Our story — Meet Abdullahi
I started my working life as an electrician in Bundaberg, QLD, back in the late '90s. For years, I spent my days wiring homes and fixing switchboards, but I always had a knack for fixing things beyond just electrical work. If something needed building or salvaging, I was the first one called. I’d often piece together furniture from offcuts for mates on weekends — just using whatever materials were around. That’s when I realised I liked working with my hands to make something lasting.
By the early 2010s, electrical work had slowed down for me, and I was starting to look for something different. I’d moved to northern NSW by then, and I was sourcing reclaimed timber from demolitions to sell on the side. One day, I turned a beautiful slab of old hardwood into a coffee table for a friend’s place in Ballina, and that gave me an idea. Maybe there was more I could do with these materials instead of just selling them on.
In 2015, I made the move to Mount Gambier, SA. This place has such access to amazing timber with the plantations and mills nearby — I couldn’t let it go to waste. I got a small shed just outside town, filled it with tools, and started making. At first, it was just tables and wall hangings for locals, but word got around. By 2018, I decided to make it official, and that’s when CLEANZIL PTY LTD was registered. I named the brand Brook Forth after an old creek I used to visit as a kid.
These days, Brook Forth is still a small team, and we like it that way. We focus on making practical, well-built pieces from timber, stoneware, bamboo, and other natural materials. Everything’s still made here in Mount Gambier or sourced from around the region. It’s not fancy — but it lasts, and that’s the whole point.
— Thanks for having a look — Abdullahi, Abdullahi Mohamed
Journal
What It Takes to Source Driftwood Pieces
Sourcing driftwood for our wall art isn’t glamorous, but it’s a proper mix of legwork, timing, and knowing the spots.
When we were first experimenting with the Coastal Driftwood Wall Art, I figured sourcing driftwood would be the easy part. Not quite. Driftwood isn’t just lying about in perfect condition, ready to use. It’s a mix of timing, weather, and the right places. Around here in Mount Gambier, I’ll often head out to Port MacDonnell or Nene Valley after a storm. That’s when you get fresh pieces washed up — not bleached-out chunks that have had their character knocked out of them by sun and sand.
The funny part is half the challenge is picking what works. If it’s too smooth, it lacks that texture that makes a piece interesting. Too jagged, and it’s hard to work with. I try to find ones where you can still see the grain swirling, especially in thicker pieces. I stick to Eucalyptus and Sheoak mostly, both of which hold up well once cleaned and sealed. Anything too soft just crumbles when you start working on it.
Once I’ve got a decent haul, they get a proper rinse in the shed back home. By that, I mean a bucket of warm water and a stiff brush — not high-tech, but it does the trick. There’s usually sand packed into the tiniest crevices, so it takes forever to get it all out. After that, they sit out in the sun to dry. We’re lucky with the sun in late summer here; it speeds the process up quite a bit.
I reckon for every ten pieces I pick up, maybe five make the cut. That’s just how it goes. I don’t try to force it. If a piece doesn’t look natural on its own, it won’t suddenly look better mounted on a wall. There’s no faking a good piece of driftwood — it either works or it doesn’t. I also make sure no two customers end up with the same thing. Every piece has its own quirks.
There’s something satisfying about turning something that’s been battered by the elements into something people hang proudly in their homes. It’s not glamorous work, but it feels grounded — like giving those bits of wood a second life. And it gets me out of the shed a bit, which is always a bonus!
How to Properly Clean a Bamboo Cutting Board
Bamboo cutting boards are solid and long-lasting, but you’ve got to clean and care for them right to keep them that way.
I’ve had a couple of mates ring me up asking how to clean our Bamboo Grain Cutting Boards. It’s one of those things people overthink sometimes. First rule? Don’t chuck it in the dishwasher. The heat and water will warp it faster than you’d think. You want to wash it by hand with warm, soapy water. Nothing fancy, just a mild detergent and a quick hand dry with a tea towel.
One trick I swear by is scrubbing it with salt and half a lemon every now and then. It sounds a bit odd, but the salt’s slightly abrasive without being harsh, and the lemon takes care of smells. Give it a good rinse after that, though, or you’ll be cutting your veggies with a faint citrus tang.
Every couple of months, it’s worth oiling the board. I use food-grade mineral oil, which you can grab online or from a kitchen shop. You don’t need much — maybe a teaspoon for the whole board. Rub it in with a soft cloth and let it soak overnight. Makes a huge difference in keeping the board from drying out and cracking.
If you’re cutting meat on it, that’s when things need extra attention. I always give mine a longer soak in soapy water after cutting chicken or beef. Hot water, not boiling, is key here — boiling water can split the bamboo. And if you’ve been cutting anything raw, consider using a separate board for veggies or bread. Common sense stuff but worth mentioning.
With the right care, a bamboo board can last for years. Ours get battered daily in the kitchen, and they’re still going strong. It’s one of those things that rewards a bit of effort. Plus, it’s nice knowing the board isn’t just another disposable bit of gear.
Using Linen Bedding in South Australia’s Cooler Months
Linen might seem like a summer choice, but it’s surprisingly handy when the nights start getting chilly in Mount Gambier.
Most folks think linen is just for sweltering days, but it’s honestly one of my favourite materials for winter too. The Eucalyptus Dream Bed Linen Set we make isn’t just breathable — it’s excellent at insulating body heat. I reckon it’s the texture. Slightly thicker linen like ours feels warm as soon as you hop in. Beats that icy shock you get with some sheets in July.
In Mount Gambier, temperatures can drop down to the single digits in winter, especially if you’ve got one of those old homes that never quite warm up. I keep the set on the bed year-round and just layer up with a wool blanket or two. It’s a simple setup, but it works. You don’t wake up sweaty at 3 a.m., which is always a win in my book.
Another thing with linen in winter is how easy it is to wash and dry. It dries quicker than cotton, even when the sun’s hiding behind clouds. I usually throw mine on the line when there’s a bit of wind about — does the job nicely. And because it’s a natural fibre, it doesn’t pick up that damp, musty smell if it takes a bit longer to dry.
People sometimes ask if the eucalyptus blend we use adds much to the fabric's warmth. Truthfully, it’s not the eucalyptus itself; it’s more about the weaving process and the weight of the linen. That said, the eucalyptus does make the sheets noticeably softer over time. After a year or two of use, they feel less like fabric and more like a second skin. It’s a nice touch — not something I planned for when I first picked the material, but there you go.
If you’re like me and don’t crank the heater too high at night, linen bedding’s a great option. It holds its own through the seasons without needing to be swapped out, which suits me just fine.
Reflections After a Year Out of Tradie Life
It’s been a full year since stepping away from the tools, and it feels like I’m still finding my footing.
A year ago, I was still getting up at the crack of dawn to wire up houses and fix dodgy switchboards. Now, I’m in the workshop most days, sweating over which colour linen people might like better. Bit of a shift, to say the least. Some days, I miss the certainty of tradie life — you show up, do the job, and head home. With Brook Forth, it’s never that clear-cut. You’re always thinking two steps ahead, especially when half the suppliers are in different states.
One thing I didn’t expect was how much I’d enjoy the slower pace. When you’re working with your hands, whether it’s sanding driftwood or stitching up a sample, you’ve got time to think. I sometimes catch myself solving completely unrelated problems while shaping a piece of wood. It’s not the same as being on-site, where everything’s go-go-go. It’s a different kind of satisfaction.
I also underestimated how much I’d learn about the other side of business — the stuff I used to roll my eyes at, like spreadsheets and sourcing materials. Turns out, you can’t just wing it when you need 50 metres of linen that doesn’t cost a fortune. I’m dealing with suppliers from Victoria to Queensland, and each one’s got its own quirks. I’ve learnt to double-check everything, from thread counts to the exact shade of eucalyptus green.
The locals here in Mount Gambier have been a bit of a lifeline. Running into someone who’s bought one of our candles or boards at the IGA still feels a bit surreal. A bloke the other day stopped me to say how much he liked the Coastal Driftwood Wall Art he’d put in his entryway. It’s little things like that which make the long days worthwhile.
So, life’s different now, no doubt about it. It’s messier, slower, more uncertain — but it feels like I’m building something solid. It’s nice to know I can still get my hands dirty, just in a different way.
Customer reviews
Ella J. — Fitzroy, VIC — 2024-02-15 — 5/5
Fast delivery and great product
I ordered the Whispering Willow Scented Candle and it arrived faster than I expected. The scent is lovely and fills the room without being overpowering.
James L. — Fremantle, WA — 2024-03-10 — 4/5
Nice table, but delivery took time
The Reclaimed Timber Coffee Table looks fantastic in our living room. Delivery took a bit longer than expected, but it was worth it.
Chloe R. — Surry Hills, NSW — 2025-05-06 — 5/5
Perfect for my kitchen
The Bamboo Grain Cutting Board is just the right size and feels sturdy. It looks great, too. I’m really happy with this purchase.
Liam T. — New Farm, QLD — 2024-08-12 — 4/5
Good value for the price
Got the Eucalyptus Dream Bed Linen Set, and the feel is amazing. Slight colour variation from photos, but still a great buy.
Samantha P. — Adelaide CBD, SA — 2024-11-22 — 5/5
Stylish and sturdy
The Coastal Driftwood Wall Art arrived quickly and was packed well. It’s now the centerpiece on my wall.
Ben W. — Paddington, QLD — 2025-01-03 — 5/5
Highly recommend
Bought the Whispering Willow Scented Candle for a gift, and they loved it! Smells amazing without being too strong.
Mia G. — Hobart, TAS — 2024-07-30 — 4/5
Happy with the purchase
I ordered the Bamboo Grain Cutting Board. It’s lightweight yet durable. There was a small dent on arrival but not a dealbreaker.
Oliver N. — Northcote, VIC — 2025-06-14 — 5/5
Wonderful addition to our home
We love the Reclaimed Timber Coffee Table. The wood looks amazing, and it’s the perfect size for our space.
Shipping
We ship Australia-wide using Australia Post for standard delivery and StarTrack for express shipping. Orders placed before 2pm AEST Monday-Friday are processed the same day, excluding public holidays. Standard delivery typically takes 3-7 business days, while express delivery arrives in 1-3 business days depending on your location.
Shipping is free for orders over $100. For orders under this amount, standard shipping costs $9.95 and express shipping is $14.95. All orders include GST, and you'll receive a tracking number once your order has been dispatched.
We take care to package your items securely to prevent damage. If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours with photos so we can assist you. We aim to resolve shipping issues quickly and fairly.
Returns
We offer a 30-day return policy in compliance with Australian Consumer Law. If you're not happy with your purchase, you may return it within 30 days of receiving it, as long as it’s unused, in its original packaging, and accompanied by proof of purchase.
Some items are not eligible for return, including custom orders, gift cards, and sale items. Please check the product details carefully before purchasing. Faulty or damaged items are assessed on a case-by-case basis and may qualify for a replacement or refund.
Refunds are processed within 7 business days of receiving your return. We recommend using tracked shipping for returns, as we can’t guarantee refunds for items lost in transit. Contact our team at info@brookforth.com for any return-related inquiries.