Amy Robertson
Former Forest Practices Authority board member Amy Robertson has joined Forest & Wood Communities Australia, which is expanding its advocacy work for people who work and live in forest management regions. Source: Timberbiz
Ms Robertson, from Tasmania, fills the new Business Development Manager role to help build membership and presence in representing grassroots people within the forestry network.
“It’s exciting to be a part of recognising our strong and diverse support base – our community,” she said.
“In recent times these voices have not been heard and we’ve seen that damage jobs, communities and the forests we care for. FWCA is here to tell our stories so the expertise and contribution of those directly involved in managing and using our forests is heard and respected.
“We need to stand up and be counted, literally. When we can show just how many of us take this seriously, then people who make decisions sit up and take notice.”
FWCA chairman Steve Dobbyns said Ms Robertson’s appointment adds even more expertise and depth to the association which already has a strong board and advisory council.
“It’s hard not to be impressed by Amy’s resume which includes a Bachelor of Environment Science and Diploma of Natural Resource Management,” he said.
“She also brings a wealth of experience in forestry, planning, communications, firefighting and compliance which wonderfully complements our team.
“It is also good news for our growing membership because she is a forester and understands the issues we face, which means she’s as passionate as we are about stories out there.”
FWCA has a two-tier governance structure with a five-director board presiding over an Advisory Council made up of member delegates from a diverse range of forest-based sectors from around Australia.
“This structure ensures that we are representing the people and not the industry, which is already well-covered by other associations,” Mr Dobbyns said.
“It is vital that we remain grassroots and keep the interests of our members as the priority for all we do. Amy’s appointment adds to those values and will help us continue to grow as a strong and active voice for forest communities and supporters of our sustainable wood resources.”
