Welcome to our November newsletter 

Welcome to our November issue of the AFWI newsletter! It’s a little later than usual, but only because we had so much to share with you.

This month, we’re spotlighting the Lightweight Timber Framing project, funded through the first round of our National Open Call. This initiative is a shining example of collaboration, bringing together 20 industry partners and eight universities to revolutionise housing construction. Don’t miss the full feature below.

Over the coming months, we’ll be showcasing the other projects funded through the National Open Call. Be sure to keep an eye on our website and follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated. 

November was also a busy month for engagement. Dean and Maeve from AFWI HQ attended the AFPA Chamber Meetings, joined by some of our Board members in Canberra for our Board meeting and to strengthen ties with AFPA. You’ll find more details on this below.

Deputy Director Pat Mitchell represented AFWI on the international stage, as he was invited to speak at New Zealand’s Forest Growers Research (FGR) annual conference in Dunedin. Back home, AFWI had a strong presence at the Forestry Australia Symposium, with HQ and Board members in attendance.

We’re also proud to have sponsored the Forest Research Institute Student Showcase, an event that plays a vital role in inspiring and supporting the next generation of forestry and wood product researchers.

Building research capacity remains central to our mission, and initiatives like these are key to fostering innovation and growth in the sector.

Looking ahead, our December issue will bring a festive twist and an exciting announcement just in time for Christmas. Be sure to check your inbox!

Happy reading, 
AFWI HQ

Industry and universities unite to modernise housing construction  

Timber framing is the top choice for Australian homes, used in 80 per cent of new builds each year. However, outdated design standards are holding the industry back.

The Lightweight Timber Framing Project, funded by AFWI and led by the University of Tasmania in partnership with Forest and Wood Products Australia, aims to modernise timber construction practices and bring our design standards into the future.

Backed by $1.1 million in contributions from over 20 industry stakeholders and involving eight universities, the project will provide the research and development needed to bring contemporary products and systems into Australian Standards. This will streamline design and approval processes with the goal of accelerating house construction across Australia.

Andrew Dunn, CEO of the Timber Development Association and Industry Champion for this project, said the current timber framing design and construction practices no longer reflect modern building practices or the use of engineered wood products, making it difficult for timber to remain competitive in the housing market.
  
“Timber framing is the preferred construction method, but we’re falling behind because builders, carpenters, and engineers need simpler and more straightforward compliance processes,” he said.  

“The design and approvals processes are outdated, still based on traditional sawn timber methods, while today’s homes increasingly use engineered wood products. Competing materials don’t face these challenges.”  

AFWI connects with AFPA at November meetings and events

AFWI Interim Director Dr Dean Williams and Communications and Engagement Manager Maeve McKenna attended the November AFPA Chamber Meetings and Member Dinner in Canberra.

They were joined by AFWI Board members: Chair Bob Gordon, Christine Briggs, Diana Gibbs, Brian Farmer, Andrew Leighton, and Andrew Wilson, who met with AFPA CEO Di Hallam to further strengthen the collaboration between AFPA and AFWI. 

A big thank you to Di, the AFPA team, and all the members of the Growers, Softwood, Hardwood, Pulp, Paper and Bioproducts Chambers for their warm welcome, insightful questions, and keen interest in the recently announced projects from AFWI’s National Open Call, Round One.

Following the meetings, industry members gathered for dinner, where Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Julie Collins spoke, highlighting the industry's critical role in sustainable development and reinforcing the sector's bright future.

In addition, AFWI staff and Board members attended AFPA’s Parliamentary Friends of Forestry, Timber & Paper Products Christmas Drinks event at Parliament House, where they met with Senator Wendy Askew, Senator Jonathan Duniam, Minister Julie Collins, and Raff Ciccone.

We look forward to strengthening these partnerships and are excited for future opportunities to connect.

Building on NZ and Australian sector ties

Deputy Director Dr Pat Mitchell was invited to present at New Zealand's Forest Growers Research (FGR) annual conference in Dunedin. 

He had many discussions with researchers, government and industry around how AFWI, and the Australian and New Zealand forestry sectors can work together.  

"Given the significant efforts and focus of FGR in areas such as precision forestry, tissue culture and biofuels, there is an enduring need to maintain and build close collaborations with both research communities," Dr Mitchell said. 

"AFWI represents a real opportunity to leverage strengths from both countries to achieve greater impact than what might be done in isolation."

AFWI already has close ties with NZ research via representation on the Board (Heidi Dungey, PF Olsen) and the Research Advisory Committee (Henri Bailleres, Scion), and we will explore ways to facilitate stronger collaboration across our shared research interests.

Rising stars of forest research

AFWI was proud to support the Forest Research Institute (FRI) Showcase hosted by The University of the Sunshine Coast, where our Interim Director, Dr Dean Williams, contributed to the panel discussion “The Australian Forestry Research Environment: Emerging Priorities, Focus, and Vision to 2050.”

The panel, chaired by Professor Ross Young, featured:

• Dr Dean Williams
• Professor Mark Brown
• Professor John Herbohn
• Professor Tripti Singh

Events like the FRI Showcase are invaluable for engaging and inspiring the next generation of forestry and forest products researchers. Building research capacity is a cornerstone of AFWI’s mission, and we are thrilled to support initiatives that foster innovation and growth in the field.

AFWI was also proud to sponsor two awards:

• Innovation Impact Award – for the best presentation demonstrating potential application and impact
• Excellence in Communication Award – for the clearest and most effective communication

Congratulations to the winners: University of Tasmania PhD student Jamie Grimsdale taking out the Excellence in Communication Award and University of the Sunshine Coast PhD student Praneet Gounda for taking out the Innovation Impact Award! 

The showcase saw an impressive turnout, with 28 students attending on the first day and a total of 94 participants, including FRI members, collaborators, industry representatives, and researchers from other institutions, joining across the event's remaining days.

Thank you to UniSC Forest Research Institute for organising such a fantastic event and inviting AFWI to be part of it!

Highlights from the Forestry Australia Symposium

The AFWI team wrapped up the Forestry Australia Symposium on a high note after a rewarding few days of engaging with industry, reconnecting with familiar faces, and exchanging valuable insights.

Thank you to everyone who attended our session, where Interim Director Dr Dean Williams delivered an insightful presentation on AFWI. Dean shared our vision, explained our funding model, and outlined the transformative research we're driving to benefit the sector. His talk sparked valuable discussions on how industry and researchers can collaborate with AFWI to create real impact. Attendees also got a preview of the eight innovative projects recommended for funding through our National Open Call.

We were proud to sponsor the session on "Technology, Innovation and Latest Research," chaired by Professor Julianne O'Reilly-Wapstra. The session featured engaging talks by Mike Lawson (SFM), Dr Jim O'Hehir (University of South Australia), and University of Tasmania PhD student Jamie Grimsdale, each offering unique perspectives on innovation and capacity building. Their presentations inspired meaningful conversations and highlighted exciting opportunities for growth in the sector.

A special mention goes to our Board Chair, Bob Gordon, who chaired the final panel discussion, “What is a Healthy Forest?” This thought-provoking session encouraged critical conversations about the future of our forests and left attendees with much to reflect on.

Thank you to Forestry Australia for hosting such a fantastic event and to everyone who contributed to making it a success!

Driving Collaboration at AFWI’s Second Strategy Day

Last month, AFWI hosted its second strategy day, bringing together our Board, Research Advisory Committee, staff, and a diverse group of industry stakeholders and leaders from the forestry and forest products research community.

Representatives from organisations such as AFPA, FWPA, OneFortyOne, Responsible Wood, Sustainable Timber Tasmania, Tree Breeding Australia, AgroForestry Foundation, Agriculture Victoria, EWPAA, DAFF, Timberlink, the Forestry Hubs, and universities including the University of Tasmania, University of Melbourne, Monash University, University of the Sunshine Coast, University of South Australia, and Queensland University of Technology participated in the day.

This gathering marked a significant step in AFWI’s mission to support the forestry and forest products sector in sustainably growing, diversifying, and enhancing its contributions to Australia’s economy, society, and environment.

The workshop provided an invaluable opportunity to strengthen connections, refine a shared vision, and explore collaborative approaches to driving innovation across the sector.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the meaningful discussions that will help shape AFWI’s future direction.

Click the link below to view our current Strategy on a Page.