At the organisation’s 80th anniversary and conference, TABMA members will ‘shape the future’ of the timber industry.

In June 2021, TABMA Australia will bring together the timber industry community in the picturesque Hunter Valley to ‘honour the past, treasure the present and shape the future’. The inaugural National Conference will be a celebration of TABMA’s 80th year and an opportunity for the industry to come together to learn, share and strengthen for the many years ahead.

Daytime sessions will concentrate on ‘shaping the future’, with keynote speaker and Next Gen expert, Claire Madden (pictured above) providing her valuable knowledge into Generation Z and giving attendees practical skills on how to understand and manage this generation.

TABMA’s CEO David Little said, “The next generation coming through the workforce, will be our future leaders. We need to understand them in order to enable us to support their career growth within our industry.”

Key breakout sessions throughout the Conference will cover important workforce issues that align with TABMA’s long-term advocacy plans. They include:

  • Attracting employees.
  • Retaining employees.
  • Keeping employees safe.

The final plenary session of the Conference will be an inspirational session with Justin Jones, explorer, documentary producer and storyteller, who will take the audience on a ‘journey of crossing the ditch’. Justin explores powerful lessons in his speeches on teamwork, risk mitigation, grit, resilience, leadership, trust and communication.

Continuing to ‘honour our past’ and ‘treasure the present’ at the Gala Dinner, TABMA will announce and recognise the 2021 Andrew Bone TABMA Member of The Year, Timber Industry Icons and the Trainee and Apprentice of the Year Awards.

TABMA’s general manager of membership services Alicia Oelkers said, “TABMA has a rich history in the timber and building materials industry, and for the past 80 years our members have helped shape our industry.

“We want the Conference to be a chance to honour members past and present, who have been an integral part of our industry, and celebrate the future industry leaders, our trainees and apprentices. We look forward to welcoming the industry at this rare celebration and hope we can challenge people’s thinking so they can take the very best back to their businesses and shape a sustainable future workforce for us all.”

On the final day of the Conference, attendees will enjoy a range of optional activities including sunrise hot air balloon rides, 18-hole championship golf course, wine and cheese tour or day spa.

TABMA will also hold a Women in Forest and Timber Network Breakfast (WFTN) in order to connect women in the industry.

The 2021 TABMA National Conference will take place from 16 to 18  June at Oaks Cypress Lakes in the Hunter Valley, NSW. To join the celebration, visit www.tabma.com.au/events