I have been reading TimberTrader News since…

I first encountered TimberTrader News two decades ago, in 1995, when I joined the technical promotion association sector of the timber industry. I have always looked forward to receiving
each month’s edition in order to keep abreast of what’s happening in the broader industry.

Dr Alastair WoodardBefore I was in my current role I was…

Prior to my current role I was executive director of the Timber Promotion Council (TPC) of Victoria, which shut its doors in 2005. I was doing my PhD in timber engineering at Monash University when I was headhunted by the TPC to set up education programs for the Victorian timber industry. This initiative was later broadened into a national education program under Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation, and I am happy to say the program today is still run by the Forest and Wood Products Association. I was with the TPC for 10 years in various roles, predominately general manager. Prior to this I was a consulting structural engineer for around 10 years in Melbourne. This involved in a lot of structural timber design, particularly of old historic building refurbishments.

My motivation to get out of bed every morning and go to work is…

I’m motivated by the challenge of assisting the timber industry and building sector in finding new and innovative ways to use more timber products. At the present, there is a major interest in the proposed changes to the 2016 National Construction Code, which will allow timber construction to be used up to 25 m in effective height in apartment, hotels and office buildings. This represents a massive opportunity for timber products. However, it also presents a major challenge in terms of educating both the building sector – architects, engineers, builders, students, amongst others – and companies in our industry that might look to supply to these new markets. The greatest satisfaction is inspiring, informing and educating on the new opportunities for timber, and bringing our industry together to collaborate in developing new markets.

My career highlight would have to be…

Hard to say as, with over twenty years of technical market development work, there have been many highlights: each year seems to throw up something new. The recent collaborative market implementation work around prefabricated cassette floor systems has been particularly satisfying – it’s always great when you see people finally realise a common vision and collectively start striving for it. I am really looking forward to the next 12 months assisting the industry in expanding their prefabricated timber systems offerings into apartments and commercial buildings up to 25 m.

I love working in the timber industry because…

The timber industry is full of great people, and because wood is such a beautiful and versatile product. We are very fortunate in our particular business because we deal with technical marketing advice around wood products from the forest to the consumer. It never ceases to amaze me what exciting and innovative things you can do with wood: from biofuels and nanocrystalline technology, through engineered wood products, to building systems, to exquisite timber fit-outs and furniture. As an engineer and innovator you couldn’t find a better material.

My biggest inspiration has been…

I have been inspired by many people over the years in many different fields and for many different reasons, but I would have to say Jack Bowen stands out. His contribution, experience and knowledge of the timber industry and its people is unparalleled – as TimberTrader News‘s recent 30 Year Landmark Edition highlighted. Wood Products Victoria is most fortunate to have him as its chairman and I am most fortunate to have him as a mentor, confidant and friend.

When I am not working, you can find me…

Doing something active; probably at the gym, in the garden, travelling or with family and friends. The key I believe to a happy, healthy life is trying to find ‘balance’; this is not always easy, but it is always important.