The timber industry has been shaped by many dedicated professionals, and few have had as profound an impact as Dr Alastair Woodard. As he transitions from his active role in our industry, we want to take a moment to recognise and celebrate his invaluable contributions over the past three decades.
A Legacy in Timber Education
Since 1995, Alastair has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives in the timber sector. His journey began when he was recruited from Monash University to establish timber education programs for universities and TAFEs across the country—an initiative that continues to thrive today under Forest & Wood Products Australia’s (FWPA) WoodSolutions program. His work has had a lasting impact, shaping the education and development of future professionals in timber design and construction.
Pioneering WoodSolutions Initiatives
Alastair has played an integral role in the WoodSolutions team since its inception in 2009. Alastair has been instrumental in advancing WoodSolutions’s technical expertise and educational initiatives. As the Victorian Technical Team Representative, he has provided expert guidance, contributed to and authored technical design guides, led the development of the national webinar and seminar program, and created valuable resources that inspire student learning and engagement with wood products. His expertise and dedication have been instrumental in advancing technical capacity for the industry.
Leading the Mid-rise Program
His visionary leadership was also evident in the development of the WoodSolutions Mid-rise Advisory Program. From its inception under Wood Products Victoria to its successful launch and implementation under FWPA, Alastair’s efforts have helped shape the adoption of timber solutions in mid-rise construction. His ability to identify industry needs and translate them into actionable programs has been a cornerstone of his career.
A Valued Colleague and Mentor
Beyond his technical expertise, Alastair has been a valued colleague and mentor, working closely with many of our team and industry during his time as the National Residential and Construction Program Manager at FWPA. His passion for the industry, combined with his collaborative spirit, has left a lasting impact on those who have had the privilege of working alongside him.
On behalf of the entire team at FWPA and WoodSolutions, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Alastair for his unwavering support and dedication. His work has helped shape the future of timber in Australia, and we look forward to the possibility of collaborating again in the future.
