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Glenelg Shire Mayor, Karen Stephens, was presented with the Inspiring Excellence Award at the Women in Wood Fibre event hosted by Australian Bluegum Plantations in Dunkeld, marking the world-wide event. Source: The SE Voice Cr Stephens, who is also renowned for her leadership role with the Casterton Kelpie Association and as a former local businesswoman, won the award for her tireless work advocating for the sector over many years. “I am truly honoured to win this award,” she said. “The food and fibre industries are major contributors to the Glenelg Shire economy and our role as council is to advocate for them when needed to help them and our Shire to thrive – that advocacy is at all levels of government. “I would also like to thank Australian Bluegum Plantations for organising such an inspiring event today.” Hosted by Australian Bluegum Plantations (ABP), more than 100 industry members joined by political and agricultural leaders enjoyed a High Tea celebration at the Dunkeld Community Centre, recognising the achievements, resilience and contributions of women across the plantation sector and local community. ABP Human Resources General Manager, Sheri Tarr said the sector was working hard to promote inclusive practices and policies, creating pathways to support female leadership and career progression. “Creating gender equality starts by achieving a positive workplace culture, where everyone feels valued and respected,” she said. “This is a primary objective for ABP and our broader industry which today has 30% of its executive roles filled by women, matched by an ongoing increase in female employees, with a growth rate of 10% per year since 2021. “It’s important we celebrate this progress whilst recognising there is still more that can be achieved – we must collectively lead and champion this change. “Creating opportunities for women is not just about fairness, we must liberate the talent within our workforce, challenge the bias and barriers that holds us back, to create a more progressive and productive community where women can live, work and prosper without limits.” Victorian Agriculture Minister, Ros Spence said the forestry industry was an important part of Victoria’s economy and the increasing number of women in the sector, was encouraging. “Plantation timber plays a vital role in supplying critical building materials for the housing and construction sector in Victoria and delivers a world class supply of wood chips for the pulp and paper industry,” she said. “It’s encouraging to see more women taking up roles in this essential industry, especially in leadership roles.”

The Federal Government is inviting forestry industry and researchers to pitch their ideas for part of $5 million in grant funding. The Government is investing $300 million in the future of the forestry industry, which includes more than $100 million for Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI). Source: Timberbiz “After the success of the First Round, I’m excited to see what transformative ideas are proposed through the Second National Open Call,” Australian Forest Products Association CEO Diana Hallam said. “I encourage anyone with initiatives that will enhance the productivity and profitability of Australia’s forest industries both now and in coming decades to come forward. “I am confident industry is united in wanting to ensure the $100 million investment called for by AFPA and delivered by the Australian Government creates the products, jobs and climate solutions needed to decarbonise our economy and turbo charge this great Australian industry,” she said. Research through this round of funding can include climate change solutions, sustainable forests, and making the most out of our available wood fibre. Now is the time for industry and researchers to put their heads together and develop industry-driven research proposals with an end-user focus. The successful projects will have matching funding from industry or other sources. “Research like this is how we keep our forestry industry competitive, sustainable and able to face challenges head-on,” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins said. “Australia’s forestry industry has enormous potential, and I want to see it grow and thrive. The sector is a vital economic contributor and a huge source of jobs in my home state of Tasmania. “Last year’s projects are researching practical solutions to a range of challenges, from finding Australian timber species for sports flooring and even finding ways to stop pest animals from eating seedlings,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what the next crop of researchers will discover.” Last year’s call resulted in eight successful projects sharing the first $5 million grant and unlocking $8.3 millions of matching investment from industry and research partners. The Executive Director of Australian Forest and Wood Innovations Dr Joseph Lawrence said this call for applications was about funding innovative ideas that can deliver real commercial outcomes and help solve industry challenges. “We’re looking for research that will make a tangible difference, whether by strengthening local manufacturing, supporting sustainable forestry practices, or driving the transition to a circular bioeconomy,” he said. “This round introduces a two-stage application process. The first stage invites Expressions of Interest, with selected applicants progressing to a full proposal submission. “The new process, informed by industry and researcher feedback, is designed to streamline applications, enhance industry alignment, and maximise real-world impact. “By introducing an EOI stage, we’re ensuring early engagement with industry and giving applicants an opportunity to refine their proposals before moving to the next step,” Dr Lawrence said. “This will help attract bold, high-quality ideas that directly address industry needs.” The next Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) National Open Call for forest research is open until 14 April 2025. Details on the projects supported in the first round are available at Research projects – Australian Forest and Wood Innovations. For more information on the second round, visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/forestry/national/australian-forest-and-wood-innovations  

MiTek and the Housing Industry Association have joined forces to launch She Builds The Future – a program designed to inspire, educate and promote diversity in the residential building industry. Source: Timberbiz “MiTek and HIA are working together to help open doors for the next generation of builders, tradespeople, manufacturers and fabricators,” said David Oliver, Managing Director – MiTek, Asia Pacific. “As we launch this initiative in line with International Women’s Day and MiTek’s global Women’s Conference, we are proud to create pathways that inspire and empower women and girls to consider careers in building.” Inspired by the book The House That She Built written by Mollie Elkmann and illustrated by Georgia Costellano, MiTek and HIA have launched “She Builds the Future” as a program that brings the book to life in a meaningful way, helping women navigate the vocational opportunities available in the building and construction industry. The first initiative is the launch of The House That She Built Australia. “HIA is excited to be working in partnership with MiTek to establish She Builds the Future and bring The House that She Built to life in Australia. If we can inspire people of all ages to think about the vast range of jobs you can do in this amazing industry, we know we can increase the diversity of the industry and create a culture of inclusion,” said HIA Deputy Managing Director, Kristin Brookfield speaking at MiTek’s global Women’s Conference. “With women currently making up just 15% of the construction industry in Australia, the book serves as a call to action, encouraging young minds to explore, create and develop skills that build confidence and character.” Through a series of practical tools and guides, She Builds The Future aims to empower women to explore the world of home building. The initiative will be supported through a series of events and promotional activities across HIA and MiTek platforms over the coming months. HIA, as a leading industry advocate, is dedicated to guiding young people towards rewarding careers in building and construction. Similarly, MiTek is committed to using its capabilities and expertise to equip individuals with the skills to fill future trade and technology jobs. HIA and MiTek have worked closely with the book’s author, Mollie Elkman and the National Association of Home Builders to create the Australian edition. “The She Built Foundation is thrilled to see HIA and MiTek working together to bring The House That She Built to Australia,” said Mollie Elkman who is also founder of the She Built Foundation. “We believe the most catalytic way to inspire girls is to reach them early in their development and rally the support of their communities around them. Let’s keep encouraging the next generation of builders.” By supporting initiatives like The House That She Built in Australia and New Zealand, and through She Builds The Future, MiTek and HIA say they are paving the way for a more inclusive workforce where women and diverse talents are not just welcomed but empowered to lead, thrive and contribute meaningfully to the construction industry. Learn more at www.shebuildsthefuture.com