Applications now open for 2026–27 Timber Queensland Growth Scholarships

Timber Queensland has opened applications for the 2026–27 Growth Scholarship Program, inviting people working across Queensland’s forest and timber industry to apply for funding to support career and workforce development.

The Growth Scholarships provide financial support of up to $10,000 for development projects that help individuals strengthen skills and knowledge while delivering benefits for Queensland’s forest and timber industry.

Timber Queensland General Manager Strategic Relations and Communications Clarissa Brandt said the program continues to support a wide range of development pathways across the industry.

“Growth Scholarships have supported everything from deep technical research and international study tours through to qualifications, safety training, equipment operation, workforce training and leadership development,” Mrs Brandt said.

“Previous recipients have undertaken projects focused on sustainable forest management, timber durability, mechanised harvesting and planting systems, drone and spatial technologies, training and assessor qualifications, work health and safety credentials and practical on‑the‑job skills,” she said.

Winners of the 2025 - 2025 Growth Scholarship Awards

“These examples demonstrate that the program is deliberately flexible, supporting both academically focused development and hands‑on, operational capability building.”

For the 2026–27 program, age limits have been removed, with Growth Scholarships now open to all industry participants, reflecting the diversity of career stages and pathways across Queensland’s forest and timber workforce.

The program has also evolved to better reflect the operational focus of many applicants, with the HQPlantations Award now becoming the HQPlantations Operational Award.

“This award recognises people working in practical, on‑the‑ground roles in forestry and processing and supports development that improves day‑to‑day operations, including safety, productivity, logistics, training and workforce capability,” Mrs Brandt said.

“Applicants for the HQP Operational Award can choose to apply using either a written response or a short video, allowing them to present their development plans in the format that best suits their role and experience. The questions, assessment criteria and standards remain unchanged, and video submissions are assessed as equivalent to written applications.”

The Growth Scholarship Awards available in the 2026–27 program include:

• Kennedy’s Timber Award – $10,000

• HQPlantations Operational Award – $5,000

• AKD Award – $5,000

• DTM Timber Award – $2,500

Applications are open to people working across all parts of the forest and timber supply chain, including forest management, harvesting, haulage, processing, manufacturing, construction, research, sales, marketing, administration and operational support roles.

Applications for the 2026–27 Growth Scholarships are now open and close on 30 June 2026.

For full eligibility criteria and to apply, visit ww.timberqueensland.com.au/growthscholarships