About The Timbermill
Timbermill Studios - BulliThe Timbermill Studios – a unique creative space in the northern beach suburbs of Wollongong
Builder and Arts Entrepreneur Joe McGuinness purchased the mill in 2012 with a vision to create an arts hub for the local community where locals and visitors could work, meet, eat, drink and get involved in the arts.
Initially a working saw mill, Joe has gradually transformed it into a creative hub, making use of the buildings unique features and continuing the hand-made ethos of its history. With the creative input of its tenants, the Timbermill continues to be divided into studios and workspaces, with a flexible layout enabling a number of creative uses. Among the studio residents are well-known painters, ceramicists, potters, a glass artist, event stylist, architects, graphic designers, woodworkers and a surfboard maker!
With its outdoor green spaces and soaring industrial ceilings, the Mill is also a space for hire, where local government, businesses, charities and community groups hold events, classes, meetings, festivals, charity auctions and art openings.
History of the Mill
By the Illawarra Mercury, Photos by Greg Ellis
Mr Grafenauer operated Molloy Timber with his wife, Pamela, for 38 years, hanging up his tool belt in March 2013.
This marked the end of more than a century of sawmilling in Wollongong’s northern suburbs – but not the end of the timber mill’s place as a home for craftspeople.
Mr Grafenauer migrated from Austria where he had learnt his craft by restoring antiques and palace doors that were destroyed during World War II. He bought the mill in 1975 from the Molloy family, who opened a steam-driven sawmill called Molloy Brothers in the early 1900s.
In the first few years of operation, Molloy Brothers’ timber was delivered from the top of Bulli Pass by bullock wagon.
For the last 20 years operating the mill, the Grafenauers ran popular woodworking classes, teaching hundreds of Illawarra people to craft beautiful furniture and children’s toys to their meticulous standards.
Mr McGuinness transformed Timber Mill Studios six years ago, when he acquired the property after running a similar space in Sydney for 15 years.
“We spent our time making studios and all the different spaces,” he said.
“There are 32 tenants now. Everything from kiln spaces out the back to what I call production studios for things like screen printing and heavy sculpture.”
“There are painting studios upstairs with photography at the front.
“In the middle we have some design studios for graphic artists and computer-based businesses.
“There are also warehouse spaces for homewares and fashion.”
Upcoming Events & Timbermill News
Bats For Will
Thank you to everybody involved in the Timbermill Bats for Will charity auction. It was a fantastic turnout with all funds raised for Willo Industries. We’re truly grateful to have been involved.
Timbermill Cafe Supports Green Caffeen
Timbermill Cafe is happy to support two local stay-at-home Dads who have come up with a brilliant idea. Green Caffeen. Download the app and start using reusable takeaway coffee cups. Use your cup, (take it home, to the moon, all good) afterward drop it off to...
Yoga at the Timbermill has arrived
Yoga is at the Timbermill! Take time out from the busyness of life to Breathe, Flow and Connect. Movelife are so excited to now be offering Yoga classes at the Timbermill Studios in Bulli and we would love for you to come along and join us. When you join in any of our...