The Bench

The Bench

Zetland, NSW 2017
  • 158
    Classes
  • 786
    Students
  • 225
    Reviews
Member since 2020
Verified by WeTeachMe

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4.9 (225 reviews)
Skyerated it
26 Mar 2024
Brilliant way to get an intro to the hands on skills utilised in jewellery making. Valuable knowledge that can help you decide where you might want to push yourself next!
Tobiasrated it
26 Mar 2024
10/10! Erin was a great teacher, couldn’t recommend this class more!
Maiarated it
21 Mar 2024
My experience at the bench was great! Liz was a very patient and kind tutor, and went above and beyond to ensure we were happy with our pieces. Would definitely recommend a class to anyone wanting to explore jewellery making!
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About The Bench

The Bench
Member since 2020
Verified by WeTeachMe

The Bench is a modern, industry standard workshop focusing on education and training for the industry and community. Director and principle tutor Erin Keys established The Bench because she wanted a place for a community to grow together and share their knowledge and experience. With little start up money and no regular funding, we raised funds to build a relaxed and friendly place to learn traditional and contemporary jewellery techniques, a space to develop ideas and projects such as ring making, silver jewellery and stone setting gems. We provide concept based jewellery classes to the absolute beginner, the aspiring maker and to the professional jeweller.

The Bench offers the community the following:
Jewellery Classes, jewellery specializations, professional jewellery development, private jewellery lessons, corporate team building and jewellery related activities.

Why learn to make jewellery at The Bench?
When you become a student at The Bench you are contributing to the viability and sustainability of our workshop, including the general maintenance. By learning to make jewellery at The Bench, you are supporting the establishment of a creative community, and are helping The Bench to evolve & experiment with new programs.

The Bench Jewellery School and Workshop is dedicated to building an unparalleled jewellery centre that delivers quality programs for the betterment of the community and the jewellery industry. The Bench is an open window to learn, design and share by creating experiences and fostering the next generation of makers. It is a place to learn, work, and discuss ideas and share knowledge, a laboratory for the creation of jewellery.

The Bench is a safe working and learning environment, complete with a wide inventory of tools and equipment. The Bench cultivates inclusive, creative and accessible spaces for everyone to have the opportunity to feel safe and welcomed. Our programs and activities offer opportunities for artists and audiences with disability to engage and participate.

Established in 2020, The Bench is located at the exquisite historic site, Joynton Avenue Creative Centre in Green Square. The former South Sydney Hospital comprised a group of brick buildings dating from 1911. Within the precinct, the Joynton Avenue Creative Centre occupies the Esme Cahill building, which was the nurses’ accommodation block, opened in 1938. The Joynton Avenue Creative Precinct by Peter Stutchbury Architecture (PSA), in association with Design 5 – Architects as heritage consultant, completed for the City of Sydney. Easily accessed by Bus, Train, Ride, Walk and with Wheelchair accessibility.









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Cancellations & Refunds

If the organiser cancels the class:

You are entitled to a full refund.

If you can't attend the class:

You’re welcome to send someone in your place.

OR

  • A refund can be requested 14 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$56.00 applies.
  • A transfer can be requested 14 days before the class starts. An admin fee of AU$32.00 applies.
  • A credit note can be requested 14 days before the class starts. An admin fee of AU$16.00 applies.

No changes will be allowed after these times.

We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.

Terms & Conditions

Anyone partaking in any classes or coming to any events at The Bench or organised by The Bench must agree to these terms and conditions.

BOOKINGS - PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICY:

SECTION 1 Terms and Conditions / POLICIES 

1.1 LIABILITY WAIVER 

I agree to take on full responsibility for any damages, injuries and for physical and/or personal property, which I might incur whilst participating in classes and/or events organised by The Bench. We take your health and safety seriously. The following are general guidelines when you participate in a class. Always follow the instructions of the teacher at all times. Do not touch or operate any equipment you have not been shows how to operate. If you use glasses for reading and /or close up work please remember to bring them along. If you have long hair, please bring along something to tie it back with. We will be working with hot, sharp and heavy tools, so please wear shoes, which will protect your feet. Avoid wearing loose flowing garments. Eye/ ear and face masks that are required for a class will be provided and you must wear them at all times if instructed to do so. Please advise if you are pregnant prior to a class. 

1.2 REFUNDS
We have a strict no refund policy. If you think you qualify for a refund, please email jewellery@thebench.sydney with your order number and reason for refund. Please read here for our workshop policies. Once your order number is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your request. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If you are approved, then your refund (less Third Party booking fees) will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your original method of payment. Please note that refunds may take several days to process so won't show in your account straight away. 

1.3 HOW TO REQUEST A REFUND 

● Contact our The Bench Sydney customer service team at jewellery@thebench.sydney to request an exchange/refund no less than 14 business days from your course start date. Please include your full name, order number and reason for refund.
● Once approved, our customer service team will process your refund or exchange. (if applicable) Fees may apply. 

SECTION 2 

Non-refundable fees

2.1 TAX & THIRD PARTY BOOKING FEES

All of our sales include Taxes and incur Third Party booking fees. If you request a refund, transfer or credit, Third Party Fees may be applicable up to 20% of the dollar value of your order. In order to ensure there are no fees, please consider your schedule at time of booking and if changes are unavoidable, please contact the customer service team ASAP jewellery@thebench.sydney 

SECTION 3 

Desk Hire

3.1 WORKSHOP DESK HIRE POLICIES

By making a booking with us, you are confirming that you have read, understood and agree to the policies we have set in place below.
● This is not a 1on1 session. During your booking, you will be unassisted, and whilst there will be staff around, we are not able to tutor you. This booking is purely for you to use our space and tools.
● During your session you are expected to treat the space and tools with respect. Any damage to our property will be paid for by the customer.
● We often have metal on site for you to purchase. If you have any specific requests, it's best if you email us 14 business days before your booking so we have time to order some for you. If less notice is given, this may result in the materials not showing in time for your booking.
● You are welcome to bring any of your own materials, tools and metal to use.
● The Bench Sydney does not take responsibility for any injuries or damage to personal property during your session. 

3.2 Refunds, Rescheduling and Cancellations
● You will NOT be eligible for a refund if you don't show up or miss your booking without warning. Please make sure if you have a change of plans, you email us in accordance with the policies below. ● A full refund (fees apply) can be issued if you cancel within at least 14 business days of your booking.
● If less than 14 business days' notice is given, a credit can be issued (fees apply).
● If you need to reschedule your booking, please email us to discuss. 

SECTION 4 

Workshops 

4.1 CANCELLATIONS & RESCHEDULING

To cancel your spot, you will need to contact jewellery@thebench.sydney via email. We have a strict 2-week (14 business days) cancellation policy. If less than 14 business day notice is given, we will be unable to offer you a full refund. We can offer you a credit to rebook your workshop or a refund of 50% up to 7 days prior to the workshop. Please note that cancellations within 1 week of your class will result in no refund, transfer or credit. 

The Bench Sydney runs small, intimate workshops, and it is unlikely that with less than a week's notice we will be able to fill your spot. You are more than welcome to send a friend in your place, just shoot us an email to let us know! If you would like to rebook your workshop to a different date within the one week's time frame, a $56 fee is required to book into another class. If you are not willing to pay this your ticket will be forfeited. If your class has been rebooked from your original date, we are unable to provide a refund regardless of the two week refund notice. If a class is missed, no refund or make-up session can be offered. Please set a reminder and double check dates and times before. 

4.2 Covid-19 IMPACT

We understand that COVID-19 has been a tough time for everyone. In the event of having to isolate for COVID-19 reasons, please contact us via phone or email as soon as you can. We will endeavor to find you a new spot in another one of our workshops provided that you are able to show a positive PCR or rapid test. Please be aware that we are a small business and we have been hit hard by COVID-19 the last three years, like everyone else. We would appreciate kindness and understanding in all communications! If you are unable to attend your session due to COVID-19, you will be required to show a positive PCR or rapid test. 

4.3 MINIMUMS

We require a minimum of 5 bookings in order to run a class. If we do not meet this minimum, we may cancel the workshop and offer you a credit to attend a workshop of the same value in future. 

4.4 GOLD WORKSHOPS

If you decide to book a gold jewellery workshop, it is essential that you read this policy before making a purchase. Due to the ever-fluctuating price of gold, we're unable to keep surplus on hand. This means that we order it specifically for you when you book a gold workshop with us. We need at-least 14 business days to order it so that it arrives in time for your booking. Leaving less than two weeks means the metal will likely not arrive in time. 

4.5 PHOTOGRAPHY/ VIDEOGRAPHY

The Bench Sydney reserves the right to take photographs and video footage during workshops. We intend to use this footage for the purpose of advertising our workshops through various media platforms without payment to students. We are very respectful and aware not to photograph faces or post imagery that identifies individuals unless agreed upon. Please let us know if you do not want to be included in any digital footage. 

SECTION 5 

Policy Understandings

5.1 AGREEMENT

By completing your purchase, you are confirming that you have read, understood and agree to our terms and conditions / policies.

5.2 LIABILITY

The Bench Sydney and its contractors are not liable or responsible for any injury or and loss or damage to personal possessions at any time.

SECTION 6 

Private Classes/Events

6.1 POLICIES

● A 50% deposit of the total amount is required to lock in the date 

● The remaining amount is due 1 week prior to the event 

● Cancellations made within a week will result in no refund of your deposit, we will do our best to reschedule you to another date. If all parties can not make it to the newly discussed date, there will be no refund given. 

● Cancellations made with at least a 14-business day notice are eligible for a deposit refund (fees are applicable)

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