Timber Queensland launches Colin MacKenzie Award to strengthen timber design and construction capability

Timber Queensland has announced the launch of the Colin MacKenzie Award for Technical Excellence in Timber Application and Use, a new national initiative recognising outstanding technical achievement and leadership in the use of timber across Australia’s building and construction sectors.

The award was launched yesterday at the WoodSolutions event, Queensland Timber: Trajectory Award Winning Exemplars Showcasing the Way to Modern Construction, bringing together leaders from the forest and timber, engineering, architectural and construction industries.

The initiative responds to widespread calls from industry to formally recognise Colin MacKenzie’s legacy following his passing on 24 March 2025 and to continue the work he championed in lifting capability, innovation and confidence in the use of timber across Australian construction. 

Widely regarded as “The Timber Expert”, the award reflects Colin’s lasting contribution to advancing timber as a high‑performance, compliant and fit‑for‑purpose construction material across a diverse range of applications, from buildings to infrastructure and beyond.

Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said the award is intended to recognise those delivering real technical impact across the sector.

“The award is intended for engineers, architects, designers, builders and researchers who are delivering real technical impact and helping to strengthen capability across the sector,” Mr Stephens said.

“This is not limited to building projects it recognises the full breadth of timber innovation, including infrastructure, engineered solutions and other applications that demonstrate excellence in using or enabling the use of timber,” he said.

Mr Stephens said the award will focus strongly on outcomes that contribute to advancing industry knowledge and practice.

“Judging will focus on technical merit, innovation, and the contribution a project or individual makes to improving knowledge, collaboration and sustainability in timber use.

“It will also consider alignment with Colin’s vision for timber as a high-performance, compliant and fit-for-purpose construction material.”

A national judging panel comprising respected leaders from across engineering, design and specification will assess entries, ensuring a strong emphasis on technical rigour and industry relevance.

Mick Stephens said “We are honoured to have Professor Benoit Gilbert, Griffith University, Rob Mansell, National Specification Manager, Hyne Timber, Dr Andrew Magub, Principal, Architectus, Kim Harris, Technical Advisor, AKD and Matt Smith, Senior Technical Consultant, Timber Queensland join the inaugural selection process.”

By recognising leading projects and individuals, Timber Queensland said the initiative will help drive greater confidence in timber and support the continued development of capability across the industry.

Mr Stephens said the recipient of the inaugural Colin MacKenzie Award will be honoured at the Queensland HIA Building Awards in Brisbane on 13 November 2026.

“We gratefully acknowledge the support of the foundation partners, including Timber Queensland, to launch this award.  The seed funding has enabled the national award to be offered annually for the next five years at which point the goodwill and delivery of the award can be reviewed going forward,” said Mr Stephens.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is supporting the 2026 award as Presentation Sponsor, recognising Colin MacKenzie’s long‑standing expertise, collaboration and trusted advice across a range of QBCC initiatives and the broader development sector over many years. The QBCC’s involvement with an award associated with technical excellence aligns with a commitment to promoting high standards, capability and integrity within the building and construction industry.

Further details about the application and judging process is available here.