OneFortyOne Plantations invests in future of forestry

OneFortyOne Plantations is investing in the future of the Green Triangle forestry industry, awarding scholarships to assist two local students complete their studies.

Local Southern Cross University students Keith Atkinson and Courtney Pink will receive $2,500 each from OneFortyOne as part of this initiative.

Mr Atkinson – a 2012 Bachelor of Forest Science and Management graduate and now honours student – began his study after 26 years working in the local forestry industry. He is employed as a forest maintenance worker at ForestrySA and has also worked part time in its research department, which is what inspired him to gain a formal forestry education.

Ms Pink is a 22 year old born and educated Mount Gambier woman who is currently working locally as a forester with Timberlands Pacific. She has combined this work with her forestry study for the past five years and is now in the final stages of her Bachelor of Forest Science and Management degree.

OneFortyOne Plantations Chief Operating Officer Owen Trumper said the education grants were a way for his business to support the communities in which OneFortyOne Plantations operates in.

“Supporting forest research and students investing their future in our industry is important. Both Keith and Courtney have committed themselves to improving themselves and through their work improving our industry. We are proud to be supporting both of them in their endeavours,” Mr Trumper said.

Southern Cross University’s Diana Lloyd said she was pleased to see OneFortyOne Plantations supporting local students in their forestry studies.

“The two recipients are great examples of the opportunities that there are in the forestry sector in this region,” Ms Lloyd said.

Mr Atkinson said he was grateful for the opportunity to increase his industry credentials by way of an honours degree in forestry and thanked OneFortyOne Plantations and his fellow forestry students for their support.

Ms Pink said she had accumulated a HECS debt and other expenses throughout the duration of her studies and the scholarship would provide substantial assistance.