Wayne Shaw-Johnson
Wayne Shaw-Johnston’s first encounter with production forestry was as a university student in South Africa before embarking on a career that over the past 30 years has seen him in various management roles in South Africa, Tasmania and Gippsland. Source: Timberbiz
Now Mr Shaw-Johnston has taken on the role of operations manager for AUSTimber2016 to make sure the event runs smoothly for all visitors and exhibitors.
He is no stranger to the AUSTimber2016 In-forest expo site as he was one of a small group who explored various locations in Gippsland to find the one that could meet all the requirements set for it by the organisers.
Having worked as harvesting and roading manager for HVP in Gippsland up until early last year and his 20 odd years of experience in operational production roles helped him know where the most appropriate site would likely be.
“HVP Plantations, who are leaders in innovation and many initiatives in the forest industry, have prepared a great forest expo site,” he said. “This commitment to providing the industry with a first class demonstration site has been supported by HVP management at all levels from the COO Cameron MacDonald to the Gippsland General Manager Simon Gatt and under the direct management of Travis Healy.”
With plenty of local knowledge, Mr Shaw-Johnston is looking forward to renewing his acquaintances in the Gippsland region as well as catching up with local government officers and exhibiting machinery suppliers from all over the world.
“I am privileged and excited to be part of the team presenting to the industry the latest technology that enables the efficient delivery of all aspects of the forestry supply chain from growing and maintaining a renewable natural resource, to getting the right product delivered to mills through eventually satisfying end customers’ manufactured timber requirements,” he said.
“Showing this can be done safely thorough a sound certification process is something I’m particularly keen for the general public to see for themselves as it can only help our public image while making employment in the industry a more attractive proposition to potential new recruits.
“Added to this, the Wood Encouragement Policies adopted by the two local councils (Latrobe City and Wellington Shire) underpin that it is possible to have a well balanced and an environmentally sustainable industry producing various timber products that will help grow our economy in many positive ways.
“I am also looking forward to recruiting and working with the volunteer team who will help ensure AUSTimber 2016 will be a great event for all visitors and exhibitors. It is all about working together as a team and as a complete industry.
“We are one ‘min cura future’ we care for the future!”
Mr Shaw-Johnston took up his new role at the start of January and expects to be flat out dotting is and crossing ts ensuring a safe and efficient AUSTimber 2016 event until the last exhibitor is bumped out from the expo sites in mid April.
