My apologies for posting this seeming basic question as I'm new.

But where can I find brushes for spreading the paint on the woodblock (I'm using a normal paint brushes for moving the paint to the woodblock)? I can't seem to find it in my local art store here in Melbourne, Australia.

Kevin, have you looked at the sources listed in the section at the back of the book? In any case, there are currently two places that you should be able to find such brushes: McClain's Printmaking Supplies (in Oregon), and Woodlike Matsumura (in Tokyo). They both have online shops, and will deliver internationally.