Stacey Gardiner
The Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) has appointed a new general manager, Stacey Gardiner who will start with the organisation on 10 March 2015. Source: Timberbiz
She will hit the ground running in a series of meetings with members across Australia.
Ms Gardiner’s previous experience was at the Victorian Farmers Federation and she held senior roles in local government with a focus on building strong partnerships with stakeholders and advocating on behalf of members.
“I am excited to join the association and the opportunity to utilise my previous skills to support the board and ensure members’ views are represented throughout industry as well as to government agencies,” said Ms Gardiner.
Ms Gardiner is aware that with ongoing costs such as insurance premiums, the value of industry association membership fees can sometimes be difficult to justify. However, similar to insurance cover funded by premiums, membership fees enable the Association to build relationships over time to ensure a voice for contractor members and to improve policy outcomes that benefit the industry as a whole.
Ms Gardiner replaces David Keenan who left the role of AFCA CEO in late January after accepting the position of CEO with Southern Downs Regional Council in Queensland.
With a background of senior roles in local government, Keenan accepted his new role in part because of his desire to have a job that allows him to go home to his family every night rather than travelling around Australia addressing the needs of members.
“We were disappointed to lose David but glad we had his services for the time he was with us. He did some good work in fine-tuning our administrative set up and gave valuable input to our business plan,” said Ian Reid, chairman of AFCA.
“Our loss is the Southern Downs Regional Council’s gain. At least we know there is a strong advocate for the timber industry in southern Queensland with an appreciation of the role forest contractors play.
“However, as one door closes another opens and we are delighted to have secured the services of Stacey and her strong advocacy experience.
“She is looking forward to meeting our members and seeing if we can encourage even more contracting business operators to join AFCA to help underscore the strength of contractors when it comes to recognition by governments and the wider industry.”
