Tracey Taylor has dipped in and out of forestry since university days, where she spent a summer working with Forestry Resources Tasmania harvesting and pollinating seed. Now the Tasmanian Forest Products Network (TFFPN) has welcomed her into a new role which will deliver for the industry a plan to improve diversity outcomes in the Tasmanian forest sector. Source: Timberbiz
Working in a variety of roles across government including in the areas of water management and animal welfare, Ms Taylor is also an experienced potato extension officer.
Most recently though, Ms Taylor who is based in the north of the state, worked with Skills Tasmania and Education and Trade Training Centres, focusing on workforce development and training activities.
“This new role as Workforce and Diversity Manager with the TFFPN is exciting as it brings together many of my skills and experience that I have gained throughout my career,” she said.
“I love the idea of being able to work with the industry to deliver some great workforce and diversity outcomes for the betterment of the sector.”
Mr Taylor said her vision in her two years in this role is to pave the way to a more gender and culturally diverse Tasmanian forest industry.
While industry is embracing of increased diversity, she acknowledges there are currently some challenges in attracting and retaining workers across the value chain.
“Many of our key Tasmanian sectors are focusing on attracting new and diverse workforces, and as a result there is competition for these workers across Tasmania. This presents a key challenge for our project; how do we promote our sector as one of choice to the future workforce?” she asked.
Mr Taylor’s involvement with forestry has extended beyond her professional life, working with Private Forests Tasmania on tree planting and conservation programs on her property in the Northern Midlands.
“While I’ve spent most of my career working with people and plants, many people are also surprised to learn I’m also a lifetime animal lover. I’m constantly surrounded by a variety of pets and livestock at home and volunteer as a foster carer for cats and kittens for a local not for profit organisation,” she said.
The development of a forest industry Diversity Action Plan is thanks to a two-year funding commitment by the Tasmanian Government.
Ms Taylor can be contacted at [email protected]
