Australasian Timber Magazine - December 2020

DECEMBER 2020

MANUFACTURE • TECHNOLOGY • DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION

AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS ALL THE WINNERS

BUILDING BOOM

Cooma truss maker cashing in

NT PROJECT

Exploring Indigenous forestry

NEWS Technology changing Frame conference

JUST as technology has revolutionised the use of timber in construction; it is revolutionising the way attendees can participate in the most important global timber and mass wood event on the calendar.

Timber Offsite Construction organised by Frame Australia has made a vital contribution to the evolution of engineered wood in construction for 22 years.

Next year, in June 2021, more people than ever before will have access to this unique industry event through an innovative ‘hybrid’ format.

Combining ‘in-person’ local presentations and ‘live streaming’ international speakers, Timber Offsite Construction 2021 will deliver the best of both worlds to local attendees and global participants alike.

“We are using the latest in communications technology to present the latest in timber technology,” conference founder Kevin Ezard said.

“In 2021 we will look to the future - a net zero carbon future for the built environment - with the conference theme Timber & Technology: The Zero Carbon Future.

“This aligns with the World Green Building Council statement this month that “the built environment sector can provide powerful solutions to the climate crisis”.

The Council noted that buildings are responsible for 39 per cent of global energyrelated carbon emissions and that building stock is expected to double by 2050.

“The time to act is now,” the Council said. “To achieve net zero targets by mid-century and sustain predicted growth and urbanisation, we must decarbonise the whole lifecycle of our built assets – buildings and infrastructure.”

Net zero carbon is becoming accepted as a key goal for the construction industry worldwide, with architects, engineers and developers acknowledging the important role of engineered timber and mass wood.

Timber Offsite Construction 2021 will be hosted at Crown Promenade, Melbourne, Australia on 22-23 June.

Registrations for in-person and virtual participation open in February 2021. www.timberbiz.com.au

■

The interior of the award winning Marrickville Library.

Picture: Tom Roe

Library project claims 2020 Australian Timber Design Award

T

H E Marrickville Library project has won this year’s overall Timber Design Award.

The project, produced by architects BVN and engineers TTW, also collected the Public Buildings Award.

The awards were presented on December 2 at a virtual ceremony hosted by Julian Brenchley, from Brenchley Architects.

The Marrickville library and community centre is located on the site of the former Marrickville Hospital site which closed in 1990.

It is crafted inside and out with timber which is used for its columns, façade, screening, internal walls, window/door frames, tiered seating, joinery, ceilings and furniture.

The use of the timber creates a space which is welcoming, warm and homely, creating a building that the community enjoys and wants to occupy.

The library has also earned BVN the Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture as well as the David Oppenheim Award for Sustainable Architecture at the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Architecture Awards.

“We want to extend gratitude to our panel of judges, sponsors and to those who entered projects,” Timber Development Association’s longtime chief executive Andrew Dunn said.

“We owe the success of the 2020 Australian Timber Design Awards – Australasia’s

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

foremost timber design and architectural awards – to you.”

The vision of the Australian Timber Design Awards is to highlight, advertise, advocate, and develop a timber design ethos through the encouragement and showcasing of superlative timber design in a variety of applications. A broad range of entry categories demonstrates the diversity of timber and permits recognition of achievement in a variety of areas.

Page 6-7: The winning projects and a full list of winners.

3

NEWS australasian

DECEMBER 2020 Issue 8 – Volume 28

Incorporating Australian and New Zealand Timberman.

Established 1977.

3-5

News

Timber Design Awards 6 - 7 Timber decking

12

Training

13 15 - 18

Associations

Front Cover: The interior of the La Trobe University’s Bundoora Student Accommodation building which won the 2020 Timber Design Award for Excellence in Timber Applications – Multi-residential.

Publisher and Chief Executive: Hartley Higgins General Manager: Robyn Haworth Editor: Bruce Mitchell b.mitchelll@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9512 Advertising: Gavin de Almeida g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9517 Publication Design: Jarren Gallway Timber classifieds: g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9517 Subscriptions: subs@forestsandtimber.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9522 Subcription rates One-year (8 editions) $55 Two-years (16 editions) $95 Accounts: Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9555 Postal Address: 630 Regency Road, Broadview South Australia 5083 Phone: (08) 8369 9555 Fax: (08) 8369 9501 Melbourne Office: Suite 2262, 442 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122 Phone: (03) 9810 3262 Website www.timberbiz.com.au Printed by Lane Print, Adelaide, SA

Conditions

The opinions expressed in Australasian Timber Magazine are not necessarily the opinions of or endorsed by the editor or publisher unless otherwise stated.

All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. All material in Australasian Timber Magazine copyright 2020 © Ryan Media. All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic, or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, the publisher will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published.

MEDIA

INDEPENDENT & AUSTRALIAN OWNED

4

Is there a timber shortage or just a disruption T

HERE was no chance at any stage this year that Australia was going to run out of toilet paper, but the reality on the ground told a completely different story.

Scenes of panic buying, and empty shelves meant people who were desperate for toilet paper had to go searching for it.

Some people had to change from their usual brand or preference and buy 1 ply or 2 ply instead as they desperately needed toilet paper to do the job!

I thought this is an analogy that everyone could relate to this year. I’ve seen the empty shelves in South Australia again and I’m still shocked by what is happening but what has this got to do with timber?

Our housing reports have stirred up some anger with people who argue that there is a timber shortage, and this is not just a business disruption.

However, all Tim Woods of Industry Edge can do with his economist hat on, is report the facts and the facts show that there is no timber shortage.

The importers have for months and months talked about the difficulties they are facing. There is no doubt that due to higher prices overseas, fires in Oregon, fires at Sweden sawmill, fire at Caboolture, fires throughout Australia, delays at our ports and an overall disruption due to COVID-19 that we are in the middle of the perfect storm.

The Australian producers are doing all they can to lift production with Caboolture going full steam ahead following the reopening after their

MY VIEW Kersten Gentle Executive Officer FTMA Australia

fires. Hyne have successful been given Government aid for transportation of logs to keep the Tumbarumba mill open and everyone is doing what they can to source timber.

When I read Tim’s report and spoke with some fabricators, I felt buoyed that this would only be a short-term impact and that there was light on horizon.

That was before South Australia went in to a six-day circuit breaker lockdown to address its new COVID-19 clusters.

The impact of the Timberlink Tarpeena Mill and the OneFortyOne Mt Gambier Mill closing is huge, and it could take months to catch up with the timber supply, causing more stress and angst on the ground within our sector as this region supplies approximately 20% of our sawn softwood timber.

The industry must come together to ensure, if the SA lockdown continues, that the SA Government recognises the importance of these mills opening for the Australian construction sector.

So timber shortage or business disruption? Either way the reality on the ground is one of hardship and concern as outlined by the message received by one of our members which stated: We have seen a raft of information being reported on positive housing numbers and a multitude of different angles on where timber / product supply is up to. But the variables on which state you are in, what customer base you are supplying and the makeup your purchasing means there is no goldilocks approach to the current conditions. What has been dubbed in our business as the “unofficial COVID-19 tax” appears to be having different issues / restrictions on each business.

Currently for us to put a standard I joist floor system to site which would normally be a simple PO raised with 48 hours before delivery now requires 4 x EWP suppliers to capture the required stocks, 4 x lots of freight, 7 days lead time and a nightmare of

certification. While softwood availability has tightened for us it is manageable, some of our competitors who are supplying to different markets with different product makeup are in distress trying to source enough product day to day.

A timber shortage would then appear to be too blunt a description and a timber disruption perhaps not strong enough. We have had to redeploy our staff within the business to attempt to design / calculate the required materials for a job long before its detailed and then spend hours contacting suppliers to find out who has what products available and on what timing.

Our suppliers are not at fault and under the same constraints us as, trying to plan for what has been a completely unknown future market and bound by the same logistical issues. However, the “unofficial COVID-19 tax” is alive and well and something we predict we will be battling with for months to come.

Covid-19 hard lockdown produces some anomalies

T

H E total hard lockdown in South Australia to help prevent a second Covid-19 wave was only going to ever last six days.

But what an impact it had in just two.

And we’re not talking about having to stay home and not walk the dog or play golf.

The lockdown had imposed greater impositions on the South Australian community - in particular the business community - than any other lockdown in Australia this year.

The only problem, as we all know now, was that the close contact linked to a suburban pizza bar which effectively led to the hard lockdown deliberately misled the contact tracing team.

The Premier and the Police Commissioner, to their credit, immediately began easing restictions.

australasian

magazine

But the South Australian version of a hard lockdown did produce some anomalies.

This is not a criticism of the lockdown, merely an observation.

Exemptions to the lockdown were rare, and granted only to businesses deemed essential; food, fuel, medical services are the obvious exemptions.

But that term “essential” has got a lot of people scratching their heads.

Of particular concern was the temporary closure of the State’s timber industry.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

In Victoria’s lengthy lockdown the construction industry was permitted to keep operating, but in limited form.

But as the FTMA’s Kersten Gentle has written, the Green Triangle region supplies approximately 20% of our sawn softwood timber.

She quite rightly points out the impact of the Timberlink’s Tarpeena Mill and the OneFortyOne Mt Gambier Mill temporary closure is huge, and it could take months to catch up with the timber supply.

If the SA lockdown had been extended for some reason the SA Government needed to recognise the importance of these mills staying opening for the Australian construction sector.

In the Covid-19 era, it’s one of those little things that will make the bigger things harder to achieve. www.timberbiz.com.au

Demand for new homes will help fight recession - HIA T

www.timberbiz.com.au

84.0

94.2

97.2

104.7

102.0

121.6

109.2

115.1

106.0

118.6

116.2

102.4

42.6

60.0

41.0

69.0

77.2

95.7

Forecast

43.4

to the severe lockdowns in the state, while a similar extension was announced by the West Australian government on Wednesday.

Industry groups in South Australia say last week’s state-wide lockdown has underlined the need for a similar extension in South Australia.

“The final factor pulling the market forward has been the resurgence of the first home buyer. First home buyers have been taking advantage of this narrow window of opportunity as house prices have remained

80.0

70.4

100.0

108.0

120.0

117.1

Source: HIA Economics 140.0

112.0

Australia HIA Housing Starts Forecasts

Thousand dwellings commenced

H E HIA believes the surge in demand for new detached homes will help pull the Australian economy out of recession.

HIA’s Chief Economist, Tim Reardon, said there had been a strong increase in new homes sales following the announcement of HomeBuilder and this is now resulting in an increase in the volume of work on the ground which will accelerate into 2021.

“The announcement of HomeBuilder was the catalyst for a surge in demand for new detached homes, but there are numerous other factors at play,” he said.

Applicants currently have until the end of the year to register for the $25,000 grant, which is available for new homes and major renovations. They then have three months to start work on their project.

Victorians have six months to start work on their HomeBuilder projects, following an extension granted in response

NEWS

2020/21

2021/22

2022/23

40.0 20.0 0.0

2012/13 (a)

2013/14 (a)

2014/15 (a)

flat, interest rates at record lows and with the assistance of government support programs,” Mr Reardon said.

“They account for around 40 per cent of the market in 2020, which is the highest share of the market in a decade.

“Access to finance has been a major constraint in recent years and the easing of these restrictions will further assist first home buyers to enter the market.”

2015/16 (a)

2016/17 (a)

2017/18 (a)

Detached

Multi

2018/19 (a)

The nature of the COVID shock had seen the population shift out of high rise in preference for lower density housing and toward more regional locations.

And the trend of rural and regional populations moving to metropolitan areas ceased this year as students and young job seekers were not attracted to the cities for education or employment.

Mr Reardon said that after the

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

2019/20 (a)

GFC, around half a million Australian’s returned home.

“In 2020, the number of returning Australasians is significantly less than this, but due to the nature of this year’s shock there is a very strong preference for a detached home from these returning residents.

“For these reasons the rental market also remains in very tight supply, outside of Sydney and Melbourne, indicating a rise in house prices,” he said.

5

AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS

Macquarie University

Award winners: • Overall Winner – Marrickville Library by BVN and TTW Merits • People’s Choice - Macquarie University Clinical Education Building by Architectus + Buildcorp + Arup • Sustainability - Balgowlah CLT Passivehouse by Betti & Knut Architecture • Rising Star - Bo Chu for Coppin Street Studio from Pitch Architecture + Design • Small Budget - ANZAC Walk by Pelle Architects Excellence in Timber Applications: • Residential Class 1 - New Building - Scotland Island House II

by Sam Crawford Architects • Residential Class 1 - Alteration or Addition - CLT House by FMD Architects • Multi-Residential - La Trobe University Bundoora Student Accommodation Stage 1 by JCB Architects, Multiplex Constructions and TTW • Public Buildings - Marrickville Library by BVN and TTW • Commercial Buildings - Damaru House, Barangaroo

by TZANNES and Lendlease • Interior Fitout - Residential - Breezeway House by David Boyle Architect • Interior Fitout - Commercial - Phoenix Central Park Performance Space by Durbach Block Jaggers Architects • Landscape - Olivine, Gumnut Park by MDG Landscape Architects • Furniture and Joinery - The Magic Box by Liminal Objects + Van Tuil • Stand Alone Structure - Chadstone Link by Make Architects • Australian Designed International Projects - Kutubu Convention Centre by Grimshaw

Chadstone Breezeway

Passive House

CLT House

Excellence in Timber Products • Australian Certified Timber - Wildlife Retreat at Taronga by Cox Architecture, TTW and Taylor • Recycled Timber - Mon Repos Turtle Centre by Richard Kirk Architect • Sliced Timber and Prefinished Veneers - State Library Victoria Children’s Castle by Architectus + Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects • Timber Veneers - Springvale Library by Lyons Architects • Tasmanian Timber - Y House by Andrew Simpson Architects

6

Y House

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

Phoenix Central Park

www.timberbiz.com.au

AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS

Scotland Island

State Library Victoria

CLT House

www.timberbiz.com.au

Breezeway House

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

7

FRAMES AND TRUSS

Canberra building boom feeding Cooma truss maker H IG H Country Truss and Frames, and adjoining business, Cooma H Hardware, have experienced exponential growth over the last 10 years thanks to Canberra’s booming building industry, and a fleet of Toyotas equipped to handle bourgeoning workloads.

Manufacturing roof trusses, wall frames and flooring systems, the company located in Polo Flat, Cooma, in New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains Region was originally opened as an extension of Cooma H Hardware.

Co-owner Elizabeth Van der Plaat says that their Cooma location is ideal, with 90% of work going straight to Canberra. They are also perfectly placed for the Snowy Mountains and South Coast, and easily order replenishment stock from Sydney each week.

Over the course of 10 years, the business has expanded from three to 20 staff members.

Ms van der Plaat said the trusses, frames and flooring systems were constructed from Hyne T2 pine timber and Multinail metal connector plates, and software.

The business started out in the single residential segment and has since branched into large-scale multiresidential, with some jobs being up to 100 townhouses.

Mirroring its staff growth over the past decade - split evenly between the two entities - the Toyota ‘engine room’ at the heart of the third-generation family run business started with a single gas-powered 32-8FG25 forklift in 2013 and two more - another 328FG25 and a gas-powered 3.5-tonne 32-8FGJ35 forklift - were added over a seven-year period.

Duties include using the 3.5-tonne 32-8FGJ35 forklift for handling large packs of trusses and wall frames. One of the 2.5-tonne 32-8FG25s handles smaller packs in the plant and its twin is used in the hardware store for loading and unloading building materials.

High Country Truss and Frames manager, David van der Plaat, said the most recent addition to the business was a TMHA SP850 electric walkbehind sweeper 12 months ago, predominantly for cleaning the hardware store warehouse and drive-through.

Mr van der Plaat said he and his two

sisters, Elizabeth and Jannene, took over the hardware business from their father’s family, who started it in the late seventies. The trio has run the hardware store together over the last 20 years.

Presiding over both businesses, Mr van der Plaat predominantly runs the truss plant - along with Elizabeth - and Jannene manages the hardware store.

“The truss and frame business was built on the current site at Polo Flat Cooma’s industrial area, 10 years ago and around five years ago the decision was made to move Cooma H Hardware there too, after designing and building the new premise we moved in two years ago as co-manager,” Elizabeth van der Plaat said.

“We had outgrown our previous hardware premises in town. Access was awkward, it was not purpose built and it was on the main street coming into Cooma so loading and unloading trucks was a daily challenge, so we amalgamated both businesses on the new site,” said Ms van der Plaat.

“Our new building is single-level, purpose built and has a big yard with plenty of storage space. It’s a fantastic store and has been recognised with awards including Hardware & Building Traders’ (HBT) Regional Store of the Year 2019. We also won Hardware Australia’s New South Wales Hardware Store of the Year, over 2500 square metres.”

Mr van der Plaat agreed that his approach to material handling equipment investment has matured since the business’ inception.

“When we were starting off, we went more on price-point, but through experience we decided it was better to pay a bit more and trade that off for quality,” said he said.

“Toyota’s reputation for quality preceded it ahead of our decision to purchase TMHA equipment and they have proven reliable so we added another, and another, Toyota forklift to our fleet - which wouldn’t have happened if the first and second machines had problems.

“We can’t afford downtime so we need them to be reliable. Our first one is seven years old and has proven reliable.

We haven’t really had any issues with them, so we’re happy with the product.”

■ High Country Truss and Frames’ Elizabeth, David and Jannene van der Plaat.

8

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

www.timberbiz.com.au

RECYCLING

Closing the loop on wood waste R

E D IR E CT Recycling conduct waste management from collection and transport through to the treatment of materials, with the aim to produce new products from old resources and return them to the market.

The business is encouraging effective and efficient waste management processing and advocating for accessible resource recovery. By investing in infrastructure for the collection and processing of recycled material, reDirect Recycling are effectively directing a considerable amount of industry waste away from Australian landfill sites to.

Not only has reDirect Recycling been gaining momentum

www.timberbiz.com.au

cover various forms of timber waste from framing off cuts, such as H2 and LOSP H3, LVL and Glulam offcuts to timber pallets and crates making this an efficient solution for fabriin reducing waste costs for fab- cators to reduce their waste ricators, there is considerable costs and their own carbon effort in reducing the environ- footprint. The recovered timmental impact of businesses ber waste is then used in the in this sector by facilitating manufacture of particleboard. reDirect currently has three timber recycling. reDirect Recycling creates an industrial ecol- collection sites in NSW, with ogy which processes the waste plans well underway to roll and returns resources back into out the program to Victoria the economy, offering efficient and Queensland in the near single source wood recovery future. With some landfill fees solutions which close the loop now at over $200 per tonne, on raw and engineered wood this will potentially save fabricators tens of thousands products.

The reDirect Wood Recovery of dollars each year. A 15m3 Initiative has the ability to re- or 20m3 capacity front lift bin

can be placed at your business premises and collected when it is full and by implementing a reDirect Recycling service

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

you will enjoy significant cost savings in landfill charges and contribute to the circular economy in Australia.

9

TIMBER PRESERVATION Making News in DTN NEW CERTIFIER RULES

The NSW Government has released a comprehensive practice standard that outlines how building certifiers must undertake their role to ensure compliance with the law.

Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson said the standard helps all registered certifiers turn the requirements under the Building and Development Certifiers Act and the Environmental Planning Assessment Act into practice.

“For too long, the practice of many certifiers has been sub-standard – with the release of this Guide The standard has been developed in consultation with a panel of experts, chaired

by Michael Lambert, and covers areas including fire protection, wet areas and waterproofing, occupation certificates, and ensuring the final building is consistent with the development consent.

BUSHFIRE REFORMS

The Australian Institute of Architects has welcomed the public release of the report from the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements and called for its recommendations to be swiftly implemented.

Institute CEO Julia Cambage said that while elements of the report would require longer term reform, governments needed to act urgently on a number of safety measures including upgrades to standards and the use of shelters and water spray systems in high-risk areas.

10

Environmental certifications shine through I

T ’S now around 15 years since MicroPro preservative treatment technology was introduced into North America timber market and around 10 years since MicroPro was introduced into the Australian and New Zealand markets.

In the USA, where CCA timber treatment cannot be used for most residential construction, MicroPro represents over 50% of preservative timber consumption, whereas in Australia MicroPro has been mainly used for sleepers and decking board applications. In Australia that situation is changing however as timber suppliers and consumers learn more about the unique formulation of MicroPro and its environmental credentials.

So what makes MicroPro different from conventional preservative formulations?

Well, the active components are copper and azole compounds, both well-known and proven fungicides and insecticides respectively, but the real difference is in how those actives are delivered into the timber. In MicroPro the actives are actually delivered as solid “micronized” particles using a water carrier under high pressure where they lodge in the cell walls of the timber.

This gives the resulting treated timber some unique properties compared to conventional timber treatments such as lighter colour, low fastener corrosion, low leaching and compatibility with aluminium building products while still providing comparable performance to

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

■

ABOVE: MicroPro treated timber on a boardwalk in Northern Ireland.

■

LEFT: MicroPro treated sleepers.

www.timberbiz.com.au

TIMBER PRESERVATION

BRIEFS ENGINEERING COURSE

A NEW timber engineering course is being offered through the WoodSolutions campus.

Presented by timber engineering experts Jon Shanks and Geoff Boughton, the six modules offer engineers the opportunity to increase their knowledge so they can design and specify timber products with confidence.

The course has been designed to equip engineers and design professionals with an understanding of the key considerations for timber engineering design.

TRAINING AWARD

conventional preservatives.

Combining these properties with low energy and low pollutants used in production and transport and you have the first and only treated wood process to have been awarded environmental certifications.

Koppers Performance Chemicals is particularly proud that they achieved a Global GreenTag Level A Product Health Declaration™ (PhD™).

The GreenTag PhD is the first health transparency tool in the world to assess human health

www.timberbiz.com.au

concerns directly, rating the health impacts of a final product – and not just the hazards of a product’s ingredients. This follows the achievement of Global GreenTag GreenRate™ Level A award under Version 4.0 of the Global GreenTag International Product Certification Standard. This means that MicroPro can be used to achieve ratings in green building design by architects and designers.

As mentioned earlier, because of the unique process, MicroPro treated wood can be

significantly lighter in colour than conventional treated timber. This means that MicroPro treated timber is the ideal base for applying a stain or colour finish and a long-lasting micronized colour can also be added to the preservative and is combined in a one step process.

When MicroPro preservative is combined with a long-lasting micronized colour, the result is a treated wood product called MicroPro Sienna. In Australia, the colour has been selected to be similar to Australian hard-

woods and has proved very popular for sleepers and is available around Australia.

As word spreads about MicroPro and MicroPro Sienna Koppers PC is receiving more and more enquiry from consumers, organic produce growers as well as designers and specifiers looking for a non-arsenic based timber preservative.

Independent environmental certifications means that producers and consumers can have confidence in the product they are producing and buying.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

THE Builders Academy has been named the 2020 Victorian Small Training Provider.

The awards, hosted by the Department of Education and Training, recognise the outstanding achievements of training institutions delivering Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs across the state.

The academy was a finalist at the 2017 Victorian Training Awards and a winner at the 2018 Victorian Training Awards.

What set Builders Academy apart was the great outcomes achieved through the year - despite the adversity of lockdowns and heavy Covid-19 related restrictions.

TIMBER RESEARCH

A RESEARCH project led FWPA’s National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life has commenced a testing program for materials used in Hazard Class H3, which covers applications that are outside, above ground and exposed to the weather. It is the first time in 30 years such a range of species, products and preservatives has been tested.

11

TIMBER DECKING australasian

Looking Back 2019

SUSTAINABLE Hardwoods has assured its customers that the Victorian Government’s ban on the harvesting of timber by 2030 will not affect supply in the immediate future.

And the company says it will be working hard to ensure that sustainably certified regrowth sawlogs are made available after 2030.

In a statement to customers the company’s managing director Vince Hurley said it would be business as usual for the next six years as ASH did not process old growth.

2015

CANADIAN FIRM CLT Outaouais has been granted Government funding to improve its facilities and acquire equipment for the manufacture of wood products for the residential and commercial building market. It received a $374,000 repayable financial contribution through CED’s Quebec Economic Development Program.

“The investment will enable CLT Outaouais to produce Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels,” said Jacques Gourde, Member of Parliament for Lotbinière-Chutes-de-laChaudière and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, for Official Languages and for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.

“This manufacturing firm offers a competitive alternative and complementary option to structural building solutions like steel and cement.”

2010

THE WONDERFUL world of wood was never more evident than at the 28th Annual Exhibition of the Woodcraft Guild ACT Inc, which was held in conjunction with the Timber and Working with Wood Show at Exhibition Park in Canberra.

The Woodcraft Guild is an organisation of people who love to make beautiful things with wood. The Guild was established in 1980 to promote, foster and develop woodcraft in the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding region.

The Guild has a membership of over 200 and activities centre on its ‘Shed’, a well-equipped workshop situated in the grounds of the Lions Youth Haven Farm in Kambah.

The Guild Exhibition has now been held every year for the past 28 years.

12

Picking the right timber for outdoor decking W I T H a wide range of decking products on the market, it is important to make the right decision when selecting timber.

Australian hardwood species are an excellent choice for their high density, toughness and high durability.

Blackbutt, Spotted Gum and Tallowwood are known to make a great decking timber.

Some species, such as Blackbutt and Spotted Gum, are bushfire resisting timbers with Blackbutt also offering termite resistance - qualities which are ideal for Australian conditions.

Boral decking is seasoned to ensure optimum hardness, stability and long service life.

Australian Hardwoods can easily be finished with a clear decking oil or stain to coordinate with an outdoor colour scheme, or can be left untreated to create a natural, weathered look. In terms of colour, lighter ‘blonde’ timbers, such as Blackbutt or Tallowwood, are a popular choice, providing a fresh, neutral canvas for outdoor design schemes and landscaping.

Lighter coloured timber boards can also help to make smaller areas seem larger. Be sure to check whether the decking timber is Responsible Wood Chain of Custody certified, to provide peace of mind that it has been sourced from sustainably managed and legal forestry.

■ Boral Timber Blackbutt decking. ance between the pool edge and the deck needs to be considered. Narrow width decking profiles should be considered for decks that are in close proximity and minimal clearance to the pool edge and deck (e.g.

64 or 86mm). Water pooling and poor ventilation can cause cupping of the timber. Equally, the wrong fasteners can cause the timber to stain. The most important things to remember are to build to code, make changes where necessary, fully seal all sides, edges and the underside of decking boards for protection, ensure there is cross flow ventilation in place which can also assist with water drainage, and make sure compatible fasteners for wet area environments are used to avoid rusting and stains.

ARE THERE ANY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUILDING A DECK? For a smoother transition from the home’s interior, consider a decking timber species that is no darker than interior flooring. Timber is simple to treat and darken at a later stage if desired; however, a naturally dark timber cannot WHAT ARE THE CURRENT be lightened if the propDECKING TRENDS? Architects are embracing in- erty owner changes their mind. novative timber applications in Also, consider the direction residential projects, including of interior flooring. Installing decking, screening, cladding timber decking boards accord- HOW SHOULD A DECK BE and as a decorative lining over ingly may help to maintain CLEANED AND MAINTAINED? Poor maintenance and a covered deck. There is also a consistent design and flow weather damage to decking trend towards decking with a from indoors to out. can be costly and time consumwider and more robust profile. ing to repair if left unchecked.

The 600 series 22mm Spotted WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDIn addition to ensuring the Gum profile decking requires ERED WHEN INSTALLING A deck’s structural integrity is less joists, making it quicker DECK AROUND A POOL OR maintained, regular cleanto install. Always remember VICE VERSA? With many pools positioned ing and maintenance helps that timber is a natural product and there is often variation in inground, the issue of clear- to preserve the colour and the colour and level of feature of the boards, even within the Boral Timber hardwood decking - River Reds species. same species and grade.

■

SHOULD A DECK BE OPEN OR COVERED? For year round use, consider a weather or shade cover, such as a retractable awning or more permanent shelter, depending on the aspect of the home and how much exposure to the sun it receives at different times of the day. Remember, the angle of sun will also change from winter to summer.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

improve the life of the deck, whether left exposed or under cover. Boral recommends applying a decking finish such as decking oil, re-applied more than once a year as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

It is also important to sweep off any loose dirt or garden residue before cleaning a deck with a specialised deck cleaning product. Be sure to remove algae or moss that may be growing on the deck and cover areas around the deck that need protection such as plants and furniture before applying a decking finish.

HOW SHOULD BUILDERS AND INSTALLERS MINIMISE BUSHFIRE RISK WHEN INSTALLING A DECK? To minimise the risk to property during a bushfire, Boral Timber reminds decking professionals to consider a number of design and landscaping rules and year-round maintenance measures.

New structures must comply with the requirements of the Australian Standard (AS3959 -2009) Building in Bushfire Prone Areas. Fill in small gaps around the deck structure where an ember might be able to lodge - larger openings can be fitted with ember guards, such as perforated mesh with two-millimetre openings. Use mesh or bushfire resisting timbers to enclose the subfloor of the deck. Blackbutt and Spotted Gum decking from Boral are suitable for use in bushfire prone areas up to BAL 29, as set out under Australian Standard AS3959.

For further information visit www.boral.com.au/timber or call 1800 818 317. www.timberbiz.com.au

TRAINING Scholarship program to support trades

■ Workers at the Gumatj Aboriginal Corporation sawmill.

Exploring potential for Indigenous forestry

Research exploring opportunities for East Arnhem Land

T

HE latest episode of the Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) podcast series WoodChat focuses on a new research project that is investigating the potential for commercial Indigenous forestry in the Northern Territory’s East Arnhem Land.

The goal of the research is to support the Traditional Owners to facilitate a sustainable forest-based livelihood.

The research is being delivered by the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), with a number of partner entities led

by Developing East Arnhem Limited (DEAL), an independent not-for-profit company that aims to drive economic development in East Arnhem, promoting the resilience of

the region and opportunity for its people.

During the episode the hosts speak to Jordy Bowman, CEO at DEAL, who explains how forestry has the potential to support Indigenous communities to use their land for employment and economic benefit, alongside cultural purposes.

“We know there is a strong interest amongst East Arnhem

communities in Indigenousled forest and timber product enterprises,” said Ms Bowman.

“The region contains large areas of Indigenous-owned native forests with commercial potential, which can be capitalised on to help develop a sustainable post-mining future for the region and its people.

“The project will support Traditional Owners to recognise the commercial assets they have on their land. It will provide an evidence base that enables them to make informed decisions,” Ms Bowman said.

During the episode, listeners will also hear from Balapalu Yunupingu, Gumatj elder and Director of Gumatj Corporation and Mark Annandale, Research Manager at the University of the Sunshine Coast

FIRST WITH INDUSTRY NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

regarding their involvement with the project.

This episode is the latest in the WoodChat podcast series, and follows topics including forestry education for young online learners during COVID-19, new business models to inspire investment in trees on farms, and building safely with timber in bushfire-prone areas.

WoodChat represents FWPA’s ongoing commitment to engaging ways of communicating news and innovations to the industry and beyond. Each episode includes in-depth conversations with experts on recent discoveries and current initiatives.

You can listen to WoodChat on SoundCloud, iTunes and Spotify.

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU australasian

Brought to you by

www.timberbiz.com.au

THE families behind Melbourne institution Provans Timber and Hardware have announced the donation of an annual award and scholarships to give back to the city’s trade industry which has long supported them.

Coinciding with the COVID-19 recovery economy, the business has partnered with Melbourne Polytechnic to provide three individual scholarships with a value of nearly $6000.

The first award and scholarships will be granted in 2021, highlighting the importance of trades to Melbourne and encouraging prospective students to undertake courses such as carpentry, joinery and cabinet making at the TAFE. The Provan family initiated the idea in memory of their family ancestor, David Provan, a founding member of the Committee of the Collingwood Technical School, now known as Melbourne Polytechnic. Up to three scholarships and an award will be available to a select criteria of current and prospective students on an annual basis: 1. The Provan and Rosenberg Families, Provans Timber and Hardware, Annual Scholarships (for Carpentry, Joinery and/or Cabinet Making). Up to three scholarships, each amounting to $1,815 per year to cover tuition 2. David Provan & Sons Annual Award for Carpentry, Joinery and Cabinet Making – $500 cash, plus $500 voucher for tools of the trade.

The David Provan awards and scholarships will commence in 2021. Applications close on February 8.

For more information please visit: https://www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/students/ scholarships/

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

www.timberbiz.com.au

I n c o r p o r a t i n g A U S T R A L A S I A N F O R E S T L O G G E R & S AW M I L L E R

magazine

13

TECH TALK

Lateral restraints in pre-fab timber roof trusses A

TR USS is a very efficient structural member which consists of a group of ties and struts connected to form a structure that acts as a large span beam.

The design of the truss is based on a basic principle of force triangulation in a plane resulting in the truss members undergoing axial forces, either tension or compression. The top chords of the trusses undergo compression, due to downward dead, live and service loads, whereas for the wind uplift load cases the bottom chord effectively undergo compression. Similarly, the webs undergo tension or compression depending on downward forces or wind uplift.

Nevertheless, truss top chords support the roof battens which then supports the roofing material with the truss top chords depending on these battens for lateral restraints to stop it from buckling in compression along minor axis. The top chords of prefabricated trusses are normally 35/45 thick, being thinner and slender means its out of plane buckling capacity, in compression, is not that great. Hence, the lateral restraints play a crucial part

14

SATYA SHAH STRUCTURAL ENGINEER AT MULTINAIL.

in reducing the effective length in compression and thus achieving greater compression capacity.

As we can see from Euler’s Buckling Formula, the critical buckling load (Pcr) is inversely proportional to the square of length between restraints, missing any restraints will have an exponential reduction in the buckling capacity of a structural member.

What if the battens are not correctly nailed to the trusses? What if more than two adjacent battens are spliced over same truss? What happens when the battens are not installed correctly?

The simple answer is that the top chord would lack the lateral restraints it is actually designed with, resulting in top chord buckling, which then not only causes excessive deflection of trusses but also can lead to the ultimate failure of the truss.

Another typical top chord buckling issue I have noticed over the years is the buckling of horizontal top chord of the truncated girder trusses. The truncated girder trusses are normally designed with top chord restraints from the incoming jack trusses. AS 4440-2004 specifies the use of framing anchors like Multi-grips/ Triple Grips with 4/f 2.8mm x 30mm reinforced head nails into the side of each top chord for truncated girder. However, this is not always the case onsite. I have come across several sites with one or two nails used to fix the incoming jack top chords to the horizontal top chord of the truncated girders.

Eventually, since these nails are not structurally adequate, we often see the nails pulled off or withdrawn.

However, it may take some time for the horizontal top chord of the truncated girder to show signs of buckling, leading to the significant drop or even cracks in the ceiling.

Similarly, the top hat/cap trusses horizontal top chords are normally designed with the default restraints like other standard trusses, which means they need braced ties to match the designed restraint centres. The same applies to the horizontal top chord section of the truncated standard trusses emphasising the need for properly fixing the incoming jack truss top chord extensions. Trusses are often designed with web ties when the webs are significantly longer and have larger compressive force. Again, it is very important to brace these ties in order to make it effective.

While the truss bottom chord supports the ceiling, the trusses are designed considering the direct fixed plasterboard or celling battens to provide the required design lateral restraints. During upward combination load cases the bottom chord undergoes compression and thus lateral restraints play an important

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

role in resisting against buckling.

Special considerations need to be made when the trusses are exposed with suspended ceilings or clipped furring channels. Although furring channels connected to the trusses are quite common to support the ceiling system, the clips are not stiff enough and not structurally adequate to transfer the horizontal forces and therefore cannot provide the required lateral restraint to the truss bottom chords. Thus, in order to achieve the ceiling diaphragm action and provide required restraints to the truss bottom chords, it would require bottom chord ties to match the bottom chord designed restraint centres and braced.

Ultimately, the lateral or raking forces, whether due to wind load on the structure or created in certain members as a result of resisting other types of loads, are required to be transmitted by roof and ceiling diaphragm actions to the supporting structure. It is also equally important to install temporary bracing, in accordance with AS4440-2004, to ensure stability during installation as well as tolerance criteria like plumb, bow and spacings are met. Once the ceiling plasterboard is installed, the roof trusses sort of get hidden in the roof space and no one really bothers about it unless they notice any problems in the celling. It could be too late by the time any problem becomes visible as a result of incorrect truss installation. Sometimes it might not even be feasible to rectify it. In summary, pre-fabricated timber roof trusses are an efficient system, designed and manufactured with a great level of engineering and detail, with specific design criteria, however its performance onsite highly depends upon whether those design criteria are satisfied during installation. www.timberbiz.com.au

Some are struggling much more than others Tackling domestic, family violence is everyone’s responsibility

T

HERE is no doubt 2020 has been a difficult year for many with bushfires, floods and of course the dreaded COVID-19 Pandemic.

However, there are some in society who have struggled more than others with a huge increase in domestic and family violence.

You may be reading this and wonder what this has to do with the frame and truss industry, however, it is important for everyone to realise that tackling domestic and family violence (DFV) is everyone’s responsibility.

A recent opinion piece in the Sydney Morning Herald

by Ruth Weatherall titled Workplaces can play a big role in helping domestic violence victims recognised the important role workplaces can play in reducing the impact and damage of DFV. The article recognised that: · Abusers can destroy workplace property · Prevent victims from going to work, and; · Harass and message victims in the workplace affecting their ability to work Not only can you make a difference by making changes to your workplace, but you can also benefit from supporting victims by reducing staff turnover, reducing absenteeism, hold on to talented workers whilst helping maintain productivity.

A survey by White Ribbon in 2017 found that only 80% of employees would not feel ‘very confident’ knowing how to help a colleague experiencing violence outside of work. This demonstrates that many workplaces are not adequately equipped to support their colleagues through their DFV experience.

Furthermore, DFV is estimated to cost Australia’s business and corporate sector about $1.5billion per annum, with the direct cost to employers from absenteeism, lost productivity, replacement staffing costs and misused resources valued at $465 million annually. The total cost of domestic violence to the Australian economy each year is estimated to be $22 billion.

It makes sense from both a commercial and humanitarian perspective to ensure www.timberbiz.com.au

ASSOCIATIONS FRAME & TRUSS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

FTMA Australia is an independent, national organisation representing fabricators of and suppliers to the timber prefabricated truss and wall frame industry in all Australian states &

“We support you!”

Kersten Gentle Executive Officer FTMA Australia

workplaces have the necessary skills to identify victims of DFV and provide support to see them through the transition from victim to survivor.

FTMA Australia is proud to work with so many family owned businesses within the frame and truss industry and we believe, by developing the right tools so our members can become better employers by providing a Safe Work Haven for your employees.

We are not experts in this field, so FTMA has partnered with Jo Mason of WorkHaven to develop the necessary tools for our members.

WorkHaven is an Australian organisation that was formed by corporate leaders with lived experience of domestic and family violence.

Jo has over 10 years’ experience in leadership roles across the private, not for profit and government sectors and is an accredited coach and domestic violence survivor. Some in our industry may know Jo from her role in marketing at Hyne Timber, however, her extensive experience and passion in this area is extensive and FTMA is extremely excited to be working with Jo and her team.

WorkHaven take an innovative approach to addressing DFV in Australia. Their philosophy is to enable, educate and empower workplaces across Australia through a range of employer and employee services to create a culture of harmony, connection, safety, and empowerment.

WorkHaven and FTMA believe through this unique approach, we can work together to achieve zero tolerance for DFV in Australia and ensure your business provides a safe work haven.

This isn’t just about creating a policy and putting it on the shelf as this does not achieve anything. It is important we tackle this with a multipronged approach.

territories providing a unified voice, to protect and advance our mult-billion dollar industry.

FTMA Australia thanks our Firstly, WorkHaven has been engaged to create a Domestic & Family Violence Work Policy which our members can introduce to their business.

Part of this is also providing the right tools to provide an educational toolbox meeting which includes talking points, presentation, checklist, statistics, case studies and videos for you to share with all your employees.

FTMA believes we must also have materials on hand, such as brochures and posters to ensure those suffering from DFV or even those that may be perpetrators, have access to support services and tips on how to assist colleagues who may be impacted by DFV. We also want businesses to be recognised as Safe Work Havens, so, after implementing the policy, outlining the policy in a toolbox meeting for all employees and providing educational and supportive resources throughout the workplace, members will be given a Safe Work Haven sticker to place on their front door, as well as a logo to use on website, email footers and promotional material.

These resources will be 100% free for members and we hope that all members will adopt the policy and implement the measures above to be recognised as a Safe Work Haven.

FTMA Australia encourages members to engage in the process, to step up and proudly demonstrate that they provide a safe work haven for all employees and together we can lessen the pain for DFV victims and survivors.

If you would like further information on WorkHaven, you can visit their website at www.workhaven.com.au Finally, after such a tumultuous year, FTMA Australia wishes all members, sponsors and supporters a Merry Christmas and a safe and fingers crossed prosperous New Year.

Stay safe everyone.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

dedicated supporters and encourages you to support those who support your industry GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

For a full list of the conditions of membership and a downloadable application form visit: www.ftmanews.com.au 15

ASSOCIATIONS

Can leave be refused based on business activity?

I T HIN K most of us feel that although we don’t want to wish our lives away, particularly those who remember the 70s vividly, the events of this year will be appropriately dealt with by a good dose of annual leave and the wish that it will bookmark a better 2021.

Of course, many employers in our industry have a close down and follow the provision of the Timber Industry Award (TIA) with a month’s notice to employees and a fixed number of weeks required to be taken. This allows staff to recharge their batteries, for necessary maintenance to be performed onsite and often covers a time of year which is quieter and naturally conducive to a set period of annual leave.

On the National Timber Industrial Hotline, we do have circumstances where employers knock back annual leave requests primarily due to production needs when the leave application is sought.

The Fair Work Act (s88) states that annual leave may be taken for a period agreed between an employer and an

BRIAN BEECROFT Executive Officer FTMA Australia

employee although the employer must not unreasonably refuse to agree to a request. While this does not provide an employee with a unilateral right to take annual leave at any time, an employer must have an objective reason to refuse an employee’s request for leave.

An employer should consider each request for annual leave individually based on the specific circumstances.

The reason(s) for any refusal of a request should be communicated to the employee.

The National Employment Standards do not explain the meaning of ‘unreasonably refuse’ in this context, although the taking of annual leave may also be subject to the provisions of an applicable modern award or enterprise agreement.

Relevant factors to be considered include:

• whether the employee has accrued annual leave • the proposed leave period • operational requirements during the proposed leave period • whether any detriment will be caused to the business, and • the reasonableness of the period of notice given by the employee to take leave.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS In this case, consideration of the employer’s operational requirements is a reasonable factor in refusing a request, particularly because the employee’s absence may impact on the efficiency of their work group.

COMPANY POLICY A company policy on annual leave could identify the circumstances whereby a request for annual leave may be refused by an employer.

This may help alleviate any potential disputes with employees regarding the taking of accrued annual leave. For example, the policy could identify particular times of the year where a request for annual leave may be refused due to the operational requirements of the business.

I am aware of one such company in the industry that advises employees that leave is not granted between 1 November and early December due 16

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

to increased production requirements prior to Christmas.

The policy could also indicate those times of the year when annual leave must be taken by employees as the business may be closed down due to operational requirements.

Therefore, an employee does not have a unilateral right to take annual leave at any time, however an employer cannot unreasonably refuse an employee’s request to take annual leave.

The rules around granting annual leave can be quite complex. TTIA’s experienced industrial team provide advice and assistance in all employment related issues. If you are not a Member and are interested in joining, TTIA can be contacted on (02) 9264 0011.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS I would like to wish all the readers of Australasian Timber Magazine the best for some well-earned down time during the Christmas festive period after an unconventional year.

TTIA is a non-profit, timber specific, association for the benefit of the industry and, more specifically, our loyal members across all States. We always appreciate your support and will endeavour to give you the best we have in service and assistance during 2021. Merry Christmas to all and best wishes for a successful 2021. www.timberbiz.com.au

ASSOCIATIONS

Christmas drinks are everyone’s responsibility E

AC H year MGA TMA remind members about business owners and their staff enjoying Christmas celebrations.

Obviously, during ongoing Pandemic restrictions and post-Covid requirements, we need to be very careful in relation to any gathering of staff and members should make sure that they follow the necessary social gathering rules in their State or Territory.

MGA TMA remind Members that the employer remains responsible for the well-being and safety of their employees during these celebrations. It is essential to make sure that employees abide by appropriate standards of behaviour and safety in order to avoid any employer liability in case things go wrong.

Sexual harassment is one of the most common problems that arise out of the staff Christmas party. If an incident of sexual harassment occurs whether at the worksite or off-site if it is work-related, then the employer can be held responsible. Make sure that a copy of the company policy on sexual harassment is wellknown to all employees.

Overindulgence in alcohol is generally the cause of Christmas workplace problems.

Sometimes disagreements occur due to excessive drinking, and they have been known to end up in physical fights.

to have a good time and that you expect them to behave responsibly. Warn employees that they should exercise caution in regard to the consumption of alcohol. Consider making cab vouchers available for staff to get home from the party or call for volunteer drivers amongst staff who don’t drink alcohol.

• Do not allow anyone from your Company to serve alcohol to staff, advise bartenders not to serve anyone who appears intoxicated.

• Make sure there are plenty of soft drinks available and make sure that food is served.

• Do not make the function compulsory, and do not insist that staff have an alcoholic drink as part of their “networking obligations”.

This could be seen as part of the job requirements, and the employer may be liable if there is an accident on the way home.

Providing your employees with a few simple reminders will ensure that everyone has a good time during their festive celebrations.

Enjoy the festive season and beyond .. MGA TMA look forward to a renewed and positive outlook for 2021 HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO For any enquiries regarding ASSIST EMPLOYERS IN MGA TMA Timber Merchants MANAGING THE CHRISTMAS Australia – contact Ann SanCELEBRATIONS: fey – National Membership • Tell your employees, in writ- Manager | 0411 886 716 | ann. ing, that you want everyone sanfey@mga.asn.au

www.timberbiz.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

17

ASSOCIATIONS

A challenging year of fire, floods and Covid T HE 2020 Annual General Meeting of the Timber Veneer Association was held on 22nd October, conducted on Zoom for the first time due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Presenting his report, President Terry Franklin drew attention to the challenges TVAA members had faced in a year of bushfires, floods and the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. These unforeseen events impacted supply chains for many species of Australian and imported veneers.

“Despite these challenges, the construction industry in Australia and New Zealand proved fairly resilient with only a modest impact on the timber veneer and panels industries,” Terry said. “TVAA members found ways to improve their systems, streamlining operations to maximise efficiency and control costs.”

If the market slows in 2021, adapting to the events of 2020 may prove to have had some

valuable lessons, helping the industry to respond to a changed trading environment in a flexible manner.

From an association point of view, Terry drew attention to the TVAA Constitution which states that TVAA’s mission is to promote and expand the market for decorative wood veneered panel products, to develop industry standards and to provide education for the industry and the wider public.

Focussing on these objectives, Terry noted that the TVAA committee had developed two key initiatives during 2019/20: • The recruitment of new members and the diversification of the member base to include affiliate members • The recruitment and appointment of a strategic marketing consultant which allowed upgrading of the TVAA website and implementation of a social media marketing plan via Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

“The Instagram platform has shown consistent growth in new followers”, Terry said. “We are advised that it’s the TVAA’s fastest growing social media platform”.

Facebook showed moderate growth, while LinkedIn was

TVAA’s slowest growing media platform although still bringing in a useful number of followers, 43% of whom were from the building industry.

In closing, Terry thanked outgoing committee members for their tireless work. “No

committee functions without the voluntary input of many people,” Terry said. He added, “I do expect many committee members to renominate and believe that 2020/21 will bring further opportunities for TVAA and its members.”

Nunn named Australia’s VET trainer of the year

T

A FE Gippsland Timber Training Unit manager, Kevin Nunn, is now Australia’s VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year.

The Bairnsdale-based teacher was announced as the winner of the VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year category in the 2020 Australian Training Awards, having secured the title of Victorian Teacher/Trainer of the Year earlier in the year.

Kevin was one of seven nominees from Australian states and territories in his category.

Winners of the 17 Australian Training Award categories were announced via a virtual event, in lieu of the customary award night, due to coronavirus restrictions across the country.

TAFE Gippsland’s Chief Executive, Mr Grant Radford, said Kevin’s win was greeted enthusiastically by Kevin’s many colleagues and friends assembled in Bairnsdale for the evening announcement.

“We know Kevin was a deserving and worthy winner of the Victorian Teacher/Trainer of the Year award, and to go one better at the Australian Training Awards in 2020 is just a fantastic achievement,” Mr Radford said.

“On behalf of the Board and all the staff at TAFE Gippsland, we are absolutely delighted, we’re proud and we warmly congratulate him on winning this national award.

18

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

“Not only is it further recognition of his professionalism and standing as a vocational trainer within TAFE Gippsland, but also as a leader in the local East Gippsland community recovery efforts following the summer fires.”

In winning the prestigious national award, Kevin Nunn again paid tribute to his family, work colleagues and industry partners.

“Winning the Victorian award was a significant reward for me, but in fact, it’s always a real team effort; I work with so many talented people inside and outside TAFE Gippsland and in the forestry management community,” he said.

“Thank you again to the people who put me forward for these awards, and again, I am really pleased that the work we do in training young people to keep our community safe and in managing the local forests efficiently, has been highlighted and recognised.”

The Australian VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award recognises innovation and excellence by a vocational education and training (VET) teacher/ trainer, providing nationally recognised training to students at a registered training organisation (RTO), or in partnership with an RTO. The full list of winners from the Australian Training Awards can be found at https://www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au/awards/2020/all www.timberbiz.com.au

Classifieds

Sell your used equipment, advertise your tender, offer your real estate or find your next employee.

For rates and deadlines call Gavin de Almeida on (08) 8369 9517 or email: g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au

YOUR AD IN PRINT & DIGITAL

www.timberbiz.com.au/ATM/current/

READ YOUR

INDUSTRY NEWS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE SUBSCRIBE TODAY Visit timberbiz.com.au australasian

magazine

Classifieds advertising has long been regarded as one of the best value for money forms of advertising — because it’s been proven to work, time and time again Now you can sell your used equipment, advertise your tender, offer your real estate or find your next employee through the new classified pages of Australasian Timber Magazine.

Booking a classified advertisement in Australasian Timber Magazine is as easy as phoning or emailing Gavin de Almeida on (08) 8369 9517 or g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au

australasian

magazine

BOOK TODAY

Contact Gavin de Almeida at (08) 8369 9517 or g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au www.timberbiz.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2020

19