Our story — Meet Michael
I spent over 20 years as a carpenter up in northern New South Wales, mostly working in residential builds and renovations. I loved the hands-on nature of the work, but by the time I hit my 40s, the early starts and constant physical wear were catching up with me. Around 2016, I started looking at ways to bring in a bit of extra income on the side, something I could enjoy doing after hours in the shed.
I’d always had a habit of picking up well-made items — tools, timber, you name it. I had a few customers and mates asking where I got certain things, and that got me thinking. One day, I brought home some leftover Tasmanian oak from a job and decided to make a couple of cutting boards for gifts. They turned out decent, so I put a few more together and sold them at the local markets in Byron Bay. Didn’t expect much, but I sold the lot in one morning.
By 2017, I’d made the move to WA with the family. We set up in the Perth Hills, and I decided to give this new idea a proper go. I registered the business, Fenwick Supply Co, under my consulting company name, and started working with local suppliers for timber and materials. Bit by bit, I added new products, sourced from Australian mills where I could, or made in the workshop out back. It’s been trial and error, but I like that — it feels like building again, only on a smaller scale.
These days, it’s all run out of our home base in the Hills. I focus on products that are useful, sturdy, and made to last. The cutting boards are still in the mix, alongside a few other things we’ve picked up over the years. It’s not fancy, but it’s honest work, and people seem to like it.
— Thanks for checking out Fenwick Supply Co — Michael, Michael Ian Mclaughlin
Journal
Why We Use Tasmanian Oak for Our Boards
Tasmanian Oak isn’t the flashiest timber, but it’s reliable, durable, and perfect for a cutting board that lasts decades.
A lot of folks ask why we use Tasmanian Oak for our cutting boards. The short answer is that it’s tough, straight-grained, and doesn’t cost a fortune to source. Not every material needs to be exotic to do the job well. It’s a eucalypt, technically not an oak, but the name’s stuck, and it’s got the same workhorse qualities you’d expect from an old oak beam in a heritage house.
We get our timber from a mill just outside of Launceston. They’ve been running for 40 years, family business, no frills. Last time I was down there, we talked about how they process the logs. They kiln-dry everything down to 12% moisture content, which stops the boards from warping over time. It’s a small step, but it makes a hell of a difference when you’re carving up a Sunday roast.
One of the best things about Tasmanian Oak is how easy it is to work with. It machines cleanly — no tearing or splintering — and takes oil beautifully. Each board gets sanded down to 240 grit before a coat of mineral oil goes on. The oil gives it that warm colour and helps protect the surface from stains. It’s simple but effective, and it’s the same finish I’ve been using for years.
If you’ve ever wondered how many cutting boards you can get out of a single slab, it’s usually eight to ten, depending on the size. We try to minimise offcuts, but there’s always a few scraps left over. Those bits get saved for testing finishes or patching up old furniture in my workshop. Waste is the enemy in a small operation like this.
At the end of the day, Tasmanian Oak just makes sense. It’s honest timber — no gimmicks, no unnecessary fancy names. It does exactly what you need it to do without fuss, which is pretty much the philosophy behind everything we make here.
Why Summer's Easier With Bigger Towels
The Bondi Beach Towel's oversized design isn’t just for looks — here’s why it’s more practical than most.
Summer in Perth gets hot. Not the ‘this is warm and pleasant’ kind of hot, but the ‘sand burns your feet’ kind. A decent towel isn’t optional, it’s essential, and that’s where the Bondi Beach Towel comes in. At 180cm by 100cm, it’s big enough to lie down on without half your body touching the sand. Simple fix, but one less thing to complain about on a 38-degree day.
The cotton we use is looped tighter than most supermarket towels, so it’s thicker and absorbs water faster. If you’ve ever had to dry off a wriggling toddler, you’ll know how important that is. Plus, it dries quicker than you’d expect for its weight. Less time hanging on the line, more time in the sun. We tested a batch last summer — a full soak in the ocean, then hung up. Bone-dry in 35 minutes.
We’ve kept the design simple. Two colours, a stripe pattern, and nothing else. I’ve never understood why some towels are covered in massive logos or floral prints. You’re just going to chuck it in a beach bag anyway, so what’s the point? The Bondi design works anywhere — beach, pool, or even as an emergency picnic blanket when the kids spill milkshakes on the actual picnic blanket.
I’ll admit, when we first prototyped these, I wasn’t convinced anyone needed a towel this big. But after using one myself, I’ve changed my tune. It’s not just about covering more ground, it’s also about versatility. You can wrap it around yourself, throw it over a car seat that’s been baking in the sun, or use it as a windbreak when the Fremantle Doctor picks up late in the afternoon.
So that’s the story behind the Bondi Beach Towel. Not reinventing the wheel, just making a wheel that actually works for the way we live out here. Big is better, and not just for bragging rights.
Cold Nights, Candles, and the Smell of Sydney
The Sydney Harbour Candle captures something of an autumn evening — eucalyptus smoke and salt from the air.
Autumn’s always been my favourite season. The days are still warm, but the nights start cooling off just enough to justify lighting a candle. The Sydney Harbour Candle has been on my bench for a couple of years now, but it still surprises me how many people associate it with their own memories of the city. It’s got a mix of eucalyptus, tea tree, and a faint salty tang. Like standing on the foreshore near The Rocks, with ferries chugging in the distance.
The wax is soy-based, not because it’s trendy, but because it burns cleaner and slower. Each candle lasts about 45 hours, depending on how long you keep the wick trimmed. I’ve learned the hard way not to let them go too long without maintenance — a 5mm wick burns perfectly, anything longer and you’re wasting wax and getting soot on the jar. Keep it tidy, and it works better.
We pour every candle in small batches here in the shed. The process isn’t complicated, but it’s picky. The wax has to be melted to exactly 60°C before adding the fragrances, otherwise they don’t bond properly. Too cool, and the surface ends up lumpy. Too hot, and the scent weakens. It’s a balance, and I’ve chucked a few dodgy batches in the past before getting it right.
What makes this candle stand out is that it’s not overly sweet. Some candles smell like they were made by a lolly factory. This one’s got a natural, understated thing going on — more like a memory than a punch in the nose. Folks from Sydney tend to notice it first, but I’ve had people from as far as Alice Springs tell me it reminds them of a coastal holiday.
If you’re lighting one this autumn, do me a favour: crack a window while it’s burning. Let a bit of fresh air mix with it, and you’ll see what I mean. It’s a quiet pleasure, but it sticks with you.
The Practical Side of Leather Wallets
Our leather wallets are made to last, not to be overdesigned. Here’s how we keep them simple and durable.
I’ve been making leather wallets for about four years. It started as a side project when I couldn’t find one that wasn’t full of gimmicks — extra folds, zippers, elastic straps. Most people don’t need all that. A wallet just needs to hold your cards and cash without falling apart after a year. So that’s the idea behind the Leather Wallet by Fenwick: keep it simple, make it well.
The leather comes from a supplier in Brisbane. They source Australian hides and tan them to about 1.5mm thick. That’s the sweet spot for wallets — thick enough to hold up to daily use, but not so thick that it feels like you’re carrying around a slab of steak in your pocket. Veg-tanned leather is my go-to because it ages better. It starts stiff, but softens over time and picks up a patina you can’t fake.
Each wallet goes through about an hour of hands-on work. The pieces are cut with a die press, then skived on the edges to make them sit flush when folded. I hand-stitch them with waxed polyester thread — it’s stronger than cotton and doesn’t fray as easily. There’s no glue involved, just stitches, so if anything ever comes loose, it’s easy to repair. Not that it happens often.
One thing I’ve noticed over the years is how much people appreciate the simplicity. A wallet doesn’t need 16 card slots or a keychain attachment. I stick to six slots and a main pocket for cash. That’s it. Most of the time, if someone’s replacing their wallet, it’s because the lining has torn or the stitching’s gone. Ours don’t have linings, and the stitching’s built to last.
There’s something satisfying about making something people use every day. A wallet isn’t a showpiece, it’s a tool. That’s the whole point — practical, sturdy, and comfortable in your back pocket. That’s what I’d want, so that’s what I make.
Customer reviews
Anna M. — Fremantle, WA — 2024-02-15 — 5/5
Beautiful Cutting Board
The Tasmanian Oak Cutting Board is stunning and even more solid than I expected. It arrived quickly and was packaged securely. Perfect for serving cheese!
Liam T. — Bondi, NSW — 2024-05-03 — 4/5
Quick delivery, great towel
I ordered the Bondi Beach Towel and it got here in just three days. It’s soft and the pattern is vibrant. Lost a star because the edges frayed slightly after a few uses.
Emily R. — South Melbourne, VIC — 2024-07-21 — 5/5
Fantastic Candle
The Sydney Harbour Candle has such a calming scent. Delivery was seamless and the candle burns evenly. Will get a few as gifts.
Tom C. — Paddington, QLD — 2024-09-10 — 5/5
Durable wallet
The Leather Wallet is perfect—sleek design and fits everything without being bulky. It’s holding up well after months of daily use.
Sophia L. — Cottesloe, WA — 2025-01-08 — 5/5
Amazing blanket
Ordered the Wool Blend Throw Blanket and couldn’t be happier. It’s super soft and warm, perfect for Perth’s cooler nights.
Jake H. — Brunswick, VIC — 2024-03-18 — 4/5
Good but minor flaws
The Tasmanian Oak Cutting Board looks great and feels sturdy. There was a small chip on one corner, but customer service sorted it quickly.
Olivia K. — Glenelg, SA — 2024-11-02 — 5/5
Stylish beach towel
I bought the Bondi Beach Towel for a holiday, and it’s so lightweight and quick-drying. Love the design too!
Nathan W. — Newtown, NSW — 2024-12-27 — 4/5
Great wallet, minor issue
The Leather Wallet is really functional with plenty of card slots. The only issue is the stitching on one corner is starting to come loose.