Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has welcomed three new team members who bring with them a wealth of experience, fresh ideas, and a shared passion for supporting Australia’s forestry and wood products sector.
A fresh perspective in Forest Research
Kathryn Dullard has joined FWPA’s Forest Research team as Project Coordinator, stepping into the role as Janette Newport has recently retired after many years of valued service to the industry.
Kathryn’s background spans agricultural science, international development, biodiversity conservation and farm safety. Most recently, she provided administrative support to the Worker Support Program at ForestWorks and has also worked on programs that improve safety in horticulture and promote the use of native Australian grasses for environmental restoration.
What ties it all together is her passion for collaboration and climate resilience. Kathryn believes the best outcomes come when communities, industries and governments work side by side, an approach that aligns perfectly with FWPA’s mission.
Outside of her professional achievements, Kathryn is known for her curiosity and genuine care for people. She’s motivated by creating long-term, practical solutions that balance environmental needs with community wellbeing.
” In my short experience working in forestry, one of the main things that stands out is the people and how amazing everyone has been. I’m looking forward to connecting more with our researchers and growers.”
New energy in Marketing and Communications
Two new Marketing and Communications Business Partners have joined the team, bringing complementary skills and backgrounds that will help us deliver stronger engagement with members, industry stakeholders, and promote the social, economic, and environmental benefits of choosing to use sustainably sourced wood products.
Olivia Topham – Marketing and Communications Business Partner
Olivia joins FWPA from Diversified, a global media and events company, where she led marketing and communications for large scale events across Australia and internationally. With a strong foundation in driving global events and campaigns, Olivia brings a strategic marketing lens and a passion for engaging and connecting audiences through impactful communications.
She thrives on storytelling and is passionate about all aspects of communication.
“I’m excited to be stepping into a new industry and to learn more about the role forestry plays in Australia. It’s a great opportunity to bring my experience from global events and marketing into a new space and connect with the many people who make up this sector.”
Marie Willy – Marketing and Communications Business Partner
Marie brings more than 20 years’ experience in marketing, communications, and brand strategy across professional associations, not-for-profits, education, retail, and major consumer brands.
She has led teams in client and agency settings, driving digital transformation, membership growth, stakeholder engagement, and large-scale campaigns. Known for blending data insights with creativity, she streamlines processes, builds strong stakeholder relationships, and delivers measurable results. Passionate about customer value, brand strength, and collaboration, she thrives in dynamic, changing environments.
“I’m looking forward to using my experience to help share the industry’s story, highlight innovations, and build stronger connections around the value of sustainable forest and wood products.”
Together, Olivia, Marie, and Kathryn bring valuable skills, diverse perspectives, and strong experience and skills that will enhance FWPA’s work across marketing, communications, and research. We are excited to see the impact they will make as they contribute to our programs, strengthen engagement with stakeholders, and continue building on FWPA’s role in supporting Australia’s forest and wood products sector.
Join us in welcoming our new starters.
