Timber Queensland has announced the establishment of the Colin MacKenzie Award for Technical Excellence in Timber Application and Use, and is now calling on industry partners across Australia to contribute seed funding to bring the new honour to life.
The award will recognise the late Colin MacKenzie, who passed away on 24 March 2025, whose four decades of leadership shaped timber engineering, Australian Standards, and building compliance. The initiative responds to widespread industry calls to formally acknowledge his legacy and to continue the work he championed to lift capability, innovation, and confidence in timber use.
“Colin’s influence can be seen in almost every aspect of timber engineering and compliance standards,” according to Mick Stephens, Timber Queensland’s CEO. “This award will recognise the next generation of innovators and continue the legacy of technical leadership he dedicated his life to,” he said.
Award honours individuals or teams advancing timber engineering and design.
According to Stephens, the award is intended for engineers, architects, designers, builders, and researchers who deliver real technical impact and help strengthen capability across the sector.
“Judging will focus on technical merit, innovation, and the contribution a project or individual makes to improving knowledge, collaboration and sustainability in timber use — and will consider alignment with Colin’s vision for timber as a high‑performance, compliant and fit‑for‑purpose construction material.”
And the winning recipients will be honoured at a major event. “We want this to be a significant national recognition, supported by an honour roll and a cash bursary that encourages excellence and inspires emerging professionals,” Stephens said.
Award objectives and judging criteria have been drafted, with industry feedback to be incorporated as the program is finalised. Full details will be released once funding commitments are secured. “Following the call for support, the best governance and funding model will be established, taking into account ideas developed with other potential national and state partners, given the broad reach of the award,” Stephens added. “By supporting this award, organisations will be investing in the technical capability our sector needs for the future.”
