MEDIA RELEASE
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has today announced the all industry Gala dinner at Australia’s Parliament House on 12 September will feature the richest series of three awards ever presented for the forest products industry; the 2017 Forestry Industry Innovation Awards.
AFPA Chief Executive Officer Mr Ross Hampton today declared nominations open for the prestigious inaugural awards, with the winner of each category to receive on the night a $1000 cash prize and an exclusively designed timber trophy.
Mr Hampton said, “Forest industries are innovating every day. Our people and companies are proud that they are working in the most sustainable of businesses dealing as they do with a totally renewable and biodegradable resource. They are also determined to be the very best they can be in innovation, safety and training. These awards will recognise three stand out individuals or companies that have excelled in these areas in the past two years.” Mr Hampton said.
“As an industry at the forefront of innovation, recognising these leaders at the biennial black tie Industry Gala Dinner in front of around 500 of their peers and many members of Parliament is fitting.”
Leaders will be recognised in three award categories:
The 2017 Innovation in Safety Award – Sponsored by Forestry Corporation of NSW
The 2017 Innovation in Training Award – Sponsored by ForestWorks
The 2017 Innovation in Business Award – Sponsored by Visy
Nick Roberts, CEO of Forestry Corporation of NSW said “safety in forestry is paramount and as an industry it is important to draw focus to this area celebrating where we are doing well and sharing ideas and experience so we can drive improvements across the board.”
Diana Lloyd, General Manager of ForestWorks said “innovation and training enables businesses to adapt to new technology and changing operating environments. ForestWorks sees this award as an opportunity to highlight those who have used innovation in training and to showcase the benefits of this approach.”
A spokesman for Visy said it was vital for Australia’s forest industries to continue to innovate to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly complex global business environment, and Visy was proud to be encouraging that innovation through this award.
Nominations close on 10 July 2017.
The Forest Industry Gala will be held at the Great Hall in Parliament House, Canberra on 12 September 2017. Tickets can be purchased here or via the AFPA website.
25.05.2017 – Innovation to take centre stage at forestry industry’s night of nights