Meet some of our people
This collection of stories looks 'beyond the forest' to explore the work done by these people to care for State forests.
Beyond the forest: Our people in focus
Behind the sustainable management of NSW State forests is a dedicated team of foresters, ecologists, tourism managers, logistics experts, fire professionals, heavy plant and equipment operators, scientists and nursery workers.
Hear about their work
Their work is essential to supporting the environment, supplying timber for homes and infrastructure, and contributing to the development of regional NSW.
Read their stories
Our people come from all backgrounds and walks of life. Let’s meet some of those who found their calling in the forest.
Putting everyone in the picture: Bronwyn Ellis
It speaks to Forestry Corporation of NSW’s land management ethos that talented arctic wildlife photographer, ecologist – and nature lover – Bronwyn Ellis has worked for this organisation for 40 years.
Visiting with this quietly spoken champion of fauna and flora in the Kiwarrak State Forest on the edge of NSW’s coastal forest, is a frontline lesson about how much quiet expertise and knowledge exists within the Forestry Corporation team.
Bronwyn is slightly built and thoughtfully spoken. But, make no mistake. She is her own force of nature, and she has carved out a deeply meaningful career within this sustainable business. This photo was taken by one of her wildlife photography mentors, Alf Jacob Nilsen.
Sharpening firefighting tech tools: Jamie Carter
Interagency collaboration on fire took a step forward when Jamie Carter joined Forestry Corporation.
As a former manager in the NSW Rural Fire Service, interagency collaboration on fire took a step forward when Jamie Carter joined Forestry Corporation.
While Forestry Corporation is in the business of growing trees, firefighting is one of our most critical roles. People like Jamie are vital to strengthening our firefighting capabilities.
Fire and wood — A business of two halves: Tijmen Klootwijk
Forestry Corporation is one of four key agencies managing fire in NSW, alongside the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
While we protect our forests, we also play a vital role in protecting the broader community.
Tijmen Klootwijk, a forester by trade and passionate fire manager, works in the State’s central west managing pine plantations.
Lighting the spark in our people: Izzy Smith
Izzy Smith is proof that from small things, big things grow. The 23-year-old is a pocket rocket of energy and drive who has made her place in both a hardhat and a career men historically dominate.
Izzy credits her job among the trees for significantly improving her health, and she speaks out about what forestry does for her community, the economy – and how sustainably this renewable business happens.
Forestry has built her confidence to the point that she makes no apologies for how it has shaped her.
Finding your calling: John Berry
John Berry and his teammates work across NSW to maintain dozens of forest visitor areas.
He loves working in the bush – and helping the millions of people who enjoy it each year.
“This is my office. I like the varied forest, the people you get to talk to, and that generally 98% of the people who come here come to enjoy the area," he said.
"That’s where we get our satisfaction from."