A National Institute to Transform & Grow Our Industry

AFWI is a national research institute dedicated to transforming, diversifying, and growing the forest and forest products industries. Through research, innovation, and Australian-made solutions, we drive progress for a sustainable and resilient sector.

Our research spans the entire forest fibre value chain, delivering impact through a network of AFWI Research Centres and an Open Call for Research Program.

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Our Mission

To transform and grow Australia’s forest and wood products sector by fostering research collaboration and innovation across industry, academia and government.

Vision

A globally competitive and climate-positive Australian forest and wood products sector enabled by world-class science, resilient forests, high-value fibre systems, sustainable materials, and advanced timber-based manufacturing.

This vision reflects both national need and global opportunity. It positions AFWI not only as a research funder, but as an institution capable of driving long-term transformation across the full forest-to-fabrication value chain through partnerships.

Our Values

AFWI’s core values guide our operations, governance, and stakeholder relationships.

Innovation

We facilitate creative approaches to deliver novel solutions for our stakeholders.

Integrity

We build trust by delivering on commitments with transparency and honesty.

Capability

We support the long-term growth and prosperity of a sustainable and socially responsible forest and forest products sector.

Collaboration

We address industry and societal challenges through partnerships, ensuring our research has real impact.

AFWI’s Structure

AFWI is an unincorporated entity, hosted by the University of Tasmania. AFWI’s management group, oversees the delivery of research through two main pathways:

UTAS Campus Inveresk | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry
Research Centres

Delivered through our three Research Centres at the University of Tasmania, the University of the Sunshine Coast, and the University of Melbourne. Learn More >

Team gathering in forest | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry
National Open Call for Research

Addressing key industry challenges not covered by the Research Centres. Learn More >

Research investment decisions are guided by our Research Advisory Committee, which provides recommendations to our AFWI Board. Our Board provides the strategic oversight to ensure our governance, financial and administrative systems deliver on our mission.

Our Strategy

Overview

Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) is Australia’s national research and innovation institute for the forest and wood products sector. Through a Commonwealth partnership with the University of Tasmania, AFWI delivers a coordinated national program to strengthen forest resilience, maximise fibre value, accelerate low-carbon materials, and support housing innovation. AFWI’s Strategy 2025–2030 provides a clear national framework for research, innovation and industry adoption at scale.

Strategic objectives

  • Strong governance and capability
  • High-quality research and co-investment
  • Forest resilience and productivity
  • Fibre value and manufacturing uplift
  • Climate and natural capital systems
  • Timber housing at scale

How We Deliver

AFWI operates as a national system, integrating:

  • Research Centres across leading universities and delivery partners
  • National Open Calls and matched funding
  • Strategic initiatives (carbon, digital, housing, bioeconomy)
  • National data and reporting platforms
  • Demonstration and adoption pathways

Impact by 2030

  • Climate-resilient and productive forests
  • Increased fibre productivity and value
  • Scaled timber housing systems
  • Credible carbon and natural capital frameworks
  • A globally competitive bioeconomy

Implementation

  • 2025–26: Mobilise systems and programs
  • 2027–28: Scale national initiatives
  • 2029–30: Deliver impact and transition to long-term capability

The AFWI Board

AFWI’s activities and expenditure is overseen by an external advisory Board with an Independent Chairperson. The Board provides similar strategic advice and oversight role as a governing board. The role of the AFWI Board is to:

  • Provide strategic direction and advice in relation to AFWI's program of activities.
  • Receive advice and recommendations from the Research Advisory Committee on research projects.
  • Endorse research projects to be undertaken using core, conditional and open-call research funding.
  • Demonstrate and promote a culture consistent with the values of AFWI and UTAS.
  • Ensure that all research undertaken by AFWI is supported by industry.
  • Ensure all research endeavours to maximise the benefit to the broader forestry and wood products industry.
Board Committees
  • Research – provides expert review and advice on the research portfolio.
  • Finance, Audit and Risk – monitors AFWI’s financial health, risk exposure, internal controls, audit findings and interest earnings.
  • Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement – This committee oversees AFWI’s national engagement, communications, partnerships, and strategic positioning. It ensures AFWI maintains visibility, strong relationships, and alignment with industry, state governments, communities and national priorities.
  • First Nations – provides culturally informed governance and ensures First Nations considerations are integrated into research design, partnerships, engagement and knowledge pathways.
Bob Gordon | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry
Bob Gordon (Chair)
Julianne OReilly-Wapstra | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry
Prof Julianne O’Reilly-Wapstra
Diana Gibbs | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry
Diana Gibbs
Brian Farmer | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry
Brian Farmer
Heidi Dungey | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry
Dr Heidi Dungey
Christine Briggs | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry
Christine Briggs
Andrew Wilson | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry
Andrew Wilson
Stephen Dadd | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry
Stephen Dadd
Travis Wacey | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry
Travis Wacey
Phil Thompson

AFWI Staff

Joseph Lawrence | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry
Dr Joseph Lawrence, Executive Director
Patrick Mitchell | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry
Dr Patrick Mitchell, Deputy Director
Carly Rosewarne
Dr Carly Rosewarne, R&D Partnerships Manager
Kathryn Fox
Kathryn Fox, Research Funding Manager
Sharon Nolan
Sharon Nolan, Senior Executive Officer

Mark Brown
Prof Mark Brown, Centre Director UniSC
Patrick Baker
Prof Patrick Baker, Centre Director UoM
Dean Williams
Ass Prof Dean Williams, Centre Director UTAS
Kelly Stewart
Kelly Stewart, Centre Manager UniSC
Ellie McSheedy
Ellie McSheedy, Centre Manager UoM
Sarah Hulme
Dr Sarah Hulme, Centre Manager UTAS

Research Advisory Committee

The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) plays a vital role in the successful functioning of AFWI. The RAC provides expert advice to the Board on matters relating to forests and forest product research and innovation.

The advisory committee’s role is to also ensure that all research undertaken by AFWI is supported by industry.

AFWI aims to make its research as beneficial as possible for the broader forestry and wood products industries within reasonable limits.

Chaired by Professor Rodney Keenan, the Committee includes leaders from academia, industry, and government.

Rod Keenan
Professor Rod Keenan (Chair)
Gavin Matthews
Gavin Matthew
Simon Dorries
Simon Dorries
Shaun Suitor
Dr Shaun Suitor
Danielle Wiseman
Dr Danielle Wiseman
Craig Cowled
Dr Craig Cowled
Henri Bailleres
Dr Henri Baillères
Steve Read
Dr Steve Read
Jodie Mason
Jodie Mason
Peter Harding
Peter Harding
Melanie Zeppel
Dr Melanie Zeppel
Richard Hyett
Richard Hyett
Ian Blanden
Ian Blanden
Kevin Harding
Dr Kevin Harding

AFWI Research Centre Industry Advisory Boards

Member

Position

Role

Steve WalkerPrincipal – Terrafolia Advisory

Chair

Katie Fowden

General Manager – Corporate Affairs, Hyne Group

Industry Representative

Jan Rombouts

Resources Manager, OneFortyOne

Industry Representative

Dallas Anson

Forestry Group Leader, NT Government

Industry Representative

Ben Bradshaw

R&D Manager, Australian Bluegum Plantations Pty Ltd

Industry Representative

Tek Maraseni

Professor – Environmental Science and Management, University of Southern Queensland

Research Leadership Representative

Keith Crews

Professor – School of Civil Engineering, University of Queensland

Research  Representative

Tim Smith

Director, Forestry and Biosciences RD&E, Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Primary Industries

Research  Representative

Learn More >

Member

Position

Role

Tim Woods

Managing Director, Industry Edge

Chair

David Brand

Chair, International Sustainable Forestry Coalition

Industry Representative

Michelle Freeman

President, Forestry Australia

Industry Representative

Karina Coombes

Co-Chair, Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board (TITEB)

Industry Representative

Andrew Hurford

Director, The Hurford Group; President, NE NSW Forestry Hub

Industry Representative

Andrew Lyon

Director, Business Services, Forest Products Commission WA

Industry Representative

Learn More >

Member
Position
Role
Ian Telfer
CEO, WAPRES
Chair
Trevor Innes Technical Chief and Sustainability Officer, Timberlink
Industry Representative
Michael Lee
Owner, Lee Timber Tech
Industry Representative
Kathy Morris
General Manager, Wesbeam
Industry Representative
Ben Bradshaw Manager R&D, Australian Bluegum Plantations
Industry Representative
Kelly Williamson Tree Crop Manager (Penola), Timberlands Pacific
Industry Representative
Anne Shuter Tasmanian Forest Practices Authority
Industry Representative
Prof Gil Garnier Director of BioPRIA, Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University
Research Representative
Prof Richard Harper
Associate Dean Research and Innovation, School of Agricultural Sciences, Murdoch University
Research Representative
Dr Anthony O’Grady Senior Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO
Research Representative
Dr Jim O’Hehir
General Manager, Forestry Centre of Excellence, University of South Australia
Research Representative
Dr Georgia Lindsay Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Design, University of Tasmania
Research Representative
  Learn More >

A Collaborative Partnership

AFWI is built on a strong partnership between industry, government, and research. We foster trust and deliver impact through collaboration and meaningful engagement with our stakeholders.

We work closely with industry bodies and organisations to ensure our research drives real-world change. Our shared commitment to a sustainable and innovative forestry sector is reflected in our key strategic partnerships.

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About AFWI
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Bob Gordon | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry

Bob Gordon

Board Chair

Bob Gordon is a seasoned Chief Executive and Non-Executive Board member with 40 years in the forestry and natural resources sector. Since 1991, he has held senior executive roles, including Forestry Commissioner and Managing Director/CEO of Forestry Tasmania from 2006 to 2013.

His visionary leadership greatly impacted the industry, and he served as President of the Institute of Foresters of Australia from 2015 to 2023. Bob is also a dedicated community leader, holding roles as Deputy Chair of MyState Limited, President of Football Federation Tasmania, Chair of the Supported Affordable Accommodation Trust, and Honorary Consul of Finland for Tasmania.

Julianne OReilly-Wapstra | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry

Professor Julianne O’Reilly-Wapstra

Board Member

Julianne O’Reilly-Wapstra is a senior leader with extensive experience at the interface of science, forestry, and organisational leadership, bringing a proven record of strategic vision, execution, and people management in complex, high‑accountability environments. Currently Dean of Natural Science and Professor at the University of Tasmania, with deep, long‑term engagement across Australia’s forestry sector.

Diana Gibbs | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry

Diana Gibbs

Board Member

Diana Gibbs is a resource economist specialising in strategic planning and project evaluation, with expertise in forestry, mining, agriculture, and water use.

She has extensive experience in regional economic development in Australia and globally. Diana has held leadership roles in FWPRDC (now FWPA), Agrifutures Australia, and the NSW Rural Assistance Authority.

With over 30 years of experience in the Australian forest and wood products industry, Diana has served as Chair of AFPA and remains a Director. She also provides economic advice to the Softwoods Working Group and lives on a farm near Wagga Wagga.

Brian Farmer | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry

Brian Farmer

Board Member

Brian Farmer has a strong business background in forest management and extensive experience as CEO of two major Australian plantation companies. His career includes active involvement in industry associations, lobbying groups, policy development, and research organisations.

Brian has a proven track record in business transformation, achieving financial and environmental outcomes. He has worked closely with Boards as both a CEO and Board member, including holding chair positions.

His leadership and expertise have made a significant impact on the forestry and plantation management sectors.

Heidi Dungey | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry

Heidi Dungey

Board Member

Heidi Dungey has expertise in the genetics and breeding of trees, including radiata pine, Douglas-fir, cypresses, eucalypts, and redwood.

Her specialities cover forest tree breeding, hybridisation, propagation, and nursery research. A key focus has been integrating seed-to-product research for the forestry industry. Recently, she has worked with indigenous communities on afforestation goals and myrtle rust resistance through adapted breeding programmes.

Heidi earned her PhD from the University of Tasmania, then worked in Chile as a tree breeder and Interim Director at the Southern University of Chile. She led the Forest Genetics group at Scion from 2011-2023 and is involved in IUFRO and international research projects.

Christine Briggs | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry

Christine Briggs

Board Member

Christine has over 35 years of experience in the forest and wood products industry, holding senior sales and marketing roles with major timber manufacturers with turnovers averaging $400 million annually.

Her leadership includes expertise in change management, brand alignment, team development, strategic planning, and supply chain management. Since moving to the NSW Central Coast in 2020, Christine has transitioned from a full-time executive career to director roles.

She has served on the Forest & Wood Products Australia Board and committees, including Finance, Risk & Audit, and as Chair of HR & Nominations. Christine currently serves on the boards of Responsible Wood and Meals on Wheels Central Coast. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from the University of Technology, Sydney, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Andrew Wilson | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry

Andrew Wilson

Board Member

Andrew Wilson is the Director of Forest Research and Innovation at the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, where he supports research for the Australian forestry industries.

He has been involved with the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation Research Centre Advisory Committees in Mount Gambier, Launceston, and Gippsland, promoting innovation in Australia’s forest and wood products sector. Andrew previously chaired Australia’s National Forest Inventory, Plantation Inventory, and Montreal Process Implementation Group and internationally led the Montreal Process Working Group and JUSCANZ at the UN Forum on Forests.

With a background in forest policy and research since the mid-1990s, he has contributed to Australia’s State of the Forests Reports and worked as a Senior Forest Policy Officer in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Stephen Dadd | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry

Stephen Dadd

Board Member

Stephen Dadd is an Executive Director of the Pentarch Group. Prior to joining Pentarch, Steve had an extensive career at Boral, where he worked for over 18 years in various executive roles, including Executive General Manager of the Timber business and head of the National Building Products Division. Before his time at Boral, Steve spent nine years as a Strategy Consultant with the Boston Consulting Group.

Stephen serves in several significant roles in the industry. He is a Chair and Director of Green Timber Technology (GTT), the Chair and Non-Executive Director of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), the Chair of AFPA-NSW and the President of the Central West Forestry Hub and a Councillor of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from the London Business School. He is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Travis Wacey | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry

Travis Wacey

Board Member

Travis Wacey is the Director of Policy and Research at the Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union (TFTU), where he has been a leader in national policy and advocacy work since 2009.

He brings over 15 years of experience across manufacturing, forest products, built environment standards, trade defence, public procurement, climate, skills, and natural resources. Travis has chaired and co‑chaired working groups within the International Trade Remedies Forum and served on the Responsible Wood Standards Committee, the National Reconstruction Fund’s Value‑Add in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries working group, and the Victorian Forestry Transition Reference Group. He has represented the union at UN climate negotiations and Global Union Federation forums.

Travis holds an Honours degree in International Studies and History from the University of Melbourne.

Phil Thompson

Board Member

Phil is a Central Queenslander, born in Barcaldine. A Bidjara/ Kara Kara man and his mother people are from Tanna Islander, Vanuatu. The youngest of 6 children, Phil spent his youth working with his family on the land chasing sheep and cattle around.

Phil is an environmentalist and conservationist, his passion is biodiversity management, land rehabilitation and has turned this passion in an essential oil manufacturer and natural skin care company all based on traditional knowledge called Native Secrets. Native Secrets supplies products to various outlets and corporates including Qantas and Taronga Zoos.

More recently Phil and his family featured on ABC’s ‘Moving 2 the country’ program, featured in the Qantas magazine, Women’s Weekly, was one of the final 12 in Koshies favourite Australian family business awards and Telstra’s NSW Building Communities state winner in 2023. In 2025 Native Secrets won a Global Beauty Excellence award in Shanghai, China.

Phil is a Board member of Timber Queensland and an adjunct faculty member of the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at UNSW where he facilitates a leadership immersions and leadership masterclasses. He joined the AFWI Board in August 2026.

Joseph Lawrence | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry

Dr Joseph Lawrence

Executive Director

Dr Joseph Lawrence is the head of AWFI and is responsible for the development, implementation, and growth of AFWI. He works closely with industry, government and research stakeholders to deliver on AFWI’s mission of transforming Australia’s forest and wood products sector by fostering collaboration and innovation.

With over two decades of experience, Joseph has developed and led strategic partnership initiatives and R&D collaborations among industry, university/research, and government sectors. He holds a Master of Engineering in Management, a Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering Management), is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Patrick Mitchell | Australian Forest and Wood Innovations | Australian forestry

Dr Patrick Mitchell

Deputy Director

Dr Patrick Mitchell is the deputy head of AFWI and is responsible for co-ordinating AFWI’s research programs and investment to ensure maximum uptake and impact of its R&D across industry and relevant stakeholders.

Pat holds a PhD in Plant Biology and has over 15 years of experience delivering research into climate impacts on forest and agriculture systems and ways to better manage risk in the primary industries sector.

Carly Rosewarne

Dr Carly Rosewarne

R&D Partnerships Manager

Dr Carly Rosewarne is the AFWI R&D Partnerships Manager, where she leads and coordinates effective industry–university–government research collaborations and enables strong alignment between research activity, impact, commercialisation outcomes and Commonwealth reporting obligations.

After completing her PhD in environmental microbiology, Carly joined CSIRO as a Research Scientist, where she led and contributed to cross-sector projects in agriculture and human health. She then transitioned into research development and management roles in academia and industry, where she built collaborations, secured grant funding, and delivered agricultural research and extension initiatives. Carly is passionate about bridging the gap between R&D outcomes and real-world impact by empowering researchers to focus on how to identify and address industry challenges and opportunities.

Carly is a former Fulbright Professional Scholar in Climate Change and Clean Energy and a past Executive Chair of the Australian Academy of Science Early and Mid-Career Researcher Forum.

Kathryn Fox

Kathryn Fox

Research Funding Manager

Kathryn is responsible for the management of AFWI funding calls and the development and compliance of contracts associated with individual projects and the three AFWI Research Centres.

Kathryn holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design and has over 20 years of business management experience, including comprehensive expertise in delivering national grant programs, strategic planning, customer service delivery, and process improvement.

Sharon Nolan

Sharon Nolan

Senior Executive Officer

Sharon is a pivotal member of the AFWI team, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to drive efficient administration operations. She supports the Board and Research Advisory Committee members, contributing to AFWI’s goals.

With 30+ years’ experience in the design and construction industries across Africa, the UK, Dubai, China and Hong Kong, Sharon excels at managing complex demands and delivering results in fast-paced environments.

Mark Brown

Professor Mark Brown

Director, AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures

Professor Mark Brown is the Director of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Forest Research Institute and the AFWI research centre at UniSC. 

Mark grew up in the forest industry and from the family sawmill went on to get his Bachelor of Science in Forest Engineering from the University of New Brunswick and become a researcher and later research lead with the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC) focussing on forest transportation efficiency and road maintenance management.

As part of the CRC for Forestry, Mark worked on building an extended collaborative research network in addition to managing the harvesting and operations program. 

In his current role at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) played a key role in establishing the Australian Forest Operations Research Alliance (AFORA) and the Forest Industries Research Centre (FIRC) .

Mark is also leading the global development of the bioenergy industry as the newly appointed Chair of the International Energy Agency Bioenergy program.

Patrick Baker

Professor Patrick Baker

Director, AFWI Centre for Climate-Smart Forestry

Patrick Baker is a Professor of Silviculture and Forest Ecology at the University of Melbourne and the Director of the AFWI Centre for Climate-Smart Forestry. 

His research focuses on understanding how and why forests change and how this knowledge can be applied to better manage forests in an uncertain world.  

Patrick has a BA from Bowdoin College, a Masters of Forestry from Yale University, and a PhD from the University of Washington. From 2001-04 he was a post-doctoral research fellow on the Big Island of Hawaii working for the US Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii. He moved to Australia in 2004 as a Lecturer in Plant Ecology at Monash University. In 2012 he was awarded an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship and moved to the University of Melbourne.

Patrick was an adjunct scientist at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory from 2009-2013 and a Charles Bullard Fellow in Forest Science at Harvard University from 2020-22.  

Patrick has collaborated with the Smithsonian Institution’s Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) on a long-term forest monitoring project in western Thailand since 1994. He recently established the first ForestGEO plot in Australia in the Central Highlands of Victoria.

Dean Williams

Associate Professor Dean Williams

Director, AFWI Centre for Sustainable Resource and Product Solutions

Associate Professor Dean Williams is the Director of the Australian Forest and Wood Innovations University of Tasmania led research centre. 

Prior to joining the University of Tasmania in 2023 to help establish AFWI, Dean was the leader of the Sustainable Timber Tasmania research program, delivering innovation in forest management. 

Dean has 30 years of university and industry-based experience in applied forestry research across a broad scope of disciplines including propagation, genetics, silviculture, wood properties, harvesting and logistics, remote sensing, pest and disease management, threatened species management and fire management.  This research has been done in collaboration with many universities, private companies and government agencies, locally, nationally and internationally, supported by competitive grants from the ARC, FWPA and NIFPI. 

Whilst working in the forest industry, Dean has helped supervise around a dozen PhD students, providing linkages for students to industry.

Kelly Stewart

Kelly Stewart

General Manager, AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures

Kelly Stewart is the General Manager of the AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures and the Forest Research Institute at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

She is a highly accomplished research and partnership manager with over two decades of experience in the tertiary sector, including more than 17 years supporting forestry research.

Kelly plays a key role in enabling innovation across the sector and serves as Secretary for IEA Bioenergy Task 43.

She holds a Master’s in Tertiary Education Management and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Ellie McSheedy

Ellie McSheedy

Centre Manager, AFWI Centre for Climate-Smart Forestry

Ellie McSheedy is the Centre Manager for the AFWI Centre for Climate-Smart Forestry at the University of Melbourne.

She brings over 15 years’ experience in research management, specialising in post-award processes, governance, and multi-partner collaboration.

Ellie has led large-scale, multi-partner research initiatives at Monash University and RMIT, and has held research management roles at University College London and Imperial College London.

She has a strong track record in funding strategy, stakeholder engagement, and financial management.

Ellie takes a practical, solutions-focused approach, supporting research that delivers real-world impact and fostering collaboration at every level.

Sarah Hulme

Dr Sarah Hulme

Manager, AFWI Centre for Sustainable Resource and Product Solutions

Sarah oversees the operations of AFWI’s Centre for Sustainable Resource and Product Solutions at the University of Tasmania (UTAS). She was previously the Business Manager for the ARC Training Centre for Hyphenated Analytical Separation Technologies (HyTECH) in the UTAS School of Chemistry.

Sarah holds a PhD from the University of Otago and has extensive experience in Australia and internationally as both an academic and a research management professional. Her professional career has focused on research strategy, development, and management, with particular interests in facilitating impactful stakeholder relationships and supporting the next generation of researchers.

Rod Keenan

Professor Rod Keenan

Research Advisory Committee Chair

Rod is an Honorary Professorial Fellow and former Chair of Forest and Ecosystem Sciences at the University of Melbourne. He has led forest research groups and initiatives in Queensland and Victoria and in the Federal Government. Rod’s research interests include forest and innovation policy, ecology, carbon, climate change, biodiversity and economics.

From 2009-14 he was Director of the Victorian Centre for Climate Change Adaptation Research and he was a member of the UN-FAO Advisory Group for the Global Forest Resource Assessment from 2003 to 2015. He is currently a non-executive director of Sustainable Timber Tasmania.

Gavin Matthews

Gavin Matthews

RAC Member

Gavin Matthew is the Chief Executive Officer of the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA). EWPAA is a national technical association for manufacturers of engineered wood products (EWP) located throughout Australasia.

Gavin has over 25 years of diverse forest products industry experience in policy development and industry advocacy, natural resource management, consulting, wood processing and manufacturing. Gavin holds a Bachelor of Science (Forestry) degree, a Bachelor of Economics degree (both from the Australian National University), and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment.

Simon Dorries

Simon Dorries

RAC Member

Simon Dorries is Chief Executive Officer of Responsible Wood, which is accredited by Standards Australia to develop and maintain the Australian Standards supporting the Responsible Wood Certification System. These include AS4707 Chain of Custody and AS/NZS4708 Sustainable Forest Management.

With over 40 years’ experience in the forest and wood products industry, Simon began his career in 1985 as a cadet scientist while completing a science degree. He has extensive expertise in product certification, compliance testing, training, product development, and standards. Simon also serves as Chair of Standards Australia Committee TM-011, overseeing standards for engineered wood products.

Shaun Suitor

Dr Shaun Suitor

RAC Member

Dr Suitor has a diverse background in forest policy, regulation, compliance, management planning, carbon and natural capital accounting research. Over the last 20 years, he has worked across Australia and Europe, focusing on technical partnerships to disseminate research, monitoring, and evaluation findings in forest management to field operations.

Dr Suitor’s current role involves managing a technical team overseeing the strategic projects, natural capital, carbon and research development and extension functions of Sustainable Timber Tasmania. He is also involved in academic research, serving as an Adjunct Senior Researcher in Biological Sciences at the University of Tasmania. Shaun has recently led or contributed to several research papers and projects, specialising in the environmental markets, forest carbon and natural capital accounting field.

Danielle Wiseman

Dr Danielle Wiseman

RAC Member

Dr Danielle Wiseman is an applied researcher working primarily in the areas of forest silviculture and forest health. After completing a PhD in tree physiology and pathology at the University of Tasmania, Danielle has focused on applied research in collaboration with industry to improve plantation management.

Her work has also extended into native forest silviculture, as well as pest, weed, and disease management in nature reserves.

Craig Cowled

Dr Craig Cowled

RAC Member

Dr Craig Cowled started his career in the timber frame and truss industry as an estimator/detailer, which is where he discovered an interest in understanding how structures work.  He earned first class honours in an engineering degree, worked as a project engineer, worked as a structural engineer, completed a PhD, and continues to build an academic career with a research focus on timber engineering. 

As a Worimi man, Dr Cowled, who is now the Assistant Dean, Engagement with Indigenous Australians, in the Faculty of Engineering at Queensland University of Technology, has a longstanding commitment to fostering Indigenous excellence in engineering.

Henri Bailleres

Dr Henri Baillères

RAC Member

Henri was born in Toulouse, France, and grew up near the Landes Forest, where a passion for trees led him to study forest management, wood industry engineering, and complete a PhD in wood science. He has worked across Europe, Australia and beyond, leading national and international RD&E projects in collaboration with academic and industry partners.

In Australia, he led the Forest Products Innovation Team at Queensland DAF and later managed product development for a major engineered wood company.

Now General Manager, Forests to Timber Products at Scion, Henri is committed to delivering sustainable, practical solutions that benefit the entire forestry sector.

Steve Read

Dr Steve Read

RAC Member

Dr. Steve Read has had a long career in biochemical, biological and forest sciences, and is an experienced research manager, program leader, science communicator and policy advisor. After twenty years as an academic researcher and teacher, including in forestry with the University of Melbourne, he spent seven years as Chief Scientist of Forestry Tasmania, and has recently retired from the position of Chief Coordinating Scientist for ABARES in the Commonwealth government.

Steve’s work has included research prioritisation, management and assessment, and public engagement to explain how science and research are key to creating a modern forestry and forest products sector with conservation, production and commercial outcomes.

Jodie Mason

Jodie Mason

RAC Member

Jodie Mason is Head of Forest Research with Forest and Wood products Australia, leading a program of research, development and extension for the benefit of commercial forest growers.

Jodie holds a Bachelor of Forest Science and a Master of Business Administration. She has over thirty years’ experience in forest management, with a focus on research, operations, certification, forest carbon and environmental auditing. She has worked in both native and plantation forests and provided consulting services to the sectors for fifteen years, across Australia and internationally.

Peter Harding

Peter Harding

RAC Member

Peter Harding is an Assistant Director of Forestry Research and Innovation at the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. His work focuses on policy development and project management with a strong focus on sustainable development and innovation in Australia’s forestry and wood products industries, and the environment.

With experience across federal and state government roles, Peter has supported the implementation of both national and state initiatives, multi-million-dollar government programs, and delivered evidence-based policy advice. He brings a collaborative approach to program delivery and a passion for driving impactful and well-informed outcomes. Peter holds a Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Management from the University of Adelaide.

Melanie Zeppel

Dr Melanie Zeppel

RAC Member

Dr Melanie Zeppel is Manager, Natural Capital & Carbon Analytics at New Forests, where she works on sustainable forestry, carbon, and conservation projects. With 15+ years’ experience in climate change, carbon accounting, and forest and soil responses to drought, she is passionate about reducing emissions and boosting carbon sequestration.

Melanie was named a 2023–2024 Science & Technology Australia Superstar of STEM and won the 2022 Women in AI (Agribusiness) award for soil carbon modelling. She also received the 2019 Scopus Researcher of the Year: Sustainability, has over 60 peer-reviewed publications, and has secured more than $5.1 million in research funding.

Richard Hyett

Richard Hyett

RAC Member

Richard Hyett Joined AFPA in early 2021 and has 20 years’ experience in Agricultural and Natural Resource advocacy. Prior to Joining AFPA Richard had over a decade in Government and the Public Service including working for two Cabinet Ministers.

Richard has a degree in politics and natural resource management from Monash University and has owned and run his own farm enterprise close to Echuca for 25 years. Richard lists Country of Origin Labelling as his favourite achievement when working in government.

Ian Blanden

Ian Blanden

RAC Member

Ian Blanden is Head of Research, Development & Extension (RD&E) at Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) and has over 30 years’ experience in plantation and natural forest management. He has held senior executive roles in Australia and internationally, including as General Manager of Stora Enso Guangxi, where he led wood sales growth and established the supply chain for the Beihai Mill. 

Ian’s commercial expertise spans R&D, sales and marketing, logistics, stakeholder management, downstream processing and value adding. He has driven major cultural and leadership transformations, and held leadership positions at Gunns Plantations Ltd and North Forest Products, bringing deep knowledge of the full forestry supply chain.

Kevin Harding

Dr Kevin Harding

RAC Member

Kevin transitioned from a long research career in plantation wood quality research into consultancy work in this area and forest advocacy (Director and Chair of Australian Forest Growers 2013-2019; Deputy Chair Forestry Australia 2019-2022). 

Kevin’s career in plantation tree Improvement as a wood quality specialist started in 1979. He was formerly the Wood Quality Improvement research scientist and team leader and Forestry Science Research Leader for the Queensland Government Forestry Research Group (from 1982 to 2012).  He has worked in and experienced forestry in the USA (PhD 1991-95), China since 1987 (more than 10 visits) and New Zealand, Vietnam, Ecuador and Europe.

He has maintained active links with forest growing and processing company managers across both softwood and hardwood industries. In Queensland, he served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Sunshine Coast and has been active as a member of the Advisory panel for their Forest Industries Research Cooperative (FIRC) as well as a member of the Steering Committee for the North Queensland Forestry Hub.