The Bradfield City Centre’s First Building, located in the heart of Western Sydney, stands as an iconic example of how advanced building materials, such as engineered wood, can play a transformative role in sustainable construction.
Story page 11
Publisher and Chief Executive: Hartley Higgins
General Manager: Robyn Haworth
Editor: Bruce Mitchell b.mitchell@ryanmediapl.com.au
For far too long the steel house frame industry has held sway on commercial television and on radio.
For far too long the silence from the timber frame industries was too silent.
So, imaging the surprise of hearing an advertisement for timber, the Ultimate Renewable, on commercial radio. And not just any radio station but a sports-orientated station.
But there it was.
The FWPA since late last year quietly began slipping advertisements onto SEN, the Melbourne-based but national sports radio station, and even ran a full-page ad in the AFL Grand Final Record.
Since then the ads have been popping up on digital platforms such as Facebook and Google targeted largely to young metro women which the FWPA believes is the cohort most likely to be positively influenced by the messaging.
Since February the FWPA has added more channels including YouTube, outdoor, a content partnership with Channel 9.
Coming soon there will be a women’s sports sponsorship with Bendigo Spirit and Mavericks.
Digital displays ads will soon be seen across Nine Entertainment newspapers and outdoor ads on street furniture have already popped up in NSW, the ACT and Victoria and will soon appear in WA, Queensland, SA and Tasmania.
During March the FWPA also ran digital display ads in the Qantas lounge at ACT airport during Parliament sitting week. This will be repeated in June.
And there is more to come.
It seems the Ultimate Renewable campaign is ready to show off what the timber industry is all about.
The Australian Forest Products Association has welcomed the Federal Government’s investment announcement of $54 million to support prefabricated and modular home construction.
AFPA Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam said Aussie grown, sustainable timber and wood-fibre are key materials resources for the expanding prefabricated and modular construction industry and it’s important the right regulatory guidance and government support framework is set, as demand increases for these new home options.
Over the weekend, the Government announced $49.3 million to support state and territory governments to boost prefabricated and modular home construction and $4.7 million for the development
of a voluntary national certification process to streamline approvals and standards.
“Australia desperately needs new and innovative ways to deliver much needed new homes and the forest products sector has been ahead of the curve diversifying into prefabricated and modular housing construction,” Ms Hallam said. “We welcome the Albanese Government’s support to assist state and territory jurisdictions with this expanding form of housing and funding to develop a national voluntary certification process, to assist industry confidence in the manufacturing process.
“Just last month, the Productivity Commission recommended a scaling back of ‘unnecessary regulatory impediments’ into new construction methods like prefabricated and modular housing,
which is why it’s important that governments work with industries like ours when developing certification processes – and we extend a willing hand to be part of that development process,” she said.
...we would expect to see Australia’s prefabricated construction sector expand rapidly
“The benefits of using Aussie grown sustainable timber and wood-fibre for housing construction are many. Our materials naturally store carbon and help fight climate change, while our sector supports skilled employment, much of it located in regional Australia.”
Landmark Future Framing Initiative
Leading companies in Australia’s timber construction sector have joined forces to launch the Future Framing Initiative, a groundbreaking collaborative program aimed at revolutionising the lightweight timber framed construction industry.
Under the governance of Forest & Wood Products Australia and leadership of newly appointed Project Management Committee, chaired by former Timberlink CEO Ian Tyson, the FFI will focus on modernising timber design standards and strengthening the industry’s competitive position.
Project Management Committee chairman Ian Tyson.
The program addresses critical challenges facing the sector, including outdated timber design standards and increasing competition from steel framing and concrete slab-on-ground alternatives.
Thirteen leading organisations have already committed to funding the initiative: AKD, Hyne Timber, Dindas Australia, Meyer Timber, MiTek, Multinail, Pentarch Forest Group, Pryda, Stora Enso Australia, Timberlink Australia, Timbertruss, Wesbeam, and Wespine.
The program has also secured support from the University of
Tasmania through a successful Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) research grant.
“The FFI represents a unified response to market demands for simpler, more efficient building solutions,” says Ian Tyson.
“Each percentage point of market share represents $27.5 million in annual revenue, making this initiative crucial for our industry’s future growth.”
The program encompasses four key components:
• Research,
• Extension,
• Communications, and
• Technical Capacity Building.
Initial efforts will concentrate on updating critical industry standards, particularly AS1684
Residential Timber Framed Construction, which hasn’t seen major revisions in over 25 years.
Industry farewells Queensland’s ‘Timber
Expert’
As the peak state body for the forest and timber industry, Timber Queensland has acknowledged the outstanding contribution Colin MacKenzie has made to the timber industry both nationally and in Queensland.
“It is with heavy hearts, we note the passing of Colin MacKenzie, a visionary in timber engineering, a dedicated contributor to the built environment, a legendry dry-humoured colleague and a friend to so many in our industry nation-wide,” Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said.
“His loss will be particularly felt by the many former and current Directors and staff of Timber Queensland who have known and worked with Colin over many decades, as well as the hundreds of member companies and technical bodies that relied and benefited from his advice.”
Colin passed away on the morning of 24 March in Brisbane aged 75 following a period of illness and is survived by his loving wife Christine 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 over 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.
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, TRADAC and later Manager of Timber Application and Use with Timber Queensland. Colin’s contributions were instrumental in advancing timber construction standards, ensuring structural integrity, and promoting innovative applications for wood products.
Over the course of his career, he became a defining figure in timber engineering, working with the Timber Research and Development Advisory Council of Queensland (now Timber Queensland) before establishing MacKenzie Consulting. His work spanned durability design, domestic 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 shaped 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.
Tasmania backs calls for origin labelling
The Tasmanian Government has welcomed calls for Australia to adopt label of origin requirements for all imported timber.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, threw his support behind the Australian Forest Products Association, echoing calls to make it easier for consumers to choose where their timber comes from.
The proposal is one of several put to both major parties ahead of
the federal election by the timber industry’s peak body, which will roll out billboard and radio advertisements in marginal seats calling for industry-friendly policies.
Country of origin labelling regulations, similar to those promised by Labor for seafood sales, would make it easier for consumers to choose where their timber comes from, the Australian Forest Products Association says.
Under the proposal, the regulations would be backed by an
enforcement regime that could use new technology to trace the provenance of timber.
“We have a renewable and sustainable forestry industry in Tasmania, both plantation and native, that produces a high-quality product following global best-practice,” Mr Abetz said.“With the shutdown of native forestry in Victoria and Western Australia, we are seeing more and more timber imported into Australia from places such as Malaysia, Indonesia, the Solomon
Islands and South America.
“Consumers simply can’t have confidence that these imported timbers are produced and harvested according to the same stringent environmental standards we have in Tasmania.
“By purchasing Tasmania timber, consumers can be confident that they are purchasing a renewable and sustainable product that supports local jobs and value-adding,” he said.
Timber Industry leader Colin MacKenzie.
Exploring new ways to use Vic timber
The State Government in Victoria is supporting new ways to use Victorian timber, with a study launched on two new timber products designed to take low value timber and turn it into sustainable construction materials which could support new jobs for Southwest Victoria.
Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes has announced a feasibility study to explore the potential to take the new innovative timber products to the Australian market, which could bring up to 150 jobs to the region.
The Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub and Forest and Wood Products Australia, working in partnership with WTIBeam (formerly known as Warrnambool Timber Industries), have unveiled the first of its kind GL18 timber product which can be utilised in everything from flooring to roof framing in both residential and commercial construction.
It is envisaged that the laminated glulam product, produced from glued and finger jointed laminates, will help fill the void from the state’s cessation of native forest
Timber Manufacturing Hub Feasibility Study was made possible by a $500,000 Victorian Government investment through the Portland Diversification Fund.
It will allow the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub Association to investigate whether glue laminated timber and laminated veneer lumber could meet Australia’s growing demand for construction grade timber products.
The new products are made from low-value pulp log material, which is typically exported as wood chip, and were developed as a possible solution to diversifying Southwest Victoria’s hardwood timber industry.
economic growth in the Glenelg Shire through community-led projects and planning. This includes $7.3 million in funding to upgrade freight roads and provide road infrastructure to industrial land in Portland.
“With global demand for wood fibre forecast to increase and Australia remaining a net importer, this study is critical to identifying opportunities for increased value capture within the Green Triangle Hardwood Plantations and, in particular, Portland and the Glenelg Shire,” Green Triangle Forestry Industries Hub Chair, Cameron MacDonald, said.
harvesting whilst reducing the state’s reliance on imports from volatile offshore markets.
Victoria is Australia’s biggest importer of structural timber sourcing more than 40 per cent of its market base, with demand anticipated to quadruple by 2050 due to population growth and urbanisation.
The Future Fibre – Hardwood
The study, which is co-funded by the Victorian Forest Products Association, will investigate whether it is viable to establish a manufacturing hub in the Glenelg Shire.
Running until October 2025, the study will examine a potential hub location, logistics, facilities, infrastructure, regulatory approvals and implementation timelines. The initiative is part of the Portland Economic Diversification Plan which is supporting long-term
Victorian Forest Products Association CEO Andrew White said that Victoria was a leading state for plantation wood fibre production, with substantial opportunities to manufacture innovative engineered hardwood products, like structural timbers, that would address future demand for multi-story residential developments, as the population grew, and the market sought more climate-friendly building materials.
Strategies for recycling preservative-treated timber
The Timber Circularity Project, led by the University of the Sunshine Coast’s National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life, is dedicated to identifying and implementing strategies for the repurposing and recycling of preservative-treated timber and engi-neered wood products (EWPs).
This initiative directly addresses the complexities associated with their disposal, trans-forming potential waste into valuable resources. By converting challenges into opportunities, the national Timber Circularity Project aims to
demonstrate how circular economy solutions for end-of-life timber products can play a pivotal role in Australia’s circular bioeconomy.
Begun in 2023, the Timber Circularity Project is a three-year endeavour supported and funded by leading industry stakeholders, including: Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA), Wine Australia, Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA), Frame & Truss Manufacturing As-sociation (FTMA), Koppers Performance Chemicals, Hexion, and Azelis. This extensive collaboration
underscores a collective commitment to advancing timber management practices and enhancing resource utilisation across sectors.
• Advancing Australia’s Circular Economy Goals: Supports national efforts to re-purpose valuable materials.
• Enhancing Industry Sustainability: Aids sectors such as viticulture and forestry in managing resources responsibly.
• Delivering Economic & Environmental Benefits: Lowers disposal costs and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable industry.
In efforts to lead the industry’s transition to the circular economy, FWPA has invested in this program to secure viable uses for end-of-life timber products, assisting members to grow their businesses and increase productivity and utilisation along the value chain.
PAGE 11: COLLECTION POINT STUDY FOR USED CCA TIMBER
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora, Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins, WTIBeam owners Jason and Edwina Vulcz and Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub CEO Tony Wright with the new GL18 product.
She Builds The Future: a program to inspire
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.
“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.
Let’s keep encouraging the next generation of builders
“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 shebuildsthefuture.com
2.48m new houses needed by 2034 - FWPA
Alandmark report reveals
2.48 million new dwellings are needed by 2034 to achieve affordability in Australia.
More Houses Sooner is the first and only in-depth study to project the total dwellings re-quired by 2034 in order to reach equilibrium and affordability levels. The research indi-cates Australia needs to deliver approximately
2.48 million new dwellings to keep pace with population growth and address historic unmet demand. This equates to roughly 225,400 new dwellings per year.
The report commissioned by Forest and Wood Products Australia provides scenarios for filling the housing supply gap by increasing timber use in multi-residentials and encouraging builders
to adopt more prefabricated home solutions. Population growth is a key driver of housing demand, with projections showing nearly 31 million people and a decline in household size to fewer than 2.4 people per house-hold.
FWPA Head of Built Environment Programs, Kevin Peachy, says increasing timber usage in construction can help address the current
imbalance of supply and demand.
“There are opportunities and challenges for the industry,” he said. “Leveraging prefabrication systems and factory-based manufacturing offers reduced costs and construction times compared to conventional methods.”
Read the report at https://fwpa. com.au/report/more-houses-sooner/
Collection point study for used CCA timber
Afeasibility study is underway in South Australia to determine if collection points in the state’s wine regions could be a simple, sustainable and cost-effective way to help vineyard owners manage the disposal of CCA-treated trellis posts.
Across Australian vineyards, it is estimated there are around 70 million timber trellis posts treated with CCA — a timber preservative containing copper, chromium and arsenic that protects it from fungal and insect attack.
More than half of these are in South Australia, and each year, between 700,000 to 1.8 million CCA posts need to be disposed of across the state due to breakage, vineyard redevelopment or removal.Currently, the only legal way to dispose of CCA-treated posts is at licenced landfill sites, an option
that is often cost and logistically prohibitive. As a result, vineyard owners and operators are advised to safely stockpile their posts on site until a long-term solution is found.
To identify a better approach, Wine Australia has commissioned a feasibility study to assess potential locations in South Australian wine regions where CCA-treated posts could be collected or delivered from nearby vineyard owners.
Green Industries SA (GISA) and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) have co-invested $49,405 into the feasibility study which will be carried out by Rawtec, a consultancy specialising in the circular economy, waste and resource management sector. The findings will help inform government and industry on whether regional collection points could be a practical long-term solution.
Rawtec’s final report is expected by mid-2025.
Complementing the feasibility study is the recent announcement of $800,000 in funding from the South Australian and Commonwealth Governments for a stewardship scheme to address the reuse, recovery, management and safe disposal of treated timber.
The Treated Timber Product Stewardship Working Group, consisting of members of the wine and forest industries, environment specialists and universities, will develop a national stewardship framework that aims to find and promote accessible and environmentally-preferred solutions for all treated timber that diverts it away from landfil.
End-of-life CCA-treated timber vineyard posts being stored correctly.
Photo: Andy Nowell
FWPA appoints new research chief
Forest & Wood Products
Australia has appointed forestry consultant Ian Blanden as the new Head of Research, Development & Extension.
Ian brings more than 30 years of experience in plantation forestry and natural forest management, with a strong background in commercial forestry businesses. His expertise spans the entire supply chain, including R&D, sales and marketing, logistics, community engagement, external relations, and operations, especially plantation silviculture and harvesting systems.
Ian’s extensive career encompasses executive roles in both Australia and internationally, including serving as General Manager of Stora Enso Guangxi, where he was a key driver in downstream product and market
development, and spearheaded the growth of wood sales, as well as establishing the supply chain
for Stora Enso’s Beihai Mill.
He led significant cultural and leadership transformations, as well as extensive experience with Gunns Plantations Ltd and North Forest Products in Tasmania, Australia.
“I’m excited to be joining FWPA and contributing to the important work of driving innovation and progress in the forestry sector,” he said.
“I share FWPA’s vision to grow the value of the entire industry, to deliver transformative RD&E initiatives and market development programs that drive growth in the Australian forest and wood products industry.
“This role provides me with an opportunity to give back to the industry which has served me so well over the last 35 years. I look forward to supporting FWPA to
be recognised as the industry’s leading service provider.”
Ian is driven by continuous improvement and keen to raise the profile of the forest and wood products industry in Australia. He is also motivated by fostering emerging talent and sharing this vast knowledge of the industry.
Andrew Leighton, CEO of FWPA, expressed his enthusiasm for Ian’s appointment.
“Ian’s background and leadership in sustainable forestry practices align with FWPA’s goals to advance research and development across the forest and wood products value chain,” he said.
Ian will begin in the role on April 22, 2025, allowing a thorough period of handover with outgoing Head of R&D, Dr Chris Lafferty.
FWPA’s Head of Research, Development & Extension Ian Blanden.
Alpine Ash reclaimed from fires backbone of re-build
Following the impact of the 2020 bushfires, the Batlow community has been gradually finding its feet, bringing new hope and purpose for the Snowy Valleys township.
There is a strong sense of positivity at 4066 Batlow Road, where local tradespeople have been diligently working to construct the new Apple Thief Cider House.
While there is still a lot of emotion surrounding the devastating events of 2019/20,
Apple Thief proprietor David Purcell is determined for the Apple Thief Cider House to shine as a symbol of resilience and hope.
“The emotional impact of the fires will stay with us forever, and we wanted to acknowledge this tragic piece of history by giving the reclaimed timber new life,” David said recently.
“We hope to show through the Cider House that there is much to be positive about while highlighting what our region and community have to offer to those visiting from near and far,” he said.
“The purpose of the project is to help us all move forward.
“Batlow desperately needs a
of fresh, ice-cold cider with our friends this year”.
and skillful expertise went into the hand milling process.
By carefully crafting each piece, Joe was able to preserve its unique characteristics while ensuring the highest quality, resulting in a striking and uplifting finish.
Walking into the bright, open, and welcoming venue—with its high ceilings and windows overlooking the orchard—the feeling is one of optimism and warmth.
tourism attraction to draw more visitors, and we believe they will love the Cider House experience,” David said.
David explained that the initiative is partly supported by a grant from the jointly funded Australian and NSW government Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
“We’re very grateful for that support, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see local trade and supply businesses benefiting from the project. We can’t wait to open the doors and share a glass
The Apple Thief’s new cider house destination’s main structure is up, the floor is down, the glass is in, and over the past few weeks, layers of beautiful Alpine Ash timber have been carefully brought into the building.
This stunning wood has been reclaimed from trees affected by the bushfires and milled by local craftsman Joe Burgess.
Known for its durability and resistance to weathering, Alpine Ash is a hardwood native to the Snowy Mountains of NSW.
It features a lovely grain and light color that enhances its appeal.
A great deal of care, dedication
The Alpine Ash beautifully links the indoor bar and restaurant with the open outdoor seating and cider garden area, through to what will be a similarly finished timber deck.
Set for completion in the near future, the Apple Thief Cider House will provide an immersive experience that promises to be a feast for all the senses.
Visitors will approach the Cider House through the orchard itself, enjoying the seasonal sights and aromas of the various apples and other fruits grown for the award-winning Apple Thief Ciders. - TUMUT & ADELONG TIMES
Fish market project hits major milestone
The new Sydney Fish Market has reached a major milestone with the final roof panel installed on top of the 200-metre-long floating roof canopy, forming the iconic building’s crowning glory.
With the unique and spectacular roof now completed, Sydney’s skyline is set to change forever with this new architectural marvel, just as the Opera House did when it was built in 1973.
This marks a pivotal moment in the project, as the focus shifts
from structural work to internal finishes, bringing the building one step closer to construction completion.The roof’s supporting structure is comprised of 594 timber roof beams – with the longest beams up to 32 metres in length – and was completed in December 2024.
Combined with over 400 roof panels, the roof weighs a staggering 2,500 tonnes. The roof requires some finishing touches including waterproofing, which will follow in the weeks ahead.
Since construction began, the project has provided a major boost to the local economy with delivery partner Multiplex awarding more than $670 million in contracts to Australian suppliers for services including maritime piling, steel reinforcement and installation of the roof cassettes.
“This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our construction team and partners. We can’t wait to see visitors enjoying this impressive building when it opens to the public,” NSW
Regional Director Daniel Murphy at Multiplex said.
The new Sydney Fish Market will offer a vibrant mix of retail, dining, and community spaces, including fresh seafood market, restaurants, and a seafood school. The new market will create a dynamic hub for both locals and tourists, celebrating Sydney’s reputation as a global seafood destination.
The project is also supporting over 700 jobs during construction, and a further 700 jobs once operational.
Happy to be in the new Apple Thief Cider House centre are David Purcell and his wife Mel with their two children.
Engineered wood’s key role in transforming Western Sydney
The Bradfield City Centre’s First Building, located in the heart of Western Sydney, stands as an iconic example of how advanced building materials, such as engineered wood, can play a transformative role in sustainable construction.
The building serves as the first stage of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) project, a critical development aimed at fostering innovation and providing a hub for manufacturing and research in the region.
A key feature of the project is the integration of engineered wood as a primary construction material, a decision that reflects both sustainability goals and a forward-thinking approach to modern architecture.
Designed by architectural firm Hassell in collaboration with Dr Danièle Hromek of Djinjama it features extensive use of natural materials and a cooling green roof to reduce solar thermal heating loads.
According to Djinjama’s Danièle Hromek, designing the First Building represents “a massive opportunity across time and space”.
Appropriately, it answers the burning question: what happens when the building outlives its use? Here, the idea of circular economy has been embedded.
The building has been conceived as a ‘kit of parts’, its timber structure comprising prefabricated modular components that are mechanically fixed together. These can be disassembled, expanded, or even relocated.
The building draws its design cues from the surrounding natural waterways and the Cumberland Plains. Internal rammed earth walls provide a stunning visual feature, alongside extensive glass
walls that allow visitors to witness the creation of new prototypes and technologies in the AMRF Manufacturing Hall.
A rooftop viewing platform provides a unique vantage point to watch the construction of the new city and the nearby Bradfield Metro station.
The final delivery of prefabricated Sylva by Stora Enso was in November 2023. Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) supplied all of the glued-laminated timber beams and local sawn wood while other suppliers provided the GLT for the exterior façade.
The Sylva elements by Stora Enso were precoated and protected on five-sides with hydrophobic coating before shipping. Some of the elements were preinstalled with lifting devices and factory applied temporary membranes.
In addition, Stora Enso delivered structural timber (Duobalken) and technical support for panel split-
ting. The entire process unfolded seamlessly.
“Bradfield Development Authority is committed to building a stronger future for Western Sydney by delivering Bradfield and attracting investment to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis,” Bradfield Development Authority CEO, Ken Morrison said.
“The Authority has firmly shifted from planning to a delivery phase, with momentum well underway.
Completion of the First Building in March is a milestone that will accelerate innovation across the
manufacturing sector in Western Sydney and beyond.
The First Building and AMRF will be magnets for innovation and investment across NSW and Australia, aligning with the NSW Government’s commitment to prioritise rebuilding the state’s manufacturing capability.
The people and industries of Western Sydney can now utilise AMRF’s expertise and world leading advanced manufacturing equipment to connect with global opportunities, create jobs and drive the NSW economy.
The interior of the Bradfield City Centre’s First Building during construction featuring the GLT beams from Stora Enso.
The 10 top mass timber buildings opening in 2025
As 2025 begins to take shape, the architectural community is eagerly anticipating the debut of several innovative mass timber buildings.
Stora Enso has curated a selection of ten from over 2000 new projects supplied by Stora Enso set to launch this year. Each building exemplifies the versatility and cutting-edge advancements in construction that significantly reduce emissions using climate-conscious materials and biophilic design.
ALBIZZIA, LYON, FRANCE
This timber frame city block in Lyon, also by Hardel Le Bihan, in association with Insolites Architecture, is a mixed-use, flexible, adaptable design that showcases the versatility of mass timber delivered by our partner Woodeum and Lyon-based developer, UTEI.
The scheme incorporates four separate and distinct buildings, including housing, social accommodations, offices, commercial spaces, and a 53-metre tall (16-floor) tower for mixed uses.
Navarra (UPNA) is set to be the largest mass timber building in the region, featuring nearly 10,000 m² of solid wood.
Designed by VArquitectos and Bryaxis Arquitectos, and delivered by Iberian mass timber specialist Madergia, this positive energy building uses 2,287m³ of prefabricated Sylva™ CLT elements.
Located near two major hospitals, UPNA will provide students with state-of-the-art, healthy laboratories, classrooms, offices, and a central atrium to foster social connection.
The project is expected to open in time for the Fall semester of 2025.
THE WORLD EXPO 2025, OSAKA, JAPAN
The 2025 World Expo in Osaka promises to be a showcase of global innovation, and the Czech pavilion made from a prefabricated mass timber kit of parts (Sylva™ by Stora Enso delivered by A2 Timber) is a standout example.
The breathtaking geometric design concept, rooted in the principle of raw material efficiency, ensured rapid on-site assembly. Expect to see a 260-meter-(853 ft) long educational trail, with views of Osaka Bay, and a multifunctional auditorium that will offer a rich program throughout the entire exhibition.
A must-visit for anyone passionate about architecture and environmental stewardship.
This Victorian heritage building was badly damaged by a fire in 2013 and has since undergone extensive restoration with mass timber delivered by B&K Structures, playing a central role in its renovation.
This historic building has been revitalised to serve as a community hub, featuring flexible spaces for events, exhibitions, and local businesses.
The use of timber not only respects the building’s heritage as a beloved landmark but is also at the forefront of decarbonising the built environment in keeping with London’s low emission ambitions
FIRST BUILDING, BRADFIELD CITY CENTRE, AUSTRALIA
UPNA HEALTH SCIENCES BUILDING, PAMPLONA, SPAIN
Last but by no means least, the new Faculty of Health Sciences at the Public University of
WALWORTH TOWN HALL, SOUTHWARK, UK
TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
First Building designed by Hassel Studios, and timber delivered by Savcon – houses Stage 1 of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF).
It is the First Building in Bradfield City Centre Australia’s newest city in over a century on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI).
TIMBER SQUARE, BANKSIDE, UK
In the heart of London, Timber Square, designed by Bennett’s Associates is poised to become a landmark of sustainable urban development.
Landsec’s mammoth 370,000 square feet scheme reconstructs a former printworks into two office-led timber buildings (15 floors and 10 floors high) combining retail units and leafy, public space.
It is set to be the largest commercial development in the UK to utilize cross-laminated timber, delivered by Hybrid Structures and will be one of the most vibrant new hubs for work and leisure.
HOSTA, PARIS, FRANCE
Le
design
timber buildings to open this year, thanks to its leveraging of engineered wood’s lightweight properties to bridge six lanes of traffic!
This technical tour de force significantly contributes to the transformation of a busy urban crossroads, accommodating seven-storey halls of residence for young workers, a feat that would have been impossible at such height with concrete.
PARADISE, LAMBETH, UK
Feilden Clegg Bradley Studio’s 5,876 m³ (63,250 sq ft) six-storey mass timber office building on Old Paradise Street was strategically designed with a hybrid solid timber low-carbon approach by B&K Structures.
The project is praised for transforming a disused site into a dynamic workspace, with many highlighting its low-carbon construction and operational benefits which are expected to achieve BREEAM Excellent | WELL Gold rating | RIBA’s 2030 | Climate Challenge | LETI’s 2030 target.
MÄLARTERRASSEN, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Mälarterrassen in Stockholm’s Slussen district is set to be one of the most exciting projects of 2025.
This ambitious development, designed by
White Arkitekter and Foster+Partners, transforms the area into a lively, human-centred space with six restaurants, terraced buildings, and an open staircase connecting key points.
NEW OFFICES OF GRAF HOLZTECHNIK, HORN, AUSTRIA
Graf Holztechnik’s 19-million-euro expansion of its premises marks another milestone in sustainable architecture.
The building’s design by the leading Austrian architect, sps÷architekten, prioritises energy efficiency and employee wellbeing, featuring extensive use of natural materials and daylight. The open-plan layout fosters collaboration, while the precoated hydrophobic timber structure provides a long-lasting, warm and inviting atmosphere. It exemplifies how modern offices can be both functional and beautiful.
Stora Enso was formed in 1998 through the merger of the Finnish company Enso Oyj and the Swedish company Stora Kopparbergs Bergslags Aktiebolag (STORA). But our history dates back more than 700 years. Before there was Stora Enso, there was Finnish company Enso Oyj and Swedish company Stora Kopparbergs Bergslags Aktiebolag (STORA.) The first recorded documentation of Stora operations is from 1288, namely copper mining near Falun, Sweden.
While it was several hundred years before any pulp, board or paper was produced, forestry was always a central part of the company. In the 1970s, Stora sold its mining and metal operations to focus on forestry, pulp and paper.
Hardel
Bihan’s
of Hosta stands out as one of France’s most exciting mass
Engineered wood from coconut palms points to new industry for Fiji
Research in Fiji led by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research has developed new wood product engineering processes now being commercially trialled in both Fiji and Australia.
The engineering innovation has come from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) Forest Product Innovation team, which has been working with partners in Fiji and Australia on a process to create timber veneers from coconut palms.
The new veneer process recovers double the amount of timber of traditional sawn timber processes. It also requires less investment in equipment and uses less energy than conventional veneer processes.
Project leader Dr Rob McGavin at QDPI said while veneer technology is used for many different timbers, his team has refined the traditional process primarily in response to the challenges of turning coconut palms into timber. Fiji has about 40,000 hectares of senile coconut palms – trees that may be 50 years old or more and are no longer productive. Left in the ground, the trees are susceptible to pests and diseases that can infect productive palms.
But there has been limited incentive to remove senile palms and replant with either new coconut palms or other crops. If the palms hold value as a timber resource, it may help subsidise replanting, bringing more land back into production and increasing income opportunities for local smallholders.
With this objective in mind, ACIAR has supported coconut timber-related research in Fiji for more than a decade. Two previous projects first confirmed
that coconut palms could be used as a source of wood, and then developed a production process that has worked effectively in a laboratory and then at a semi-commercial level.
At the moment there is such a huge domestic demand for plywood timber that we can’t meet it
Having overcome the technical challenges of production, the current ACIAR-supported project is focused on the commercial adoption of new engineered wood product manufacturing processes. The project team is working with partners in both Fiji and Australia to scale up the technology for commercial use and to develop marketable products.
As the manufacture of engineered wood products from coconut palms potentially creates a new industry, the project is also
identifying training and employment opportunities for both women and men in Fiji, and is assessing likely social impacts.
Dr McGavin said coconut palms are not actually trees, but a form of grass.
“The outside of senile coconut palms is incredibly hard, similar to ironbark, while the inside core is as soft as balsawood. The palms themselves are usually smaller in diameter than trees selected for milling. These characteristics mean sawn timber is a challenging option for coconut palms.” he said.
Peeling the palms to create veneers has proved an attractive alternative; however, the conventional veneer technique uses steel spindles in either end of the log to hold it in place while it is peeled. Spindles have trouble gripping the soft core of the palms, and the size of the spindles means not enough timber can be recovered from each palm to make the process economically viable.
Undeterred, the QDPI research team has adopted an alternative drive system that turns the palms as they are peeled without the need for spindles, allowing almost all the palm to be recovered as veneer.
Another step in the veneer process is the heat treatment of logs before peeling, usually done by steaming the logs or putting them in hot water baths. Both processes require investment in expensive infrastructure, while hot water baths and steam create potential safety risks for staff.
The new process developed through the ACIAR-supported project uses a hot water shower, which is less expensive to set up, reduces the amount of water needed and allows that water to
Senile coconut palms in Fiji could gain new value when harvested for wood products. Image: QDPI
ACIAR-supported research has developed new ways to process coconut logs that allow them to be milled for veneers and other engineered wood products. Image: QDPI
be recycled. It also reduces the energy required to heat the water and reduces safety risks.
COMMERCIAL ADOPTION
Dr McGavin said this new heating method is still being trialled. One Australian company will launch the new shower-based system this year, while a partner mill in Fiji is trialling a hybrid system, as it already has steaming capacity in place.
“In Fiji, most of the mills are operating under capacity, with reduced access to timber, as a result of changes to government forestry policy that incorporate additional sustainability and environmental considerations.
“To generate commercial interest, we need to demonstrate profitability, so we’re doing a lot of financial modelling that considers the cost of harvesting, transport and production locations, and potential products,” Dr McGavin said.
“We are closely partnering with the Fiji industry, across the supply chain, from the farmers or organisations that own and manage coconut plantations through to harvesting and haulage contractors, the existing veneering industry in Fiji, and potential end users as well – builders and furniture manufacturers, the people who fit out buildings such as hotel resorts.”
Dr McGavin said there has been a considerable exchange of expertise between Fijian and Australian partners who are interested in engineered wood products, rather than coconut palms specifically.
In Fiji, partners include the Pacific Community (SPC), the Fiji Ministry of Forestry, Fiji National University, University of the South Pacific, as well as industry members including the Fiji Hardwood Board, and veneer import industry and local timber mills.
Australian partners with ACIAR
include QDPI, the Australian Government’s Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus Program, University of Queensland, Griffith University, and industry members the Big River Group, Jowat Adhesives, Robertson Bros Sawmills and Eco Cottages.
Mr Tevita Bulai, Executive Director of Research and Development at the Ministry of Forestry Fiji, said giving the palms some value at the end of their productive life may encourage more landholders to replant with coconut palms, rather than other crops such as kava.
And this will be essential if Fiji is to establish a long-term timber industry supported by palms as a timber resource.
“It will be good to explore expanding this technology to other Pacific countries such as Tonga and Samoa, so that we can join forces to create a larger resource,” the Executive Director of Research and Development in the Ministry of Forestry Fiji Mr Tevita Bulai said.
“We also have options with engineered wood products to combine coconut with other local plantation timbers, such as pine or mahogany, and also the non-traditional forests commonly referred to as lesser-known species, to create finished products with the qualities the market needs,” he said.
“At the moment there is such a
huge domestic demand for plywood timber that we can’t meet it. Being able to engineer plyboards or blockboards will help us to do that and reduce imports.”
ACIAR Research Program
Manager, Forestry, Dr Nora Devoe said using non-traditional sources of materials, such as coconut palms, opens a significant op-
portunity for Fiji and other Pacific countries.
She highlighted the value of the innovative technology developed through the research and its potential for widespread adoption.
Dr Devoe said the project is also supporting new research and development capabilities for Fiji, to support the new wood engineering industry in the longer term, funding 6 postgraduate research students.
“At the same time, we’re working with those at the beginning of the process, harvesting the palms, to establish protocols that will reduce the potential spread of pests and diseases that the senile palms often host,” said Dr Devoe.
“This is effectively taking what was a problem waste product to create a whole potential new industry.”
Learn more about the research via the ACIAR website.
A coconut log being peeled in a spindleless lathe. Image: QDPI
Cowes cultural centre awarded for sustainability
PHILIP HOPKINS
BERNINNEIT, the Cowes cultural centre, whose internal design is dominated by Gippsland native hardwood timber, has won yet another award – the Public Building category in the 2024 Sustainability Awards.
The building defeated entries from the City of Sydney, upgrades to Redfern station, the Northcote Aquatics and Recreation Centre and an animal rehoming centre in Blacktown.
The Sustainability Awards is described as Australia’s longest running and most prestigious award program dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating excellence in sustainable design and architecture.
‘Berninniet’ - ‘Gathering Together’ in the Boon Wurrung indigenous language – encompasses a 260-seat performing arts theatre, a cinema, gallery, library, historical museum, events spaces and community meeting rooms.
Sitting at the heart of it is glue-laminated timber (MASSLAM) – huge beams 5.9 metres long and columns 4.2 metres high, all 42cm wide - from Australian Sustainable Hardwoods at Heyfield.
There were more than 250 entries submitted to the 2024 awards from all across Australia. This was the fifth award for the building. Others were:
- The 2024 National Architecture Award for Public Architecture;
- The William Wardell Award for Public Architecture Awards at the 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards and was shortlisted in three other categories: Regional Architecture, Sustainable Architecture and Interior Architecture;
- Bass Coast Shire Council
and the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation received an Excellence in Geographic Place Naming award at the 2024 Victorian Geospatial Excellence awards; and
- The Australian Interior Design Award for Public Design.
MASSLAM 45 is the proprietary strength of ASH’s uniquely strong hardwood glulam.
“Vic Ash glulam timber is the essential structural element for the building,” Thom McCarthy, an interior designer with Jackson Clements Burrows, the project architects and designers, told the Gippsland Times last year. “They formed the Grand Hall, the spine of the building connected to all the rooms – the artistic and library at each end, and the function rooms in the centre. They were the three major tenants of the community facility.
“Glulam columns are very striking; we have had tremendous experience with them in student residential projects. We were keen to express them as much as possible. They formed a lot of the internal pallet, and at the library end.”
The award for Berninneit was one of three won by Jackson Clements Burrows, who won ‘Best of the Best’ and the award for Commercial Architecture for their T3 commercial building in Collingwood. ASH’s Masslam was also extensively used in the T3 building.
Design work on Berninneit began in 2015. Several schemes followed before JCB took on the job in 2020.
- GIPPSLAND TIMES
Timber solutions in the wake of the LA fires
While the ash from the Los Angeles fires has yet to settle, the misinformation that often follows disaster presents an opportunity to correct misconceptions and focus on meaningful solutions and next steps. The recovery of the community and ecosystem will take years, but there is an urgent issue we can address now.
Our global climate has changed. Extreme weather events—fires, floods, and other natural disasters—are more frequent and their impact is amplified through media coverage and increased social media activity. The question is: what can we do today to work toward prevention?
A key solution lies in the materials we use in our built environment. According to the National Inventory by Economic Sector 2019External link, the Australian construction industry contributed approximately 2% of the nation’s direct emissions in 2019. This marks a steady rise from 1.4% in 2010 to 1.9% in 2019, highlighting the sector’s growing impact on national emissions. We know the construction industry is a major contributor to carbon emissions, and we already have time-tested and innovative materials that can reduce our environmental impact. By prioritising climate-conscious solutions, we can take meaningful steps toward more sustainable and resilient communities.
Following the fires, the focus should be on smart, sustainable building frameworks—and timber remains a key solution. As one of the world’s oldest and most trusted building materials, timber is flexible, durable, and now more than ever, recognised as a renewable and sustainable choice. When used in accordance with modern codes, standards, and
design practices, timber remains a practical and dependable material—even in bushfire-prone areas.
“Yes, timber burns, and we understand that, but it burns in a predictable way. When it comes to bushfire design, my simple point is this: you can use timber framing at any bushfire attack level, provided you design and build it appropriately,” said Boris Iskra, National Codes and Standards Manager at FWPA.
Australians are well-acquainted with the realities of bushfire, which is why Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has been at the forefront of research and development to ensure timber can be used safely and effectively in high-risk zones. By contributing to Australian Standards and building codes, FWPA has played a key role in making timber construction in bushfire areas as safe, practical, and resilient as possible. WoodSolutions, in collaboration with industry researchers and experts, has also developed comprehensive resources to support design and construction professionals in building bushfire-resilient timber-framed homes.
FWPA has developed test methods that ensure compliance
across various bushfire attack levels, including the first fullscale flame zone roof test, now incorporated into The Australian Standard for Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-prone Areas (AS 3959). This demonstrates that timber frames perform effectively in bushfire conditions, provided they are designed and built according to the standard. AS 3959, the foundation of Australian bushfire construction, is regularly updated to integrate new research and learnings. A further revision is underway, incorporating the latest test results to continue improving bushfire resilience in building design.
The key to bushfire resilience is preventing fire from entering a structure. AS 3959 emphasises the importance of creating a secure and robust building envelope. A well-constructed external building envelope is vital for safeguarding against bushfire threats. By preventing embers, radiant heat, and flames from entering, such an envelope significantly enhances a building’s resilience. Incorporating fire-resistant materials and following building codes is essential to ensuring the durability and safety of any structure.
While AS 3959 provides guidelines for constructing fire-resistant buildings in bushfire-prone areas, it does not address the responsibility of homeowners in managing the surrounding environment. Even with a fire-resistant structure, poorly maintained areas around the home—such as overgrown gardens, combustible materials, and unkempt lawns— can increase the risk of bushfire damage. Homeowners should focus on maintaining clear pathways around the property and removing any potential fuel sources. Timber is a highly sustainable material, storing approximately 718kg of CO2e per cubic meter, and has a lower carbon footprint than many other structural materials. Recognised within AS 3959—the Australian Standard for building in bushfire-prone areas—timber stands as a stable and reliable choice for home construction. The standard makes no distinction between different framing materials, reinforcing timber’s suitability when designed and built to code. With the right approach, timber aligns with rigorous bushfire mitigation techniques, offering both resilience and fire safety for modern, sustainable buildings.
More than 16,000 structures were destroyed in the fires in Los Angeles in January.
National Codes and Standards Manager at FWPA Boris Iskra.
Opening doors to meaningful careers
An inspirational partnership between NTHA Training and Endeavour Foundation (based in Maryborough, Queensland), in conjunction with Community Solutions— Apprentices and Trainees, is providing crucial educational opportunities for people with disabilities in a supported work environment.
Conducted through the nationally recognised Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations (Sawmilling), the initiative equips participants with valuable skills, while also opening doors to meaningful careers in the timber industry.
‘Supported Employment’ allows people with a disability to work in a commercial business with the help of onsite employment coaches and production team leaders. This assistance ensures employees can learn and develop new skills, while working towards their employment goals.
The innovative program not only enhances job readiness but also fosters confidence and independence. By learning essential sawmilling operations, workplace safety, and environmental best practices, trainees gain hands-on experience tailored specifically to industry needs.
Employment Coach, Jessica Dullaway, from Endeavour Foundation’s Business Solutions site in Maryborough, says, “it is an amazing opportunity for our supported workers to progress their career goals and increase skill development through the traineeship.” For more information on how NTHA Training in training and upskilling your team, contact NTHA on 1800 822 621 or info@ ntha.edu.au
The ABC of workplace literacy
DAVID MCELVENNY
In the last Training article (January-February edition) I took a big-picture view of workplace literacy and looked at the changing perceptions over the last 30 years towards this very common barrier to learning. I discussed the government policies and funding programs that have grown throughout this period and fostered what seems to have become an LLN (language, literacy and numeracy) sub-industry in its own right. And I looked at the recent research studies which appear to show that for all the mega-dollars spent, the literacy problem only seems to be getting worse – not just in the workplace but also throughout the school system.
Fortunately for us ground-level workplace trainers who deal with this issue every day of the week, the politics of addressing the problem on a national scale is way above our pay grade. Our job is to improve the skills and knowledge of the individuals we have been asked to train, and to deal with any barriers that might arise along the way. For us, low-level literacy goes into the mix with all the other potential hurdles we face while trying to get the best results for our students, like time constraints, production pressures, lack of facilities, poor motivation … the list goes on.
So let’s return to the factory floor and discuss some of the common strategies that trainers have used for decades to work around LLN deficits in their students. A good starting point is to define the nature of the problem itself. Here is a little joke that helps to illustrate one causal factor. Q: What do you get when you cross a dyslexic, an agnostic and an insomniac? A: Someone who sits up all night
A Wood machinist at Kruger Sawmill, Ipswich, 1959.
‘LLN’ is all the buzz these days among government policy makers, education departments and funding bodies, but for timber industry trainers on the factory floor, it’s business as usual.
The strategies that a trainer would have used to help this wood machinist 60 years ago would be much the same as the strategies they’d use today to work around any LLN deficits that might be holding back their students.
Photo reproduced under Creative Commons licence from the Picture Ipswich website (Ipswich Libraries).
wondering if there really is a Dog. Dyslexia is a learning disability that’s generally diagnosed in childhood, when it becomes obvious that the child is struggling to keep up with their classmates as they learn to read and write. Its causes aren’t well understood, although medical researchers have found that there are disruptions in the part of the brain that processes language-related tasks.
There are various other conditions that can also cause learning difficulties, such as dyscalculia (a type of dyslexia that affects a person’s ability to use numbers) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The school system is getting better at handling these conditions during the critical years when a child is learning to read and write, although sufferers often need to develop coping strategies to help them manage the symptoms throughout their lives.
Not that it necessarily puts a dampener on one’s ability to
succeed in life. There are many examples of people who have coped famously with both dyslexia and ADHD, including Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Dick Smith, and Albert Einstein no less. But for most people who have these conditions, it can be a big drag on their ability to do well in school, which means they’re less likely to pursue academic studies as adults and more likely to do jobs that involve practical skills. For industry trainers, these sorts of learning disabilities represent just one set of reasons why some of their students may have LLN deficits. Other common reasons include coming from a non-English speaking background or simply leaving the education system early, before they achieved an average level of LLN skills.
PUTTING THE ISSUE INTO PERSPECTIVE
The timber industry has always had, and always will have,
its fair share of workers with lower-than-average LLN levels. Despite the technological advances in work process and automated equipment, there are still many jobs in the industry where physical stamina and practical skills are more highly valued than literacy abilities – so it’s natural that people with lower LLN skills will gravitate to these types of jobs.
It is true that there is now a new element to the problem with the advent of computerised systems in the workplace. ‘Digital’ literacy is becoming increasingly important, even for machine operators and process workers, and it’s now often tacked on to the LLN acronym to describe the LLND cluster of skills. However, you could argue that the ‘D’ part doesn’t really present the same sorts of challenges as LLN problems, because poor digital literacy is more often than not due simply to a lack of familiarity with computers, rather than the result of a learning disability or life circumstances that have interrupted a person’s ability to acquire the basic ‘Three Rs’ – Reading, Riting and Rithmatic –which generally requires years of schooling to achieve.
This makes it much easier for you as the trainer to improve a learner’s digital skills just by giving them good instruction and plenty of opportunity to practice. At any rate, there are lots of ‘digital natives’ now entering the workforce – that is, younger people who have grown up in the digital age – with relatively advanced digital skills but still suffering classic LLN deficits. I have often had the experience of needing to provide extra LLN assistance to young workers to help them through the theory part of a course, only to watch them effortlessly update their social media accounts and look up information on their smart phones during breaks.
My own interest in LLN issues began in the 1990s, when I delivered literacy-assisted timber grading courses in sawmills throughout NSW. The courses were subsidised by a federal government scheme called the Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Program. In those days, we used to think it was possible to actually improve the general LLN abilities of adult workers though ‘contextualised’ literacy-assisted training. In fact, we were even required to carry out audits of the workers’ LLN skill levels before and after the training programs were delivered to provide evidence that the projected improvements had been met. Those starry-eyed expectations have long since been left behind, although at least in the case of our grading training, we did achieve the more practical goal of skilling up the workers as competent hands-on graders. I learnt a lot myself in those days, including the difference between task-specific ‘functional’ literacy and the more pie-in-the-sky aspiration of generalised literacy that LLN assessment tests tend to measure.
FUNCTIONAL LITERACY
In my experience, it’s unrealistic to expect to see much improvement in a student’s general LLN levels just by providing literacy-assisted workplace training. If the adult student hadn’t managed to pick up reasonable literacy skills after a decade or so in the school system, they’re very unlikely to suddenly respond to any silver bullets offered by an industry trainer. This isn’t to say that adult language and literacy tuition doesn’t work – only that it is a separate field of adult education, and for it to succeed the student needs to be highly motivated and prepared to put in the hard work needed, outside of their normal
job commitments.
On the other hand, it is absolutely within your ability as a workplace trainer to provide task-specific ‘functional’ LLN assistance to your students. This might include working with them to recognise technical terms and phrases, fill in production forms, interpret job orders, complete checklists, and so on.
In this sense, functional literacy is the ability to do the LLN-related tasks that are directly related to the worker’s own job. Obviously, their employer needs to make sure that the LLN demands of the job are not beyond their potential abilities. In cases where the worker exceeds the company’s expectations, they can be given more responsibilities as their skills progressively improve.
THE GOLDEN RULE FOR COURSE WRITERS
When you’re developing training and assessment materials for a particular job role or task, you should always try to ensure that the LLN levels required to complete the training are no higher than the demands that would be placed on a ‘competent’ worker doing that job back in the workplace. For example, if the training covers a task that’s very practical in nature, make sure you keep the training session as hands-on as possible and assess the learners’ skills primarily through practical demonstrations. If the workplace tasks require higher levels of LLN skills, pitch the learning materials and assessment activities at matching levels.
DAVID MCELVENNY
IS THE CEO OF BUILDING LEARNING (WWW.BUILDINGLEARNING.COM.AU) AND WORKSPACE TRAINING (WWW.WORKSPACETRAINING.COM.AU)
Students invited to design village
WoodSolutions has launched the Australian Timber Design Competition 202 and is inviting invites students to conceptualise a hypothetical Athletes Village for the Brisbane 2032 Games, utilising timber products as the primary construction material.
Finalists will receive sponsorship to attend the World Conference on Timber Engineering 2025 in Brisbane. This exposure offers entrants the chance to showcase their skills on the world stage and the potential to win a cash prize. As global construction trends shift toward low-carbon, resource-efficient materials, timber is recognised for its sustainability, structural performance, and design flexibility. The competition offers a platform for future students to showcase solutions that align with circular economy principles and sustainable urban development.
In line with WoodSolutions’ mission to educate and empower timber professionals, it provides a valuable learning experience that bridges knowledge gaps, fosters industry connections, and equips students with the practical skills needed to confidently design and build with timber.
“This competition is more than just a design challenge; it’s an opportunity for students to solve real-world sustainability challenges,” says Kevin Peachey, Head of Built Environment Programs at Forest & Wood Products Australia. For key competition details and to submit an expression of interest, visit https://www. woodsolutions.com.au/blog/ australian-timber-design-competition-2025-now-open-entries
Stop the rumours: Call for unity among sales reps
Sales representatives hold a unique and powerful position within the timber industry. Armed with knowledge, relationships, and the ability to sway public perception, they are crucial to promoting the undeniable benefits of using timber.
Yet, too often, this influence is undermined by short-sighted tactics. Instead of championing the sustainability and versatility of timber, some representatives resort to demeaning their competitors, spreading rumours, and casting doubt on their rivals’ products. This approach may yield a fleeting advantage but ultimately chips away at the credibility of the entire sector.
When sales representatives spread unfounded claims, they are not protecting their company’s interests—they are damaging the industry that supports them. Manufacturers frequently call me to share the latest “scandals” or “so called truths” about a competitor’s practices, perhaps unaware that such rumours, often baseless, do more harm than good. Every whispered accusation weakens public trust in timber as a whole, creating fertile ground for competing industries to step in with their well-crafted marketing narratives. Make no mistake, non-compliant or subpar timber products should absolutely be addressed, but the solution is not to spread complaints or accusations to customers. Instead, such issues should be reported directly to key industry associations, ensuring that non-conforming timber is identified and removed from use. The real concern doesn’t lie with obviously questionable products—those are easy to expose and reject. The problem arises when reputable timber companies undermine one
KERSTEN GENTLE Executive Officer
FTMA Australia
another by casting doubt on the legitimacy of their competitors.
As an industry, we must stand united in combating non-conforming products while fostering trust and collaboration among quality suppliers.
This internal squabbling is stalling progress. Instead of aligning against shared challenges—like promoting certified timber products or educating consumers about timber’s unmatched sustainability—resources are squandered in inter-company battles. The consequences are severe. Consumers, confused by the noise, may turn to alternatives they perceive as less contentious. Regulators, taking note of the dysfunction, tighten oversight, raising costs for everyone. Investors, seeing instability, become reluctant to fund innovation. Every timber company suffers.
It doesn’t have to be this way. The solution lies in sales teams shifting their focus away from tearing one another down and instead promoting the collective benefits of timber. Certified timber products boast exceptional environmental credentials—they are renewable, sustainable, and store carbon, making them a natural solution for a world grappling with climate change. Sales representatives should be educating customers about these advantages, not perpetuating divisive narratives that hand an edge to competing materials.
Unity is not just a lofty ideal; it’s
Some sales representatives resort to demeaning their competitors, spreading rumours, and casting doubt on their rivals’ products.
a necessity. By working together, the timber industry can counteract its real competition. Steel and concrete producers are eager to capitalise on our infighting, amplifying their outrageous claims of fire resistance, recyclability, and long-term durability. Collectively, we must advocate for timber as the first and best choice, a material that aligns with sustainability goals while delivering unmatched aesthetic and practical value. Australia’s growing demand for structural timber exceeds our domestic supply capabilities, making quality timber imports an essential part of the industry’s ecosystem. By choosing timber suppliers who are members or partners of the FTMA, manufacturers can have confidence in the integrity and quality of the timber they purchase. FTMA’s commitment to certified timber ensures that imported products, like our Australian grown timber meet rigorous standards, providing a reliable and sustainable solution to bridge the gap between supply and demand, while maintaining industry trust and reputation.
Stop the rumours. Focus on your product. Champion certified timber. Sales representatives must become ambassadors for the industry, not just their brand. By promoting timber’s shared benefits, rather than engaging in
infighting, we can overcome the challenges ahead and ensure that timber remains the material of choice for generations to come.
New criminal underpayment laws
From 1 January 2025, Australia introduced new criminal underpayment laws, making it illegal to intentionally underpay employees.
As a business owner, understanding these changes is crucial to protect your business and maintain trust with your employees. Here are simple steps to help you comply with the new laws:
• Check Your Payroll: Audit your records to ensure employees are being paid correctly, including overtime and penalty rates.
• Fix Any Errors: If you find underpayments, rectify them promptly. Transparency goes a long way.
• Understand the Code: The Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code offers guidance and tools to help small businesses pay
employees correctly.
• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with wage laws to avoid unintentional mistakes.
Why It Matters
Recently far too many businesses across the country have been hit with underpayment of wages bills and penalties for underpaying their workers or incorrectly accruing their entitlements following audits by the Fair Work Ombuds-
man. The regulator has made it clear it will continue its strong approach to enforcement and outcomes and will focus on underpayment breaches of Awards and the National Employment Standards. Employers in our industry can incorporate award entitlements into a higher remuneration, so long as a written agreement is in place, specifying what entitlements are compensated for and employers ensure an employee’s remuneration does not fall below what the award requires. Employers must maintain adequate records of work performed because the onus of proof is always on employers in answering any underpayment claim.The government’s focus is on targeting deliberate wage theft while supporting businesses like yours to do the right thing. By taking proactive steps now, you can safeguard your business,
avoid penalties, and create a fair and positive workplace for your employees. Running a small business is demanding, and payroll compliance can be complex. If you’re unsure, you can access expert advice. Contact the TTIA Hotline on (02) 9264 0011 or email ttia@ttia.asn.au
TTIA Member Wage Audit
TTIA provides an in-house wage and payroll audit service by qualified staff for its Members. You should contact TTIA to arrange a Payroll Audit which will be conducted in a confidential manner, and any action plan as a result will be formulated between TTIA and our Member. This service is available in all States. If you would like information with regard to becoming a TTIA Member, please contact ttia@ttia.asn. au or phone (02) 9264 0011.
Timber veneers in ‘tree house’ design
When they were commissioned to design a house in Clareville, north-east of Sydney, Terroir Architects considered that timber products would best align with their brief, since the site was set in a wooded area. The result – a ‘tree house’, blending timber veneers with recycled structural timber. A key element of the architects’ approach was to locate the upper levels of the house within the tree canopy. The design response was to emphasise the potential of timber and wrap the interior – floor, walls and ceiling – in timber.
Timber veneers played an important part in achieving the vision of a tree house, with veneer on a plywood substrate lining ceilings and walls. Veneer on MDF was specified for joinery units. The veneer species was spotted gum, in keeping with the natural-
PETER LLEWELLYN Technical representative, Timber Veneer Association of Australia
ly-occurring timber species found on the site. As Terroir Architects put it, an Australian hardwood such as spotted gum was perfect for the structure of the building, including the exposed roof framing, and for all the significant internal finishes.
The spotted gum veneers were slice cut and book matched. Slice cutting shows off the grain characteristics to advantage. Book matching creates an interesting pattern. As the name suggests, in book matching each veneer leaf is folded out with its mirror image, like
the centre pages of a book. The two adjoining surfaces are produced from the same piece of wood, so that they have almost exactly the same appearance, but mirrored.Where a hardwearing surface was required, a 2-pack satin grade polyurethane was specified. The architects considered that the polyurethane acted as a mild light reflector while the matt nature of China wood oil used elsewhere act-
ed as a contrast.For the Clareville house the design concept drove a requirement for timber products, both structural and decorative, to be integral to the ultimate built outcome, and timber veneers played a major role.
Details of book matching and other veneer layups can be found on the Timber Veneer Association’s website and on the websites of TVAA members.
- Multi Saw x 4, with infeed, outfeed and operators cabin
HEAVY DUTY ROLL CASES
TRANSFER DECKS
- multiple handling equipment available
AUTOMATIC I-JOIST LINE
The I-Joist line is a high-speed line for the manufacture of I-Joists from LVL billets and OSB sheets. Features are;
• High-speed output, producing beams in excess of 15-20m/min.
• Has the capability of cutting LVL billets into Chords for the I-Joist production but also LVL into sticks for resale.
• Webs are processed from OSB sheets, typically 2.4mx1.2m in size.
• Utilising PUR glue for the bonding (other glues can be used).
• Sensors are installed to monitor the glue flow rate and spread to ensure accurate coverage.
• Printing is available.
• I-joists are accurately cut to length.
• Finished I-Joists are stacked into packs for strapping.
• Relatively small footprint, 85m x 25m maximum. Will be smaller if certain sections not required.
• Australian Made and serviced with all supportห done by MPB Engineering.
Smarter Pallet Production with Industry 4.0
Stirling Machinery embraces advanced Industry 4.0 technologies to deliver tailored solutions for customer production lines. Our cutting-edge machinery increases efficiency, improves accuracy, and future-proofs operations. With smart automation, robotics, and intelligent material handling, businesses can stay ahead of industry demands. This includes advanced machinery from Joutech and Delta, trusted names in precision and efficiency.
JTS-1200 Docking Line
An intelligent cross-cutting system that delivers accuracy, efficiency, and seamless material handling. Ideal for optimising timber processing and maximizing output.
• Capable of producing up to 200 cubes per shift
• Complete integration with material handling
• Fully automated working cell
MASTER Hydraulic Nailin g Machine
A high-performance nailing solution designed to drive 30-45 nails at once. Can handle large and small pallets, as well as perimeter pallets. Engineered to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and streamline your manufacturing process.
