a fine piece of wood working.
As it turned out and after approx 2 years including Covid, I have finally finished and am very pleased with the outcome.
I am very grateful for Rob's teaching, advice and encouragement though out my long project.
I think I'll be making a tray next.. -
I have been attending daytime classes for over a year now and have to say that I look forward to the beginning of each term. I have had the same Tutor, … More Andrew Gibbs during this time. Andrew is a seasoned wood worker who is extremely patient and has a very approachable nature. His knowledge base is vast and his guidance through the many facets needed to complete a project makes the whole experience very enjoyable. Andrew has the qualities of a fine teacher who has that rare gift of instilling confidence to students such as myself who have not picked up a Wood Plane since the High school days of the seventies!
The classes are small enough so that everyone has good access to all the tools and machinery needed. My fellow students are also very friendly and helpful and the whole environment makes learning woodworking so much fun. I especially look forward to the coffee break and getting to know my fellow students. It’s a nice social environment. Rob and Kym who run the whole show make you feel very welcomed.
If you want to learn the woodworking skills needed to complete the projects that you have always dreamed of doing, no matter your level of competence, then I can highly recommend Melbourne Woodworking Courses. It’s a fun place with great people! -
Rob Fabris is a fantastic tutor with a broad knowledge of traditional and contemporary woodworking techniques. With his assistance I have completed several … More different pieces. Friends and family are astounded by the quality of the output, particularly given I had very little experience with woodworking prior to joining Rob's class.
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Im one of Andrew Gibbs many loyal students. Whether teaching beginners or the most accomplished, Andrew offers expert, constructive teaching and has a … More great eye. He is also a kind man, thoughtful and with a good sense of humour. He sets the tone for a professional but happy morning, and I think we all feel like that!
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I joined a morning tutor group led by Bruce Moonie. I was a complete novice. Bruce took me through my initial project, a side table, helping me with techniques, … More design and the use of the right tools for the job. He also taught me how to fix my numerous mistakes. At all times the emphasis was on quality and safety.
Bruce has a warm friendly personality, a wealth of knowledge and gift for teaching.
