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Craft + Design Week 2026

program.

the full program

Explore. discover. create. make. learn.

Ballarat Craft + Design Week is full of activities for all ages - with ticketed workshops, talks and discussions alongside free exhibitions and retail opportunities.


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WORKSHOP: Locksmithing - Rare Trades Centre

  • Rare Trades Centre 389 Bradshaw Street, Ballarat VIC Ballarat Central Australia (map)

Learn the ancient art of locksmithing with locksmith Aaron Smith.

In this full-day workshop, you will make your own brass padlock and cut your own key using traditional techniques and hand tools that have not changed since the early 1800s.

This workshop will teach you skills that are slowly becoming lost in the locksmithing trade with the ever-increasing use of technology. You will use parts made by Australia’s oldest operating lock manufacturer, Jacksons of Launceston and mark out, hand drill and file a working lock. Once the components are ready, you will hand-cut a key to suit.

At the end of the day, you will take your lock and key home with you.