Buckaroo Leatherworks

27 October 2026

Ms BYRNES (Cunningham) (13:34): Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Buckaroo Leather’s new premises at the old Port Kembla RSL site. CEO Tanya Van Der Water and General Manager Andrew Blevin took me through their vision for supporting manufacturing, STEM and good local jobs, while carrying Australia’s leatherworking tradition into the future. Tanya’s father Ken started the business in 1971, moving to Stanwell Park shortly after. From selling dog collars in his garage, he built a nationally recognised Australian institution. In fact, Ken designed the first adaptable tool belt built for any trade – a customer request for something better, and now around the waist of thousands.

With a focus on values and vision, Tanya and Andrew outlined ambitious plans for the site: STEM school tours, community workshops and tourism, as well as a café and cafeteria. They want to train apprentices in leatherwork, maintain a transparent supply chain, and minimise waste and their environmental impact. Above all, they want to give back to the Illawarra community they love so much, while looking after their workers with a four-day work week and spaces to relax and recharge.

Thank you Tanya and Andrew for your passion and vision for Buckaroo’s next chapter. This is how we will build a future made in Australia – by backing local manufacturing, local jobs, and local businesses. I will continue doing what I can to support the future of manufacturing in the Illawarra.