Fine furniture maker Stuart Montague is the owner of Illawarra Woodwork School and the founder of Wollongong Wood Workshops and Market (previously known as the Illawarra Festival of Wood).

The much-loved annual event will return to Bulli Showground next weekend, November 11 and 12.

"I am excited about the festival being back, with more immersive workshops than ever before and for all interests, ages and abilities – and much more than wood!" Stuart says.

"Highlights are Greg from Joy of Wood in WA coming to run kids woodwork classes, our new bucket-making workshop, a free timber-based Mandala Workshop with Tegan Georgette, and welcoming back friend and master carver Carol Russell. Another highlight is new timber sellers, a knife marker and tool maker.

A third-generation woodworker, Stuart moved to the Illawarra in 1987 and lives in Coledale with his wife, Suzanne. The couple have three children and one granddaughter.

"I worked in the family woodworking business and then had the chance to take over the Illawarra Woodwork School from Robert Chapman, which is based in Woonona," he says.

"l have grown the Woodwork School to hosting weekend and week-long workshops, as well as the weekly term classes and our popular local event, which attracts thousands of wood lovers from across Australia, The Wollongong Wood Workshops & Market – previously known as the Illawarra Festival of Wood.

"I do still love producing furniture but the joy of teaching absolute beginners is the best, particularly my female students who never had the chance to do woodwork at school."

"My wife Suzanne supports me in all our projects as well as my trusty employee, Ed."

Like many local small business owners, Stuart has faced difficult times over the past few years.

"Lockdown was the most challenging," he says, "keeping the school going until we reopened. It was also very difficult not to be able to run the Festival particularly when so many people look forward to it each year."

When he's not working, Stuart has three favourite ways to spend his downtime: "My favourite relaxing time is surfing at Sharkys and Scarborough beach, spearfishing with my sons off the national park and minding my granddaughter, Alex."

Don't miss the return of the Wollongong Wood Workshops and Market at Bulli Showground, 9am-5pm on the weekend of November 11 and 12. See and book workshops at illawarrafestivalofwood.com