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June 2023 Newsletter



This month's banner is inspired by Queensland Day - 6th June

 

WELCOME TO THE JUNE 2023 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!

 

FROM THE CEO:


Welcome one and all!


Hello to you all and welcome back for another exciting

edition of the BOOTSTRAPS News Leather.


May has seen us moving ever closer to finalising our partnership with TAFE QLD that will then allow us to teach the Certificate II in Leather Production to high school students in 2024. There has been so much work been undertaken in the backgrounds to make this project become a reality, and I am thankful for the tireless work by all those involved.


Along side the Cert II, the BOOTSTRAPS team has been busy organising our inaugural black-tie gala ball that is being held in October this year. We have several fantastic prizes that have already been donated for the evenings auction, as well as a number of celebrities and dignitaries who will be attending. Army Band Brisbane has confirmed their attendance also, and for those who have not witnessed them play, they are brilliant. It is shaping up to be a super night, and I invite you all to attend.


There have been many commissioned leather projects as well as repair jobs coming in and going out of the centre this month. All the instructors, including myself have had plenty of hours on the workshop floor. I am very happy with the level of workmanship being produced by our instructors and the level of professionalism they bring to the team. I say it every month and will I continue to say it……..I am so thankful to all of my staff who work so hard to keep our doors open and BOOTSTRAPS operating. I thank you all so much.


“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller


Thank you all once again for being a part of the BOOTSTRAPS journey. Stay safe and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.


- Sam Kavanagh, CEO Bootstraps


 

EVENTS


HOME-SCHOOL COURSE:


We gave Ely and Everly a taster of what we can do in the centre for home-schooled children; while still early in the planning, the intention is to run a fun multi-day course for several home-schooled children from the Lockyer Valley. Ely had previously made a wristband, and wanted to test his skills by making a belt; Everly was quite happy with the coloured stains, making a bookmark





ANZAC DAY RAFFLE:


As we mentioned last month, the Anzac Day Raffle was a huge success, selling over a thousand tickets, with the proceeds supporting the work Bootstraps does to help veterans in our community. This month we had the pleasure of handing over the prizes to our lucky winners; below is just a few of our winners, full details are on our website.


We also want to take this opportunity to again thank all of our wonderful prize donors, without you, this wouldn't have been the success it was.




 



SOCIAL MEDIA

We've had a big push this month to improve our social media posts and generate more engagement.

Stay up to date with the latest at Bootstraps, and 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!





NETWORKING


We are always looking to expand our network within the wider Veteran and Leatherwork communities.


Bootstraps had the pleasure of being invited to Wounded Heroes Australia's official opening of their Bundamba HQ, which coincided with their 16th Birthday. Congratulations to Martin, Sue, Miranda and the team at WH.


Bootstraps also got invited out to Modern Taxidermy QLD by Craig to discuss his knowledge of the hide tanning process; we were amazed by the quality and quantity of works in his trophy room. We look forward to working with Craig, and Will from Riverleigh Taxidermy, where Bootstraps will host a hide tanning class in the near future. To express an interest in any of our classes, go to the Linktree



 


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 Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm.


"Feel free to drop by and say hello or introduce yourself!"


 

STAFF:


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: https://www.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 few months, and now the last year, 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 Old Skool Metal Fabrication. Their specialty is custom food trucks and trailers, however, they pulled out the stops to create and donate our ANZAC Day raffle top prize of an ANZAC fire pit/spit.




Click the links to go to Old Skool's socials




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 you 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:

We always welcome new faces to the centre, as well as familiar ones; these are a sample of some of the amazing pieces of leatherwork that have been created!


Baden came in with an idea for a an axe head cover; the staff we able to guide him through the processes: design, cutting, shaping, adding hardware. The finished piece took little more than a morning!




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!



We look forward to bringing you more in next month's, News-Leather. But in the meantime, be sure to Like and Follow us on our socials to keep up to date with what's happening with Bootstraps!


We'd really love to hear what projects you'd like to do!


Go to our Linktree to submit an expression of interest for our classes, or a custom project.


Satchel, Handbag, Photo Album, Rifle Case, Tool Case,

Binoculars Case, or perhaps something more unique!





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!




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