The Andrews Labor Government announced the appointments of three state directors to the board of Heyfield ASH Holding Pty Ltd, following the purchase of the Heyfield Timber Mill last year. Source: Timberbiz
Heyfield ASH Holding is the holding company for Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Pty Ltd and is owned by the Victorian Government and a shareholder group made up of members of ASH management.
“This is another positive step forward for a community that deserves certainty. I’m looking forward to working constructively with board members to protect Heyfield’s local jobs and the skills that are so vital to our region,” said Member for Easter Victoria Harriet Shing
The appointments include Don Matthews as Chair, as well as Pam Mitchell and Greg L’Estrange as the State’s Board Directors.
Mr Matthews is a highly regarded senior executive from the manufacturing industry and has previously been the Chief Operating Officer at Carter Holt Harvey and Managing Director of the Penola Pulp group. He has extensive board experience having been a previous board member of the Australian Industry Group, the Australian Food and Grocery Council, Low Carbon Australia and Powerplant.
Ms Mitchell is a chartered accountant with extensive experience in the establishment, documentation, financial management and reporting of property, investment, and superannuation funds. She has held roles as Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary in the investment and property sector, including Industry Superannuation Property Trust and Australian Farms Fund Management.
Mr L’Estrange has extensive senior management experience in the primary industries. His previous positions include CEO of CSR Timber Productions, Managing Director of Capral Aluminium and CEO for Gunns Timber. He has also provided consulting and strategic advice services around the forest and timber industries for both private and public sector organisations across New Zealand and Australia.
“The newly appointed State Directors will use their extensive experience to steer the future of the Heyfield Timber Mill,” said Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll.
“We secured the future of the Heyfield Mill – saving jobs, protecting the timber industry and supporting the Gippsland community.”
The appointments are a key step in the establishment of the new Board that will guide the future of the Heyfield Timber Mill.
The Labor Government will always stand by regional communities, support industries, and do what’s needed to create and protect local jobs.
