Australian Forest and Wood Innovations’ Board Communiqué
December 2024
The fourth AFWI board meeting was held virtually on the 9th of December 2024, chaired by Mr Bob Gordon and the following key matters were discussed:
AFWI Executive Director:
Angela Castles, Acting Executive Dean of the UTAS College of Science and Engineering, joined the meeting to provide an update on the recruitment process and provided details on the recommended candidate. Following a thorough review and overwhelmingly positive feedback from industry and all board members, the board unanimously approved the recommended candidate’s appointment to the AFWI Executive Director role. An official announcement of the appointment will be made in due course.
National Open Call (NOC) Round One Contracts Update:
It was reported that NOC Round One contracts are generally progressing well, with several project contracts expected to be executed, and initial payments made before the end of December 2024.
National Open Call (NOC) Round Two 2025:
AFWI’s NOC Round Two will open on Friday 21st February and close on Friday 2nd May and will again provide funding up to $5 Million in total for innovative and transformative research projects that benefit the Australian forestry and forest products industry. After consultation with FWPA and Commonwealth DAFF, it was agreed these dates would complement the FWPA call for research projects in early 2025.
Industry Collaboration and Engagement:
One of the new AFWI Executive Director’s key initial priorities will be to conduct a thorough assessment of AFWI’s progress to date and its responsiveness to stakeholder views. This assessment will be facilitated by meetings with key industry stakeholders at the commencement of their tenure, and prior to the opening of the NOC Round Two on the 21st February.
Next Board Meeting:
The next Board meeting is scheduled for early February 2025, (date to be advised) prior to the opening of the 2nd NOC on the 21st of February.
Bob Gordon
Chair, Australian Forest and Wood Innovations Board
