The second AFWI Board meeting, chaired by Bob Gordon, was held virtually on 2nd July 2024 and Tasmanian participants joined from the University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay Campus. The Board meeting conducted the following business:
- The Board discussed the revised AFWI Draft Strategy document and identified key areas requiring further discussion, including benchmarking, positioning, alignment, and engagement with other industry organisations. Action items are being assigned for further development.
- AFWI’s operational reports on Finance and Communications and Engagement were reviewed and directed to the relevant sub-committees for further examination.
- Draft Charters for the Intellectual Property, Audit and Risk, Stakeholder Engagement, and Research sub-committees were noted, and finalisation of these charters will occur during upcoming sub-committee meetings.
- The Chair provided an update on the AFWI Director search.
- The Board acknowledged the appointment of a full Research Advisory Committee (RAC) comprising the Chair and eight highly skilled and experienced researchers and industry representatives. The RAC members are undergoing a comprehensive briefing and on-boarding process, which will equip them to effectively review the upcoming National Open Call applications.
- The National Open Call report noted the closing date for applications as Friday July 12th. The Board expressed its appreciation for the management and execution of the National Open Call launch. They were particularly impressed with the informative webinar, FAQs, and the sharing of vital information.
- Discussions to finalise contracts with the two preferred host institutions are ongoing and a progress report will be provided at the next Board Meeting.
The next Board meeting will be held in Melbourne on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024.
Bob Gordon
Chair, Australian Forest and Wood Innovations Board
