Rolley Takes Powerful Public Servant Post

21 September 2007
The long-time face of Tasmanian forestry has been appointed Tasmania's most powerful public servant.
Evan Rolley, who led the Forestry Commission and Forestry Tasmania for 16 years, will become the head of the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPAC).
Premier Paul Lennon appointed Rolley in a surprise announcement on 17 September. He replaces Linda Hornsey who resigned suddenly last month.
Rolley, 54, will begin his three-year term in two weeks, having completed forestry consultancy work, which includes an overseas trip starting 18 September.
Hornsey, 56, who led DPAC for nine years, was on a $300,000 annual package, more than the premier she served.
"Evan Rolley is a proud Tasmanian who has dedicated his professional career to furthering the interests of our state over more than 30 years," Paul Lennon said.
"Evan has a strong sense of community and a deep commitment to implementing the social and economic policies that will lead to better outcomes for Tasmanians.
The announcement was greeted with jeers by the Tasmanian Greens but praise from state Liberal leader Will Hodgman.
Rolley, who headed Forestry Tasmania until December, said he was about "more than just trees".
"My academic qualifications include arts and economics as well as science. My community work includes Huon Eldercare and I have a broad interest in social policy," he said.
"I've spent the last 15 years in the Huon and have had a successful farming business there."
Rolley will start his overseas trip looking at markets for eucalypt veneer and will complete his work for Forestry Tasmania and the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources.

First National Award For Furniture Designers

The Furnishing Industry Association of Australia (FIAA) has launched its first national award for student designers in the Australian Furniture of the Year Awards in the quest for recognition and the chance to study in Europe.
A student design award has been in place for 12 years in Western Australia, but 2007 marks it move to the national stage as part of the Australian Furniture of the Year Awards.
“Australia has a rich history of furniture design, including the likes of Marc Newson who is the current toast of the design world,” the chief executive of FIAA (WA) Ian Hearn said.
“We are strongly committed to promoting ‘Australian made’ and believe it is time to make this a national award to encourage young people in their career path.”
The overall winner will have a choice of a two-week furniture design course in either Milan, Paris or London. The prize, which also includes flights and accommodation, is at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni which has campuses in all three cities.
Last year’s state award attracted more than 40 entries from across Western Australia.
The awards highlight the importance of the furniture industry, which employs more than 90,000 people directly and indirectly and contributes billions to the Australian economy.
The judges of the Furniture of the Year Awards are Carlo Gosatti, winner of the 2005 ‘Best of the Best’, Patrick Beale former Dean of the Architecture facility at University of Western Australia, and furniture industry identity Rod McLean.
The industry has just launched a new ‘Australian-made’ swing tag to identify local product and ensure a peace of mind guarantee for consumers. The tag reflects the quality materials and workmanship, sustainable practices and the cutting edge designs that Australian furniture offers.

Perth To Host Australian Furniture Awards

The 12th Australian Furniture of the Year Awards 2007 will be announced at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre on 3 November.
Entrants are competing in 12 awards including categories covering native/plantation timber, leather, fabric, sleep sets, dining furniture, bedroom furniture, reconstituted timber, manufacturing/marketing and retailing.
The ‘Best of the Best Award’ is the culmination of all the awards and proclaims the finest piece of furniture in the country. It recognises outstanding achievements in innovation, design, manufacturing and workmanship.
West Australian Forestry Minister Kim Chance said the awards were an opportunity to increase the profile and enhance the reputation of outstanding companies and individuals within the furnishing industry.
“The industry is a significant part of the broader sustainable forest products industry,” he said.
“With support from the Forest Products Commission (FPC) and collaboration with the timber industry and tertiary institutions, the furniture industry can continue to provide significant employment and economic benefits.”

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