Industry professionals are encouraged to book now or risk missing out, with planning underway for the next Gottsetin Trust Understanding Wood Science course.
Scheduled for November 12 to 17, the course will divide time between Albury and Canberra, following a similar program to the highly successful 2022 edition.
According to the course convenor Helen Murray, the decision to stage the Gottstein Wood and Forest Science programmes in the same year is due to prolonged COVID disruptions.
“It means that people aren’t having to wait so long for the next program,” Ms Murray said. “Normally, the Trust would just hold the Understanding Forest Science program this year, followed by the Understanding Wood Science course in 2024.”
Last year, more than 87% of people who completed last year’s course reported that their timber knowledge had “improved a lot” thanks to the course.
“One 2022 participant was brimming with enthusiasm after the course and recorded in the survey, “I loved it all!” Ms Murray said. “The mix was great. Great mix of look, listen and do learning!.”
The 2023 program involves two nights in Albury, NSW, enabling the group to dive straight into site visits to leading wood processors in the wider Victoria and NSW regions.
Attendees will tour Xlam’s state-of-the-art facility in Barnawatha and Alpine Truss at Wangaratta.
During the three-day Canberra leg of the course, Dr Matthew Brookhouse, a research scientist at the Australian National University Fenner School of Environment & Society, will guide attendees in examining the biological characteristics of wood.
During the three-day Canberra leg of the course, Dr Matthew Brookhouse, a research scientist at the Australian National University Fenner School of Environment & Society, will guide attendees in examining the biological characteristics of wood.
Participants will enjoy a laboratory exercise using microscopes to look at and learn about the characteristics of different types of wood.
A series of industry experts will deliver guest speaker sessions, and there will be plenty of time to ask questions.
Course bookings operate on a first-come-first-served basis, and registration can only be secured online.
The course fee includes two nights of accommodation at Albury, select meals, a course celebration dinner, and luxury coach transport from Albury to Canberra following the conclusion of the field trip.
Participants must book and pay for their three nights of Canberra accommodation for which the Trust has reserved and negotiated a group rate with the Mercure Canberra.
