Forestry Australia | Book Club

Organised by the Victorian Branch, our online Book Club would like to extend an invitation to all Forestry Australia members to join us for the third and final session of 2026, taking place in November.

Following two enjoyable sessions with Victorian members earlier this year, we’re opening the final session to all members. Join us for a relaxed and informal chat about the selected book, with plenty of opportunity to share ideas, have a laugh and connect with fellow members. We’ll be aiming for a very informal conversation — the virtual equivalent of a pub session.

Whether you’ve joined a previous session or are taking part for the first time, we’d love to have you along.

Details
Second session date: Thursday 5 November | Time: 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm AEDT
Location: Online via Zoom

Next Book
Jackson’s Track: Memoir of a Dreamtime Place (Daryl Tonkin & Carolyn Landon)

Synopsis – Jackson’s Track

This is a very down-to-earth account that puts the reader in the shoes of a local family and community in southern Victoria as they navigate learning the ways of the bush, living and working in the forest, and the relationship between Indigenous and white people during the 1930’s – 1950’s.

In 1936, at the height of the Great Depression, Daryl Tonkin and his brother Harry head to the bush searching for work and adventure. The following year they set up a timber mill at Jackson’s Track – a dreamtime place – in the rich temperate forests of south-eastern Victoria.

An experienced bushman, the ‘quiet type’, Daryl works to clear the scrub; exploring the land and its ancient people, he unexpectedly falls in love. But Daryl is white and Euphie is black, and neither of them is prepared for the conflict their forbidden love ignites.

This riveting memoir recaptures a community, a place and way of life long vanished. It tells of one man’s courage to pursue what he knows is right.

An unforgettable true story of joy and tragedy, and of hope in the face of adversity.

Other information about the book:

See here for a summary by a local historical society:
https://www.jindivick.org.au/jacksons-track-an-aboriginal-story

See here for a short (15 minute) documentary featuring two of the author’s children, reflecting on the experience of growing up on Country at Jackson’s Track, and talking about health care for indigenous communities – then and now.
https://www.cheekymac.com/jacksons-track#jt-stream

Book Access

Participants are responsible for sourcing their own copy via library or purchase options.

Next Book Club

Our 2027 Book Club dates are still to be confirmed, with the first session planned for early February. Stay tuned—dates will be announced soon.

Registration
The Book Club is free for Forestry Australia members. However we ask you to register in order to receive the Zoom Links and session information.

Previous Books

April 2026
Gum: the story of eucalypts and their champions by Ashley Hay
Read about the session

June 2026
The Overstory by Richard Powers
Read about the session

HOW WILL IT WORK?

We may adjust the format as we go along based on feedback and experience, but the starting plan is:

  • We will be aiming for a very informal chat (as much as is possible online) — the equivalent of a pub session. BYO beverage of choice — don’t drink and type!
  • Everyone is welcome. We are hoping for a diverse group. No prerequisite knowledge is required. You’ll still be welcome if you haven’t finished (or started) the book (providing you accept the likelihood of spoilers!).
  • One or more members of the Vic Branch committee will MC and facilitate the sessions. We will bring some questions to stimulate discussion, which we will also email to you the week before the session if you would like to think about them in advance (optional).
  • If we have many attendees, we will use Zoom breakout rooms to enable a better experience.
  • Participants will be encouraged to interact with each other via the Zoom chat function, but this will not be formally moderated as it would be in a webinar.
  • We are considering an optional WhatsApp group for participants to communicate between sessions (we’ll gauge interest in this at the beginning).
  • We are keen to canvass a wide range of books that relate to trees, forests, and the natural world, alternating between non-fiction and fiction. People who register will have an opportunity to add to the book list for consideration. However, to begin with, the Vic committee will decide the selections.
  • Feel free to just turn up for the books that interest you — there is no obligation to attend every session.

WHAT WILL A GOOD BOOK CLUB CHAT LOOK LIKE?

  • A spontaneous, free-flowing conversation that may wander in any (appropriate) direction.
  • Discussion that piques our curiosity, challenges us with new information and ideas, and encourages the sharing of different perspectives.
  • Exploration of opinions about different writing styles as well as subject matter.
  • Courteous and respectful disagreement will be encouraged!
  • Everybody’s voice will count. Everyone will have a fair opportunity to speak. There is no pressure to speak if you prefer not to.
  • We will use the Zoom “raised hand” function to help facilitate the conversation.
  • The MC will reserve the right to interrupt or invite others to speak to ensure broad participation.
  • We may use a code word like “ENTMOOT” to warn enthusiastic speakers that it is time to pass on the talking stick!
  • Screens on will be preferred — glorious aesthetics not required!
  • Most importantly, we hope to have fun and enjoy each other’s company.