• The Shed - pioneering example of sustainable construction
• Honouring ‘The Timber Expert’
• The difference between training and mentoring
MAY | JUNE 2025
Volume 35 – Issue 3
Australian and New Zealand
Front Cover: The Shed at the University of Tasmania is a pioneering example of sustainable construction. A key sustainability initiative was the use of Eucalyptus nitens, a fastgrowing plantation species initially cultivated for pulp. Story page 10-11
Publisher and Chief Executive: Hartley Higgins
6 11 19
General Manager: Robyn Haworth
Editor: Bruce Mitchell b.mitchell@ryanmediapl.com.au
The “art” of mentoring can be an almost awkward concept for many employers.
Training is a far simpler concept to comprehend; show someone how to do something, show them again, and maybe even again, and leave them to it.
But, as of Building Learning and Workspace Training CEO David McElvenny points out, mentoring is probably the oldest form of training there is.
As he points out, the job of a trainer is to teach the trainee how to do a task in a particular way using certain techniques. The training often follows a strict framework, particularly when it’s delivered in accordance with ‘nationally accredited’ competencies. However, the purpose of mentoring is to provide guidance and insight to the protégé. Instead of making decisions for them, the mentor helps them to weigh up the pros and cons of a situation so they can use their own judgement to make sound decisions.
Mentoring is essential because it fosters growth, learning, and personal development for both the mentor and the mentee. At its core, mentoring is about sharing knowledge, experience, and guidance, which can have a profound impact on the mentee’s career and personal life. A mentor serves as a trusted advisor, helping the mentee navigate challenges, make informed decisions.
Overall, mentoring is a dynamic, two-way relationship that benefits individuals and communities, creating a more knowledgeable, empowered, and connected workforce or society.
It’s a service that those with the knowledge should be delivering to those willing to do more than just learn.
Bombala mill sold to Borg Group
BOMBALA’S timber mill has been sold to an NSW regional company that has promised uninterrupted operations and continuity for customers and employees.
The mill, which was purchased as a much smaller operation and expanded over 17 years by Korean company Dongwha Australia, is now owned by the Borg Group, a specialist timber and panel business based on the Central Coast.
The sale was confirmed in late May by Borg Group CEO, Jim Snelson. The mill will trade under the name of Porta.
Bombala based Snowy Monaro Regional Councillor, Bob Stewart, has welcomed the news of the sale and Borg’s commitment to the facility, which he said is a ‘major player’ for the town.
“With 130 jobs alone at the mill and no government jobs to speak of anymore, Bombala relies big time on it and if it can get developed further, that would be great,” Cr Stewart said.
“I will try to organise for the new owners to meet with council and I hope the council will support them in the future.”
Cr Stewart also thanked the Dongwha company for its investment into Bombala, particularly for its role in supporting community organisations; from the local races, where it sponsored the main race in 2025, to the inaugural Australian National Busking Championships Bombala regional heat to various sports and community groups.
Although the sale amount has not been disclosed, Marketscreener reported online that an undisclosed buyer agreed to acquire Dongwha Australia Holdings Pty Ltd from Dongwha Enterprise Co Ltd for 88.9 billion Korean (around $99 million Australian) on
February 17, 2025.
The sale to the Borg Group took effect from May 1. The decision was made public after months of speculation within the local community, which relies heavily on the mill for employment and purchase of local timber.
Mr Snelson said The Borg Group was pleased to announce the acquisition and re-assured employees and customers that operations would continue without interruption.
“Porta is committed to building on Dongwha’s strong legacy in Australia by maintaining product quality, delivering exceptional customer service, and fostering a safe working environment,” he said.
“For over 17 years, the Bombala sawmill has been a trusted producer of high-value timber products, including decking, structural framing timber, and fencing.
“This acquisition marks an important step in Borg’s continued expansion in the timber industry.”
Mr Snelson said Porta was widely respected for its high-quality products, innovative solutions, flexible customer approach, and expert team.
“The integration of Dongwha further strengthens Porta’s capabilities and supports its growth
strategy,” he said.
Dongwha Australia was founded in 2011 in Australia as Dongwha’s directly managed overseas production base through the acquisition of Willmott Timbers.
Dongwha Australia’s core business area is lumbering.
Its Bombala sawmill was built on government subsidies to boost its role in improving the regional economy.
Last year, Dongwha Australia welcomed a NSW Government Forestry Industry Action Plan designed to outline the path the state would take to ensure a sustainable timber industry that aligned with the government’s key environmental priorities.
Dongwha Australia team leader, Neville McInnes, told The Monaro Media Group that although the company had not yet been contacted by the new advisory panel, it was pleased the government had committed to the industry and had three key areas it wished to discuss.
“They are a commitment to keeping roads open to guarantee the transport of timber between plantations and the mill; a commitment to the continued supply of softwood and a commitment to not losing what supply was already available.
The Bombala mill was purchased as a much smaller operation and expanded over 17 years by Korean company Dongwha Australia.
Timber engineering focus of world conference
Brisbane will host the World Conference on Timber Engineering in June, only the second time the event has been held in the southern hemisphere since its inception in 1998.
The conference is expected to attract nearly 900 delegates from around 22 countries with more than 600 speakers and nine keynote presentations.
The first World Conference on Timber Engineering was held in 1998 in Montreux, Switzerland however, the forerunner of WCTE dates back to May 1984 with the Pacific Timber Engineering Conference (PTEC) in Auckland, New Zealand.
In 1998 the world’s timber engineering society decided to coordinate the former world events and to introduce a biennial rhythm with consecutive conferences in Europe, America, Asia and the
Pacific.
This rhythm was altered in 2020 due to Covid, and since 2021 the conference has been held every odd year.
WCTE is a world leading scientific dissemination forum for presenting and discussing the latest technical and architectural developments and innovations in timber engineering and construction.
The scope covers research, education, and practice topics from all over the world.
The conference has attracted wide international representation and attendance, bringing together researchers, engineers, architects, consultants, contractors, project managers, suppliers, and
manufacturers from across the globe.
The host of WCTE 2025, The University of Queensland (UQ), is a leader in timber engineering and administers the Australian Research Council Research Hub to Advance Timber for Australia’s Future Built Environment (ARC Advance Timber Hub).
This 5-year Research Hub (commenced in 2023) is committed to the future development of sustainable timber buildings and the emerging opportunities and innovations that are needed in manufacture, supply, design, and construction.
The Hub’s large research team from 12 Australian Universities and five international universities/ research institutes, in collaboration with 28 industry partners, aims to enable an advanced manufacturing transfor-
mation of Australia’s timber and construction industries, developing a roadmap to change that unlocks substantial industry and social value.
The ARC Advance Timber Hub also collaborates with other research centres across Australia to enhance the collective research in timber engineering in Australia and the Pacific.
The WCTE 2025 technical program will have a focus on research carried out by the timber design and construction community due to the rise in engineering and architectural firms, developers, and investors, now emphasising timber engineering as a preferred solution for many projects.
For more information, go to https://www.wcte2025.org
New award to honour ‘The Timber Expert’
More than 120 friends and colleagues attended an industry memorial service in Brisbane for Colin MacKenzie with Timber Queensland making a special announcement recognising Colin’s long-term contribution to timber design, innovation, and application.
CEO Mick Stephens said Colin was a giant in the industry, and as such, many of colleagues and members asked how we might recognise these achievements.
“Timber Queensland is pleased to announce the formation of a new award for professional development in the timber and building sector known as the Colin MacKenzie Award for Technical Excellence in Timber Application and Use,” Mr Stephens said.
“This award will not only remember Colin’s 48-year legacy but will help support the ongoing work of timber design and education with a particular focus on fit-forpurpose specification and use, innovation and best practice timber engineering, design and research.”
“The award will enable future practitioners, students and researchers to obtain professional development that supports their own career and the industry more broadly,” Mr Stephens said.
“Given the reach of Colin’s work, it will have a national focus and Timber Queensland is working with other key partners and bodies to put in place necessary governance and funding arrangements.
“We will be able to make further announcements as the award is fully developed including asking for the industry’s support.”
A framed certificate formally recognising the award was presented to Colin’s wife Christine by Timber Queensland deputy chair James Hyne. Colin MacKenzie passed away on March 24 in Brisbane
aged 75 following a period of illness and is survived by his wife and daughters Aleisha and Trina. His influence on the timber and building industries will be felt for generations to come. Affectionally known as ‘The Timber Expert’ due to his skills and experience, his enthusiasm and commitment to timber product education will be hard to replicate.
Colin’s journey in engineering began in Melbourne where he graduated from the Caulfield Institute of Technology in 1974. With more than 40 years of experience in all facets of timber and wood product design, use, and application, he became a leading authority in the field, particularly where timber was used in building and construction.
This award will not only remember Colin’s 48-year legacy but will help support the ongoing work of timber design and education
His expertise was built from his early days as a technical officer with CSIRO’s Divisions of Forest Products and Building Research through to his leadership roles as technical director at Timber Research and Development Advisory Council of Queensland (TRADAC) and later manager of Timber Application and Use with Timber Queensland. Over the course of his career, he became a defining figure in timber engineering. He worked with TRADAC, now embraced by Timber Queensland, before establishing MacKenzie Consulting. His work spanned durability design, domestic
and Building Codes.
engineering, and the advancement of Australian standards and building codes.
A leader in pioneering timber grading and in-grade testing programs, Colin’s impact reached far beyond Australia. He served on numerous Australian standards committees, including the Timber Structures Committee, the Structural Timbers Committee and the Timber Framing Committee. Internationally, he represented Australia on the ISO TC 165 Timber Structures Committee, ensuring that his expertise helped shape the global timber industry. His commitment to education and industry advancement was evident in his contribution to writing numerous technical publications,
including the renowned Timber Queensland Technical Data Sheets, Queensland Timber Framing Manuals, Mult-Residential Timber Frame Construction publications, AS 1684, and the Handy Span Tables book. He played a key role in research projects such as Advanced Flooring Research, Recycled Timber Grading, and Durability Design, all aimed at strengthening the future of timber construction.
Beyond his professional achievements, Colin was recognised with the Stanley A. Clarke Medal from the Institute of Wood Science in 1999, an acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to timber technology.
WoodCentral
Colin MacKenzie whose work spanned durability design, domestic engineering, and the advancement of Australian Standards
Timber Queensland deputy chair James Hyne (left) and CEO Mick Stephens present a framed certificate formally recognising the Colin MacKenzie Award to Colin’s wife Christine.
Japan Expo a playground for timber engineers
Osaka, along with Tokyo and Kyoto, has emerged as Japan’s go-to destination for 2025, with 150,000 visitors flocking to the World Expo every day.
Among them are a dozen Australian architects, engineers, and developers – on the WoodSolutions study tour – who lined up ahead of a two-day tour of the expo grounds.
Andrew Dunn, from the Australian Timber Development Association, said the Expo was perhaps the highlight of a week-long tour, which included a VIP tour of Tokyo 2021 Olympic Stadium, the Hōryūji temple, a special carpentry demonstration and state-of-the-art post-and-beam house factory
“What we are seeing coming out of Japan is incredible,” Dunn said, “None more so than the Grand Ring – the world’s largest wooden structure ever constructed.”
Walking along the ring’s 12-metre high skywalk – all built out of cross-laminated timber – Dunn said the structure combines modern methods of construction (MMC) with traditional Nuki joints – a system that connects pieces togerher without using nails or screws. Measuring 30 metres in width and 675 metres along the outer edge, the Grand Ring is 2km long and uses more than 60,000 square metres of wood in its construction.
About 70% of the ring is made up of Japanese cedar and hinoki wood, which, combined with much stronger European red cedar and reinforced steel, makes the ring fully resistant to earthquakes.
“Inside, massive wooden beams hold up the sloped roof, which doubles as the skywalk, protecting
thousands of visitors from the weather as they wander through the ground level,” Dunn said.
“From the highest point, you can take in the complete circular form of the structure, with pavilions from around the world gathered both inside and outside the ring.”
Visiting several pavilions, Dunn said the Expo is a playground for timber engineers and architects.
The biggest (made of wood) is the Italian pavilion, a modern interpretation of the Ideal City of the Renaissance.
Built from cross-laminated timber and glulam, the pavilion is a “large hangar of knowledge” split into three sections: one for aerospace, another for society, and a third section for humanity —all to be deconstructed and reused, piece by piece, post-expo.
Then there are the Romanian, Polish, Bahrianian, Blue Ocean and Australian pavilions, which, along with the Chinese, Austrian, Uzbekistan and Irish pavilions, all had massive lines.
The tour party also got a VIP tour of the Czech Republic pavilion courtesy of Stora Enso.
“The four-storey structure is Japan’s tallest steel-free timber building, and it’s been designed to meet the country’s stringent building standards,” Dunn said.
Divided into thirty equal-sized sections, the pavilion’s architect, Michal Gabaš, had to prove in a lab that the wood and fasteners could withstand earthquakes or the force of the wind during a major typhoon.
“The structure is one major challenge,” Gabaš said. “Another major challenge is fire protection because the whole building is made of timber.”
A view inside the Giant Ring – where timber thousands of timber pieces are connected using a traditional woodworking method known as Nuki joints – a nail and screw free construction technique. Pictures: Andrew Dunn
Parkside boss ends his 46-year journey in timber
After 46 years in the timber industry John McNamara retired at the end of 2024 from his last official position as CEO of Parkside Timber.
John’s journey began at BHP Wollongong in 1969, where he spent nearly a decade immersed in steelworks operations.
The first four years were part of a cadet mechanical engineering program, which offered invaluable rotational placements across various departments within the Wollongong steelworks.
This broad exposure laid a strong technical foundation.
The following five years saw him transition into more specialised roles focused on blast furnace rebuilds and maintenance—critical areas for the operational integrity of the steelworks.
In 1978 John joined the timber industry at Boral as the engineering head for 14 hardwood sawmills spread across New South Wales.This role encompassed not only overseeing daily maintenance, but also leading efficiency-focused mill rebuilds. John’s time with Risby Forest Industries from 1983-1988 in Hobart was defined by operational leadership. As Operations Manager, he oversaw the company’s hardwood sawmilling operations, which included a major Tasmanian oak sawmill and a suite of value-added facilities.
A key highlight during this tenure was spearheading the integration of advanced European technology into the sawmilling process—an initiative that significantly boosted production and efficiency metrics.
In 1988 John made the move to Auspine and held dual roles, initially as General Manager of Sawmilling and later also overseeing Timber Sales. The company
evolved significantly during this time. Originally operating as SEAS with a single mill at Kalangadoo, they acquired Tasmanian Softwoods in Scottsdale in 1988 and undertook a major consolidation into a unified sawmilling division based in Mount Gambier.
In 1990, they further expanded by acquiring the Tarpeena sawmill from Carter Holt. Extensive upgrades followed, particularly at the Tarpeena site, and sawmilling operations were streamlined across Tarpeena and Scottsdale. Kalangadoo was repurposed into a specialist treatment facility. Over this period, Timber Sales was also integrated into the broader Sawmilling division.
In 1993 John took on the role of Managing Director at Hyne Timber during a time of diversification and transformation.
The business then encompassed hardwood and softwood sawmills, wholesale distribution, retail outlets, truss and frame businesses, and a glulam plant—mostly based in Queensland.
Under the visionary leadership of Warren Hyne, and later as MD, Hyne began a strategic consolidation. This included divesting non-core businesses and focusing on core softwood operations. A major milestone was the upgrade of the Tuan softwood sawmill to world-class standards, enhancing both cost efficiency and competitiveness.
Following this, Hyne acquired the Tumbarumba sawmill from Boral and Holbrook sawmill from ITI, along with securing long-term sawlog supply contracts from the NSW Government and Hancocks Victoria.
Hyne built a new international-scale softwood sawmill using cutting-edge global technology, followed by successful market integration of the increased output. During this period, Hyne Wholesale also expanded nationally.
John was privileged to work with an outstanding senior management team that played a pivotal role in transforming Hyne into an industry leader.
In 2013, John joined Parkside as CEO of Parkside Sawmilling, working closely with the Tapiolas family and management team to drive growth and innovation.
The Wandoan sawmill underwent a major expansion using equipment sourced from France and Germany, along with the addition of a new drying yard.
Theodore, Wandoan, and Wondai mills were aligned for specialist product output, while Wondai itself was developed into a high-grade processing centre.
Innovations included a new finger jointing plant and the reopening of the Eidsvold treatment pole facility to serve Energy Queensland. A new glulam plant is under construction, and additional processing capacity is in the planning stages.
Parkside Forestry was also established to sustainably manage hardwood resources. In 2019, Parkside acquired Auswest’s operations in WA and Victoria, later adding the Nannup sawmill.
Unfortunately, due to misguided decisions by the Victorian and WA Governments to shut down hardwood sawmilling, Parkside was forced to close operations and lay off over 200 employees in 2023.
“Throughout my career, the hardwood sawmilling industry has faced immense political pressure,” John said.
Former Parkside Timber CEO John McNamara and his wife plan to enjoy their new home in Brisbane’s Bayside and continue travels overseas.
A modern model for timber durability
Amajor new research project is underway in Brisbane to upgrade how Australia predicts timber durability, helping the industry make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Led by Dr Chandan Kumar and a research team at the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the project is part of the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life and focuses on improving Australia’s Service Life Prediction (SLP) model.
This model is crucial for estimating how long different timber species and wood products will last in various environments, from wet and humid coastal areas to dry inland regions. While steel and concrete have well-established prediction models, timber is more complex because it is a natural
material. Its durability depends on the species, treatment, exposure, climate, design, and threats like fungi and termites.
And this complexity has real-world consequences. For example, when someone uses untreated pine for a garden bed or deck exposed to weather, it may fail in just a few years. The timber isn’t to blame – it’s simply the wrong product for that use. A good service life model can help builders, landscapers, asset managers, and homeowners choose the right timber for the right place, avoiding premature failures, costly repairs and damage to wood’s reputation as a building material.
A more accurate SLP model can also help plan maintenance and replacements, support circular economy efforts by identifying timber suitable for reuse, assess how
timber products might perform under future climate conditions, and reduce the risk of failure in critical structures such as bridges or retaining walls.
Ultimately, it supports better design, safer buildings, less waste, and greater confidence in using timber as a long-term, sustainable material.
Australia once led the world in this field through the TimberLife project, a landmark 10-year research initiative (1997–2007) delivered by CSIRO and funded by FWPA under the leadership of Dr Bob Leicester. The TimberLife project produced a model and software that helped predict how timber would perform in various applications, from in-ground posts to marine environments and termite-prone areas.
Unfortunately, after the project
ended in 2007, research in this area effectively stopped. . This new project aims to rebuild and modernise Australia’s model, drawing on everything learned over the past two decades and guided by the original TimberLife leadership.
The original model was based on the best available data at the time, much of it from L-joint field tests and expert judgment. Since then, DPI has gathered more detailed field data from decades-long durability trials and a national trial launched in 2020 under the National Centre. The updated model will use this rich dataset to improve accuracy. . The team will look at more precise characteristics like wood density to improve predictions.
WoodCent5r4al
The Shed a pioneering example of sustainable
The Shed at the University of Tasmania by Wardle is a pioneering example of sustainable construction and the third instalment of the university’s Northern Transformation Program in Launceston.
It embodies the university’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions through innovative timber use and low-carbon materials.
A key sustainability initiative was the use of Eucalyptus nitens, a fast-growing plantation species initially cultivated for pulp.
The project repurposed this timber for structural elements, veneers, and linings, showcasing the potential of locally sourced materials in large-scale, low-carbon construction.
The initiative for these projects stemmed from the University of Tasmania’s Vice-Chancellor Rufus Black’s ambition to reduce carbon emissions across the university’s
infrastructure. This led to extensive research into local suppliers and trades who could provide materials with low embodied carbon.
The projects integrated several groundbreaking initiatives, including recycled and repurposed materials, carbon-neutral bricks and low-carbon concrete, the first of its kind in Tasmania.
Engagement with local suppliers was integral to the project’s success. The timber industry responded enthusiastically, showcasing the capability and versatility of locally sourced materials. The positive feedback from the University of Tasmania’s leadership team and the broader community has highlighted the effectiveness of this approach. Tasmanian timber played a crucial role in The Shed as well as the other two buildings, River’s Edge and The Library, belonging to the Northern Transformation Program. Each having a strong focus on local
procurement and sourcing sustainably harvested timber.
“When we initially engaged the local industry and local suppliers, there was the suggestion of using plantation Eucalyptus nitens. These trees were initially intended for paper pulp, but the industry was looking for new ways to put this timber to good use besides just exporting it as pulpwood. This meant there was an immediate source of local, sustainable wood, and our initial thought was to use it in the mass timber structure; however, we also wanted to celebrate and show the different ways in which nitens could be used, so we exposed those structural [elements] wherever we could, and also used it prominently for internal linings and veneers,” says Ricardo Hernandez from Wardle.
The Shed serves as the campus’s “front door,” spanning from the city to the university, with two elongated
sheds framing a public realm. The industrial-style exterior contrasts with the warm timber interiors, intentionally designed to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for students and the wider community. The university envisions these buildings as open spaces for education, professional development, and youth engagement.
“The use of timber helps to deinstitutionalise attending university or coming into a university setting. In The Shed, timber was predominantly used in the central atrium intentionally as it welcomes students and the wider community and invites them to engage with a warm and inviting space,” says Wardle Partner, James Loder.
A standout feature of all three buildings is their focus on disassembly. Every element has been designed with lifecycle assessment in mind, allowing for future reuse and recycling. Timber aligns with
She Builds The Future: a program to inspire
MiTek and the Housing Industry Association (HIA) have joined forces to launch She Builds The Future – a program designed to inspire, educate and promote diversity in the residential building industry. The program was launched at HIA’s National Policy Congress in Melbourne.
HIA has been working in partnership with MiTek to bring this program to life since International Women’s Day in March.
“If we can inspire people of all ages to think about the range of jobs this amazing industry has to offer, we know we can increase the diversity of the industry and create a culture of inclusion,” said HIA Deputy Managing Director, Kristin Brookfield.
The She Builds The Future
website is aimed at girls and women interested in a career in house construction. The website provides a unique way to learn more about the pathways into the industry.
“Knowing what you want to do
when you leave school can be daunting. The She Builds The Future website showcases a range of jobs, onsite and offsite, in construction, manufacturing and business management.
“The website provides insights on the what the job involves, why you’d be interested in the job and what you need to do to get that job. This information is supported by wonderful stories and guidance from real women, working in the job today,” said Ms Brookfield.
“While most people think of the well-known jobs like builders, carpenters, electricians and plumbers, there are so many more people and jobs involved in building a new home. Every new home is built on strong foundations using high quality building materials.
“Engineers, designers, fabricators and many more amazing jobs make up this essential sector of the building industry.
“As a trusted innovation partner in off-site construction and a passionate advocate for a more inclusive building industry, our partnership with MiTek is something HIA see as vital to expanding the information young women can find on manufacturing and design jobs.
“The website will showcase a variety of these roles and showcase women already achieving success in their chosen careers.
David Oliver, Managing Director – MiTek, Asia Pacific said that MiTek and HIA were working together to help open doors for the next generation of builders, tradespeople, manufacturers and
this philosophy—its versatility made it ideal for walls, floors, ceilings, and acoustic treatments.
While timber played a critical role in the design aesthetic across all three buildings, Loder says The Shed is particularly different.
“The internal character of the buildings are all distinctly different. The Shed is more industrial and layered compared to the other buildings. The wall surfaces, desks, stairs and panel systems are entirely different. There’s been a robust exploration of the use of timber across the surfaces that create a unique response, from the hardwood Tas Oak applications to the pods designed to look like packing crates, there’s a clear visual dialogue throughout the design of The Shed,” says Loder.
The Shed and buildings within the Northern Transformation Program exemplify how Tasmanian timber can be harnessed for large-scale, sustainable projects. Their success
diversity construction
fabricators.
“As we launch this initiative, we are proud to create pathways that inspire and empower women and girls to consider careers in building,” he said.
The program also includes the release of the Australian edition of The House that She Built, a children’s story books written to open the world of home building to our youngest minds.
The House That She Built tells the true story of a team of real women in Utah, USA, who came together to build a one-of-a-kind home. The easy-to-read story teaches young girls about the exciting range of job opportunities in the housing industry. The Australian edition of the book includes a handful of changes to refer to Australian job titles.
paves the way for future developments, encouraging wider adoption of local materials across the state.
By demonstrating timber’s role in sustainability, these projects
With women currently making up just 15% of the construction industry in Australia, the program serves as a call to action, encouraging young minds to building as a genuine pathway to explore and develop skills that build confidence and character.
“By supporting initiatives like She Builds the Future and The Australian edition of The House That She Built, MiTek and HIA 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,” Ms Brookfield said.
The website is live at https://hia. com.au/shebuildsthefuture
strengthen the pipeline for future use, influencing both the architec-
tural landscape and the broader construction industry.
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The interior of The Shed at the University of Tasmania. Picture: Gollings Photography
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Properly treated radiata pine built to last
Awell-treated radiata pine can stand the test of time – and Scion has the evidence to prove it.
The Crown Research Institute was recently asked to conduct a detailed analysis on a laminated radiata pine cross-arm installed on the Desert Rd in 1965 as part of the New Zealand Electricity Department’s transmission network.
The cross-arm had been lying on one side on dunnage (loose wood, matting, or similar material) 100mm off the ground, for over 15 years.
It had undergone regular assessments until 1990 as part of Scion’s long-term service test programme. This recent analysis aimed to assess the cross-arm’s current condition and help predict the remaining service life of similar units still in service.
Scion’s timber durability researchers conducted a visual and microscopic inspection, which revealed localised decay – mainly due to brown rot fungi – where the cross-arm had been in contact with the ground at this site, the effective cross-sectional dimensions were reduced by 10–15 percent. However, the remainder of the cross-arm showed no significant signs of deterioration. Structural testing showed the cross-arm retained an average bending strength (MoR1) of 22 megapascals (MPa), meeting the charac-
teristic strength requirement for GL10-grade2 laminated timber.
After removing just a few millimetres from the surface, Scion’s team found the underlying timber was still in excellent condition – a remarkable discovery given the cross-arm’s age.
Dr Tripti Singh, Scion’s timber durability expert, says the crossarm performed as properly treated timber should.
“While preservative penetration was likely limited – due to the impermeability at the glue lines and treatment after fabrication–the timber still demonstrated outstanding long-term durability,” she said.
“This case is a testament to
the effectiveness of proper timber treatment and thoughtful engineering, showing that radiata pine, when handled correctly, can deliver exceptional performance for decades.”
1 MoR (Modulus of Rupture) measures a piece of wood’s bending strength – how much stress it can handle before it snaps when bent. The higher the MoR value, the stronger the wood.
2 GL10 is a grade of glue-laminated timber (glulam), a manufactured structural timber product made by gluing together smaller pieces of stress-graded and seasoned timber.
About the cross-arm
• Measuring 8.5m long, the cross-arms were made from 14 horizontally laminated pieces of 200 x 25mm radiata pine and scarf jointed3 to form a finished cross-section of 270 x 165 mm. They were bolted onto pairs of copper chrome arsenate-treated radiata pine poles, creating H-frame
structures. Each cross-arm extended 1.35m beyond the poles at either end, supporting three 110kV conductors — one at each end and one centred between them.
• Manufactured at the Waipa State Mill in Rotorua, the timber underwent kiln drying and dressing before lamination. The adhesive used was Aerodux 185, a resorcinol formaldehyde exterior glue, cured at approximately 32°C. Following lamination, the cross-arms were treated using the Reuping (empty cell) process with a 5% pentachlorophenol (PcP) solution in Mobil No. 5 fuel oil,
achieving a net preservative retention of 133 kg/m³.
• 3 Scarf jointing is a technique that joins two pieces of wood end-to-end. It involves cutting angled or notched ends on each piece that interlock, providing a larger surface area for glue and further reinforcement.
Scion analysis shows radiata pine can stand the test of time.
Scion’s timber durability expert Dr Tripti Singh.
There is very a big difference between training and mentoring
DAVID MCELVENNY
Mentoring is probably the oldest form of training there is.
Tribal elders have been mentoring the younger members of their clans for thousands of years, helping to shape their behaviour and skills through providing advice, answering questions and teaching by example.
Artisans have been using the same sorts of techniques to turn their apprentices into skilled tradespeople for centuries. In principle, nothing much has changed, even in modern-day workplaces. Workplace mentoring is still all about ‘experiential’ learning, and is used extensively throughout the timber industry. It happens informally whenever a new employee is paired off with a more experienced employee to learn the ropes.
And it happens in a more organised way between an apprentice or trainee and their supervisor as they progressively work through a formal qualification, often with the technical training being delivered separately by an RTO (registered training organisation).
This highlights the main difference between training and mentoring.
The job of a trainer is to teach their trainee how to do a task in a particular way using certain techniques.
The training often follows a strict framework, particularly when it’s delivered in accordance with ‘nationally accredited’ competencies. However, the purpose of mentoring is to provide guidance and insight to the protégé. Instead of making decisions for them, the mentor helps them to weigh up the pros and cons of a situation so they can use their own judgement
Throughout the centuries, students have become masters through the age-old educational approach of workplace mentoring.
to make sound decisions.
When you’re mentoring a worker, it helps to be open to new ideas and to provide advice from the perspective of what’s best for them, rather than simply what you would do in that situation.
Your objective is to motivate them to reach their full potential, so your over-riding concern should be to provide a guiding environment for them to analyse situations for themselves and develop the confidence to make their own decisions.
Note that although it’s common for the same person to be both supervisor and mentor to an employee, these two roles are quite different and at times may have competing goals.
For example, as a supervisor you’re responsible for the employee’s output, and you may need to be demanding with timelines
or the level of quality they’re achieving.
professionally, so you need to be more of an advisor than a whip cracker.
Mentoring is an ideal way to encourage the development of soft skills in a learner, like planning, time management and problem solving.
These skills are notoriously difficult to teach using conventional training techniques, since they involve more intrinsic attributes such as analytical thinking, creativity and resourcefulness.
The methods used to engender these sorts of soft skills in a learner are the same as they have been for eons, although they often utilise ‘modern’ management strategies with trendy brand names.
Nonetheless, as is generally the case with any successful ideas, the basic principles that underlie these soft skills and the way they are taught have very long roots –they just keep resurfacing in updated iterations.
Some mentoring relationships run for a fixed period of time and have a formal agreement to define their scope and duration.
Mentoring is an ideal way to encourage the development of soft skills in a learner, like planning, time management and problem solving.
Others may be much more relaxed, such as a simple arrangement that allows the learner to call on their mentor whenever they need guidance.
Either way, the best measure of success at the conclusion of any mentoring relationship is the degree to which the learner has developed the confidence to work independently and make good decisions based on their own judgements.
However, as a mentor your main goal is to provide guidance and help them grow personally and
David McElvenny is the CEO of Building Learning (www. buildinglearning.com.au) and Workspace Training (www. workspacetraining.com.au).
Techlam partners with Woodspan in engineered timber solution following fire
Arecent fire at Woodspan’s New Plymouth facility in New Zealand has led to a collaboration between two of New Zealand’s leading engineered timber manufacturers.
Following a fire that damaged critical CNC machinery at their production site, Woodspan faced a significant operational setback. Techlam has stepped forward to establish a strategic partnership that ensures continuity of supply for Woodspan customers while creating new opportunities for both organisations in the engineered timber sector.
The construction materials landscape has faced numerous hurdles in recent years. Supply chain disruptions, tough economic climate and now this unexpected production setback at Woodspan created a perfect storm that called for an innovative solution.
“We recognised the potential impact this disruption could have
across multiple construction projects,” Brett Hamilton, Managing Director of Techlam, said.
“Our industry thrives on reliability and predictability. When materials don’t arrive on schedule, the ripple effects can be substantial.”
The Levin-based operation has been manufacturing structural laminated timber products for over three decades.
With experience spanning economic cycles and evolving building regulations, Techlam has developed robust production capablities that can now benefit the broader market through this new arrangement.
“Our advanced 6-Axis CNC line has the capacity to accommodate Woodspan’s production requirements while maintaining our existing commitments,” Hamilton notes. “The technologies are compatable, and our team can quickly adapt to the specifications required for their PLT panels.”
COMPLEMENTARY EXPERTISE AND PRODUCTS
The partnership brings together two distinct but complementary product offerings. Woodspan has established itself as an innovator in parallel laminated timber (PLT) panels made from New Zealand-grown radiata pine. These products have gained significant traction in the construction sector, particularly for floor and roof structures where their strength and installation efficiency provide interesting benefits.
Techlam, meanwhile, has built its reputation on precision-engineered structural laminated timber solutions that serve both domestic and international markets. Their product range is recognised for performance characteristics, aesthetic appeal (including biophilia) and versatility across diverse applications.
Tom Boon, Chief Executive of Taranakipine Group and co-found-
Call for timber-only policy revision
The New Zealand Timber Industry Federation is calling on the Department of Conservation (DoC) to revise its procurement policy requiring that all timber for key government-funded projects such as Rākau Rangatira Phase Two located in Northland be sourced exclusively from FSC-certified forests.
While intended to ensure responsible sourcing, this requirement unfairly excludes hundreds of small forest owners, including farmers and regional woodlot managers who manage their forests sustainably but are not FSC-certified. This will result sawmills being unable to source logs from these small-scale woodlots to supply
DoC projects when they may have had a strong relationship with the forest owner.
According to FSC New Zealand, approximately 490,000 hectares of Forests is in the hands of small growers who are uncertified.
“FSC was originally created to combat illegal or unsustainable logging in natural forests in under-regulated regions,” said Bruce Larsen, President of NZTIF. “That’s not New Zealand. We have one of the most advanced forest management regimes in the world, with strict compliance requirements under laws like the Resource Management Act, Climate Change Response Act, and the National Environmental Standards for Plan-
tation Forestry.”
DoC’s FSC-only policy imposes an unnecessary burden on smallscale forest owners, many of whom cannot justify the cost or complexity of joining an international certification system that offers little environmental or social uplift in the highly regulated New Zealand context.
The Federation believes DoC’s current approach runs counter to the Government’s own messaging around supporting local, natural materials.
“We welcomed the Government’s directive to use more New Zealand wool in public buildings. It’s time for a similar commitment to wood a ‘Wood is Good’ policy that supports local timber, encourages domestic
er of Woodspan, see’s strategic value beyond the immediate situation: “This partnership allows us to enhance our offerings and reach a broader audience. While the circumstances weren’t what we would have chosen, the resulting collaboration creates new possibilities for both organisations.”
The alignment of manufacturing processes and material sourcing creates natural synergies that both companies are now exploring. Both companies utilise locally-sourced radiata pine and operate advanced CNC technology, facilitating a smoother transition than might otherwise have been possible.
This arrangement also helps preserve industry capacity during tough economic climate. By maintaining production capabilities and skilled employment, the partnership contributes to stability in New Zealand’s engineered timber sector.
processing, and keeps the value chain within New Zealand,” Mr Larsen said.
Instead of creating barriers, the NZTIF urges DoC and other government departments to adopt a more inclusive and pragmatic procurement approach — one that recognises the integrity of New Zealand’s laws, the reality of smallscale forestry, and the importance of supporting regional economies.
“New Zealand timber manufacturers, small forest owners, and large forest owners are all ready to contribute to a sustainable, value-added forestry future. But government policy needs to create opportunities — not shut the gate,” Mr Larsen said.
Sterling develops mass timber training kit
Sterling Structural, a leading manufacturer of cost-effective, pre-fabricated mass timber and hybrid structural systems in North America, has released a new Mass Timber Mock-up training kit.
The kit is designed to help vocational schools, training programs and unions educate and train the construction industry workforce on the emerging use of Mass Timber in a wide range of structures.
The kit includes everything needed to construct a mock-up of a small-scale mass timber building. It’s designed to educate and train installers on the fundamentals of mass timber construction. This hands-on learning tool showcases key components of prefabricated CLT and glulam systems, demonstrating best practices for installation, connection detailing, and material handling.
“The launch of the training kit is part of our overall commitment to making Mass Timber for the Masses,” said Michaela Harms, Vice President of Mass Timber at Sterling Structural. “Training carpenters and other construction industry professionals on Mass Timber techniques will improve outcomes which will lead to greater adoption, which will benefit everyone.”
Built to reflect real-world construction scenarios, the mock-up provides experience that helps installers gain confidence working with mass timber in preparation for the growing demand in sustainable, high-performance building solutions. It includes:
CLT Panels – As the majority of mass timber projects include CLT panels, the mock-up features both 3-ply and 5-ply CLT to familiarize teams with different panel weights
and handling requirements.
Floor & Roof Systems – Users will learn panel-to-panel spline connections that are critical to a building’s lateral strength. The mock-up includes both recessed plywood splines and surface-mounted straps, as both are common in the industry.
Irregular Panel Lifting – Real projects rarely involve only standard panels. The mock-up includes a large penetration cutout, introducing best practices for safely lifting and installing irregular CLT elements.
Glulam Column Connections –Projects require different connections based on structural loads, fire rating for the super structure, and aesthetics. The kit includes column base connections to include a raised stand-off typical with concrete topping slabs.
Glulam Beam Connections – To
demonstrate more advanced connection techniques, the kit includes knife plate connections and concealed hangers, both of which require precise installation. Exposed bucket connections are not featured, as they are simpler to install and require less specialized training.
“We’re seeing an increase in interest from a range of architects, engineers and designers in using Mass Timber for projects,” said Pat Sowers, Coordinator at Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice and Training Program in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.
“Our responsibility to our members is to ensure they are trained in all the latest construction materials and technologies, and Sterling’s training kit will be invaluable in our ability to meet that goal.”
Future of frame and truss is prefabrication
Big River champions complete solutions, productivity, and onsite waste reduction
In the past twelve months, the Australian building industry faced significant challenges, including labour shortages, fluctuating material costs, and an increasing focus on sustainability, shaping how homes and commercial buildings are designed and constructed.
These pressures are driving businesses across the sector to adapt and innovate, adopting solutions to meet demand while maintaining quality and efficiency.
For Big River Group, 2025 will see the business continue to complete solutions that are trade focused and add value to the jobsite productivity.
“The 2025 building trends will be on safety, productivity and a continuing shift in construction methods and systems such as an increase of pre-fabricated building components, that support efficiency and productivity,” said Ray Ferretti, Executive General Manager - Construction of Big River Group.
As a first step, Big River Group’s Trade Centres at Dry Creek, South Australia, and Breakwater, Victoria, demonstrate this commitment to addressing challenges with reliable, high-quality solutions for the frame and truss sector.
“Both Dry Creek and Breakwater are focused on supporting builders with prefabricated roof trusses, wall frames, and floor trusses, which are becoming increasingly critical in addressing on-site inefficiencies and labour shortages,” said Ferretti.
“By tailoring our solutions to meet the specific needs of projectswhether boutique homes in South Australia or multi-residential developments in Victoria - we’re helping builders embrace offsite
construction methods that improve efficiency and manage costs in today’s challenging market.”
Given the challenges builders face on-site with labour shortages and unpredictable weather, there has been a noticeable shift toward offsite prefabrication.
Prefabricated solutions not only speed up the construction process but also allow potential issues with plans or engineering to be identified before they arise on-site, avoiding rework and costly fixes by various trades.
To stay competitive in a demanding market, Big River Group has integrated advanced tools and streamlined processes across its operations.
At Dry Creek, AI-powered design software enhances precision and production speed, while Breakwater features the latest Hundegger saws paired with skilled estimators and designers who utilise cutting-edge design programs.
These tools ensure quality control and competitive pricing through continuous improvements in design and machinery.
Additionally, Big River Group offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including flooring and framing cladding products such as MaxiWall and a full range of fibre cement products by Etex and James Hardie.
These materials not only streamline construction but also deliver high performance, durability, and a modern aesthetic, supporting the industry’s evolving needs.
The building industry is becom-
ing less reliant on global supply chains, but some projects will continue experiencing sourcing delays next year.
Big River Group has worked intensely with supply chains to ensure they can achieve the best supply rates to support the industry with core products.
“Supply at our Dry Creek centre has been consistent due to the strong relationships we’ve built with our suppliers over the years,” said Ferretti.
“Our stock management system ensures we can meet production requirements at all times, giving builders the confidence that their projects will stay on track.”
Big River further strengthens its operations by supporting Australian timber mills, ensuring the supply of top-quality framing materials, an approach that not only guarantees high standards but also results in greater efficiency and reduced wastage on-site.
At its Breakwater facility, Big River Group has made significant progress in reducing its environmental impact.
Historically, a large volume of timber offcuts, strapping, and general waste went to landfill.
Today, through partnerships with recycling organisations like Visy, SIM Metal, GT Recycling, and the Mulch Company, the company
Careful alignment of MaxiWall panels during installation, demonstrating the accuracy and time-saving benefits of prefabricated building components.
has achieved a 95% reduction in landfill waste.
Timber offcuts are now repurposed into garden mulch and industrial products, saving approximately $65,000 in landfill fees annually. Plastics from timber packs and strapping are recycled through GT Recycling, while metals such as plates and strapping are processed through SIM Metal. Office paper and cardboard are fully recycled through Visy, with secure shredding for confidential documents, and all printer and photocopy cartridges are recycled.
“By recycling all our materialsfrom timber offcuts to plastic and metal - we’ve significantly reduced our environmental impact while optimising our processes for greater efficiency,” said Ferretti.
As part of Big River’s commitment to add value to customers and building projects, there is a robust training program in place for staff. Ferretti adds,
“This on-going training allows us to continue supporting our products with expert solutions and technical advice responding to the demands of ever-changing industry requirements, as well as providing a pipeline of talent to support the company’s evolving needs.”
Big River also invests in comprehensive development programs to upskill its workforce, enabling employees to step into technical roles like design and estimation. Central to these efforts are advanced industry design software platforms such as Multinail and Pryda, which play a vital role in enhancing the company’s frame and truss operations.
“At our Dry Creek Trade Centre, Multinail’s software allows us to create highly precise designs for roof trusses, wall frames, and floor systems, ensuring seamless integration with engineering requirements and production workflows,” said Ferretti.
“In Victoria, Breakwater uses Pryda’s software to optimise prefabri-
cation processes, enabling efficient estimation and the early detection of potential structural issues. These tools are essential in helping us enhance accuracy, reduce waste, and streamline production to meet the growing demands of the construction industry.”
Looking ahead, Big River Group is exploring greater automation in its manufacturing processes and further integration of AI into design workflows.
“At Breakwater, we are exploring AI-driven design programs and how we can integrate them with BIM (Building Information Management) systems,” said Ferretti. “This technology will allow builders to see in real-time where trusses or beams may intersect with services in the structure, improving accuracy and reducing lead times.”
Both Dry Creek and Breakwater are positioning themselves as leaders in prefabrication, ready to adapt to a rapidly changing industry.
For more information about Big River Group’s innovative frame and truss solutions, visit https:// www.bigrivergroup.com.au/frameand-truss/
Installation of prefabricated wall frames and MaxiWall panels at a Big River-supported construction site. Prefab systems help reduce build time and onsite labour requirements.
MaxiWall panel being fixed into place on a prefabricated frame, part of Big River Group’s complete frame and cladding system that improves workflow and site efficiency.
Hyne expands pallet operations
The Hyne Group has announced as expansion of its Pallets division with the acquisition of Pallet & Bin Pty Ltd located in Shepparton, Victoria.
Pallet & Bin manufactures a range of products for some of Australia’s largest food producers, including a significant amount for the export markets.
Hyne Group CEO Jim Bindon said Pallet & Bin was a well-regarded, local business that had been operating for more than 20 years and was a significant supplier for freighting food,
“Clients include five of Australia’s largest food producers and this offers further diversity opportunities for our national pallet customer base,” he said.
“Shepparton is also strategically located between Hyne Timber’s Tumbarumba sawmill and key Melbourne metropolitan markets, offering some solid locational synergies for both raw material timber supply and freight efficiencies.”
This announcement follows the Group’s expansion in 2024 of its pallet manufacturing divisions through the acquisition of Rodpak Pallets & Packaging (VIC), Express Pallets & Crates (QLD) and Pinetec Pty (WA).
The Group also expanded its Australian Garden Care division
last year with the acquisition, through its Rocky Point Pty Ltd subsidiary, of Bassett Barks on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. In parallel, the Hyne Group’s majority owners in the UK, James Jones and Sons Ltd, has announced the acquisition of United Box Ltd.
United Box Ltd was originally formed as a joint venture in 2003 by James Jones & Sons Ltd and Scott Group Ltd. United Box manufactures and distributes agricultural boxes and is a valued supplier to the food industry across the UK and Ireland.
“Our recent acquisitions, combined with a progressive investment philosophy, are part of our disciplined global strategy and these two additions to our Group demonstrates our strong support of the rural and farming communities in the UK and Australia,” Tom Bruce-Jones, Chairman of James Jones & Sons Group, said.
“This broadens our product portfolio and provides confidence to all our end users of our vertically integrated local supply chains, particularly given the current global trade war.”
AKD acquires control of Highland Pine Products
AKD has purchased Pentarch Forestry’s 50% shareholding of Highland Pine Products Pty Ltd in Oberon.
HPP is currently a 50/50 joint venture business owned by AKD and Pentarch Forestry, with the primary asset being the Oberon sawmill.
The sawmill processes over 500,000 m3 of plantation grown sawlogs and produces a range of structural, landscape and packaging products.
Post this acquisition, AKD will process nearly 2,000,000 m3 of
sawlog per annum, producing over 1,000,000 m3 of timber from the Colac, Caboolture, Oberon, Tumut and Yarram sawmills.
“The Oberon acquisition is consistent with AKD’s focus on operating high quality, strategically located sawmills, and represents an opportunity to provide an improved supply and product range for customers and the broader timber supply chain,” AKD’s Chief Executive Officer, Shane Vicary said.
“As a joint venture partner in the business since 2018, AKD has
had an opportunity to work with the talented team in Oberon and see the opportunities that exist on the site and in the region and we are excited about the future.
“We are looking forward to working directly with the Oberon team as we welcome them to the broader AKD business of over 1000 employees. The acquisition enhances our ability to service both existing and new customers and we look forward to strengthening relationships with suppliers and continuing to provide a positive contribution to the Oberon
AKD acknowledged and thanked Pentarch for its positive and constructive contribution to the HPP partnership and wishes it success for the future.
The acquisition is consistent with AKD’s approach of growth through a mix of strategic acquisition and capital investment and further highlights its 70-year commitment to the Australian timber and building industries by investing for the future.
Completion of the transaction is expected to occur on July 1.
Pallet & Bin’s Matt Alessi and Hyne’s CEO Jim Bindon.
American Oak refit a happy accident
When a student kicked a football into the sprinkler system on the first floor of Ormond College at the University of Melbourne, setting off a deluge, a complete refit of the Master’s office below was needed.
A happy accident indeed, as the opportunity was taken by leading Melbourne architecture firm Nest Architects to create a light, warm and timeless look with American white oak in both solid and veneer form.
Wall panelling is American white oak crown cut veneer laid onto an MDF substrate with an E0 rating (the lowest formaldehyde content. The crown-cut veneer creates a dramatic effect behind the Master’s desk, which features a solid American oak top with veneered side panels and white, powder-coated steel legs.
According to the architects, the design of the desk embodies the overall design where “the
PETER LLEWELLYN Technical representative, Timber Veneer Association of Australia
lightness of the white steel and solid top are inherently modern, yet the floating infill veneer panels provide an element of classis timelessness”.
The light-coloured American oak elements help to achieve the design brief of creating a space reflective of the College’s modern values – light, welcoming and open – without disrupting the heritage-listed elements of the adjacent structure.
In part of the Master’s office the wall panelling has been perforated, with the veneer backed onto an acoustic panel. As well as adding visual interest this has
helped to reduce noise carried through from one of the College’s busiest hallways on the other side.
An interesting touch is the pale hint of blue above the picture rail, referencing the colour of the sky outside. Even the pendant light fittings in the Master’s office are in American white oak, commissioned from local Melbourne designer Ross Gardam.
All timber products used in the Ormond College project were cer-
tified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a non-profit organization that sets the standard for responsible forestry worldwide. For more examples of the use of timber veneers, visit the Timber Veneer Association of Australia’s website at timberveneer.asn.au.
The TVAA Projects File showcases outstanding uses of timber veneer, some of which are past winners of the Australian Timber Design Awards.
Building volume low, labour shortages linger
Australia has just seen its two weakest years of new home commencements in over a decade, meaning ongoing shortages of skilled trades are not being caused by home building activity according to the Housing Industry Association.
The HIA Trades Report released this week provides a quarterly review of the availability of skilled trades and any demand pressures on trades operating in the residential building industry.
“Despite the low volume of home building, skills shortages are persisting on the back of labour demands from other construction sectors and the wider economy,” HIA Chief Economist
Tim Reardon said.
“Excluding the extremes of the pandemic, one would have to go back to before the GFC to find trades shortages as acute as they are now,” he said.
Mr Reardon said that home building was set to gain momentum across Australia as interest rates fell, and this would further add to demand for skilled labour. Activity had already been increasing in Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia on the back of strong population growth, low unemployment, tight rental markets and rising prices, and recovering real incomes.
“The shortage of skilled trades across Australia persists in every
capital city and region,” Mr Reardon said.
“An increase in home building will further add to demand for skilled labour and put further upward pressure on labour prices.
“Despite the expected increase in home building, commencements will remain well below those necessary to achieve 1.2 million homes over five years,” he said.
“Home building activity has contracted significantly in the Sydney basin, Melbourne and the ACT, but even this has not been sufficient to arrest the rise in trades prices nationally.”
Mr Reardon said the result of these shortages was that the price
of trades had increased again by 5.5 per cent in the 12 months to March 2025, compared with the broader Australian wage growth closer to 3 per cent.
Every market continues to have a shortage of skilled trades, with the worst shortages tending to be in the markets showing the strongest improvements in home building activity. Perth (-0.84) and Brisbane (-0.83) had the most acute shortages among the capital cities, with Sydney (-0.39), Adelaide (-0.38) and Melbourne (-0.35) more modest. Across the regions, the most acute shortage was in regional South Australia (-0.67).
The Master’s Office at the University of Melbourne’s Ormond College.
ASSOCIATIONS
State Seminars a success featuring industryleading insights
The FTMA State Seminars have once again solidified their place as an integral event in the fabricator calendar, bringing together fabricators, expert speakers, and our valued partners.
We have so far run State Seminars in SA, NSW & QLD in collaboration with our three Principal Partners, Mitek, Multinail & Pryda, who have all run their own morning sessions.
KERSTEN
FTMA Australia
The morning nail plate sessions were an invaluable opportunity for fabricators to engage directly with their nail plate companies—Multinail, MiTek, and Pryda, and their fellow fabricators.
Showcasing the latest developments in their software, services, and machinery, providing crucial insights to enhance fabricators’ operations. With dedicated time to explore innovative advancements, attendees will gain knowledge essential to staying competitive and efficient.
The feedback from the morning sessions has been overwhelming, with a few asking if they could bring more staff to another state, as the training was so pivotal.
After lunch, the FTMA State Seminars kicked off and for 3 hours, delegates not only had the opportunity of listening to the following speakers but also par-
ticipated in workshops to provide crucial feedback on key industry initiatives.
Tim Woods and Jim Houghton recently completed a major study for the Australian industry, funded, supported and launched by Forest & Wood Products Australia. The More Houses Sooner – Finding the Australian Dream report provides clear clues and scenarios that show a pathway for fabricators and the timber supply chain and explains why that is vital to Australia’s future prosperity.
FTMA members love listening to Tim Woods, and as one member said ‘Tim puts everything forward in a way that we can relate to, and always leaves me buzzing about our future’
Members have been left shocked when they realise that it has been 40 years since we have been able to build enough homes for Australian’s. We used to build roughly 60 homes for every 100 Australian’s; this has now dropped to only 23 homes for every 100 person. It’s simply not good enough.
BREAKING NEW GROUND IN TRAINING FOR TIMBER SYSTEMS DESIGNERS –ANDREW JONES
Timber Systems Design Training has been a training package that has been decades in the making, and members were keen to see a first draft of the online training. Andrew Jones showed the wonderful career videos he has already received, but we need more videos, timelapse of building sites, or simple images that depict our industry. Andrew was blown away with how open the fabricators have been, including those who have invited him to their plant to take as many photos and videos as possible. The TSD Online training is due before the end of 2025.
LOUISE WALLIS ON THE AFWI PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE FUTURE FRAMING INITITIAVE
The Australian Forest & Wood Innovation program offers an unbelievable opportunity for our industry, in fact, in my opinion this will be groundbreaking and will change our sector for the better.
Removing many deemed to satisfy requirements is one key objective, as is removing nogs from our frames. There are over 11 projects specifically focused on the lightweight timber frame and truss sector, and FTMA is pleased to be working with the universities and researchers on these projects.
Louise and her colleagues from many universities ran workshops, which on every occasion so far had to be stopped as we would have run out of time. It was encouraging to see everyone provide so much feedback for Louise, and I know she was pleasantly surprised at how forthcoming everyone was with information.
Richard and Leanne Archer from Archer Truss in Queensland with FTMA’s Kat Welsh.
FTMA is recognised as the trusted representative body and unified voice for all timber frame and truss manufacturers in Australia, whilst strengthening the connection with the broad supply chain.
Does probation period override minimum employment period?
Many employers have a contract of employment which provides for a three-month probation period during which the employee’s performance is monitored.
After three months, if successful, employees are generally given a letter confirming completion of their probation period.
TTIA Members have at times noted on the Industrial Enquiry Line that in some instances an employee’s performance has markedly deteriorated after that initial probation period to the point where the company is seriously considering terminating the employee’s employment. At this stage for instance, the employee may have complete completed five months of service with the company.
The issue often raised is if the employee is dismissed, is the employee eligible to claim unfair dismissal as he has completed the probation period provided in the company’s contract of employment?
It is worth noting that the Fair Work Act does not refer to a ‘period of probation’ with respect to unfair dismissal laws. It does however refer to the minimum
ANDREW KIDD, CHAIR OF THE FRAME & TRUSS NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL ON THE BENEFITS OF THE SAFETY COUNCIL
Andrew definitely has a knack for presenting, and had fabricators enthralled in his presentation. Andrew outlined that the objectives of the Frame &Truss National Safety Council, which has over 120 years of experience at the table. Andrew addressed key safety issues and also went through some great successes we
period of employment after which an employee may claim unfair dismissal (section 383). In the case of an employee whose employer employs 15 employees or more, the minimum employment period is 6 months continuous service, whereas an employee whose employer employs fewer than 15 employees, the minimum employment period is 12 months continuous service. To calculate the number of employees employed by the employer at a particular time, all employees (including casual employees) at that time are to be counted as well as the employee(s) being dismissed but excluding a casual employee who has not been employed on a regular and systematic basis. In this example highlighted
have already had.
At the end of each State Seminar, Andrew was one many headed to, as they wanted to follow up with their own safety questions, or invite him to site to assist with audits of their plants.
NAIL PLATE ENGINEERS PRESENTED ON THE BREAKDOWN OF WHAT WARRANTIES ACTUALLY
MEAN
Fabricators are always asking what their obligations are when it comes to warranties, as it is
above, the employee would not be eligible to claim unfair dismissal as the employee is dismissed before completing the relevant minimum period of employment (six months or 12 months continuous service with the employer as the case may be). The terms of the Fair Work Act would override the terms of the probation period provided in the company’s contract of employment.
GENERAL PROTECTIONS CLAIM
It should be noted there is no minimum period of employment with respect to a claim of adverse action by the employer (which includes termination of employment) under the general protections’ provision of the Fair Work Act. These provisions provide protection from, for example, discrimination or the exercising of workplace rights. Also, the adverse action provisions carry a reverse onus of proof. This means that where an employee alleges that adverse action has been taken for a prohibited reason or with a particular intent, the court will presume that this is the case unless the employer can prove otherwise.
a confusing web. Our trusty engineers from MiTek, Multinail & Pryda have broken down the obligations for builders, fabricators and nail plate companies, and have produced an outstanding table for easy identification. This is a table that should be printed out and displayed in every office. If you haven’t had a chance to attend a State Seminar yet, and would like this information, please email me at
CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT
As a probation period is generally to enable the employer and the employee to determine the suitability of a new employee to the position, an employer may wish to continue to apply a probation period under this circumstance under their written contract of employment.
BOTTOM LINE
A company’s probation period is not relevant with respect to the eligibility requirements relating to the unfair dismissal provisions of the Fair Work Act. The relevant minimum period of employment would apply in all instances. TTIA is unique among timber specific Associations in our industry in that we employ a full time Legal Officer to assist Members with an IR or legal issue. This covers telephone advice as well as representation in tribunals/courts. Members are advised to always check with TTIA in any termination of employment situation to minimise any potential for litigation. If you are not already a member and wish to know more, email ttia@ttia.asn.au, phone (02) 9264 0011, or visit our website www. ttia.asn.au
kersten@ftma.com.au.
I cannot thank MiTek, Multinail and Pryda enough. Their key marketing people, Christiaane Davis, Lisa Tenitti and Andrew Rossiter have been outstanding in their support of FTMA as we organise the State Seminars.
The Victorian date is set for 5 August at RACV Healesville, and we hope to set the August date for WA soon.
Brian Beecroft CEO, TTIA
WOODWORKING EQUIPMENT
AUTO STACKERS VACUUM LIFTERS
The Stacker is the perfect solution to continuously stack timber into packs all day long without any supervision. This machine is ideally suited to any moulding, finger jointing or docking line and will improve productivity and safety. The automated Stacker is a robust, reliable, economical and user friendly solution to stacking timber.
The Vacuum Lifter can be used to unload and load timber one piece, or a layer, at a time. When unloading a fillet sweeper can be incorporated to automatically clear the fillets in between the layers. The vacuum lifter is an extremely versatile piece of equipment that is a must for any high speed, heavy lifting, long piece, or repetitive applications.
