One of Australia’s rising forest leaders, who is now working with South Australian First Nations peoples to provide communities access to native trees to make canoes, coolamons, and shields, has been awarded the Richard Stanton Award at the Forestry Australia symposium.
Presented by Simon Dorries, Responsible Wood’s CEO, and Dr Tony Bartlett, Chair of Responsible Wood, Monique Blason, ForestrySA’s General Manager for Community Services, was awarded the trophy, handcrafted by Wood Connect chain of custody member George Harris:
Monique has also shown exceptional commitment to cultural heritage by working closely with local First Nations groups,” Mr Dorries told more than 300 atteendees at the symposium, adding that “her efforts in this area highlight her deep respect and understanding of the multifaceted role forests play in our society.
The Richard Stanton Award honours Richard Stanton’s legacy by recognising individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainable forest management and the principles of Responsible Wood certification.
“Richard Stanton was a passionate advocate for sustainable forestry, and this award continues his mission by celebrating those who contribute significantly to the health and sustainability of our forest industry, ensuring they remain a vital resource for generations to come.”
Ms Dawson manages a ForestrySA team that manages over 16,000 hectares of Proclaimed Native Forest Reserves and supports conservation and recreational activities across approximately 10,000 hectares of commercial pine plantations in the Adelaide Hills. “Under her guidance, ForestrySA’s forests have a sustainability leader, offering a range of ecosystem services, including biodiversity conservation and recreational opportunities for their local communities,” Mr Dorries said.
“One of Monique’s standout achievements is the development of the Ramseys/Fox Creek, Mt Crawford mountain bike park—a facility that not only meets the highest standards of recreational development but also supports biodiversity through thoughtful amenity planting.”
“Monique’s contributions go beyond just land management. She has embraced the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme, ensuring that all sites under management proudly promote and display the Responsible Wood logo,” Mr Dorries said. “This is evident along trails like the Wilampa Trail in the Second Valley Forest Reserve, where clear, quality signage communicates the importance of sustainable forestry to all visitors.”
About the Richard Stanton trophy
This year’s trophy comprises various timbers—all certified under the Responsible Wood forest certification scheme. It includes five laters of Australian Araucaria plywood, made by Austral Plywoods. The plywood is veneered front and back with bird’s eye Huon Pine veneer from Britton Timbers in Tasmania.
In addition, the base is made from fiddle-back Tasmanian eucalyptus delegatensis, milled at Bradshaw’s mill in Queenstown, Tasmania.
- To learn more about the Richard Stanton Award, visit the Responsible Wood website.
