Tasmanian winners Photo: Melanie Kate Photography
Thirty awards were handed out at Friday night’s Tasmanian Timber Awards, held at Launceston’s Albert Hall – a sure sign that the industry is full of ‘clever people doing great things’, according to the head of the Tasmanian Forests and Forest Products Network. Source: Timberbiz
Trainee of the Year, Meeghan Price with dad, Harry and mum Tammy, as well as AKS Forest Solutions’ Eva James (far right).
Convenor, Therese Taylor, said the calibre of award entries was very high this year and that in many cases judges chose to award multiple winners, acknowledging the work of both individuals and organisations in some areas.
Additionally, judges in some of the 14 categories opted to award a Highly Commended or Judges’ Commendation, such was the difficulty in choosing a winner.
“The Tasmanian Timber Awards recognises and celebrates excellence and best practice within our industry and acknowledges those who are leaders in their fields,” Ms Taylor said.
“Last night’s event showcased our industry in the best possible way. It truly was a celebration of industry, by industry.”
The biennial Tasmanian Timber Awards gala dinner was attended by 400 people from across industry.
Forico Chief Executive, Bryan Hayes, said he was delighted Forico has been recognised for its efforts to build meaningful relationships with those who had been custodians of the natural environment for generations, winning the Regional & Community Development Award.
“The Tasmanian Timber Awards is a celebration of excellence and best practice within the forestry industry,” Mr Hayes said.
“Forico’s Purpose states: We are the custodians of the natural environment and trusted to make the best use of natural resources for future generations,” Mr Hayes said.
“In pursuit of this goal, Forico considers it essential to engage and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who have been custodians of the natural environment for generations.”
The winners were:
- Timber Processing Excellence (presented by ARTEC) In recognition of excellence within the sector of timber processing – Cusp Building Solutions
- Harvesting Excellence (presented by SFM Lenah Estate) In recognition of excellence across a range of skills within the sector of forest harvesting – Orana Enterprises Highly Commended: MechLog
- Regional and Community Development (presented by TimberLink) In recognition of excellence within their community that promotes charitable outcomes – Forico
- Forest Growing and Management Excellence (presented by the Tasmania Forestry Hub) In recognition of excellence across a range of skills within the sector of forest growing and management – Malcolm Larner
Award winner Malcolm Larner with Senator Jonno Duniam and Network Convenor Therese Taylor
- Excellence in the Design and/or Use of Tasmanian Timber (presented by Sustainable Timber Tasmania) In recognition of excellence in Design and/or Use of Tasmanian Timber – Denman Marine Highly Commended: Neville Smith Forest Productslee
- Distribution and Logistics Excellence (presented by E.E. Muir & Sons Pty. Ltd.) In recognition of excellence across a range of skills within the sector of distribution and logistics – Padgett Group (Organisation), Bradley Woodfield (Individual)
- Innovation and Technology Award (presented by Neville Smith Forest Products) In recognition of a unique innovation or application of technology in any area of the Tasmanian Timber Industry – Cusp Building Solutions (Organisation), Judith Nantongo (Individual) Highly Commended: Indicium Dynamics/Sustainable Timber Tasmania
- Workplace Health and Safety Excellence (presented by Cusp Building Solutions) In recognition of excellence in workplace health and safety management within the Tasmanian Timber Industry – MechLog (Small Organisation) Sustainable Timber Tasmania (Large Organisation)
- Environmental Excellence (presented by Forico) In recognition of excellence in environmental management within the Tasmanian Timber Industry – North East Bioregional Network (Small Organisation), TimberLink (Large Organisation).
- Skill Development and Training Excellence (presented by ForestWorks) In recognition of an organisation’s commitment to ongoing skill developments and training of their workforce – Forest Practices Authority (Large Organisation), The Safety Process (Small Organisation) Highly Commended: Australian Research Council Training Centre for Forest Values (CFV) Judges’ Special Commendation: Oakdale Timber
- Outstanding Contribution to the Timber Industry – Female (presented by Reliance Forest Fibre) In recognition of excellence in their commitment to supporting and promoting the Tasmanian Timber Industry – Jillian Aylett, Brown Highly Commended: Theresa Weller.
Jillian-Aylett-Brown
- Outstanding contribution to the Timber Industry – Male (presented by Midway Tasmania) In recognition of excellence in their commitment to supporting and promoting the Tasmanian Timber Industry – Michael Lee Highly, Commended: Joshua Turnbull & Mitch Roberts.
Michael Lee
- Trainee of the Year (presented by Timberlands Pacific) In recognition of an individual who demonstrates excellence in their commitment to their own skill development and training within the Tasmanian Timber Industry – Meeghan Price (Small Organisation), Kylie Kemp (Large Organisation). Highly Commended: Rosanne Champion & Luke Chamley
- Tree Farmer of the Year (presented by Private Forests Tasmania) In recognition of excellence across a range of skills beyond best practice guidelines in their field of expertise in tree farming – Graham Freeman.
