A REGIONAL multi-generational logging company is the toast of the Green Triangle forestry industry after clinching the major accolade at the inaugural timber industry awards in Mount Gambier.
Reid Logging picked up the top “supreme” section at the Green Triangle Timber Industry Awards at The Barn on Friday night.
More than 450 attended the awards ceremony to celebrate the regional industry, which is collectively home to the nation’s largest plantation and timber processing hub.
Reid Logging also won the harvesting excellence award, with employee Adam Sealy taking out the individual forest operations crown.
Timberlink’s Leonie Stapleton was honoured with a lifetime contribution award, recognising her long-term commitment and involvement in an industry that has historically been male-dominated.
OneFortyOne Wood Products also received four awards, taking out the timber processing as well as the regional and community development excellence prizes, while Des Schebella and Linda Cotterill were applauded for their outstanding contribution to the timber industry.
The awards were established to celebrate and reward those involved with the timber industry and cover all facets of it – from nursery to silviculture, harvesting to haulage, logistics, processing and everything in between.
Awards committee chair Adrian Flowers said the event attracted excellent numbers of nominations and there was a “very high calibre” across all categories.
“It was about recognising everyone who contributes to the success of an industry that annually generates more than $778m gross regional product,” Mr Flowers said.
The Green Triangle plantation and timber processing industry – which has with more than 355,000 hectares of soft and hardwood plantations – produces timber for local manufacturing as well as national and export markets.
The industry provides employment for around 8500 people.
The awards were organised by a nine-strong committee who represent a diverse section of the industry.
“It had taken 18 months to bring together and I thank each member for their support,” Mr Flowers said.
“To our sponsors we offer our sincere appreciation for your support to the industry and these awards which have exceeded all expectation.”
Australian comedian Tommy Little was the master of ceremonies for the evening.
Award winners:
Trainee: Ben Bruhn – Tabeel Trading Pty
Dylan Edwards – L V Dohnt & Company
Forest operations: Adam Sealy – Reid Logging
Work, health, safety and environment : Bryan Haywood – Nature Glenelg Trust
Outstanding (female) contribution: Linda Cotterill – OneFortyOne
Outstanding (male) contribution: Des Schebella – OneFortyOne
Innovation award: James Williamson – Porthaul
Timber processing: OneFortyOne Wood Products
Harvesting: Reid Logging
Silviculture: A & M Contracting
Distribution & logistics: Porthaul
Safety excellence: Tabeel Trading Pty Ltd
Regional & community: OneFortyOne
Lifetime contribution: Leonie Stapleton – Timberlink Australia
