Forestry Australia’s 2025 Conference formally concluded today, Wednesday, 22 October, in Adelaide, celebrating the remarkable contributions of Robert (Bob) Gordon, Dr Peter Stanton PSM, and Dr Tom Fairman, who were honoured with the 2025 N.W. Jolly Medal and Prince of Wales Award respectively.

Held from 20 to 23 October, the conference brought together 400 attendees under the theme Restoring forests and landscapes and securing Australia’s future, marking the 150th anniversary of plantation forestry in Australia and the 90-year anniversary of The Institute of Foresters of Australia, trading as Forestry Australia.

Aligning with the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, the event united experts, researchers, forestry professionals, farmers, rangers, and tree-growing practitioners to advance sustainable forest management and foster the next generation of forestry leaders.

2025 Award Winners

• Robert (Bob) Gordon – N.W. Jolly Medal: Bob Gordon, a nationally respected forestry leader with over 40 years of service, received the N.W. Jolly Medal, Forestry Australia’s highest honour, for his transformative contributions to sustainable forest management, policy reform, and Indigenous inclusion. Beginning his career with the Forestry Commission in Tasmania in 1978, Bob held leadership roles, including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Forestry Tasmania (2006–2013), where he navigated the Tasmanian forest peace negotiations. As National President of Forestry Australia, he spearheaded the merger with Australian Forest Growers, modernised governance, and championed diversity and mentoring. Currently, as inaugural Chair of Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI), Bob drives national research initiatives. His advocacy for First Nations communities, international market development, and community roles, including Honorary Consul of Finland for Tasmania, have left a lasting legacy in forest governance and professional leadership.
• Dr Peter Stanton PSM – N.W. Jolly Medal (award accepted by his son, Matthew): Dr. James ‘Peter’ Stanton was awarded the N.W. Jolly Medal for his 50+ year career advancing forest conservation, particularly in Queensland’s tropical forests and the Wet Tropics World Heritage area. A professional forester and expert in landscape and fire ecology, Peter’s scientific assessments expanded national parks and protected areas across Queensland and the Kimberley. His work with the Queensland Forestry Department, Queensland National Parks Service, and Australian Wildlife Conservancy shaped conservation policy. Recognized with the IUCN Fred M. Packard International Parks Merit Award (1982), the Public Service Medal (1996), and an Honorary Doctor of Science from James Cook University (2023), Peter’s legacy includes millions of hectares of conserved forests.
• Dr Tom Fairman – Prince of Wales Award: Dr Tom Fairman, a Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s FLARE Wildfire Research Centre, received the Prince of Wales Award for his outstanding contributions as a young forest professional. His leadership in recovering alpine ash forests after the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires, including reseeding over 11,000 hectares and co-developing a $7.7 million seed stock initiative, showcases scientific and operational excellence. Tom’s research, including contributions to the 2025 Alpine Ash Silvicultural Reference Manual, and his roles as Vice President of the Gippsland Forest Dialogue and committee member of the Corner Inlet Landcare Group, reflect his commitment to sustainable forest management. A passionate mentor and science communicator, Tom collaborates with Traditional Owners and has secured over $400,000 in research funding since 2020.

Conference Impact

The 2025 Conference highlighted Forestry Australia’s commitment to sustainable forestry, First Nations collaboration, and youth engagement. Discussions on innovative forest management, global conservation challenges, and strategies to attract young professionals underscored the sector’s role in delivering ecological, social, and economic benefits for Australia’s future.

Media Contact:
Jenna Hammond – 0448 424 899
For more information, visit: https://www.forestryconference.com.au/speakers/

ABOUT FORESTRY AUSTRALIA
Forestry Australia is an independent, not-for-profit professional association of more than 1,100 forest scientists, managers and growers who work in native forests, plantations and provision of environmental services. Its members are committed to the principles of sustainable forest management and applying these principles to generate environmental, social and economic outcomes in all types of forests and land tenures.