VicForests celebrates ‘Women in Forestry’

More than 20 staff recently attended VicForests’ inaugural ‘Women in Forestry’ professional development event held in Traralgon.
VicForests’ Human Resources Manager, Rebecca Gauci, said the event acknowledged the critical role played by women in the timber industry.
“The recent event was specifically designed to recognise the achievements of females working in the forestry industry,” Gauci said.
“VicForests understands the need to actively encourage our female staff to consider their professional development and recognise the leadership potential they possess.
“Part of this process is ensuring all staff have the opportunity for future development to enable them to grow their careers.
“We look forward to this becoming a regular event which allows staff to strengthen their personal networks, while also celebrating the diversity which exists within our organisation.
“VicForests continually strives to be an ‘Employer of Choice’ and we hope this workshop has inspired staff to become future leaders.
“Women continue to be an important part of the broader forestry industry,” she said.
Gauci said the key focus of this year’s event was training for staff in the areas of Leadership and Resilience.
“The program focussed on ‘Emotional Intelligence’ and was facilitated by Christina Lovison of Mountain Ash Executive Development.
“The training emphasised the need for staff to consider how their emotions and the emotions of others influence their decisions, behaviours and performance at work.
“A second session following this training concentrated on leadership skills and leadership resilience.
“Staff learnt the value of resilient leadership and the attributes which make for a resilient leader including courageous and confident decision making, adaptability and a strong sense of self-awareness.
“We look forward to our staff applying this knowledge in their day-to-day management of the various issues they face,” Gauci said.