After the success of the inaugural Green Triangle Timber Industry Awards last year, the committee has announced that nominations are open for the 2019 awards campaign. Over the next eight weeks the forest industry can put forward those within the sector who show outstanding qualities, are significant mentors and are committed to the role they play. Source: Timberbiz
Industry sponsors from last year have returned, which is a sound indication that the industry is keen to roll the event out for a second year and applaud its skilled workforce and business champions.
More than 500 people were on hand last year to celebrate as Reid Logging picked up the top award, along with the prize for harvesting excellence, with employee Adam Sealey taking out the individual forest operations crown.
This multi-generational logging company was toasted as the supreme winner of the inaugural Green Triangle Timber Industry Awards at The Barn in Mount Gambier.
Another outstanding commendation was Leonie Stapleton from Timberlink who was honored with a lifetime contribution award, recognising her long-term commitment and involvement in an industry that has historically been male dominated.
Leonie was seen as unique, in terms of her contribution and legacy. She played a consistent and important role in the development of the regions export woodchip trade, the radical disruptor of the 1980s and 1990s.
The export woodchip trade is the market that accelerated the regions thinning programs, creating the forest structure that generates todays reliable and uniform supply of larger high-quality saw log. It was the enabler for much of the timber manufacturing activity we see in Mount Gambier today.
This year the committee also announced a new award, the Services to the Timber Industry award. This includes but is not limited to, training organisations, IT services, equipment suppliers, agencies and suppliers.
The nominees and winners will be celebrated at a formal dinner held at The Barn, Mount Gambier, 1 November 2019, it is expected that around 500 people will attend with comedian and radio and TV entertainer Merrick Watts as the master of ceremonies.
“We were very proud of the efforts of our industry last year to get this event up and going. And to have support from our sponsors who serve our forestry industry across the Green Triangle Region; so enthusiastic to be part of the campaign,’’ GTTIA committee chairman Adrian Flowers said.
“We know there will be an even greater energy and support for nominations this year now that this sector has seen how the event can provide a platform for celebration.”
The nomination process starts with an online form with a step-by-step process. Categories themselves have remained the same with a few name changes to clarify some. Nominations will close on 16 August 2019 and judging will begin.
The industry continues to underpin some 8500 regional jobs and provide a valuable foundation for businesses and investors.
