PRESIDENT UPDATE
Tuesday 13 August 2024

Dr Michelle Freeman parental leave | Acting President Dr Bill Jackson

Forestry Australia President, Dr Michelle Freeman, has recently commenced parental leave – and on behalf of our members, we wish Dr Freeman all the very best as she starts 12 months’ leave to focus on her growing family!

We are delighted to advise that highly respected forest scientist, Dr Bill Jackson, will step in as our Acting President over the next year. Bill brings with him a wealth of experience – and his background in conservation speaks for itself, including being chief author for the Australia State of Environment Report 2016, and in previous roles as Chief Executive of Parks Victoria and Deputy Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In addition, he is an adjunct Professor with the Tropical Forest and People Research Centre of the University of the Sunshine Coast and an independent environmental consultant.

Bill will continue to build on Forestry Australia’s momentum and Michelle’s achievements through maintaining a strong commitment to our profession, develop Forestry Australia’s advocacy positions and continue work to attract a broader membership base.

Best wishes Michelle, and welcome Bill – we’re very privileged to have such extraordinary people leading our association.