Bootstraps - For Those Who Have Laced Up A Boot In Service To Our Country

Bootstraps - For Those Who Have Laced Up A Boot In Service To Our Country Our facility in Gatton serves as a gathering place for veterans of all ages and members of the community to come together and craft beautiful leather items.

It fosters a supportive environment where creativity flourishes and connections are made. Located in the scenic Lockyer Valley town of Gatton, we offer leather work classes which are provided to support veterans and the community dealing with mental health and physical injuries. These classes aim to help participants relax, build a supportive network, and reconnect with others and to assist in the prevention of su***de.

🎉 FRIDAY HAS ARRIVED! 🎉And just like that, another busy week at Bootstraps is coming to a close!It’s been another week o...
04/09/2026

🎉 FRIDAY HAS ARRIVED! 🎉

And just like that, another busy week at Bootstraps is coming to a close!

It’s been another week of leather, learning, laughter and plenty of time around the workbenches.

We’ve seen projects taking shape, new skills being learned, plenty of problem-solving (and maybe the occasional bit of frustration), but most importantly, we’ve seen people connecting, supporting each other and having a yarn along the way.

That’s what Bootstraps is all about. ❤️

Whether you’ve spent the week creating something amazing, learning something new, helping someone else, or simply getting through the week, you made it! And that’s worth celebrating. 🙌

So, take a breath, enjoy your Friday and head into the weekend knowing you’ve done your best.

Have a ripper weekend everyone!

🛠️ WHAT'S COME OFF THE WORKBENCH SO FAR THIS WEEK? 🛠️There’s been plenty happening around the workbenches this week, and...
03/09/2026

🛠️ WHAT'S COME OFF THE WORKBENCH SO FAR THIS WEEK? 🛠️

There’s been plenty happening around the workbenches this week, and we’re loving seeing these projects come together! 🤩

Robin has finished the tool belt template he’s been working on, and soon all of our volunteers will have one of these handy belts to keep their tools together and within easy reach while they’re working. 🔨🪡

But Robin didn’t stop there! He decided to try his hand at making a leather pen and business card holder… and WOW! This guy’s ideas really are next level! What an awesome finished product, practical, professional and completely handmade. We reckon this would make a fantastic corporate gift too! 🎁

Meanwhile, Lani has finished her wristbands, and they’re looking fantastic! We love these one of designs, unique and not found anywhere else. Great job Lani👏❤️

Another busy week at Bootstraps, another bunch of great projects coming off the benches!

Keep creating, keep learning, and keep supporting each other. ❤️

03/09/2026

❤️ SOMETIMES, YOU JUST NEED TO LISTEN ❤️

Sometimes people reach out, but not everyone hears them.

A person might say, “I’m fine,” while their voice, their emotions or their behaviour are telling you something very different. Sometimes the words they use are not actually saying what they need.

That’s why it’s so important to listen to the whole conversation, not just the words. Listen to the pauses. Listen to the tone. Notice the emotions. Notice when someone is not acting themselves.

You don't always have to have the right words or know how to fix things. Sometimes the greatest help you can offer is simply to sit with someone, listen without judgement and let them know they don't have to face things alone.

Offer help in whatever way you can. It might be a coffee, a phone call, a cuppa, a walk, a hug, or simply saying, “I'm here if you need me.”

And remember, reaching out isn't always obvious. Sometimes someone is quietly hoping that somebody will notice.

👂 Listen. ❤️ Notice. 🤝 Be there.

You never know just how much that small act of kindness might mean to someone.

🇦🇺 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL FLAG DAY 🇦🇺Today, 3 September, we recognise Australian National Flag Day,  a day to reflect on th...
03/09/2026

🇦🇺 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL FLAG DAY 🇦🇺

Today, 3 September, we recognise Australian National Flag Day, a day to reflect on the meaning and history of the flag that represents our nation.

At Bootstraps, nearly all of our volunteers have served under the Australia flag. Throughout conflicts, both at home and around the world, from generations past to those who continue to serve today, we remember the dedication, sacrifice and courage of our Australian service men and women. 🎖️

The Australian flag has been carried, flown and worn in some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable. Behind every flag is a story, of service, mateship, sacrifice, resilience and coming home.

Today, we proudly say thank you to all who have served beneath it, and we remember those who never made it home.

🇦🇺 Lest we forget. 🇦🇺


🧵✨ Certificate II Leather Production Progress this Week! ✨🧵Another productive week at Bootstraps with our Certificate II...
02/09/2026

🧵✨ Certificate II Leather Production Progress this Week! ✨🧵

Another productive week at Bootstraps with our Certificate II students continuing to build their skills and confidence in leathercraft! 👏

One of our students continued working on the carving and tooling of her leather belt, and we’re loving watching her design come to life piece by piece. 🐎🔥

Our other student spent some time doing a little catch-up work from her last two lessons, making sure she’s up to date and ready to keep moving forward.

And meanwhile, Sam, who brings our students into the centre, decided to put her own tooling skills to good use! She took the piece she had been tooling and turned it into a simple little wallet. 👏

It’s fantastic seeing everyone learning, creating and supporting each other along the way. That’s what Bootstraps is all about, learning new skills, building confidence, having a laugh and enjoying the journey together. ❤️

Well done everyone!

LAST DAYS TO GET TICKETS!..HAPPENING THIS SATURDAY💙 FATHER’S DAY LEATHERCRAFT CLASS – SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2026 💙Looking...
02/09/2026

LAST DAYS TO GET TICKETS!..HAPPENING THIS SATURDAY

💙 FATHER’S DAY LEATHERCRAFT CLASS – SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2026 💙

Looking for a Father’s Day gift that is truly special and made with love? Why not share the day with Dad and create something together that he can use for years to come! 🛠️❤️

There’s something pretty special about giving Dad a gift that he has created with his own hands. Spend the day learning, creating, having a few laughs and making memories together at Bootstraps. 🥰

And if Dad can’t make it, you can come along and make it for him. A handmade leather gift is something he can treasure , especially knowing it was made especially for him. 🎁❤️

Where: Bootstraps Veterans Charity – Gatton
When: Saturday 5 September 2026 @ 9.30am
Tickets available here 👇
https://events.humanitix.com/father-s-day-leather-wallet-making-workshop/tickets

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this special Father’s Day class. Come along, get creative and make something Dad will love!

💙 Create. Connect. Remember. 💙


🤪 WACKY WEDNESDAY! 🤪It’s Wednesday, so you know what that means… time for another absolutely leather-ly terrible joke! W...
01/09/2026

🤪 WACKY WEDNESDAY! 🤪

It’s Wednesday, so you know what that means… time for another absolutely leather-ly terrible joke!

Why did the piece of leather go to the gym?
Because it wanted to get ripped! 🤣🤣

Yep… we’ll see ourselves out. 🚪😂

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone! And remember, sometimes a silly laugh is just what you need to get you through the middle of the week. ❤️

🎉 Defence Only Family Fun Day 🎉Join us for a FREE day of fun and connection as we celebrate our serving and ex-serving D...
01/09/2026

🎉 Defence Only Family Fun Day 🎉

Join us for a FREE day of fun and connection as we celebrate our serving and ex-serving Defence personnel, veterans, and their families. *NB - this is a free event, however tickets need to be ordered for catering purposes*

Bring the whole family along to enjoy the animal farm, face painting, leathercraft fun, jumping castle, giant Jenga, giant Connect 4, Soft Play Axe Throwing, Coffee Cart & Sausage Sizzle. Activities for all ages and plenty of opportunities to connect with local veterans and their families.

Learn about Bootstraps and what we offer to our defence communities, veterans and their families.

Whether you're a Defence family, a veteran, still serving or transitioning, everyone is welcome. Come along, and enjoy a fantastic day out. We can't wait to see you there.

Tickets available here 👉https://events.humanitix.com/bootstraps-veterans-charity-defence-family-fun-day/tickets

**Feel free to share this in your veteran community or space**

💛 SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SU***DE PREVENTION MONTH 💛This month is a reminder that sometimes, the people who seem to be doi...
01/09/2026

💛 SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SU***DE PREVENTION MONTH 💛

This month is a reminder that sometimes, the people who seem to be doing okay on the outside may be struggling on the inside.

So, check in on your mates. Check in on your family. Check in on your workmates. Check in on the people you care about.

You just never know who might need that simple message saying “How are you really going?” Having a coffee together, a quiet talk, a laugh or even just a hug just might make someone's day. 🤗

You don't need to have all the answers, and you don't need to fix everything. Sometimes, simply being there and letting someone know they aren't alone can mean more than you realise.

At Bootstraps, we believe that connection matters. Creating a safe space to talk, to listen, to work alongside others, or simply have a cuppa and spend some time together can make a difference.

So this September, reach out, check in and start the conversation. ❤️

And remember, asking someone “Are you okay?” could be one of the most important questions you ask all year.

Bootstraps likes to recognise the local businesses that have supported us on our journey.   Trevor, Tracy and the team a...
31/08/2026

Bootstraps likes to recognise the local businesses that have supported us on our journey.

Trevor, Tracy and the team at East Coast Leather https://www.facebook.com/ecleather in Mount Cotton have looked after us since we started. Wonderful people running a family business that has been in the leather industry for over 30 years.

The inside of the Leather Shed is just filled to the roof with all types of leather and the team are more than happy to talk through the materials that are best suited to your project.

Check out their site to discover the wonderful world of leather. https://www.eastcoastleather.com.au/

If your business would like to support Bootstraps, and become part of our , find out more here 👉 https://bootstraps.org.au/500-club/

Address

4 Golf Links Drive
Gatton, QLD
4343

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 2pm
Thursday 9am - 2pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+61480239994

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