Technology at Newington is a hands-on experience of creativity and cognition, creating the designers of the future.

External critical examination can be a valuable marker of success. Last week, Australian Wood Review announced Year 12 Technology student, Ben A, as the winner of its prestigious Maker of the Year Awards 2025 in the Student: Secondary category for his Handcrafted Minibar Sideboard. 

Mr Ben Dawbin, Head of Technology, says winning an international award judged by experts in the field is an outstanding achievement, and highlights the exceptional standard of woodworking at Newington College. 

‘We are fortunate to have outstanding workshop facilities and, most importantly, the remarkable expertise of our dedicated teachers, who inspire and guide students to design and create ambitious, technically challenging projects,’ he says.  

This year’s Australian Wood Review’s Maker of the Year judges included esteemed furniture maker and teacher, Will Acland of the renowned Waters and Acland Furniture School in the UK; Michelle Boyd, Artistic Director, Design Tasmania; Ashley Eriksmoen, Senior Lecturer at the School of Art & Design, Australian National University and Pam Erasmus, acclaimed maker and teacher, currently at Sturt School for Wood in the NSW. Judges selected Ben’s Handcrafted Minibar Sideboard, constructed primarily in American walnut and cherry with inlays in walnut, red gum and New Zealand beech from 400 entries from 44 countries. 

This year, four other Year 12 Technology students from Newington, Archie G, Charlie F, Felix L and Ted G, were also shortlisted for the Wood Review Maker of the Year Awards, says Mr Dawbin.  

‘It is a testament to the strength of our program, and we are proud to have won this prestigious award for the second time. Congratuations to Ben on this remarkable accomplishment, and to his teacher, Joe Glover, whose guidance and support were integral to his success.’ 

As he begins his making career outside the College gates, we spoke to Ben A about his recent accomplishment and his love of making: 

Q. Ben, are you someone who historically has found it easy to make things? 

My whole life I have been creatively hands on. When I was little, it was always art, painting, and drawing. From about 12 to 16 years old, I was into music, learning saxophone, drums and guitar. My music era was influenced by my father, who is passionate about music and works in the Aussie music industry. Woodworking is my creative outlet now. 

Q. When did you start Industrial Technology Timber at Newington and what was the interest? 

I walked into a workshop for the first time when I was in Year 11 in 2024 after selecting it as an HSC subject without any experience. I knew if I was passionate enough about woodwork, I could create a great major work regardless of experience, through my work ethic. Initially, I was grabbed by the unique practical nature of the subject: there is movement around the classroom, socialising, sharing actual skills, and a real workshop culture.  

Q. Being a maker requires an analytical brain. Did the maths required to do the angles and measurements come easy, or did it surprise you it is so much part of making?  

I am not mathematically gifted, but the maths required for my project was relatively straightforward due to its rectilinear form. It was high stakes though, which tripped me up a bit … using expensive timbers, a miscalculation can set you back hundreds of dollars or change the appearance of your work. This slowed my construction down at times, as I was always overthinking every measurement after I dovetailed my drawer incorrectly one time. These mistakes are inevitable in most projects, but I’ve learnt almost all mistakes are fixable in woodworking. 

Q. How many hours did your piece take and what was your inspiration?  

I spent around 100 hours inside the workshop and more researching, planning, sketching, and writing my portfolio. When I finished my rowing commitments with the 2nd VIII, my work rate seriously ramped up for the final four months. I spent the majority of my recesses and lunches as well as early mornings and afternoons working on my cabinet because I hated feeling like there was a rush to get the project done. Nothing inspired my individual smaller choices, but the inspiration for the proportions were from a 1940s cabinet by Paolo Buffa for Serafino Arrighi, Italy. It inspired me to use American cherry and walnut as my two main timbers and its shape resonated with me. 

Q. How did the teaching staff help you on your making road, and what qualities have they taught you? 

My main shoutout is to Mr Glover as I am his second student to win Australian Wood Review’s Maker of the Year. Mr Glover was pivotal when I was split between design choices and helping me express my visions. I picked up a lot of knowledge from him such as the plethora of technical advice with machinery and tools. Mr Glover was also extremely helpful when I tore my patella tendon a month out from the deadline, as he helped me to move items in the workshop when I was on crutches. 

Q. Do you plan to continue making now you have finished Year 12? 

I plan to continue for the rest of my life. I have my sights set on going to Australian National University to complete a Bachelor of Design degree. However, I had no idea I would win the Maker of the Year Award, and this has massively boosted my confidence. 

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To read more about Newington’s Academic Excellence click here.  

To see Ben and other winning entries in the Australian Wood Review 2025 Awards https://www.woodreview.com.au/news/the-winners-maker-of-the-year-2025.