Timber processors strive to satisfy
stringent market demands. A lot of knowledge, expertise and information is
needed in order to successfully manage variable raw material supply volumes;
variable raw material (wood) characteristics which in turn impact yields and
cost of processing; and the wider Australian and international market dynamics
(raw material supply/demand/price and ditto for end products) which their
businesses face.
Integral to managing the many
challenges – is an appreciation of wood science and technology and the new
techniques being introduced. This Gottstein Trust Wood Science Course of five
days duration is designed to provide such information. The course may even
assist some decision makers in the industry to gain greater efficiency in their
operations – through access to subject matter experts, field trip inspections
and through the course networking opportunities.
Wood products are recognised as
carbon friendly. Yet ironically in Australia, there is still decreasing
availability of various types of timber from some regions and changes in
quality from others. A clear understanding of timber users’ final requirements
is essential for those who process timber. Their customers’ requirements may be
for high quality appearance grade products, or for a uniform quality but lower
cost product. The magic lies in understanding each variety and style of timber
(the raw material) to ensure efficient conversion of the raw material into a
marketable and fit for purpose product.
Objectives
- Provide an understanding of wood and the properties which affect processing and end-use.
- Provide insights into the potential for development of new products.
- Provide an appreciation of contemporary issues including innovation, technology and supply/demand trends for wood products.
Future Courses
The next course will run in the first week of September - starting at Albury in the evening of Sunday 7th September 2025. Planning is underway and once finalised the location and date will be released on LinkedIn and on this page.
Course Program
The program will be similar to the 2023 program which included two days of site visits to leading wood processors, when the group was based at Albury, NSW for two nights. The group then travels to Canberra (approximately 4 hrs including a restroom/refreshments stop at Gundagai) by comfortable coach for the rest of the program. A highlight of the learning experiences in Canberra is a laboratory session where participants use microscopes to examine wood samples under the expert guidance of Dr Matthew Brookhouse, at the Australian National University.
Course Fees
2025 fees will be provided when planning is complete. Expectations are that with inflation impacting the services used to deliver the course, some rise to the fee is likely.
2023 fees (All inclusive of GST):
$ 3,995.00 - Includes two nights Albury accommodation
$ 3,265.00 - Gottstein Patron Donor (20% discount for up to 2 people), includes two nights Albury accommodation
$ 3,630.00 - Gottstein Sponsor Donor (10% discount for up to 2 people), includes Albury accommodation
NB: Travel to Albury to start the course and travel back home from Canberra at the end of the course is a participant cost. We transport the group by luxury coach from Albury to Canberra. The other cost to be covered by the participant is the three nights accommodation in Canberra (discounted rates available under our Group Code with Mercure Canberra).
To Register
Once online registration opens for 2025 bookings can be made. Invoices are issued within a couple of days after the registration is received. A place is assured once full payment is made.
Who Should Attend
Senior and potential managers,
operational team members, tree growers, industry and government policy people,
consultants, executives, non-executive directors and service providers within
the forest and wood products supply chain. The course will be of extra special relevance to those who've recently joined the industry.
Why You Should Attend
You will gain a deeper understanding
of wood science and key features of the modern wood products industry – this
will be an asset in your professional work environment. This course should also
assist you to place your operation within a national and international context.
In order to facilitate informal
exchange and discussion, the course is limited to a maximum 35 participants.
Invited Speakers
The 2025 will again feature a high quality group of invited guest presenters
with deep experience in the industry. Speakers typically donate their time and
expertise to the Gottstein Trust courses and the Trust is indebted to them for
such generous support.