S2 Ep 11: Celebrating Training

In this enlightening episode of F&T Time, we sit down with Hamish White, a Founding Builder of the Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA). Hamish's dedication to a more sustainable construction industry is truly inspiring, and we delve into the transformative work the SBA is doing to reduce emissions and carbon footprint in construction. 

Born out of Builders Declare Australia, the SBA is driven to revolutionise construction practices for the betterment of our planet. FTMA proudly aligns ourselves with their mission through our Carbon Warrior arm, and as a Gold Sponsor of SBA. 

Join us as we explore the concept of building net-zero sustainable homes, the role of a certified passive house tradesperson, and the significant role timber plays in sustainable construction. Don't miss this compelling discussion with Hamish as we delve into the future of green construction.

FTMA is back again for another season of our podcast series, F&T Time! 

This first episode of the new season looks at the exciting year ahead, including the 2024 National Conference which is the only national conference specifically curated for timber frame and truss fabricators. 

Enjoy listening and remember, this is YOUR podcast! We're always open to topic suggestions or questions, so don't hesitate to connect 📨

Here's to another great year at FTMA! 🥂🎉

Stay tuned, stay informed, and let's frame the future together! 🔊👥

Today, we’re looking into the importance of education and training for the timber, frame and truss sector - a topic that is particularly important for us at FTMA, given our drive and pursuits to deliver courses, to help address the under employment that we are all experiencing, and encourage skilled people into our wonderful industry. 

We are joined by NTHA Senior Trainer and Assessor, Colin Taranto - an inspiring and dedicated man, who has contributed greatly by paving the way for those coming into it. With nearly 40 years in the timber sector, Colin has recently been awarded VET Trainer of the Year, in the NSW training awards. He was also a finalist for this year’s Australian VET Trainer of the Year. A truly magnificent achievement and testament for what he’s contributing to education, and our future.  

For members of FTMA who wish to participate in training, or have employees they would like to enrol, please reach out to us for assistance. Those interested can also directly contact Colin Taranto via email at colin.t@ntha.edu.au. The training conducted by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), NTHA and Timber Training Creswick, is accessible and comprehensive, tailored to the needs of the timber industry.

Today, we're shining a spotlight on Carpentry Australia’s Helping Hand Day. This isn't just an event; it's a testament to the spirit of community and the craftsmanship that lies at the heart of everything that Carpentry Australia do.

During Helping Hand Day, carpenters from all walks of life join forces to lend their expertise and support to various community projects. It’s a day when chippies roll up their sleeves, pick up their tools, and make a real tangible difference in our communities. Whether it's fixing a home, building structures, or giving a space a refreshing makeover, these talented chippies use their skills to provide a much-needed helping hand to those who require it the most.

To explain more about the celebration of community and craftsmanship during Helping Hand Day, we are joined by Nathan Quinn of Carpentry Australia.

For more information on Carpentry Australia please check out their socials @carpentryaustralia on Insta and FB or email info@carpentryaustralia.com.au 

The Paris Olympics in 2024 are aiming to be the most sustainable games in Olympic Games history. One way they are achieving their sustainability goals, which align with the Paris Agreement, is using timber in construction.

To ensure the Brisbane Olympic Games achieve similar environmental milestones to Paris, several strategies must be implemented. We need to prioritise the use of timber in our construction projects. This involves not only the games' facilities but also surrounding infrastructure such as transport systems and accommodation facilities.

By opting to use timber, we can ensure that the games serve as a symbol of Australia’s commitment to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world.

Timber Queensland is leading the fight for a greener games by actively raising awareness about the benefits of timber use in the Brisbane Olympic Games through targeted campaign. They are pioneering public discussions, launching educational initiatives, and fostering strategic partnerships to drive their message home.

On the 22nd of August, Timber Queensland hosted a Timber 2032 Forum, where they engaged with key stakeholders in the construction industry, architects, parliamentarians, and government bodies, to highlight the environmental advantages of timber over traditional construction materials.

For this episode, we are joined by Clarissa Brandt, the Strategic Relations & Communications Manager of Timber Queensland to discuss further.

If you have any questions for Clarissa, please contact Timber Queensland by emailing admin@timberqueensland.com.au

In the lead up to R U OK? Day, I have invited Jordan Schmidt of Modern Mentality to talk to us about his challenges and provide tips on how to address mental health from a young man’s perspective.

Jordan is like a nephew to me as I have known him most of his life and have witnessed firsthand the many life changing moments he has had to endure, and yet through each obstacle, I’ve witnessed Jordan pick himself up, and grow stronger.

In this episode, Jordan will share his story and discuss the new journey he is taking, which is not only inspirational but exactly what society needs. If you are interested in taking part in Jordan's Modern Mentality workshops, please visit www.modernmentality.com.au. Jordan’s first workshop starts on Wednesday 30 August.

R U OK? Day is on Thursday 14 September this year. For further information on R U OK? and free resources, please visit ruok.org.au

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14 
• Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
• ReachOut at au.reachout.com
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
• Head to Health at headtohealth.gov.au

This episode focuses on two passionate timber engineers and educators, Jon Shanks, and Lisa Ottenhaus. If you’ve ever met Jon or Lisa, you would know that they’re passionate about mountain biking, trail running, and really all things outdoors.

What you probably didn’t know is that Lisa has been living with Multiple Sclerosis for over 13 years. Lisa doesn’t tend to make a big deal of it, because generally, things were ‘fine’... until they weren’t.

In early 2022, Jon got a phone got call from Lisa explaining that the wheelchair clock is ticking and that she better make use of those legs while she can.

And that’s when Jon came up with the idea to run the Cape 2 Cape great walk in WA, 123 km this coming September, and raise funds for MS research. 

Listen to the episode, as Lisa explains how there’s no better way to ‘stick it to MS’, than to go for a really long run together with a friend and raise money to research better treatments (or even a prevention/cure).

To donate or simply know more about Jon & Lisa’s run please visit: Do It For MS - We are running Cape 2 Cape!

If you would like to join Jon & Lisa for a period during their Cape 2 Cape run, please email Jon at jonshanks@timbered.com.au

There are many stories of our ANZAC’s which demonstrates their character, determination and the toughness of our diggers.

One of the fiercest fights was in Papua New Guinea on the infamous Kokoda Trail.

Nowadays, the Kokoda Track is visited by many Australians to not only honour the brave soldiers who fought, and sadly died on the track, to thank them for their sacrifices which ensured Australia’s freedom. It has also become a trek that helps build future leaders, teaching them resilience, loyalty, courage, endurance and sacrifice.

People say you can’t explain what it’s like to trek Kokoda, and pictures just won’t do it justice, but today we are joined by Genevieve Ryan from AKD who not only recently completed the track but is also involved in organising the AKD program which sees local students join teachers and AKD employees to trek the 96 kilometres through the Kokoda Track in PNG.

In a male dominated industry, it’s critical to talk about the issues impacting so many men and look at what can be done to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Too many times, men shy away from conversations about their mental, physical and social health but it’s time we put a stop to it. 

Next week from 12 – 18 June, it’s Men’s Health Week. This event is celebrated every year around the world, and in Australia it is organised by the Centre for Male Health at Western Sydney University, a partner of the Australian Men's Health Forum. 

In honour of Men’s Health Week, we are joined by Jeff Gibson of Hyne Timber who recently has gone through quite a journey with his own health. We will discuss his experience and the importance of simply talking about it.

This episode focuses on the importance of choosing fit-for-purpose timbers when manufacturing our quality offsite engineered products.

Whilst we are focusing on frame & truss manufacturers, it is important to remember that everyone along the supply chain plays a critical role in ensuring that products or services are delivered to customers in a safe, ethical, and sustainable manner. 

Each person or organisation involved in the supply chain can impact the quality, safety, and environmental impact of the final product. Therefore, it is important for everyone to take responsibility for their actions and work together to achieve common goals.

Unfortunately, there are often too many breaks in the supply chain, which can result in an entire industry being impacted. One fall – affects us all and for this reason, we must ensure everyone within our supply chain is taking the necessary steps to guarantee we are only using fit for purpose timber.

Today, we are joined by three engineers from the nailplate companies to discuss further:

• Tim Rossiter - MiTek, 
• David Zhang – Multinail
• Nick Cui - Pryda