Three Tumbarumba High School graduates have shown that local employment and career-paths are a reality, with the trio now working in management positions in the local timber industry.

Tom Waters, Billie-Jo Brown and Dallas Goldspink all now work for Forestry Corporation of NSW. Between them, they manage all state-owned timber in the Tumbarumba and Tumut area in one way or another.

Billie-Jo’s journey started twenty years ago through Year 10 work experience in Forestry Corporation’s Tumbarumba office. She now she works as Production & Stewardship Supervisor.

“Work experience was really beneficial – I made connections with people working in the timber industry and it opened the door to paid holiday work later on,” Ms Brown said.

“I continued this holiday work through school and university, which in-turn led to a full-time position.

Billie-Jo’s advice to students on entering the workforce is to get on the front foot.

“If you want to work in an industry, I strongly recommend just getting out and knocking on doors. Unpaid work can be invaluable in making contacts and getting experience.”

Tumbarumba High School Principal Fiona Jackson is proud of what the three graduates have achieved since leaving school and is encouraging students to consider the opportunities in local industries.

“Billie-Jo, Dallas and Tom are great examples of what can be achieved through pursuing a career in local industry,” Ms Jackson said.

“I congratulate them on what they have achieved in Forestry Corporation.

“Whether you go onto University or go straight into the workplace, local industry has great employment opportunities.”

Forestry Corporation has a strong regional employment footprint with over 500 staff working across NSW. The organisation offers a range of career choices including ecologists, cultural heritage officers, GIS and IT specialists, financial analysts, recreation and tourism managers, radio technicians and nursery managers.

To find out more about working at Forestry Corporation, visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au/careers

Media Contact:  Rod Campbell  0428 058 549

Career profile - Tom Waters

Current position: Acting Haulage & Sales Manager, Snowy Region Softwoods Plantation Division Tumut

Responsible for: Supervising all softwood pine haulage operations in the Tumbarumba, Tumut and ACT region. Also firefighting roles.

• Began forestry career by pine planting in 2006.
• Completed Year 12 Tumbarumba High: 2006
• Graduated with Bachelor of Forestry Degree from Southern Cross University, Lismore.

Career profile - Dallas Goldspink

Current position: Harvest Controller, Snowy Region Softwoods Plantation Division Tumut

Responsible for: Supervising all softwood pine harvesting operations in the Tumbarumba, Tumut and ACT region. Also firefighting roles.

• Spent one week of Year 10 Tumbarumba High Work experience with the Tumbarumba forestry office 2005
• Began forestry career by pine planting in 2005
• Completed Year 12 Tumbarumba High in 2007
• Graduated with Bachelor of Forestry Degree from Australian National University, Canberra.

Career profile - Billie-Jo Brown

Current position: Production & Stewardship Supervisor, Hardwood Forests Division Tumbarumba

Responsible for: Supervising all native hardwood harvesting, haulage and roading operations in the Tumba/Tumut region, supervising or being involved with local native forests recreation, cultural heritage management, ecology surveys, pest and weed issues. Also firefighting roles.

• Spent one week of Year 10 Tumbarumba High Work experience with the Tumbarumba forestry office in 1998
• Studied Vocational Education as a subject with Forestry as focus career in Year 11 and 12 (1999 & 2000)
• Completed Year 12 Tumbarumba High: 2000
• Graduated with Bachelor of Forestry Degree from Australian National University, Canberra
• Began forestry career in 1999 as forest field inventory assistant

Graduated from CSU Albury with a Graduate Diploma in Natural Resource Management.

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428 058 549