The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has congratulated the Chairman of the Softwood Working Group (SWG) Peter Crowe on being named a recipient of the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours for his service to the softwood plantation industry.
Mr Crowe has worked in the forest industries since 1959 when he joined the then NSW Forestry Commission, where he worked for in a variety of positions till 2006. Since then he has worked as an industry consultant and advocate, and has been involved in plant breeding initiatives which have improved the quality of the timber grown in plantations. As well, since 1987 Mr Crowe has been involved with community engagement and regional development as the Chair of the SWG, and as part of the Murray Regional Development Board and the board of Regional Development Australia Murray, between 1990 and 2016.
Deputy Chief Executive of AFPA Victor Violante said, “Peter has been a champion of Australia’s forest industries for nearly 60 years, and on behalf of AFPA and its members I congratulate him on this well-deserved honour. His contribution on many levels cannot be listed in its entirety here, but it spans all sectors of forest management, research and advocacy.”
Mr Crowe said, “I’m extremely proud of working in the industry for all these years alongside a magnificent group of industry professionals, who are both colleagues, but more importantly, friends.”
“Being named as an OAM is certainly an honour for me and my family, but it also recognises the importance of forestry and its contribution to regional development in Australia,” Mr Crowe concluded.
The original media release is here: Media Release – Forest industries champion Peter Crowe receives well deserved Australia Day Honour