Tears, Tools & Tiny Towns: What We’ve Been Up To at Castle & Cubby

REVAMPING THE WORKSHOP

Three and a half years ago, we moved into our 1,500m² workshop. It was a significant leap from our original 300m² space, and for a time, it served us beautifully. But as the business grew, it became clear that the increasing demands called for a complete reorganisation to maximise efficiency and set us up for the future.

This wasn’t just a simple tidy-up. We moved everything—every shelf, machine, and storage unit—and finally introduced our barcode system to manage an inventory of over 10,000 components. It was no small feat. What we optimistically thought would take a month stretched into two and a half. But the results? Completely worth it. The workshop now runs more efficiently than ever, and we’re in a much stronger position to tackle exciting new projects. The team’s loving the new workflow, cleaner space, and larger working areas.

A big driver behind this overhaul was the arrival of two new woodworking machines, due this May:

• Automated Docking Machine: Enhances safety, precision, and speed in cutting timber—while significantly reducing waste.

• CNC Machine: Allows us to produce more components in-house, opening the door to greater innovation and flexibility.

We’re incredibly grateful to our clients for their patience and understanding during this transition. Your support means the world to us.

OUR LATEST PRODUCTS

Designing products that spark creativity and support learning is at the heart of what we do—and we’ve been busy dreaming, building, and refining to bring some exciting new ideas to life. Here’s a peek at what’s just landed and what’s had a fresh new upgrade:

• Outdoor Classrooms:
  Crafted to make outdoor learning not only possible but powerful—these spaces are designed to inspire both educators and students with the freedom of fresh air and thoughtful design.
• Play-Based Learning Villages:
  Our ever-popular village setups now have a new neighbour—the Sushi Shop! Joining favourites like the Hospital and Food Truck, it brings even more playful possibilities to the world of imaginative role-play.
• The Modern Cubby House:
  A stunning blend of simplicity and style, this newest design features sleek perspex sliding and bi-fold windows—perfect for creating a modern, airy space for children to play, imagine, and unwind.

We fall head over heels for every new creation, and nothing beats seeing them settle into new homes. Each one is a reflection of our passion for creating playful, purposeful spaces where children can learn, grow, and connect with the world around them.

learning through collaboration

Some of the most rewarding parts of our work come from the conversations we have with the real experts—those who live and breathe education and play. We’re constantly inspired by the educators, school leaders, and passionate advocates who put play at the centre of children’s learning every single day.

Over the past few months, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with some incredible voices in this space—from early childhood specialists to principals leading change in their communities. These conversations shape the way we design, build, and evolve our products to ensure they’re not just beautiful, but meaningful in real-world learning environments.

One standout moment was our chat with the principal of Gilgai Plains Primary School, whose community has been completely transformed through our play-based installations—think Food Truck, Hospital, and Sushi Shop. Their story is one we’re excited to share soon in an upcoming video, and we think you’ll find it just as heartwarming and powerful as we did.

We’ve also been diving into the world of outdoor classrooms, speaking with educators about the benefits of teaching in the open air. The insights have been rich, and we can’t wait to share what we’ve learned—it’s a story worth telling, and one we hope inspires more schools to embrace the outdoors.

BEING REMINDED OF Why WE DO WHAT WE DO

Some moments remind us exactly why we pour our hearts into Castle & Cubby. Attending the opening of a bespoke play space at Keysborough Gardens Primary School earlier this year was one of those unforgettable moments.

We were invited to their grand opening—a gesture that truly moved us. Being welcomed into our clients’ stories in this way is, quite honestly, the best part of what we do. I found myself capturing videos and photos of the kids playing, laughing, and engaging so fully with the space… and more than once, I had to wipe away a few tears. It was a full-circle moment.

After years of hard work, taking risks, and building something we deeply believe in—not just for ourselves, but for our team and the children we design for—seeing it all come to life was something else. Happy staff, delighted customers, and kids radiating joy… it pulled on every heartstring.

This wasn’t just any play area. It was thoughtfully designed to be inclusive—welcoming children of all abilities, including those with disabilities or sensory sensitivities. Watching them explore freely, with confidence and wonder, was incredibly moving.

Projects like this are why we do what we do. They make every long night, every hard decision, and every leap of faith worth it. Knowing we’ve helped create a space where children can feel safe, inspired, and truly happy—that’s the real reward.

We can't wait to share this story!

welcoming new faces

With all the exciting growth happening at Castle & Cubby, expanding our team has been just as important as expanding our product range. We’re thrilled to welcome three new faces who are already making their mark!

Pip joined us just over three months ago in our Sales & Customer Service team and has hit the ground running—wowing customers with her product knowledge, thoughtful communication, and eye for detail.

Jacob, our new Customer Success Manager, brings an infectious energy and a genuine passion for creating outstanding customer experiences. He’s already adding huge value, and we’re so glad he’s part of the crew.

And last but absolutely not least—Breely! She’s come on board to join me in Marketing and is already proving to be my go-to, get-it-done, creative right-hand gal. I can’t wait to see where we take things together.

On another exciting note, we’ve been brewing up something special—Welcome Packs!

It’s an idea I’ve had percolating for a little while, and it’s finally coming to life. Each pack will include our care guides, a treat for the kids, and a few lovely perks from like-minded eco-conscious partners like Tint Paint, Little Potion Co., and Tara’s Treasures. It’s our way of saying thank you—and adding a little extra joy to your Castle & Cubby experience.

looking ahead

The road ahead is shaping up to be as exciting as it is full. With new team members settling in, our upgraded workshop taking shape, and fresh machines coming online, we’re gearing up for the next big chapter with focus and momentum.

At the core of it all is our mission: to create meaningful, sustainable products that bring people together and spark imagination. We don’t always get it perfect on the first go—but we’re here for the long game. We’re learning, evolving, and showing up every day with a commitment to doing things better.

Thanks for being part of this incredible journey with us. We’re so grateful to have you along for the ride!

With love,
Kel & Jono x