Australian forestry professionals join Canada, UK and New Zealand as part of international exchange program
A pilot international exchange program between Canada, the UK, New Zealand and Australia has been developed to offer participants an opportunity to gain diverse perspectives as well as foster personal and professional growth.
Forestry Australia CEO, Jacquie Martin, said Australia is delighted to be part of a pilot international exchange program with the Canadian Institute of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada, the Institute of Chartered Foresters, United Kingdom and the New Zealand Institute of Forestry.
"The pilot international exchange program offers a unique opportunity for emerging leaders in forestry and forest management to participate in a 3-month paid international work placement," Ms Martin said.
"It allows participants to build global networks, exchange knowledge and gain hands on experience.
"Participants will be able to immerse themselves in a new environment, assisting them develop adaptability, broadening expertise, and collaborating on shared opportunities and challenges."
Prue Crundall, Forestry Corporation NSW will be hosted by the Duchy of Cornwall in the UK.
Ms Crundall said she is relatively new to the forestry industry and participating in this program will give her an opportunity to enhance her understanding of forestry practices, and expand her professional network.
Sean Boucher, of Sustainable Timber Tasmania will work with Strategic Natural Resource Consultants, a trailblazer in forest management and resource consulting, in British Columbia, Canada.
Sean said he was looking to participate in this forestry exchange program to enhance his understanding of sustainable forest management and to view and learn different forestry techniques and practices.
"In addition, by opening their doors to young professionals from overseas, Sustainable Timber Tasmania and Forestry Corporation of NSW are providing life-changing opportunities and showcasing the exceptional forestry expertise and innovation within their organisations," Ms Martin said.
Australia will welcome Hope Rebonne from Canada, who will gain experience with Sustainable Timber Tasmania in Australia.
Hope said she recently graduated with a forestry diploma in April 2024.
"I applied to this exchange program because I see it as a fantastic opportunity to deepen my understanding of forestry on a global scale, while I am still discovering all the forestry job opportunities here in Canada.
"I am excited to explore the diverse practices and approaches in Tasmania's forest sector and to compare them with forestry in Canada," Ms Rebonne said.
Alex Donaldson, Regeneration Programme Manager with Zulu Ecosystems, UK will be working for Forest Corporation of New South Wales.
Alex said joining Australia's international forestry sector is an unmissable opportunity.
"I'm eager to exchange insights from the UK and immerse myself in their unique industry," Mr Donaldson said.
ABOUT FORESTRY AUSTRALIA
Forestry Australia is an independent, not-for-profit professional association of approximately 1,100 forest scientists, managers and growers who work in native forests, plantations and provision of environmental services. Its members are committed to the principles of sustainable forest management and applying these principles to generate environmental, social and economic outcomes in all types of forests and land tenures.
