The Green Triangle Timber Industry Awards were held last week, recognising the achievements of individuals and companies who contributed to the timber industry.
More than 450 people attended the awards night at The Barn and Green Triangle Timber Industry Awards chairperson Adrian Flowers said they received lots of positive feedback.
“There’s so many unsung heroes that are working in our mills, in our forest that are driving our equipment, and they go unnoticed, yet they dedicate their lives, they go above and beyond,” Mr Flowers said.
“So I think they should be recognised.”
Minister for Primary Industries, Regional Development and Forest Industries Clare Scriven attended and Premier Peter Malinauskas, who intended to be present, provided a recorded message.
Clayton Thompson received the Sawmilling and Processing Excellence Award, Matt Tilby won the Operations Harvesting and Infield Chipping Excellence Award and Leigh Hein received the Operations, Silviculture and Timber Support Services Award.
Graham Earl was awarded the Logistics Excellence Port Operations, Marshalling and Timber Haulage Award, Belinda Williamson received the Environment and Sustainability Award and Maddison Bowden won the Trainee Award.
The Safety Awards went to Reid Logging for Safety Excellence Less than 30 Staff and NF McDonnell and Sons for Safety Excellence More than 30 Staff.
Mr Flowers said the highlight of the night was the Timber Legend Award, which was awarded to Pat ‘Rusty’ Lamb who passed away earlier this year.
Mr Lamb’s children accepted the award on his behalf and event organiser Gaylene Newton created a video presentation with interviews, footage and photos of Mr Lamb and his history in the industry.
“We played that and it was incredible, the whole crowd, you could have heard a pin drop while that was going on,” he said.
“It was so emotional too, there was not a dry eye in the place.”
Although the awards night was cancelled last year due to COVID, Mr Flowers said it was well worth the wait.
“It was an unbelievable night, a huge success,” he said.
