In January, 30-year-old Bulli local Arthur Pera turned an outdoor hobby into a small business. Now SlackMate Weaves is finding a growing market in the nature-loving Illawarra community. As part of our series celebrating Small Business Month this October, Arthur shares his story.

I started SlackMate Weaves with a simple idea — to bring people outdoors and help them reconnect to nature through play, balance, and creativity. What began as a hobby of rigging slacklines and treenets for friends has grown into a small business creating unique, hand-woven platforms suspended between trees and structures across the Illawarra.

Each SlackMate Weave is built with high-strength static rope and 550 paracord, carefully tensioned and patterned by hand. The result is a strong, flexible web that feels like a hammock crossed with a climbing net - a space for kids to play, rest, or explore, and for adults to unwind above the ground. Every piece is custom-designed to fit its surroundings, interacting with the layout of the space. 

What inspires me most is how these nets naturally draw people together. Once installed, they become instant gathering spots - laughter, curiosity, and movement all seem to flow. There’s something special about watching a family or group of children find new ways to climb, balance, and connect with nature.

I’m passionate about making each installation as safe and sustainable as possible. All our work aligns with Australian Standards for Playground Safety (AS 4685:2021), and we make sure our techniques and methods do not harm the tree. It’s important to me that the trees remain healthy and that every design complements its environment.

SlackMate Weaves is still a small, local business — it’s just me, my tools, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. But what keeps it growing is the enthusiasm of people who value creativity, outdoor fun, and connection. I’m proud to see our projects popping up from Bulli to beyond, in backyards, schools, and community spaces.

At its heart, SlackMate Weaves is about balance — not just the kind you practice when you climb onto a net, but the balance between work and play, humans and nature, strength and stillness.

You can see more of our projects or get in touch through Instagram @slackmateweaves or slackmateweaves.com