The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
An environmentally sustainable independent bookshop (and café) for book lovers committed to reforestation. The Chestnut Tree is honoured to operate on the land of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and the Bunurong of the Kulin Nation (West Footscray, a.k.a. #wefo in the inner west of Melbourne).
Crafting Night at The Chestnut Tree
Between Tuesday 1 July 2025 and Tuesday 4 November 2025
Join us for a cosy night of knitting & crochet at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop. Bring your own crochet or knitting supplies and work on your project in our cosy space.
Hosted by Emily Bird and The Chestnut Tree.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Kids Writing Workshop with Maxine Beneba Clarke
Sunday 6 July 2025
Join us for a creative workshop filled with poetry and zine-making fun, headed by award-winning author Maxine Beneba Clarke! This hands-on session is perfect for kids keen to express themselves and discover the power of their own creativity.
Maxine Beneba Clarke is an Australian poet and writer of fiction for adults and children. You may know her as the ABIA and Indie award-winning author of Carrying the World (2016), Foreign Soil (2017) and The Hate Race (2018).
Whether your child is a budding poet or just loves to create, this workshop is a rare chance to learn from one of Australia’s most celebrated storytellers.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Chestnut Tree Crafternoons - Wooden Bookmarks
Monday 7 July 2025
Get creative in our fun-filled Crafternoon with Natalie Bierman, a local primary school teacher with a love of all things creative. These sessions are the perfect space to explore new materials, experiment with different techniques, and enjoy the process of making something uniquely yours.
This week, we're focusing on wooden bookmark design! Craft your own personalised bookmark or bag tag whether it’s abstract, floral, patterned, or even in your favorite footy colors! All materials provided, just bring your creativity.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Basics Crochet Workshop with Emily Bird
Tuesday 8 July 2025
Join us for a cosy crochet workshop with Emily Bird, where you'll learn the basics and connect with fellow crafters. Whether you're a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this welcoming session has everything you need. Materials are included! Just bring your curiosity and enjoy a hands-on experience in great company!
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Busy Beaks Collage Workshop with Sarah Allen
Sunday 13 July 2025
During this workshop, Sarah will guide you through the process, making it easy, even if you've never tried collage before.
Sarah will read her book, Busy Beaks, to get everyone thinking about birds. Participants will choose a bird and then get busy cutting and pasting. Using hand-painted papers from Sarah's collection, you'll create bird artwork full of texture and character.
You will take home your collage artwork mounted on thick card.
Who it's for
Suitable for children 5 - 10 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the session. If an adult would like to participate, you are welcome to, please purchase a ticket. If you'd prefer to wait while your child collages, there's plenty of seating inside our shop. Please purchase a ticket for each participant who will be making a collage.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
In Conversation: Dr Michelle Johnston & Dr Katie Treble
Sunday 13 July 2025
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr Katie Treble and Dr Michelle Johnston – two doctors and authors whose powerful new books explore medicine, memory, trauma, and the extremes of the human experience.
Michelle Johnston is both an author and an emergency physician. She is a Staff Specialist at the Royal Perth Hospital Emergency Department, a busy inner-city trauma centre where she works as both clinician and teacher. Her second novel, Tiny Uncertain Miracles, was published by HarperCollins in 2022. Her days are mostly spent searching for the beauty and awe in a frequently brutal reality.
Katie Treble is a British doctor and author who moved to Australia seeking sunshine, surf, and a break from the NHS, then accidentally stayed put. After a decade specialising in Emergency Medicine and remote critical care, she hung up her scrubs and is now working in the field of mental health. She lives in Melbourne with her partner and her dog.
Enjoy one free drink with every ticket!
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Chestnut Tree Crafternoons - Tissue Paper Stained Glass
Monday 14 July 2025
Get creative in our fun-filled Crafternoon with Natalie Bierman, a local primary school teacher with a love of all things creative. These sessions are the perfect space to explore new materials, experiment with different techniques, and enjoy the process of making something uniquely yours.
This week, we're making stained glass out of tissue paper! Let’s brighten up our dreary winter windows! Use a stencil or create your own design for your stained glass window. All materials provided, just bring your creativity.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
General Book Club
Between Wednesday 16 July 2025 and Wednesday 19 November 2025
Our General Book Club welcomes all readers for a fun and cozy night in the store to discuss great books!
Our pick for May is 'Colony' by Annika Norlin. A mega bestseller in Sweden, and winner of its two biggest literary awards, Colony is a gripping portrayal of contemporary society and its alternatives.
Please register before attending.
We ask that if you can no longer attend that you cancel your booking as we have a waitlist.
Your donations contribute to nibbles and our awesome staff who run the show!
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Winter Watercolour Workshop with Em Power
Between Wednesday 23 July 2025 and Monday 18 August 2025
Join us for an evening of calming tea in our cozy bookshop.
Calm your mind; reconnect with your creative self; and learn simple watercolour techniques.
Paint cards and bookmarks while listening to relaxing music and sipping herbal tea.
All materials are provided. Suitable for all artistic abilities.
This workshop is all about how you feel…and that’s calmer.
"Beautiful art workshop, allows time to calm down and centre yourself"
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Decolonise Your Shelf Book Club
Between Thursday 26 June 2025 and Thursday 27 November 2025
Our book club aims to broaden your reading list by reading books written solely by First Nations and People of Colour. Everyone is welcome.
Wine and nibbles are provided.
Our pick for May is 'Universality' by Natasha Brown. A topical novel about the power of language and the self-serving twisting of reality in pursuit of profit.
We please ask that you cancel your registration if you can longer attend as we have a waitlist.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Between the Lines: Storytelling Salon
Saturday 26 July 2025
Between The Lines is a 18+ live storytelling night for bold, honest, and unfiltered stories.
No reading. No scripts. Just you and the room.
Hang out with us on the last Saturday of every month at 8-10PM 🌙
Each month, we invite storytellers to share true stories inspired by a theme. Stories can be funny, raw, vulnerable, sexy, political — anything goes, as long as it’s told live.
OUR INAUGURAL EVENT’S THEME: “MISTAKE”
Have a story? Sign up here: https://bit.ly/btlstorytellers
What to expect:
✨ A safe, welcoming space for all genders and identities
✨ A new theme each month
✨ 5–7 minute live storytelling spots (sign up in advance or on the night)
✨ No reading — stories must be spoken from the heart
✨ Wine, community, connection
Who it’s for:
Creatives, queer folks, sex-positive folks, allies, anyone with a story to tell and an open mind to listen.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Amigurumi Workshop with Emily Bird
Tuesday 12 August 2025
Join us for a cosy amigurumi workshop with Emily Bird, where you'll learn to craft your very own octopus, whale, bird, or whatever creativity allows! Hone your existing crochet skills, explore new techniques and connect with fellow makers. Materials are included! Just bring your curiosity and enjoy a hands-on experience in great company!
This workshop is best suited for crafters with crochet experience, so we do encourage you to come to our Basics Crochet Workshop beforehand for a beginner friendly introduction to the medium.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Between the Lines: Storytelling Salon
Saturday 30 August 2025
Between The Lines is a 18+ live storytelling night for bold, honest, and unfiltered stories.
No reading. No scripts. Just you and the room.
Hang out with us on the last Saturday of every month at 8-10PM 🌙
Each month, we invite storytellers to share true stories inspired by a theme. Stories can be funny, raw, vulnerable, sexy, political — anything goes, as long as it’s told live.
Have a story? Sign up here: https://bit.ly/btlstoryte
AUGUST THEME: “LAST PLACE”
What to expect:
✨ A safe, welcoming space for all genders and identities
✨ A new theme each month
✨ 5–7 minute live storytelling spots (sign up in advance or on the night)
✨ No reading — stories must be spoken from the heart
✨ Wine, community, connection
Who it’s for:
Progressives, creatives, queer folks, sex-positive folks, allies, anyone with a story to tell and an open mind to listen.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Winter Watercolour Workshop with Em Power (CANCELLED)
Wednesday 25 June 2025
Join us for an evening of calming tea in our cozy bookshop.
Calm your mind; reconnect with your creative self; and learn simple watercolour techniques.
Paint cards and bookmarks while listening to relaxing music and sipping herbal tea.
All materials are provided. Suitable for all artistic abilities.
This workshop is all about how you feel…and that’s calmer.
"Beautiful art workshop, allows time to calm down and centre yourself"
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Book Reading with River Nile School (CANCELLED)
Monday 16 June 2025
Celebrate the strength, resilience and stories of refugee communities while learning about the refugee experience at this special book reading event at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop on Monday, 16 June from 4 - 5:30 PM.
Secondary school students from River Nile School will read stories to local primary school children, sharing their experiences and interests with the community. Grab your free ticket today for this after-school celebration to mark Refugee Week 2025.
*Afternoon tea provided
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Winter Watercolour Workshop with Em Power
Wednesday 11 June 2025
Join us for an evening of calming tea in our cozy bookshop.
Calm your mind; reconnect with your creative self; and learn simple watercolour techniques.
Paint cards and bookmarks while listening to relaxing music and sipping herbal tea.
All materials are provided. Suitable for all artistic abilities.
This workshop is all about how you feel…and that’s calmer.
"Beautiful art workshop, allows time to calm down and centre yourself"
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Creating Schools: Where Students and Teachers Want To Be
Thursday 8 May 2025
Teacher Night and Author Talk
Creating Schools: Where Students and Teachers Want to Be By Michael Lawrence and Dr. Fabio D’Agostin
This book is a call to reimagine education. As teachers face increasing pressure and students grow more disengaged, the cost to society is rising.
Join us to hear authors Michael Lawrence and Fabio D’Agostin discuss how the treatment of teachers shapes the learning experience, and how schools can inspire creativity and critical thinking, or be stifled by control and standardisation.
Based on their experiences in Australian and Finnish schools, the authors push for meaningful reform where every student can thrive, and teaching is a respected, vital profession.
Wine and cheese provided! Teachers receive 15% off books on the night.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Author Storytime: The Marvellous Submarine
Wednesday 23 April 2025
Join authors Clayton Zane Comber and Conor McCammon in store for a very special storytime to celebrate the launch of their children's book series 'The Marvellous Submarine'.
In this very funny and irresistibly silly junior fiction book, The Bad Guys meet The Treehouse series, but in a brilliantly invented submarine. Readers, be warned! This book is set on Monkey Island and contains a super-smart gorilla called Harold, two regular kids called Poppy and Billy, and the world's greatest inventor.
Clayton Zane Comber is the author of 100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze, published by HarperCollins in 2021, and shortlisted for the 2022 Prime Minister's Literary Awards.
Clay has been a speaker and workshop leader for writers' festivals and schools all around Australia. He received his MA from Sydney University, before studying in the UK and graduating from Oxford University with distinction for his Master's in Creative Writing. In addition to writing, Clay is also a DJ.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Teacher Event: The Bee Squad with Dr Judy Friedlander
Thursday 6 March 2025
You’re invited to an inspiring Primary School Teacher Event at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop on Thursday, March 6th at 6:30 PM!
Join us for an engaging evening with Dr. Judy Friedlander, author of The Bee Squad: Boosting Biodiversity in Your Neighbourhood—a must-have resource endorsed by leading environmental and educational organisations.
📖 Discover how The Bee Squad can empower young learners (ages 8–12) to:
✅ Be nature sleuths in their own backyards
✅ Create biodiversity-friendly gardens
✅ Build homes for local wildlife
✅ Engage in citizen science & environmental advocacy
✅ Connect First Nations knowledge to sustainability
Dr. Friedlander is also the founder of PlantingSeeds and the B&B Highway, a groundbreaking initiative already thriving in over 220 schools across Australia.
This is a fantastic opportunity to explore hands-on activities, curriculum connections, and practical ways to inspire students with real-world environmental solutions.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Decolonise Your Shelf Book Club
Between Thursday 2 May 2024 and Thursday 28 November 2024
Our book club aims to broaden your reading list by reading books written solely by First Nations and People of Colour. Everyone is welcome.
Wine and nibbles are provided.
We please ask that you cancel your registration if you can longer attend as we have a waitlist.
Our pick for our November book club is 'Praiseworthy' by Alexis Wright.
"Praiseworthy is an epic set in the north of Australia, told with the richness of language and scale of imagery for which Alexis Wright has become renowned."
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
General Book Club
Between Wednesday 24 April 2024 and Wednesday 20 November 2024
Our General Book Club welcomes all readers for a fun and cozy night in the store to discuss great books!
Our pick for November is 'The Empusium' by Olga Tokarczuk.
Please register before attending.
We ask that if you can no longer attend that you cancel your booking as we have a waitlist.
Your donations contribute to nibbles and our awesome staff who run the show.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Parents & Bubs Book Club
Between Wednesday 17 April 2024 and Wednesday 20 November 2024
Join us for a monthly catch up at the Chestnut Tree for parents from the inner west community. Bubs are welcome and hot drinks are available.
Our pick for October is 'Want: Sexual Fantasies by Anonymous' by Gillian Anderson.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Crafting Night at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Between Tuesday 20 August 2024 and Tuesday 19 November 2024
Join us for a cosy night of knitting & crochet at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop. Bring your own crochet or knitting supplies and work on your project in our cosy space.
Hosted by Emily Bird and The Chestnut Tree.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Junior Book Club
Between Thursday 2 May 2024 and Tuesday 12 November 2024
Dive into amazing stories with fellow young readers! Join us for lively discussions and book-inspired fun.
The chestnut tree bookshop
Storytime with Kim Drane: Lucy Loves Bugs
Wednesday 25 September 2024
Join us these school holidays for a special author led story time and guided drawing workshop!
Kim Drane is the author and illustrator of new picture book 'Lucy Loves Bugs' which will be read during the story time.
Explore the wonderful world of bugs with Lucy, from backyard bees to kitchen ants, and discover fascinating facts about the incredible insects living alongside us.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
In Conversation with Jumaana Abdu
Friday 13 September 2024
Join us at The Chestnut Tree for an In Conversation with Jumaana Abdu and Dr. Mariam Tokhi to discuss Jumaana’s brand new novel, Translations.
Jumaana Abdu is a Dal Stivens Award winner and an alumnus of the Wheeler Centre Next Chapter program. Her work features in Thyme Travellers (Roseway Publishing), an international anthology of Palestinian speculative fiction. She has been published in Kill Your Darlings, Westerly, Griffith Review, Meanjin, Liminal, Overland, Debris, and New Australian Fiction 2024. By day, she is also a medical doctor.
Hot drinks will be available for purchase. Don't miss this opportunity for an insightful conversation between these two accomplished professionals!
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Teacher's and Educator's Night at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Tuesday 23 July 2024
Inviting primary school teachers and educators to a very special teacher's evening at The Chestnut Tree where they can enjoy a glass of wine, browse books and discuss the transition to the new phonics based literacy curriculum.
Special Guest Lia Matheson
Lia is a Literacy Coach and tertiary educator in the field of literacy theory and practice. She is passionate about weaving the magic of literature into educational practices.
Lia will share her knowledge around the way quality mentor texts and book choice can build amazing classroom experiences and even better outcomes for students.
Browse Oxford University Press offerings and speak with a specialised representative, Matthew Bowes who will present a range of sample texts available to view and order, including decodable texts and full texts for older primary school readers.
BONUS OFFER! 15% to all teachers on the night.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Crafting Night at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Thursday 11 July 2024
Join us for a cosy night of knitting & crochet at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop. Bring your own crochet or knitting supplies and treat yourself to to a hot drink while you work!
Hosted by Emily Bird and The Chestnut Tree.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Hana Assafiri: In conversation with Reem Sweid
Saturday 29 June 2024
Join us to hear Hana Assafiri discuss her new memoir 'Hana - the Audacity to be Free' with owner of The Chestnut Tree, Reem Sweid. Conversation to be followed by book signing.
Hana Assafiri is a much-loved and revered social activist and radical entrepreneur. Through the medium of food and dining in her renowned Moroccan Soup Bar, she has worked tirelessly to rectify the systemic and social barriers to women’s empowerment.
Hana’s memoir follows her childhood between Lebanon and Australia, her marriage, her attempts to leave, and her ensuing career in women’s services. In 1998, she opened the Moroccan Soup Bar, which would quickly become an iconic Melbourne institution—founded on the radical notion that marginalised women, together in the kitchen, can effect social change.
Hot drinks and nibbles provided - all proceeds from ticket sales donated to Djirra.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Challenging Storytelling Conventions
Wednesday 26 June 2024
West Footscray Arts presents Sam Elkin and Nova Weetman in conversation about how they challenge storytelling and memoir conventions in their latest works. Sam's darkly humorous and groundbreaking memoir, Detachable Penis, is a genre-crossing work of queer literature. Nova's deeply personal memoir, Love, Death and Other Scenes, weaves the story of losing her partner of 25 years through a profound, complex story of love, parenting and writing. Join Sam and Nova in conversation with Jess Lilley in what will be an unforgettable conversation.
Ticket price includes drinks and snacks.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Fact or Fiction? Navigating Publishing for New Writers
Wednesday 12 June 2024
Join West Footscray Arts for an exciting event: ‘Fact or Fiction? Navigating the Publishing Industry for New Writers.’
Get ready for an insightful discussion with Affirm Press Publisher Kevin O’Brien, esteemed author Kate Mildenhall, and Affirm Press debut author Ernest Price at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop in West Footscray. Gain valuable knowledge about the complexities of the book publishing process, from pitching your manuscript to its eventual publication.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
Open Mic Night Fundraiser for Palestinian Refugees
Friday 31 May 2024
An evening of spoken word in support of Palestine Australia Relief and Action. Come along to our open mic event to share song, poetry, or spoken word and to raise funds to assist Palestinian refugees.
Tea, coffee, and nibbles provided.
Find out more about PARA: https://para.org.au/
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
WEFO The Movie: A screenwriting workshop with Stuart Page
Friday 17 May 2024
If you’ve ever been curious to find out more about the nuts and bolts of screenwriting, this workshop with West Footscray’s own Stuart Page is for you.
Stuart has worked on some of the country’s most loved TV series, including leading the script team on ABC's Total Control — earning him AACTA Awards nominations for Best Drama and Best Screenplay. Stuart has also picked up awards for his work on Wentworth and a nomination for The Doctor Blake Mysteries. And like all great Aussie screenwriters, he has done his time on Home and Away, Blue Heelers and Neighbours — among many more.
Join Stuart for an insightful and fun workshop that digs into the craft of screenwriting and guides you through writing your very own scene on WeFo’s Barkly Street strip.
Brought to you by Bad Writers Club, Chestnut Tree Bookshop and West Footscray Arts, with support from Maribyrnong City Council.
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop
The place has character
Friday 12 April 2024
Reading, researching and writing Melbourne's west.
Footscray is full of juicy secrets - and some stinky ones. In the 1880s, people even called it West Smellbourne. Thankfully, it's now known more for food, art and football than for rotting carcasses.
Join independent historian Liz Crash and writer Jinghua Qian as they talk about why local history gets a bad rap, how anyone can research around these streets, and share some of their favourite stories from the archives. All this in the lovely, fragrant surrounds of West Footscray's Chestnut Tree Bookshop and Café.
About your hosts:
Jinghua Qian is a writer often found worrying about art, queerness, history, China, diaspora and desire. Eir work appears in prose, verse, television and audio.
Liz Crash is an independent historian with a particular interest in bluestone (the best stone).
Liz and Jinghua both live in Footscray and together created Underfoot, a series of virtual audio tours uncovering the secret histories of Footscray.
The chestnut tree bookshop
