Responsible Wood

Get Responsible Wood certified
Our mission is to achieve nothing less than the total certification of all Australian wood and wood products.

Get Certified
Forest certification is a voluntary, market-based instrument, implemented through two separate but linked processes: sustainable forest management certification and chain of custody certification.

Supply Chain Companies and End Users
Responsible Wood chain of custody certification is available worldwide and open to all companies that manufacture, process, trade or sell forest-based products.
Responsible Wood chain of custody certification provides independently verified assurance that the certified forest-based material contained in a product originates from sustainably managed forests.

It enables you to demonstrate your legal and sustainable sourcing of forest products to your customers and provides you with a variety of advantages that help the environment, people, and your bottom lines, such as access to new markets and compliance with legislation.
There are also several tailored Responsible Wood chain of custody certification options available. Responsible Wood group certification is our practical solution to make Responsible Wood chain of custody certification feasible for small companies. Construction companies can take advantage of Responsible Wood project certification to demonstrate their decision to build with Responsible Wood-certified timber. Organizations with a chain of custody activities in multiple locations can gain certification for all their sites under one certificate through Responsible Wood multi-site certification.

• Forest Growers
  Enabling sustainability of Australia’s forests
• Chain of Custody
  A verified mechanism for tracking certified materials from the sustainably managed forest to the final product
• Certification Bodies
  Independent certification is at the heart of the Responsible Wood Forest Certification Scheme.
• Notification Fees
  Responsible Wood is primarily funded through the payment of notification fees.

Forest Owners
Hundreds of thousands of forest owners around the world, from community forests to large company owned forests, have achieved Responsible Wood certification.

Responsible Wood sustainable forest management certification enables you to provide assurances that you manage your forests in line with challenging environmental, social and economic requirements – balancing people, planet and profit.

Forest management is a long-term process, with the results of good practice often only apparent after decades. Responsible Wood sustainable forest management certification gives you independent recognition of your responsible management practices now, providing you with many benefits.
For small-forest owners, we have our group certification approach. This alternative approach enables the certification of multiple forest owners as a group, so you can organize yourselves, pool your resources and work as a team to achieve certification. Designed specifically for small-, family and community-owned forests; it ensures Responsible Wood certification is affordable and practical.

The History of Responsible Wood

Responsible Wood is committed to protecting and promoting Australia’s unique environments with standards that enable a forest industry that is sustainable in every dimension – environmentally, socially, culturally and commercially.

In Australia, the concept of Sustainable Forest Management has a long and evolving history. As our understanding of forest ecology has increased and community attitudes have changed, forest management practices have also changed to ensure forests are conserved and managed responsibly so they deliver social, environmental and economic benefits now and in the future – balancing people, planet and profit.

1992

The 1992 UN Earth Summit in Rio, defines “sustainable development” as a common goal of human development. Forest Certification arises in response to concerns about the preservation of the world’s forests.

1999

The Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is established to promote sustainable forest management around the world.

2000

The first national certified system is recognised, with forest owners and managers in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany and Austria certifying their responsible management practices.

2002

To assist the Australian forestry industry to comply with the global push for sustainability, the Australian Forestry Standard Ltd, a not-for profit standards development organisation, is established to develop the Australian Forest Certification Scheme.

The scheme is underpinned by two Australian Standards® – Forest Management (AS 4708) and Chain of Custody (AS 4707) – which provide guidance and accountability to forest managers, manufacturers and suppliers. They protect and promote Australia’s unique environments by ensuring a forestry industry that is environmentally, economically, socially and culturally sustainable.

Australia’s Federal, State and Territory Ministers endorse the Forest Management Standard as “the first purely Australian Standard designed to define environmental performance and sustainability in the forestry industry.”

2004

Australia joins the global Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), the global authority on sustainable forest management. Along with Chile, Australia becomes the first non-European certification system to be endorsed by the PEFC.

The Australian Forest Certification Scheme, is subsequently revised, reviewed and re-endorsed in 2009 and again in 2015.

2017

Australian Forestry Standard Ltd becomes Responsible Wood and commits to broadening the message of forest sustainability and promoting sustainable forest products to a wider audience in Australia. As a result, the Australian Forest Certification Scheme becomes known as the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme.

Over 24 million hectares* of forest are now certified in Australia providing sustainable building materials to architects, builders and retailers, and timber and paper products to craftsmen and all Australians.

Responsible Wood* is committed to protecting and promoting Australia’s unique environments with standards that ensure a forest industry that is environmentally, socially, culturally and commercially sustainable.

We pioneered the development of certification standards for wood and wood products sourced from sustainably managed forests in Australia. Our standards provide guidance and accountability for forest managers, manufacturers and suppliers.

We manage the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme which is underpinned by two Australian Standards:

• Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708)
• Chain of Custody for Forest Products (AS 4707)

We also manage the New Zealand Forest Management Scheme on behalf of the New Zealand Forest Certification Association (NZFCA). The Scheme is underpinned by two standards:

• Sustainable Forest Management (NZS AS 4708:2014)
• Chain of Custody (PEFC ST 2002:2013)

Both certification schemes are endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), the global authority on sustainable forest management.

*Responsible Wood, is a not-for-profit standards development organisation [formerly known as Australian Forestry Standard Ltd.

AS 4708 – Sustainable Forest Management
The Australian Standard® for Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708) provides forest managers with economic, social, environmental and cultural criteria and requirements that support management of forests for products and services.

The Australian Standard® for Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708) is developed in accordance with Responsible Wood Standards Development Policies and Procedures and have been accredited as Australian Standards®.

The Standard is used by all participants in the Responsible Wood certification scheme
AS 4708 – Sustainable Forest Management

AS 4707 – Chain of Custody of Forest Products
The Australian Standard® for Chain of Custody of Forest Products (AS 4707) provides all organisations in the wood or forest products certification chain with the minimum criteria and requirements to implement a credible system.  This system tracks wood or forest products originating from certified forests through all phases of ownership, transportation and manufacturing to the end consumer.

The Australian Standard® for Chain of Custody of Forest Products (AS 4707) is developed in accordance with Responsible Wood Standards Development Policies and Procedures and have been accredited as Australian Standards®.

The Standard is used by all participants in the Responsible Wood certification scheme.
AS 4707 – Chain of Custody for Forest Products

AS/NZS 4708:20XX – Sustainable Forest Management principles
In August 2020, Responsible Wood announced the public comment period for the new AS/NZS 4708 – Sustainable Forest Management principles standard. The new standard underpins the Responsible Wood sustainable forest management scheme in Australia and the PEFC sustainable forest management scheme in New Zealand.

The draft Standard, the submission form and a summary of major changes can be downloaded from the Responsible Wood website.
AS / NZS 4708:20XX – Sustainable Forest Management principles
Summary of major changes to AS / NZS 4708:20XX
Public Comment Submission Sheet – AS / NZS 4708:20XX

Chain of Custody, PEFC ST 2002
This standard lays out the requirements for chain of custody certification for forest and tree-based products – the conditions a company must meet in order to achieve PEFC certification. During the certification process, the certification body will assess the company against the requirements set out in this document. If the company complies, they will receive their PEFC chain of custody certificate.

PEFC chain of custody establishes the link from the forest to the market, tracking forest and tree-based products from sustainable sources to the final product. In addition, this standard includes management requirements, including health, safety and labour issues.
Chain of Custody, PEFC ST 2002:2020 440.64 KB

The revised 2020 version of this standard replaced the previous 2013 version on 14 February 2020. The transition date is 14 August 2022. After this, companies still certified against the 2013 version will need to prepare their system according to the 2020 version, in preparation for certification against this version during their next external audit.
Chain of Custody, PEFC ST 2002:2013 496.82 KB
PEFC Chain of Custody – Introduction to changes 420.34 KB

Standards and Guides
“The documents that make up the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme determine the specific steps stakeholders must take as they develop their national forest certification system, through to the requirements that companies must meet to achieve Responsible Wood Chain of Custody certification.”

We distinguish between four different document types:
International standards are applied directly in the field. These include the PEFC standards for Chain of Custody, Trademarks and Certification Body Requirements for Chain of Custody, used by thousands of companies, certification bodies and accreditation bodies around the world.

National standards are developed by Responsible Wood for both Sustainable Forest Management and Chain of Custody are developed from PEFC benchmark standards.

To access all standards, please visit the resources library. Or click the links to the right?

Procedural documents govern the functioning of the PEFC and Responsible Wood systems themselves. This category includes the procedure for the assessment and endorsement of national standards (including Responsible Wood). It also covers various administrative procedures for our national members and us, such as issuing PEFC trademark licences.

Guidance documents, as the name suggests, provide additional guidance for users of some of our other standards.

Some of the key documents at a glance

Sustainable Forest Management, PEFC ST 1003

This benchmark lays out the international requirements for sustainable forest management. Developed by a working group with representation of all relevant stakeholders, it describes the criteria and indicators we believe are vital for the sustainable management of a forest.

Every national forest management standard must address these requirements to achieve PEFC endorsement. On the ground, this benchmark is the basis for the requirements that forest owners or managers must meet to achieve PEFC certification at local level, making it one of our most important standards.

Sustainable Forest Management, PEFC ST 1003 910.50 KB

Group Forest Management Certification, PEFC ST 1002

This benchmark defines the general requirements for national forest certification systems with group forest management certification. Stakeholders use this benchmark when they develop their national group certification requirements. It covers aspects such as the minimum requirements for internal monitoring and auditing within a certified group – a vital process if group certification is to be effective.

Group certification enables the certification of a number of forest owners/managers under one certificate. Developed by us two decades ago, it allows groups of small-forest landholders to organize themselves, pool their resources, and work together to achieve certification. This makes certification accessible for small-forest owners.

Group Forest Management Certification, PEFC ST 1002 1.04 MB

AS 4708 – Sustainable Forest Management

The Australian Standard® for Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708) provides forest managers with economic, social, environmental and cultural criteria and requirements that support management of forests for products and services.

The Australian Standard® for Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708) is developed in accordance with Responsible Wood Standards Development Policies and Procedures  and have been accredited as Australian Standards®.

The Standard is used by all participants in the Responsible Wood certification scheme.

AS 4708 – Sustainable Forest Management

NZ AS 4708 – Sustainable Forest Management

The New Zealand Standard® for Sustainable Forest Management (NZS AS 4708) provides forest managers with economic, social, environmental and cultural criteria and requirements that support management of forests for products and services.

The Standard is used by all participants in the New Zealand PEFC certification scheme.

NZ AS 4708 – Sustainable Forest Management

AS/NZS 4708:20XX – Sustainable Forest Management principles

In August 2020, Responsible Wood announced the public comment period for the new AS/NZS 4708 – Sustainable Forest Management principles standard. The new standard underpins the Responsible Wood sustainable forest management scheme in Australia and the PEFC sustainable forest management scheme in New Zealand.

The draft Standard, the submission form and a summary of major changes can be downloaded from the Responsible Wood website.

AS / NZS 4708:20XX – Sustainable Forest Management principles
Summary of major changes to AS / NZS 4708:20XX
Public Comment Submission Sheet – AS / NZS 4708:20XX

Chain of Custody, PEFC ST 2002

This standard lays out the requirements for chain of custody certification for forest and tree based products – the conditions a company must meet in order to achieve PEFC certification. During the certification process, the certification body will assess the company against the requirements set out in this document. If the company complies, they will receive their PEFC chain of custody certificate.

PEFC chain of custody establishes the link from the forest to the market, tracking forest and tree based products from sustainable sources to the final product. In addition, this standard includes management requirements, including on health, safety and labour issues.

Chain of Custody, PEFC ST 2002:2020 440.64 KB

The revised 2020 version of this standard replaced the previous 2013 version on 14 February 2020. The transition date is 14 August 2022. After this, companies still certified against the 2013 version will need to prepare their system according to the 2020 version, in preparation for certification against this version during their next external audit.

Chain of Custody, PEFC ST 2002:2013 496.82 KB
PEFC Chain of Custody – Introduction to changes 420.34 KB

AS 4707 – Chain of Custody of Forest Products

The Australian Standard® for Chain of Custody of Forest Products (AS 4707) provides all organisations in the wood or forest products certification chain with the minimum criteria and requirements to implement a credible system.  This system tracks wood or forest products originating from certified forests through all phases of ownership, transportation and manufacturing to the end consumer.

The Australian Standard® for Chain of Custody of Forest Products (AS 4707) is developed in accordance with Responsible Wood Standards Development Policies and Procedures  and have been accredited as Australian Standards®.

The Standard is used by all participants in the Responsible Wood certification scheme.

AS 4707 – Chain of Custody for Forest Products

AS 4707:20XX Chain of Custody for Forest and Tree-based products

In April 2021, Responsible Wood announced the public comment period for the new AS4707 – Chain of Custody for Forest and Tree-based products. The new standard provides all organisations in the wood or forest products certification chain with the minimum criteria and requirements to implement a credible system in Australia.

The draft Standard, the submission form and a summary of major changes can be downloaded from the Responsible Wood website.

AS 4707:20XX – Chain of Custody for Forest and Tree-based products
Summary of major changes to AS 4707:20XX
Public Comment Submission Sheet – AS 4707:20XX

International Standards (PEFC)
The Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification PEFC
Caring for our forests globally

The Responsible Wood Forest Certification Scheme and the New Zealand Forest Certification Scheme are two of some 45 national schemes endorsed by the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Responsible Wood is also the national governing body for PEFC in Australia.

PEFC is an international non-profit, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management globally. With more than 300 million hectares of certified forests, PEFC is the world’s largest forest certification system.

PEFC works throughout the entire supply chain to promote good practice in forests and to ensure that all forest products are produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards. Thanks to its eco-label, customers and consumers are able to identify products from sustainably managed forests.

PEFC endorses national forest certification systems developed through multi-stakeholder processes and tailored to local priorities and conditions.

Each national forest certification system undergoes rigorous third-party assessment against PEFC’s unique sustainability benchmarks to ensure consistency with international requirements.

PEFC bases its sustainability benchmark on broad consensus by society, expressed in globally respected international and intergovernmental processes and guidelines. PEFC best-practice standards promote environmentally sound, socially just, and economically viable management of our forests globally.

The benchmark criteria are regularly revised through multi-stakeholder processes involving participants drawn globally from civil society, business, governments, labour and research institutions to take account of new scientific knowledge, societal change, evolving expectations and to incorporate the latest best practice.

PEFC is also open to international stakeholders such as civil society organisations, businesses, government entities and intergovernmental bodies. PEFC certification is also favoured by numerous public and private timber procurement policies worldwide.

PEFC International Standards

• Sustainable Forest Management (PEFC ST 1003:2010)
• Chain of Custody of Forest and Tree Based Products – Requirements (PEFC ST 2002:2020) 

For more information see the PEFC website.

Certification Bodies and Responsible Wood
An independent certification system is at the heart of the Responsible Wood Forest Certification Scheme.

Certification of compliance with the Standards is carried out by independent third parties known as accredited certification bodies.

To ensure independence and impartiality, Responsible Wood requires certification bodies to be independent of the standards development process and the entity they are certifying.

JAS-ANZ (the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand) undertakes the accreditation of certification bodies (also known as conformity assessment bodies).

Certification bodies perform surveillance audits (every 9 months for Sustainable Forest Management and every 12 months for Chain of Custody). They also perform periodic re-assessment audits to proactively verify that a certified forest manager or chain of custody certified company maintains compliance with Responsible Wood requirements.

For more information see:
JAS-ANZ (the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand) undertakes the accreditation of certification bodies (also known as conformity assessment bodies).

Certification bodies perform surveillance audits (every 9 months for Sustainable Forest Management and every 12 months for Chain of Custody). They also perform periodic re-assessment audits to proactively verify that a certified forest manager or chain of custody certified company maintains compliance with Responsible Wood requirements.

For more information see:

• JAS-ANZ Forest Management Systems Scheme (FMS)
• PEFC ST 2003:2012 Requirements for Certification Bodies operating Certification against the PEFC International Chain of Custody Standard

Certification Bodies

Forest Management
The following organisations are currently accredited to certify against AS4708 (Forest management):

• Global-Mark Pty Ltd
  Contact: Wayne Tibbits
  Email: customerservice@global-mark.com.au
  Website: www.global-mark.com.au
• SCS Global Services - USA
  Contact: Brendan Grady
  Email: bgrady@scsglobalservices.com
  Website: www.scsglobalservices.com
• SCS Global Services - Australia
  Contact: Nick Capobianco
  Email: nick@greenmarketing.net.au
  Website: www.scsglobalservices.com
• SGS New Zealand Limited
  Contact: Carol Rivera
  Email: carol.rovera@sgs.com
  Website: www.sgs.com
• BSI Group ANZ Pty Ltd
  Contact: Ross Garsden
  Email: ross.garsden@bsigroup.com
  Website: www.bsigroup.com.au

Chain of Custody
The following certification bodies are currently accredited to certify against AS4707 (Chain of Custody):

• Bureau Veritas Australia Pty Ltd
  Contact: Sam Guindi
  Email: sam.guindi@au.bureauveritas.com
  Website: www.bureauveritas.com.au 
• SCS Global Services - Australia
  Contact: Nick Capobianco
  Email: nick@greenmarketing.net.au
  Website: www.scsglobalservices.com
• BSI Group ANZ Pty Ltd
  Contact: Ross Garsden
  Email: ross.garsden@bsigroup.com
  Website: www.bsigroup.com.au
• SAI Global Australia Pty Ltd
  Contact: Mark Wilcox
  Email: mark.wilcox@saiglobal.com
  Website: www.saiglobal.com 
• Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia Limited
  Contact: Suzanne Steiger
  Email: suzie.steiger@ewp.asn.au
  Website: www.ewp.asn.com
• Global-Mark Pty Ltd
  Contact: Wayne Tibbits
  Email: customerservice@global-mark.com.au
  Website: www.global-mark.com.au

PEFC Chain of Custody Standard
The following certification bodies are currently accredited to certify against the PEFC Chain of Custody Standard (PEFC ST 2002:2013):

• QMI-SAI Canada Limited (Telarc)
  Contact: Sylvain Frappier
  Email: sylvain.frappier@saiglobal.com
  Website: www.qml-salglobal.com 
• Soil Association Certification Limited
  Contact: Ewan Brown
  Email: ebrown@soilassociation.org
  Website: www.soilassociation.org
• Preferred by Nature (previously NEPCon)
  New Zealand Contact: Graeme Gillies
  Email: ggillies@preferrednature.org
  Website: https://preferredbynature.org/
• Double Helix Tracking Technologies Pte Ltd
  Contact: Goo Soo Lin
  Email: soo@doublehelixtracking.com
  Website: www.doublehelixtracking.com
• Preferred by Nature (previously NEPCon)
  Australian Contact: Malory Weston
  Email: mweston@preferrredbynature.org
  Website: https://preferredbynature.org

The Responsible Wood Certification Scheme is underpinned by two Australian Standards – Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708) and Chain of Custody for Forest Products (AS 4707)

Australia
We manage the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme which is underpinned by two Australian Standards*c

• Sustainable Forest
• Management (AS 4708)Chain of Custody for Forest Products (AS 4707)

AS 4708 & AS 4707
The Australian Standards for Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708) and Chain of Custody for Forest Products (AS 4707) were developed in accordance with Responsible Wood Standards Development Policies and Procedures  and have been accredited as Australian Standards®.

The Responsible Wood standards development process is clear and rigorously defined and based on three internationally recognised principles:

Openness and Transparency of Process
Transparency is critical in the preparation of standards. Transparency means that every act must follow a well-established procedure; that the procedure is equitable to all parties; and that each step in the standardisation process is open and available for scrutiny.

Consensus
Consensus in standardisation is the process through which a Standards Reference Body consisting of many different and sometimes opposed interests, arrives at a general agreement on the content and requirements of a standard. This produces a standard that best matches the needs and values of our society as a whole, and due to the representation of a range of parties, broad community acceptance is assured.

Balance
The membership of a Standards Reference Body is formally balanced as part of the constitution of the committee to represent the broadest possible spectrum of stakeholder interests.

For more information on standards, development see the Standards Australia website at www.standards.org.au.

The Responsible Wood Team

Simon Dorries – CEO of Responsible Wood

Simon Dorries is the Chief Executive Officer of Responsible Wood. Simon holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and has worked in the Forest and Wood Products Industry for over 35 years.  Commencing with the Plywood Association of Australia in 1985 as a cadet scientist while undertaking a science degree through part-time study.   Simon stayed with the Plywood Association for 30 years through a number of name changes to eventually become General Manager of the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia.

In addition to his role at Responsible Wood, Simon is currently Chair of Standards Australia Committee TM-011 Engineered Wood Products.

Jason Ross – Marketing and Communications at Responsible Wood

Jason Ross is the Marketing and Communications Officer for Responsible Wood. In this role, Jason is responsible for managing the marketing and communications program for PEFC in Australia in addition to the PEFC New Zealand programme on behalf of the New Zealand Forest Certification Association (NZFCA). Previously a Green Star Accredited Professional in Australia and having previously been involved in the Green Building Council of Australia State Industry Group (Queensland) Jason is a passionate advocate for the virtues of positive economic development opportunities and activity; having developed a reputation as a leader in new-business opportunities and new-business venture development within the property industry.

Tracey Schoemaker – Administration at Responsible Wood

Sue Crerar – Accounts at Responsible Wood

Our Board

All passionate champions for sustainable forest management and experts in their field, the Board of Directors of Responsible Wood includes independent and elected individuals.

Responsible Wood’s Directors are appointed by our members in accordance with our Constitution.

Johannes Drielsma AM

CHAIR (Independent)

B. Sc. For (Hons), M.F.S., M. Phil., Ph.D., FAICD, FIFA

Hans has worked in the forest industry for over 40 years. Following postgraduate studies in natural resource sociology at Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, he worked for Forests NSW and Forestry Tasmania.  During his time in Tasmania, he led the introduction of environmental certification into the organisation, including Responsible Wood certification.

Since its inception, Hans has taken a leading role in the development of the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme, and its endorsement by PEFC. He was a Director of the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Council from 2006 to 2016, and served on the PEFC International Governance Review Panel. He has also been instrumental in a more active multi-nation promotion of PEFC in the Asian region.

Craig Smith

Craig is dedicated to the work of representing and advancing the interests of workers in the forestry, furnishing and timber manufacturing industries and the principles of trade unionism. He has trade qualifications in cabinet making and wood machining, and a Certificate IV in business management and accounting.

He is the National Divisional Assistant Secretary of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining & Energy Union, Manufacturing Division. He also has over 27 years’ experience as a paid official of the Union.

Craig is also a Member of two industry training and skills development advisory steering committees in NSW.

Craig chairs the Governance Committee.

Mark Thomson

B.Arch. A.D.B.E.T.

Mark is a multi-awarded Queensland Architect with over 30 years’ experience in the commercial building and design sector. He is the Immediate Past President of the AGDF (Australian Green Development Forum), a Board member of the Griffith University Eco Centre and Micah Projects, a not for profit(NFP) social justice organisation He is a Faculty Member of the GBCA (Green Building Council of Australia), Greenstar Accredited Professional and EarthCheck Accredited Professional.

Over the past 25 years, he has held company directorships in property development, hotel, design, environment and pollution technology organisations.  He co-founded the Centre for Sub Tropical Design in 2005, whilst an Adjunct Professor at QUT, and was Corporate Sustainability Principal of the Schiavello Group of Companies, Australia’s largest commercial furniture manufacturer and fitout construction organisation.

In 2018 and 2019, Mark was invited to the World Architecture Festival in Amsterdam to judge the PEFC Prize and since 2014 has been a Judge in the Australian Banksia Sustainability Awards. He regularly speaks at Industry Events, is proficient with sustainability rating tools and an invited contributor to numerous industry magazines.

Mark is a regular mentor and lecturer at QUT and the University of Queensland who passionately advocates ESD (ecologically sustainable development).  His consulting business “Eco Effective Solutions” offers design, project management, research and resilience management services, to effectively deliver healthy living and working environments.

Katie Fowden

BA (Hons)

Katie is the Strategic Relations Manager for Hyne Timber, working with key stakeholders to promote the use of responsibly sourced timber in construction.  She is also a Non-Executive Director with Forest and Wood Products Australia, represents Hyne Timber as a Director on the Hyne Tumbarumba Trust and is an advisor on the Queensland Government Biofutures Industry Advisory Council.

Katie has a diverse background having previously held an Executive Director position with the Northern Territory Government overseeing crisis media and corporate communications. She has a wealth of experience developing strategy and implementing social policy working with both Government and not-for-profit organisations.

Katie holds a BA Honours Degree in Social Policy and Criminology obtained from the UK University of Kingston Upon Hull.

Judy Alexander

B.Sc. (For), RPF

Judy is the Managing Director of Foresa Consulting. She has over 20 years’ experience in natural resource management in both the public and private sectors across Australia. She has been on the board of Australian Forest Growers for several years and has been a member of the Institute of Foresters of Australia for over 20 years.

Judy is a Registered Professional Forester with recognised specialist skills in forest certification. Throughout her career she has worked for companies to help them gain and maintain certification and is an accredited lead auditor.

Judy is a member of the Governance Committee.

Patrizia Torelli

Patrizia is the CEO of the Australasian Furnishing Association and is an energetic advocate for Australian furniture industry; representing 104,000 businesses and more than 420,000 Australians employed in the furniture and furnishing supply chain.

In this role Ms Torelli has been zealous in promoting the Australian furniture industry domestically and internationally, driving the industry and positioning the AFA to be a key voice across government, corporate and allied stakeholder groups.

Mark Gauthier

M.H.S.C

Mr Gauthier is member of HVP Plantations Executive Leadership Team and is General Manager of HVP Plantations Safety, Environment and Risk. In addition, Mr Gauthier is Chair of the Hancock Group Global Stewardship of People and is the Chair of the AFPA Work Health and Safety Subcommittee. With extensive experience in high risk industries including construction, engineering, marine, oil, gas and mining Mr Gauthier is an expert in risk management – possessing strategic, operational and practical skills in the areas of risk, health, safety and environmental management including systems certification, sustainability, regulatory compliance and corporate. Mr Gauthier has a Masters in Health Science (MHSC) majoring in Risk Management and is a coach and mentor to executive and leadership teams. Earlier in his career, Mr Gauthier was a member of Australia’s Defence Force (Army) and draws on his infantry experience to drive his professional development and approach.

Stuart West

B.Sc. (For)

Stuart has a broad and wide-ranging background in the Australian forestry industry spanning 30 years and has been the Chief Executive of the Forest Products Commission of Western Australia since 2016.

Holding executive responsibilities for the past 20 years, Stuart has extensive experience dealing with all facets of forestry and broader agricultural commodities.  He has led initiatives to attract new manufacturing and generate new demand for products in a number of sectors including agriculture and food, forestry and manufacturing. Stuart’s current focus is leading and promoting the long term sustainability and productivity of Western Australia’s forestry industry.

Stuart has a Batchelor of Science with a major in Forestry from ANU, is a fellow of the Governor’s Leadership Foundation (2003) and a fellow of the Gottstein Trust (2001).

Dr Tony Bartlett

B. ForSci, M.Sc, Ph.D, AFSM

Tony has worked in Australian and international forestry for 45 years and is currently the Managing Director of Bartlett Forestry Consulting Pty Ltd. An experienced forester, Tony has been responsible for the development of sustainable forest management practices and forest policy initiatives and has managed a commercial plantation business. As Forestry Research Program Manager for the Australian Centre for International Research Centre (ACIAR) Tony managed 25 projects in 14 developing countries between 2010 and 2018. He has worked in various forestry and fire management roles for the Commonwealth (Federal), the Australian Capital Territory and the Victorian governments and on forestry development projects in Nepal and Vanuatu. Tony has a Doctorate (Ph.D) from the Australian National University, a Masters in Science (M.Sc) from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor of Forest Science (B. ForSci) from the University of Melbourne.