New Forestry Australia Director appointments have been announced following a member vote and AGM held at last week's National Symposium in Albury.
Forestry Australia CEO Jacquie Martin welcomed new Director Matt de Jongh and returning Director Blair Freeman to the Board, saying their appointments would help the organisation maintain momentum in advocating for members and the role of sustainable forestry in Australia."I'm delighted to give a big welcome to new Director Matt de Jongh and a big welcome back to returning Director Blair Freeman," Ms Martin said.
"With the vital role members play in ensuring forests and their many values can benefit society for generations to come, Matt joins us at an exciting time for Forestry Australia.
"His combination of operational and policy knowledge stands to add a new dimension to an already diversely skilled board which is strongly representative of our membership.
"After a tremendous contribution in his first term, the re-appointment of Blair Freeman is another big win for the organisation.
"I look forward to working with them both, and the rest of the board to help tackle the opportunities and challenges ahead for our profession and sector."
A forester with over 20 years' experience in both operational and policy roles, new Director Matt de Jongh is the Sustainability Manager for Responsible Wood and holds a Bachelor of Science (Forestry), ANU and a Graduate Certificate in Business Management, UNE.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Director with Forestry Australia, I am passionate about forestry and a very proud advocate for the continued sustainable management of our forests," Mr de Jongh said.
"It's an honour to be involved with a supportive Board and members that have a wealth of knowledge and expertise. It's an exciting time to be involved with an organisation that is actively raising awareness of the benefits of sustainable forest management."
Reappointed Director Blair Freeman, is a professional forester with over 25 years' experience in providing advisory services on forest policy development, strategic planning and natural resource management across Australia and the Asia Pacific region. the Head of Strategy and Sustainability with Indufor, an international forest sector consulting firm with offices in Australia, New Zealand, Finland and North America.
"I am delighted to be appointed to a second term as Director of Forestry Australia. I am looking forward to continuing work with the Board and our national office on implementing our plan for further growth," Mr Freeman said.
"The National Symposium in Albury in October highlighted again the exciting opportunities and challenges ahead for forestry in Australia. Key to this will be building on our partnerships and collaborations across a wide range of areas of knowledge and expertise."
Ms Martin also thanked retiring Director Dr Lachie McCaw for his service to the organisation, which included a term as Vice President.
"I'd like to thank Dr Lachie McCaw for his outstanding commitment and service to the organisation," Ms Martin said.
"In recent years, Lachie has been instrumental in supporting the Grower Committee, the Forest Fire Management Committee and the Registered Forestry
Professional Review, as well as generously providing his wisdom and expertise to help Forestry Australia move forward."
Dr McCaw said he left the board feeling buoyant about the future of forestry in Australia.
"Without exception, the interactions amongst the many people who have served the Board during this period have been professional, constructive and genuine in their intent to advance the cause of forestry and act in the best interest of members," Dr McCaw said.
"My experience of the recent Albury symposium leaves me feeling altogether confident that Forestry Australia is well placed to continue the journey of leading, adapting and re-imagining the future of forestry in Australia".
Ms Martin said Vice President Dr Michelle Freeman is currently on maternity leave and is set to resume her role in early 2023.
