News
20 November, 2024
Crafting 40 years of community
Kilcoy Craft Cottage (KCC) celebrated 40 years of handmade artistry on November 14 at Yowie Park, with past and present members gathering for the occasion.
The Kilcoy Craft Cottage (KCC) is a volunteer-run shop and craft market on Hope Street that showcases an array of handmade items created by local artisans.
The market features everything from quilts, crocheted hand towels, and t-shirts, to metal and woodwork, coasters, water bottles, and plants.
To sell crafts at the shop, creators must volunteer at least one day per month, with reduced commission rates for additional volunteer days.
“It’s like a little family, and we just all do what we can,” said Sue Goldsbrough, former President and current Treasurer of KCC.
“Everything on sale has a component of craft to it.
It’s a place for locals to offload their hobbies.
There is always lots to see and purchase, so why not support locally made and pay us a visit in our 40th anniversary year?”
KCC’s Origins and Growth
Originally called the Kilcoy Information and Recreational Craft Market, the shop made its first sales in January 1984.
It was established after locals Mary Nunn and Robyn Teichmann initiated the idea of creating an outlet for Kilcoy’s talented craftspeople.
The project gained strong local support, particularly from businesses, despite some initial skepticism.
“Of course, there were those who said you will never make it, but here we are 40 years later, thriving for the benefit of not only our members but also our entire community,” said Ms. Goldsbrough.
Co-founder Robyn Teichmann remains an active member, continuing to contribute her crafts to the shop.
Initially operating from a borrowed caravan, the market transitioned to a relocatable building before settling into its current cedar cottage, generously donated by the Webster family of Sheep Station Creek.
The cottage opened on September 2, 1984, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during a joint celebration with the Lions Club.
Community Contributions
Over the years, KCC has supported various local causes, including the Red Cross, ambulance services, the hospital, Senior Citizens, and more recently, Breast and the Rest, the Kilcoy Bowls Club, and the Rural Fire Brigade.
Since 2015, the Craft Cottage has focused exclusively on selling locally made arts and crafts, stepping away from offering tourist information.
Ongoing Improvements
“We are constantly working hard to bring new and exciting crafts to the community,” Sue said.
Efforts include upgrading the plant nursery with new shade cloth and shelving, as well as adding new in-store display furniture.
Visiting the KCC
The KCC is open seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
More information can be found at [Kilcoy Craft Market on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/KilcoyCraftMarket).
