Timber industry stalwart Paul Madden from Barham on the Murray River has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List for his service to primary industry and to the community of the Riverina. Source: Timberbiz
Mr Madden is general manager of Arbuthnot Sawmills in Koondrook, Victoria – a company that has recently celebrated its 130th anniversary. The mill services the Victorian and New South Wales native red gum timber industry.
In congratulating Mr Madden on his award, the Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) and Timber NSW said this recognition is a testament to the important role the timber and forestry industry plays across Australia, especially in regional areas.
“This is a fantastic achievement for Mr Madden, his family and the staff at Arbuthnot Sawmills who have all contributed to the timber and forestry industry for 130 years. Mr Madden is a stalwart of the industry and his dedication, contribution and devotion to the industry is remarkable,” VAFI CEO, Tim Johnston said.
“This award honours Mr Madden, who has not only worked tirelessly for the red gum industry, but for his local community. Arbuthnot Sawmills is an institution in the area and Mr Madden has continued the tradition of giving back to the community.”
Timber NSW CEO, Maree McCaskill, said Arbuthnot Sawmills is the oldest, continuous sawmill servicing Victoria and NSW.
“Anyone who has been involved with Mr Madden knows of his passion for the industry, his devotion to our incredibly sustainable industry, and his vision that has seen this local institution remain viable during tough times,” she said.
He not only works tirelessly to be a leader in our industry but his commitment to his local community is unwavering. He is truly deserving of this award and we are all very proud that he is part of our industry.
“We can confirm that Arbuthnot Sawmills is the longest running saw mill servicing NSW and Victoria, which highlights the incredible work Mr Madden and the many staff over the years that have supported the success of the business since it began 130 years ago.”
Mr Madden said he was humbled by the award and thanked staff, past and present, his family and most importantly is wife for the support in making Arbuthnot Sawmills what it is today.
Also honoured was Ronald Adams, the inaugural chairman of Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA).
Mr Adams was recognised with an Order of Australia on the Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List for his career-long contributions to benefiting Australia’s forestry and wood sector as well as the community.
