First Responders' Leatherwork

The Cuppacumbalong Foundation has scholarships available for first responders to take leatherwork courses conducted by Tharwa Valley Forge.

This is a two day course where students learn basic leatherwork skills by creating accessories they will use during their day-to-day service as first responders.

These courses are only open to scholarship recipients who have a valid scholarship code

The course goes from Monday night 7pm until 9:30pm and Tuesday and Wednesday 8am until 5:30pm, a very packed two days.

Monday night covers an overview of the processes involved, design and material selection and a shop tour.

On Tuesday, students learn the basics of stitching and how to work from a pattern by making and personalising a small leather tool bag. This tool bag is very useful; among other things it can be used as a toiletry bag, as a tool kit kept in your glovebox, or as a go-bag insert that holds essential items for call-outs.

Wednesday introduces some more advanced techniques, including forming leather to 3D shapes. Students will spend the day making a custom belt pouch that holds a folding knife, multitool, or torch. You'll need to bring in the item you want to make the pouch for so that the leather can be formed to fit it.

At the end of the course, students will go home with the skills and confidence required to make basic leatherwork projects using inexpensive tools. Our job is to guide, instruct and help you recover from any mistakes.

Cost includes tuition, insurance, materials, use of tools, workshop consumables, and safety gear.

Students need to bring lunch, and make sure they wear enclosed footwear along with clothing suitable for a workshop environment.

Scholarship recipients

To book a place on one of these courses, you’ll need the scholarship code provided by The Cuppacumbalong Foundation.

• fill out the registration form
• enter your scholarship code in the “Gift Voucher Code” field under you’ll see under the heading “Payment Information”

You will then receive a confirmation email that contains the details of the course you have enrolled on.

If you have any problems or otherwise have any questions, please get in touch via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.