Professor Julianne O’Reilly-Wapstra Chair, Tasmanian Forests and Forest Products Network
In October the Tasmanian Forests and Forest Products Network held its industry dinner, themed Building Strength Together in Launceston. The night really embodied the TFFPN’s core mission, which is to provide a platform for greater connection, cohesion and collaboration within the forest and forest products industry. Source: Timberbiz
It was well attended by a diverse range of people from in and around the sector.
Building Strength Together was a theme especially chosen for the dinner, not only because it’s a theme which underpins the purpose of the TFFPN, but because it felt like the time was right to remember that we are stronger as a sector together, than when we are apart. Nationally and locally the forests and wood products sector are facing considerable change across multiple fronts and angles, and during times of change, there can be a natural tendency to hunker down, isolate oneself and become more siloed.
However, it’s at these times that it is most critical to address challenges and to harness opportunities that change brings. We are stronger if we connect, collaborate and build strength together.
The recent situational analysis report by GreenWood Strategy, commissioned by the Tasmania Forestry Hub, outlines some of the opportunities, barriers, and actions for the Tasmanian sector and also comments on the need to work closely and collaboratively. Importantly, it surmises that Tasmania’s forest and wood products sector is primed for growth.
When you think about the local, national and global challenges we face of providing resources for our population demands in a sustainable way that addresses climate change, takes significant steps towards a zero carbon economy, and protects and conserves our natural environment for future generations for multiple environmental, economic, social and cultural values, there is one industry that sits at the heart of contributing to that, and that is forestry.
The Network is grateful to the guest speakers on the night, Tasmanian JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan and Strategic Advisor and former Premier of Tasmania, the Hon Peter Gutwein, who provided insight into their perspectives and experiences of building strength together with teams and a wide range of stakeholders in their current and previous respective roles.
Event sponsors were Indicium Dynamics, Marsh, Pentarch Forestry, Reliance, and Sustainable Timber Tasmania.
