FIELD TRIP: Optimising the Value of Farm Plantations

How can you optimise the value of trees planted on your land?

Hosted by Bindi Wines & wood4good, with the support of the Victorian Branch of Forestry Australia, invite you to visit a fauna-friendly forestry operation that provides an opportunity to learn about utilising, managing & monetising trees on farms.

In 2005, fifteen hectares of sheep-grazing land was planted with two provenances of sugar gum and two of red ironbark and subsequently transformed.

This plantation is now a forest-in-the-making, and a sustainable source of renewable forest products.

Date: Friday 8 May 2026 | Time: 10:00am – 2:30pm
Location: Bindi Wines, 343 Melton Rd, Gisborne VIC 3437

The field trip will include:

  • Hear from Michael Dhillon of Bindi Wines about their vision for the forest and the landscape.
  • Learn from Ben Boxshall of wood4good about managing, harvesting & diversifying farm plantations.
  • Learn how to prune & thin eucalypts & wattles to increase optionality & value.
  • Observe the processing & utilisation of wood & timber products and learn their market value.
  • Watch a sawmilling demonstration by Julia’s Onsite Timber Milling.
  • Hear from representatives of the State Government’s current Trees on Farms Grant Programs.
  • Hear and possibly see Gang-gang Cockatoos!!!

Registrations (incl. GST):
Forestry Australia Member: $0 | Non-members: $10
Registrations close: 10:00am, Wednesday 6 May

To register, click HERE

Equipment:
Please wear appropriate clothing for bushwalking, including sturdy walking shoes, a raincoat, and warm layers.

Meals:
Light food and drinks provided.

Program

10:00am – Arrival at the winery – morning tea
10:30am – Introduction & welcome (David Dore – wood4good)
10:35am – Acknowledgement of Country (Michael Dhillon)
10:40am – The Vision – Michael & Wendy Dhillon (Bindi Wines)
11:00am – Walk to plantation site (500m)
11:15am – Silvicultural practices (Ben Boxshall – wood4good)
12:00pm – Demonstrations of log processing & timber milling (Paul McKay)
12:30pm – Return to the winery – lunch
1:30pm – Trees on Farms Programs (update from DEECA)
1:50pm – Introduction to the Good Tree Network
2:00pm – The business of establishing & managing forests – a look at the numbers
2:30pm – Departure