The National Grassroots Community Organisation

TCA National Conference

Timber Communities Australia (TCA) hosts an annual National Conference each year.

The National Conference allows TCA branch members to get together and discuss the issues that are relevant to their communities.

Delegates from each of the 80 branches across the country attend, taking back to their communities the latest news, views and strategies for enhancing the well being of their communities.

TCA conferences allow delegates to catch up with each other, share news, discuss common interests and events and develop a forward looking agenda for their branches.

TCA encourages every member to attend the National Conference at least once. Early bookings are essential as there are only 300 places available and they are filled on a first in, first served basis.

Delegates attending the conference are also encouraged to take in the pre-conference tour. Limited places are available and will be filled quickly, so book early to ensure your spot on the bus.

For 2007 conference information and registration forms click here

For past conference information and registration forms click here

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THE 2007 TREVOR CEDERMAN MEMORIAL AWARDS

The Trevor Cederman Memorial Award honours the late Trevor Cederman who lost his life in a falling accident in Western Australia on 16 May 1995. Trevor was the inaugural President of the first branch of the then FPS, established in Western Australia, the Warren Branch.

Trevor was a great ambassador for the Timber Industry and fearlessly imparted his convictions to all – whether they were his mates in the bush, the media, forest protesters colleagues marching in a rally supporting sustainable forestry.

The purpose of the award is to honour the unsung heroes and heroines of TCA who, in their own special and unique way, follow Trevor’s footsteps.

The 2007 Trevor Cederman Awards night was certainly a touching experience. As we remembered the essence of the award and all things TCA the experience was exacerbated by the words of Trevor’s daughter Dana.

The Winner of the 2007 Trevor Cederman Memorial Award was Peter Panozzo from the Victorian North East TCA Branch.  State Finalists included: Greg Weber (NSW), Karen Wimshurst (SA), Karen Hall (Tasmania), Owen Stokes Hughes (WA) and of course Peter was the Victorian Finalist. 

Peter Panozzo receives his award from The Hon. Senator Eric Abetz and Trevor Cedermans daughter Dana. "Peter is the President of the North East Victorian Branch. There is plenty of TCA members that work tirelessly to uphold the values and promote the sustainable use of our natural resources, but there is no doubt TCA would be known world wide if all our members were as passionate as Peter Panozzo.  He is TCA through and through and is so passionate that no matter what adversities he may face, he will always continue TCA’s fight to protect timber communities."

Greg Weber - NSW State Finalist.

"He has been involved with TCA since 1980 and involved in some highly emotive actions such as the Tantawanglo trial logging in the late 1980’s, the Canberra blockades of the 90’s and many years of logging in the Bermagui forests.  Greg never forgets the grassroots people that make up TCA.  If something has to be done… Greg Weber is the person to contact.  If he can’t do it he will certainly know someone that can help!

Karen Wimshurst - SA State Finalist.

"The Limestone Coast Branch of TCA was only formed in August 2006 but there is no doubt Karen can stand tall and proud with other state finalists as she has achieved so much in such as short time and is a true TCA person and an inspiration to others within the branch. Karen has been involved in industry committees such as FITNET, Cut Above, Project Advisory Group, Nangwarry Museum and of course TCA.  The future of timber communities in South Australia is safe hands with Karen at the helm."

Karen Hall - Tasmanian State Finalist.

"Karen is a founding member of the North East Tasmanian Branch and continues to be a stalwart of her branch.  Her community representation has been constant over the years, always ready to help coordinate events to benefit not just her region but timber dependent communities throughout Australia as was evident with the recent Tasmanian Women in Timber Conference. Karen has been a strong supporter of Tasmania’s timber industry, her family business and local community and has always taken on every opportunity to promote the benefits of Tasmania’s renewable and sustainable timber industry."

Owen Stokes Hughes - WA Finalist. "Because of his drive and determination, Owen has been able to steer the organization to a position where membership is strong with members coming from the farming and business sectors, the general public and plantation owners.  In all instances Owen ensures that community members are well informed about any issues surrounding the sustainable use of our forests and promotes the aims of TCA"

We remembered Dana as a 13 year old girl, in front of 1200 grieving timber workers in Pemberton, delivering her fathers (her best friend) eulogy.  What an amazing girl she was then, and is today, a real “Chip off the ole’ block” so-as-to-speak.  This was Dana’s first attendance at our Trevor Cederman Award Dinner and her speech left all those present with a lump in their throat and pride in their hearts.  Dana said: It’s been 12 years since, as a 13yr old girl I had tragically just lost my father and best friend, Trevor Cederman. I found the courage from somewhere to speak in front of over 1200 people to deliver dad’s eulogy. It was overwhelming yet also comforting to know that my dad, the gentle giant, had meant so much to so many people. See, he had a passion. One that has grown in the hearts of many people who strive to maintain the focus of what TCA represents. He fought so hard for the trees and to keep the food on many a table. How ironic that the industry he fought so hard to protect, tragically took his life.

To have a passion is a wonderful thing and something we should all have. My passion was born out of the qualities I inherited from my beautiful dad. I'm a nurse and my dream, which I hope to become a reality in the near future, is to become a midwife. To help bring life into this world. Dad was a gentle soul who was highly respected and admired by his peers, colleagues and his family. I know he's looking down over us and would be proud of what Timber Communities Australia has become.

When Tish asked me if I would present the award I was absolutely honoured and humbled, and I can say nothing made me more proud. It's lovely to think there are so many candidates across Australia that display similar qualities to my dad, you are all special people. It’s a shame so many of you never got the chance to meet the wonderful man that was my dad.