Responsible Wood is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Responsible Wood Community Grants Program. The initiative supports projects that celebrate and strengthen the link between certified forests and the people who rely on them, for recreation, learning, wellbeing and culture. This year’s judging panel was truly spoilt for choice, with an exceptional calibre of applications demonstrating strong community impact…
Independent auditing is central to the integrity of Responsible Wood certification. By verifying that sustainability requirements are met in practice, audits allow businesses to demonstrate credible claims and enable end-users to trust the products they’re buying. To understand how this credibility is built on the ground, Responsible Wood caught up with independent auditor and environmental health consultant, Wayne Tibbits, to…
Applications for Responsible Wood’s 2025 Community Grants have now closed – and the calibre and community impact reflected in this year’s submissions is exceptional. Across Australia, community groups, environmental organisations and volunteer networks have shared projects that demonstrate just how deeply people value their local forests and sustainably sourced timber. This year’s applications span a broad range of ideas and…
Congratulations to Lara Maeselle, winner of the Responsible Wood-sponsored ‘Certified Australian Timber’ category at the Timber Design Awards for the residential project ‘Nebraska’. The project was built with timber supplied by Responsible Wood Chain of Custody certification holders Britton Timbers (Tasmanian Oak) and Mortlock Timber (Spotted Gum). The Nebraska residence, which also won the ‘Residential Class 1 – New Buildings’…
The European Commission’s recent announcement that implementation date for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) returned to 30 December 2025 highlights the importance of timely preparation for forest product exporters, says Responsible Wood, the national governing body in Australia and New Zealand for certification scheme PEFC International. In September, the Commission proposed a 12-month delay to 2026 to allow more time…
Earlier this week, Responsible Wood held its Annual General Meeting at Federation University in Churchill, Victoria, bringing together members, directors, staff and special guests to reflect on a year of progress in responsible forestry and certification. The meeting also marked the release of the Responsible Wood 2024/25 Annual Report, which outlines achievements against key priorities and highlights milestones such as…
Responsible Wood is proud to announce Shona Heading as the recipient of the 2025 Richard Stanton Memorial Leadership Award, recognising her outstanding leadership and contribution to sustainable forest management and the promotion of certified Australian timber. Established in 2015, the Richard Stanton Memorial Leadership Award honours the late Richard Stanton, a pioneer in sustainable forestry both in Australia and internationally.…
A Queensland project constructed with Responsible Wood-certified timber has taken home the prestigious Built by Nature ‘Public Infrastructure’ prize, edging out nearly 400 other projects from 39 countries. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services North Coast Regional Headquarters and Maryborough Fire and Rescue Station project was designed by Baber Studio and constructed with locally sourced, certified timber, processed and manufactured…
Last week, Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) released a report assessing and comparing Australia’s two forestry certification schemes: Responsible Wood (endorsed by PEFC); and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Importantly, the report noted both schemes deliver credible outcomes. Both schemes help ensure consumers can be confident that forest and wood-based products are deforestation free, follow an ethical supply chain…
National Safe Work Month is a timely reminder that keeping people safe at work is everyone’s responsibility. At Responsible Wood, we see this principle reflected not only in Australia’s workplace laws, but also in the standards that underpin the Responsible Wood Certification System (RWCS). Safe and fair conditions for workers are at the heart of what it means to manage…