Mick Harrington
A family day to be held in Bairnsdale on Saturday is an opportunity for forest communities to come together and support each other during a time of great uncertainty and distress. Source: Timberbiz
Forest & Wood Communities Australia Director Mick Harrington said The Unsplittable Logger Family Day was designed to give Gippsland’s timber families a rest from the stress of the relentless attacks on their livelihoods.
“We’re seeing good people chucked on the scrap heap because of an anti-forestry assault on our jobs and timber communities,” he said.
“The Unsplittable Logger is a message that although timber workers are resilient and hard-working, they have a breaking point and the concern for the mental health of these workers and their families should be recognised.
“It makes no sense to us why the Government has caved-in to the lies and exaggerations about our sustainable timber sector when it’s the most strictly governed in the world and provides renewable timber products.
“Generations of timber workers have looked after our forests, ensuring they continue to provide much-needed wood and fibre, and employment for regional Victorians.
“Now they are joining the ranks of the unemployed as activist minorities drag our sector through the courts and cause nothing but hardship for Gippsland communities.”
The Family Day, organised by FWCA National Membership Manager Felicia Stevenson, will be held at Bairnsdale Racing Club on Saturday.
“It’s a way of setting aside our worries for a day while raising awareness about the mental and emotional stress our families are under,” she said.
“There will be lots of things for kids to do and live music, as well as mental health support, so we’re inviting all timber families to join us for a day of fun and support.”
The Royal Flying Doctor Service and Looking Good Feeling Good will be there to provide mental health support.
Representatives from industry support organisation ForestWorks will also be at the day to discuss the Government’s current transition plan.
Mick Harrington, who was also a finalist on The Voice, and Jack Radford will provide live music entertainment on the day.
The Unsplittable Logger Family Day
10am-4pm Saturday May 6, 2023
Bairnsdale Racing Club
