SOUTH East Labor politician Clare Scriven has paid tribute to the hundreds of women who work in the region’s timber sector.
Ms Scriven – who was formerly a leader in the state’s forestry sector – told the South Australian Legislative Council women played a vital role in the sector.
She said the recent inaugural Green Triangle Timber Industry Awards shone the light on the contribution of women to the sector.
“We know women play a vital role in the forestry and timber sector, despite many people assuming it is almost exclusively a male industry,” Ms Scriven said.
“I was particularly pleased the awards included a category of outstanding contribution to the timber industry from a female.”
This award included a requirement the woman be recognised by both peers and employers as making an outstanding contribution to the industry.
Linda Cotterill – who was the winner of the award – has more than 20 years experience in the timber industry and is currently a harvesting manager at OneFortyOne Plantations, following a long period with Green Triangle Forest Products (GTFP).
“Her outstanding contribution included the mentoring of other foresters, co-creating DVDs for primary schools that showcase the forestry industry and, recently, significant work with SafeWork SA and LITA, together with major industry players, to initiate fatigue management improvement in the region,” Ms Scriven said.
Meanwhile, she said Courtney Pink – who was runner-up for the award – had achieved a huge amount within the industry at a “very young age”.
By age 22, Courtney had completed a degree as a forester and was now an asset manager at SFM Environmental Solutions.
She developed industry system documents, specifications and quality control guidelines while overseeing establishment of 1900 hectares of timber plantations.
“Courtney successfully completed the regional leadership course supported by FWPA and has worked on a number of environmental projects,” the Upper House MP said.
“The forest operation safety plan that she developed for silviculture and harvesting operations is now used day to day by the other foresters and she also works alongside CFS volunteers in bushfire situations.
“Courtney shows great care for the wildlife that live around forests, taking injured animals to the vet and even hand-rearing several baby kangaroos and she is considered a great ambassador for the future of the industry.”
The lifetime contribution award was won by Timberlink Australia’s Leonie Stapleton.
“Few can boast the kind of career legacy Leonie Stapleton has left, with over 40 years of experience in the local forestry industry,” Ms Scriven said.
Leonie began work in the industry in 1973 for southern Australian perpetual forests (Sapfor), in what was then definitely a very male-dominated industry.
“She dealt with the purchase and export of woodchip, accounting for infield chipping and chip transport contractors, overseeing systems for quality and moisture control, export facility safety and market analysis,” Ms Scriven said.
Her career continued, with roles managing project cash flow, purchasing, reporting and safety systems for site construction and she was a key member in the capital project team for the construction of the Portland woodchip terminal, which is now the largest woodchip port in the world.
“She has been recognised as a great communicator, particularly cross-culturally in her dealings with international importers.
“Leonie is considered a true role model for men and women in the forestry industry and is very deserving of recognition for her lifetime contribution to the sector.”
Ms Scriven said recognising the contribution of women in the industry was one important part of the Green Triangle Timber Industry Awards.
“Congratulations to all the winners and all the nominees in all of the awards,” she said.
“Well done to the GTTIA committee and the entire industry for getting together to support these inaugural awards and recognise all the exceptional individuals and businesses that are part of this industry.
“I was honoured to be a judge for the awards and, with everyone else in the industry, I am looking forward to next year’s event.”
