Awards recognise excellence in timber industry

19/10/02 Excellence in the Western Australian timber industry has been recognised through new awards backed by the State Government.

19/10/02
Excellence in the Western Australian timber industry has been recognised through new awards backed by the State Government.
Winners of the inaugural WA Timber Industry Innovation Awards were announced last night at the Forest Industries Federation of WA (FIFWA) annual dinner.
The awards, sponsored by the Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation, honour excellence in both the native hardwood and plantation timber industries, from forest management through to end product usage.
Forestry Minister Kim Chance announced winners in seven categories and an overall Premier's Award which went to WA company Ezydeck for its development of easy-to-assemble modular deck tiles made exclusively from WA jarrah.
Category winners were:

  • innovative uses for the native hardwood and plantation timber - Ezydeck, based in Greenbushes;
  • commercial furniture design, process and production - Max Jensen of Jensen Jarrah in Busselton;
  • plantation establishment and management - Stephen Quain of Great Southern Plantations in Albany;
  • forest management - Bill Towie of the Forest Products Commission;
  • creative art pieces - Gordon Ward of Perth;
  • marketing initiatives - Sotico Pty Ltd; and
  • contribution to community Trish Bodle, past president of Timber Communities Australia (TCA).
Commendations were also presented to Waughs Forest Services, Sotico, Clarecraft Casual, Antry Pty Ltd, creative designer Monique Tippett of Dwellingup and Julia Levinson of the Timber 2002 Association.
Last night's presentations were also attended by Environment Minister Dr Judy Edwards and key timber industry representatives, including FIFWA and the Furnishing Industry Association of Australia (WA) which also provided backing.
"There are many exciting developments taking place in the State's timber industry, both in terms of value-adding to our native hardwoods and expansion of the plantation resource," Mr Chance said.
"These awards allow Government and industry to recognise and reward the initiative that is driving developments in all facets of the industry, from ground-breaking research projects to high-level promotion adding value to export markets."
Industry nominations were invited for the inaugural awards, but in future years participants can be nominated or apply for the awards directly.
The judging panel was drawn from industry representatives directly associated with in-forest, processing, production, planning and design operations.
Minister's office: 9213 6700