AFCA board member Lauren Carter
At every level women are inspiring positive change within their own businesses, across the industry and for the forest landscape. Source: Timberbiz
Australian Forest Contractors Association board member Lauren Carter said that women have always played significant roles within Australia’s forestry businesses.
“So, we are also inspiring change to the view that contracting is a male-dominated sector,” she said.
“People see the fantastic machinery that we use out in the field every day, but being a successful contracting business involves so much more.
“There’s leadership, risk management, stakeholder engagement, communications and marketing, finance, logistics and more. The skills, experiences and talents that women bring to the table are so valuable in creating and maintaining successful businesses.
“This International Women’s Day AFCA is proud to recognise and celebrate women within the contracting sector. This year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion. For my business and so many others, we don’t just seek to inspire inclusion, we live it.
“Forest contracting is often a family business, and by focusing on being inclusive and family friendly we can have the best outcome of all – sustainable, successful profitable businesses where everybody is welcome and that provide secure, high-quality jobs. And at the end of each and every day we can make sure everybody gets home to their families safe, well and happy,” she said.
Lauren Carter, AFCA Board Director and General Manager of JCH Harvest, Scottsdale, Tasmania
“I am a mother of two first and foremost. I work alongside done amazing men and women at JCH Harvest, which is my family business. My partner who has always worked in the sector encouraged my jump from teaching to work alongside him and grow our business. My official title is General Manager, and I am heavily involved in the day-to-day operations on all sites across Northern Tasmania.
“I love the opportunity the industry provides, and that inspires me to chase opportunities to improve our business and the conditions for our staff.
“I find this industry to be inclusive for all. On an operational level our organisation is working to facilitate women that have young children and the timeframes that may come with that. This is something I think the broader industry needs to understand and adjust to, and to support contractors in facilitating.
“The forest industry can provide great opportunity for women, so I encourage you to be confident to speak, be heard and add value to a process or business.”
Michelle Corby, Company Accountant, Mangan Logging and Haulage, Oberon, NSW
Michelle Corby
“I am a wife and a mother to three children, working full time in a third generation harvesting and haulage business. I am formally a chartered accountant and utilise the skills and techniques I have learned to help lead our business finances, business administration and people, alongside my two brothers and sister.
“Growing up with hardworking, passionate, family-oriented, and supportive parents and siblings made my career choice an easy one.
“This same culture has been instilled into the operational teams of the men and women that make up our business. The alignment in the culture and values of the entire business unit gives me great pride to call myself a part of the team and forest industry.
“The increasing and evolving focus on safety, inclusion and business/environmental improvement within the industry is increasing the standard of professionalism and business competency. Continually trying to improve our business practices and innovate supports a healthy environment for inclusion and positive change. Our business supports and promotes a flexible working environment to encourage the work/life balance, mental and physical health for all employees.
“The opportunities that exist within the forest industry stretch far beyond the bush, the opportunities are endless.”
Alex Riddington, Timber Queensland Lead Forester – Policy and Projects, Brisbane, Queensland
Alex Riddington
“I’m a lead forester – policy and projects at Timber Queensland. Prior to this I was employed at HQPlantations and HVP Plantations in a wide array of operational and managerial roles.
“For those currently within the industry, we know it is thriving and there are endless opportunities for women, men and school leavers to join our industry. For those not involved within the industry, they’re sure missing out. The people, memories, sites and experiences are some that you can gather in no other industry.
“I’m very grateful for the woman and men who have allowed and strongly advocated for the shift – I believe women being employed in the forest and timber industry is now considered as the norm! I am a believer that we earn our positions, based on our skills, knowledge, and experience, not because of gender. So, I encourage all to jump at every opportunity and no longer fear that you’re not equal.”
Karleha Brown, Director and Administration Manager, Browns Logging Operations, Manjimup, Western Australia
Karleha Brown
“I am currently director and administration manager of our family run business, Browns Logging Operations. I have three children, work as a planning officer as well running the day-to-day operations of our business.
“My love for the business, stems from the passion and professionalism my husband and my father-in-law have towards their profession. Browns Logging Operations has been involved in the timber industry for the past 45 years. My father-in-law, my husband and his brothers are dedicated, hardworking and loyal to the industry. It has been an honour to support their profession to assist in the administration, safety, and contract side of the harvesting operation.
“The culture of the timber industry is evolving with focus on Safety and Technology which has reinforced the need for accountability and professionalism in and out of the plantations, this has resulted in more inclusion and acceptance of people within the industry.
“The message I’d like to share with other women is that the timber industry is an evolving field. Employment within the industry can range from being an operator, transporting, administration or with the logistical operations. The opportunities for men and women alike, are endless in this industry.”
