Australian Forest and Wood Innovations’ Board Communiqué
August 2026
AFWI’s third Board meeting of 2026 was held in Hobart on 31 August. The Board considered AFWI’s strategic priorities, research portfolio, governance, financial stewardship and stakeholder engagement.
Strategic Planning and Implementation
The Board noted the launch of the AFWI 2024-2026 Highlights Report and discussed opportunities for timber innovation, manufacturing and research to contribute to housing delivery and broader national priorities.
Governance and Program Oversight
The Board reviewed governance and oversight arrangements across AFWI and its Research Centres, with a continued focus on consistency, transparency and strong industry input.
Research Delivery and Portfolio Strategy
The Board reviewed progress across AFWI’s research portfolio and future priorities, emphasising effective delivery, collaboration, research adoption and impact.
Financial Stewardship
The Board reviewed AFWI’s financial position and supported continued improvements in reporting and planning to maintain strong stewardship of Commonwealth funding.
Stakeholder Engagement
The Board supported refinements to stakeholder engagement across government, industry and the research sector, aligned with AFWI’s national objectives.
Next Board Meeting
The next scheduled AFWI Board meeting will be held on 24 November 2026.
Bob Gordon
Chair, Australian Forest and Wood Innovations Board
