Queensland Growth Scholarship recipients announced
Timber Queensland has announced the recipients of its Growth Scholarship Awards Program for 2022-23. Strategic relations manager Clarissa Brandt said the inaugural program invited early and mid-career professionals and skilled workers to submit details of a proposed learning project that would enhance their career and benefit local industry. There were four awards in the program.
Long-term AKD employee Darcy Oborne has been working in Operations and Production roles throughout his career and was the successful recipient of DTM’s Timber Award. Through the award, it will contribute to Darcy’s education.
“Recently with the support of AKD and my manager, I’ve started to move my interest into human resources, recruitment and training,” said Darcy.
Before working as a Dry Mill Supervisor in Caboolture, Darcy began his career in the Colac Dry Mill. “I was surprised but very happy to be awarded the scholarship,” claims Darcy. “It now helps fast track what I aimed to do this year.”
AKD award recipient Dr Chandan Kumar will be seconded at HQPlantations’ Toolara forest to work with researchers from HQPlantations and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
“My learning project will allow me to work with industry professionals and learn more about forest management and silvicultural operations of pine plantations in-situ with an aim to improve the quality and value of wood that we can get from these resources,” said Dr Kumar. “My goal is to become a world-renowned scientist and a leader and expert through my industry-relevant research, publications, skills and collaboration. I would like to provide innovative and sustainable solutions to timber users, growers, and processors to promote the use of timber, optimise processing and the growing of timber to maximise profit and environmental benefits.”
We look forward to supporting Chandan as he progresses his research.
Other winners included Adam Faircloth who’s project will lead and drive a Vibroacoustic Study Tour and Brendan Foster who’s initiative will be refocusing the future of Queensland’s forests.
The first of its kind, Timber Queensland has made the commitment to funding these scholarships annually, partnering with their four industry partners, which includes AKD. These awards are intended to provide a broad range of learning experiences and we will be emphasising this flexibility to future applicants.
On behalf of Timber Queensland, Clarissa explained, “We are pleased to be investing in the future of our industry by promoting learning experiences and promoting the development of passionate people committed to the forest and timber industry in Queensland.”
Congratulations to all winners.
To read about all the receipts of Timber Queensland’s Growth Scholarship Award, visit www.timberqueensland.com.au/News/Growth-Scholarships.aspx