Forico has been recognised for its dedication to reconciliation with Tasmania’s First Peoples, winning the Regional & Community Development Award at the 2021 Tasmanian Timber Awards, held at Albert Hall tonight.
In a joint submission with Reconciliation Tasmania, Forico highlighted its reconciliation journey and the development of its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), demonstrating its commitment to build, encourage and foster strong positive relationships and trust between Forico and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout Tasmania.
Forico Chief Executive, Bryan Hayes, said he was delighted Forico has been recognised for its efforts to build meaningful relationships with those who had been custodians of the natural environment for generations.
“The Tasmanian Timber Awards is a celebration of excellence and best practice within the forestry industry, Mr Hayes said.
“Forico’s Purpose states: We are the custodians of the natural environment and trusted to make the best use of natural resources for future generations,” Mr Hayes said.
“In pursuit of this goal, Forico considers it essential to engage and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who have been custodians of the natural environment for generations.”
Mr Hayes said the RAP was developed in a collaborative partnership with Reconciliation Tasmania, providing a clear pathway to deliver positive and meaningful actions with the Aboriginal community.
“An important output from the RAP is to investigate advancement of employment opportunities and relationships between Forico and the broader regional community of Tasmania for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” he said.
“We genuinely believe we can develop and deliver opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to create lasting community benefit.
“Forico is proud to have been recognised for this important work.”
Forico’s Trainee Forester, Rosanne Champion, was also a finalist in the Trainee of the Year category.
“On behalf of Forico, I want to congratulate all the finalists and award winners at this year’s Tasmanian Timber Awards and thank the TFFPN for bringing the industry together to recognise and celebrate all the good things forestry is doing in this state,” Mr Hayes said.
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