Rest area tribute to industry leader
From the Spring/Summer 2009 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald (third from left) listens to Forests NSW chief executive officer, Nick Roberts speak at the dedication ceremony for the Brinos Notaras Memorial Rest Area with Forests NSW regional manager Craig Busby and Spiro Notaras (right) of J. Notaras and Sons sawmillers. Photo by Howard Spencer
NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, paid tribute to the respected Grafton timber identity, Brinos Notaras, by dedicating a memorial rest area in his name in May 2009.
Mr Macdonald unveiled a plaque beside the Pacific Highway near Grafton in memory of Mr Notaras, who was killed in a car accident at Woolgoolga in August 2005.
This memorial is a fitting tribute to Brinos Notaras, who made an enormous contribution to the timber industry of this state, Mr Macdonald said.
Brinos fought for a strong, viable timber industry, and he was well-regarded as an innovator in value-adding, using new technology and marketing.
He was the president of the Forest Products Association from 1987 to 1990 and for many years was the chairman of the Richmond, Tweed, Clarence Branch.
He and his brother Spiro, who arranged this memorial, were instrumental in developing overseas markets for spotted gum, particularly into Japan, and of plantation flooded gum into
Sweden.
Brinos recognised that smaller log diameters would be the future of the industry, and this has been borne out by the advent of hardwood plantations, particularly on the north coast.
The rest area includes barbecue shelters and a bobtail once used in the timber industry around Grafton.
The site, in Glenugie State Forest, will be maintained by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority.
Howard Spencer Public Affairs & Media, Coffs Harbour
