Forestry Corporation staff awarded for dedication to the job

Twelve Forestry Corporation Macquarie Region staff will be presented with long service awards and nine staff will be presented with safety awards on Friday (23 July).

Forestry Corporation executive general manager, Mr Peter Crowe, will present the awards at the Bathurst Entertainment Centre at 8.15 am.

Regional manager Mr Dean Anderson said it was fabulous to see staff make such a long-term contribution to the economic development of the region through their work.

“It is not at all unusual for people to stay with this organisation for very long periods of time. They are a dedicated bunch and a great asset,” Mr Anderson said.

“These people being awarded today have put a combined 145 years of their lives into the organisation and made a significant contribution to the growth of the central tablelands timber industry.

“Together with other employees in the region, they have contributed to development of softwood plantations capable of growing enough wood to build 10 per cent of Australia’s houses.”

Fifteen-year long service letters of recognition are to be awarded to Mr Terry Bartlett, Mrs Alana Brown, Mr Steve Whitehead, Mr Greg Pearce, Mr Russell Cowgill, Mr Rob Finlay, Mr John Harris. 10 year long service letters of recognition are to be awarded to Mr Troy Hogan, Mr Allan North, Mr Ian Stapleton, Mr Pat Burns and Mr Brad White.

Mr Anderson also praised staff for their willingness to work for the good of the organisation and the community in times of crisis such as bushfires.

“Their dedication and enthusiasm for the job and commitment to the community deserves to be recognised and appreciated,” Mr Anderson said.

“Such are the demands of the job, our staff often forego such things as Christmas lunch and weekend activities with their families while protecting the plantations and other community assets from wildfires.”

Mr Anderson said that safety was of the utmost importance to the organisation and he commended those staff who were to receive awards for their excellent performance in relation to safety.

Fifteen-year safety certificates are to be awarded to Mr Steve Whitehead, Mr Terry Bartlett, Mrs Alana Brown, Mr Russell Cowgill, Mr Rob Finlay and Mr John Harris. Ten year safety certificates are being presented to Mr Troy Hogan, Mr Ian Stapleton and Mr Pat Burns.

Media welcome. Photo opportunity at 10 am.

Media contact: John Whittall on (02) 6331 2044 or 0429 449 813.