2025–2026 Timber Queensland Growth Scholarship Recipients Announced

Timber Queensland is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025–26 Growth Scholarship Awards Program.

Strategic Relations Manager Clarissa Brandt said the judging panel was once again impressed by the calibre and diversity of applications received from across the forest and timber industry.

“This year’s recipients reflect the breadth of talent and innovation in our sector—from early career operators to seasoned professionals seeking to upskill and lead,” said Clarissa Brandt.

Clarissa said judges were impressed by the practical and operational aspect of many of the applications which will deliver on-going benefits for recipients and practical outcomes for industry development.

The recipients of the 2025–2026 Awards are:

• $10,000 Kennedy’s Timber Foundation Partner Award Gian Carlos Poleto Learning Activity: Enhancing Forest Management in Queensland Using Drone and LiDAR Technologies

  
  

• $5000 HQP Diamond Partner Award Alan Ferguson Learning Activity: Operation Log Haulage – TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

  
  

• $5000 AKD Diamond Partner Award Babar Hassan Learning Activity: Enhancing Timber Protection Knowledge through IRG-WP Conference and Chinese Institute Engagement

  
  

• $2500 DTM Timber Ruby Partner Award Sebastian Ballard Learning Activity: Certificate III in Forestry Operations

Recipient of the Kennedy’s Timber Foundation Partner Award Gian Carlos Poleto, Forester – GIS & Planning at Parkside Group, will undertake a learning project focused on drone and LiDAR technologies to improve forest assessment and planning in Queensland’s private native forests.

“This project will allow me to support landholders with accurate vegetation and timber volume assessments, helping guide sustainable forest management,” said Gian Carlos Poleto.

“To achieve this, I’ll complete specialised training in drone operation and LiDAR data collection, conduct field trials in private native forests, and develop detailed forest inventory reports. I’ll also engage with experts and industry groups to understand how these technologies can be practically applied in Queensland,” he said.

“By mastering remote sensing and spatial analysis, I’ll be able to produce detailed forest inventory reports that improve planning and harvesting decisions. This will directly benefit Queensland’s private native forests by enhancing data accuracy and promoting sustainable practices.”

In awarding Alan Ferguson, a B-double log truck driver with Sunchip Group the HQP Diamond Partner Award to pursue a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment judges noted the industry-wide need for training and mentoring. One of the major challenges Queensland’s industry currently faces is a shortage of qualified trainers and assessors who have real, hands-on experience in roles like B-double log truck driving.

“There’s a real need for experienced trainers in our industry. This qualification will help me support new drivers and improve safety and standards across forestry transport,” said Alan Ferguson.

“As someone with extensive on-the-ground experience, gaining this qualification will allow me to help bridge that gap. I’ll be able to deliver training that is relevant, practical, and tailored to the real challenges drivers face in forestry operations,” he said.

Senior Forest Technician Babar Hassan from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries’ submitted a Learning Project application to help remove barriers to the uptake of timber and support more informed, evidence-based decisions around timber durability—especially as interest grows in mass timber and low-maintenance building systems.

Babar has been awarded the AKD Diamond Partner Award to strengthen his expertise in timber durability, termite protection, and service life prediction modelling. He will attend the International Research Group on Wood Protection (IRG-WP 2026) annual conference in Beijing and visit leading Chinese research institutes to help him understand how long-term field and lab data are applied in risk assessments and treatment development.

 “My goal is to strengthen timber protection strategies against termite and decay damage, particularly under Queensland’s climate conditions,” said Babar Hassan.

“Insights from international research will help refine the wood service life predictions models and support more informed, evidence-based decisions around timber durability. This work will contribute to longer-lasting timber structures and more cost-effective protection methods for our industry.”

Judges selected Sebastian Ballard, a trainee skidder operator at Sunchip Group to receive the DTM Timber Ruby Partner Award.  Sebastian will complete his Certificate III in Forestry Operations to build foundational skills in machine operation, sustainable harvesting, and forest assessment.

“This qualification will give me the confidence and capability to take on more responsibility and grow my career in forestry,” said Sebastian Ballard.

“By upskilling, I’ll be better equipped to contribute to safe and efficient operations. Supporting early-career development like mine helps ensure the industry has a strong, capable workforce for the future,” he said

Clarissa Brandt said the scholarship program continues to grow thanks to the generous support of industry partners.

“We are grateful to Kennedy’s Timber, AKD, HQPlantations and DTM Timber for their ongoing commitment to workforce development,” she said.

“Each of this year’s recipients demonstrates passion, purpose and a clear vision for how their learning will benefit both their careers and the broader industry.”

“We are pleased to support recipients who are at various stages of their careers but who all have a commonality – passion, drive and commitment to growing Queensland’s forest and timber industry.”