Is there parking? 
Like a lot of Sydney, the area that surrounds Joynton Avenue Creative Centre (JACC) can be difficult. This means if you are coming to The  Bench for the first time, it could become a little confusing. So, to help you out, here are some handy tips that will help you to navigate your way to the correct entrance at JACC.
The physical address is 3A Joynton  Avenue, Zetland.
There is parking on nearby streets - in Hansard Street, Portman Street and Paul Street. There is also free parking on Mentmore Avenue and Dunning Avenue, which are a short walk from The Bench.
Entry is on the Hansard Street side of the building. A tutor will meet you there.

What public transport is available to get to The Bench?
By train The closest train station is Green Square. To JACC it is a 10 minute easy walk either via Botany Road or via the Library and Paul Street. We suggest using Google Maps to begin with. You will enter the building on Hansard Street (closest crossroad being Joynton Avenue).

By bus There are many buses that travel to Green Square and JACC from Sydney CBD, Central Station, Redfern, Leichhardt, Newtown, Burwood, Marrickville and the Eastern Suburbs. We recommend using TripView or Google Maps to help you locate the best route number. Or please call us at The Bench prior to class. You will enter the building on Hansard Street (closest crossroad being Joynton Avenue).

By bike This area and its surroundings have many great bike paths. Please refer to the City of Sydney website for your best route to cycle.

I am interested in making jewellery but I don’t know which course I should do.
Firstly, congratulations on making such a big and scary decision. You won’t regret it. Making jewellery is like having a SUPERPOWER!
Under COURSES, you will see a sequential order of course on offer. Our JEWELLERY TASTER classes are perfect for absolute beginners with no previous experience. These vary from half day to full day workshops. If you want to walk away with more than one piece of jewellery as well as more techniques under your toolbelt, our STAGE ONE Learn to Make Jewellery classes are for you! We offer these both in the evening for a full term and weekends throughout the year. From here, you will be healthily addicted to making jewellery and we recommend chatting with your tutor about which STAGE TWO class is best suited to your interests.
Each course will always stipulate the prerequisites, but if you are uncertain, please contact The Bench.

Who will be teaching the workshops?
Please meet your tutors by visiting our TUTORS page.

What happens if I miss a class?
Please read the T&Cs before enrolling. The Bench is obliged to pay tutor fees regardless of your attendance. Cancellations and “No shows” can cause problems for both the student and teacher. You will NOT be eligible for a refund if you don't show up or miss your booking without warning. If you can't make a class, please inform your tutor. It is at the discretion of The Bench whether they provide alternative days within your enrolment period in which you attend a “make up” session.

Can I please talk to a real live human?
Yes! Erin is very happy to speak with you. However, as a very small operation, we cannot always reach the phone in time. Instead of leaving a voicemail, we recommend sending a brief audio text or text message with your enquiry. Voicemails are listened to once a week on a Tuesday. We are usually very prompt when replying to a text message or email.

When will I have to make a payment?
A 40% deposit is required at the time of booking. Your place in the class is not confirmed until payment is received. Thereafter, you will receive an email to confirm your booking. You may wish to pay in full, however you can select Instalment Plan. Just like Afterpay and Pay in 4, you will receive an email reminding you to make the payments.

Can I get a refund or transfer to an alternative date?
Please read here for our workshop policies. If you think you qualify for a refund, please email The Bench ASAP.

Is it possible to buy a course as a gift for someone?
Most definitely! Just scroll to the top of the page and you will see our Gift Card section. Or, click this link GIFT CARD.

I'm a trained jeweller. Can I rent one of the benches for the day?
Absolutely! We’d love to have you at our workshop. Please contact The Bench to arrange a time to access. Or book your place via Workshop Access at the top of the page.

I have a little experience making jewellery. Can I rent one of the benches for the day?
Absolutely! We’d love to have you at our workshop. Please contact The Bench to arrange a time to access. Or book your place via Workshop Access at the top of the page. If you are uncertain whether you need a tutor’s help or guidance, please chat to us first. We offer workshop access with a tutor on Tuesdays Talent to Treasure Jewellery — THE BENCH and Thursday evenings Turn Off, Tune Out, Drop In — THE BENCH.

Can I please arrange a time to visit the workshop before enrolling in a class?
We are happy to talk with you on the phone and assist you in finding the perfect course. However, we are a very small business and are unable to provide time for people to look at the workshop prior to enrolment. If you have specific concerns, please let us know. We have everything you need, and things you didn't know you needed!

What are your 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 The Bench 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 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.
● If 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 BENCH team ASAP.

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 The Bench. 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. So 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 two weeks 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)

Please be aware that we are a very small operation. Voicemails are listened to once a week on a Wednesday. We understand that you may prefer to talk with a real live human, and we are very happy to speak with you too. However, we politely ask that you schedule a suitable time. Instead of leaving a voicemail, we recommend sending a brief audio text or text message with your enquiry. We are very prompt when replying to a text message or email.