F&T Time with Kersten Gentle

What if Australia's timber industry spoke with one voice?

In this episode of F&T Time, Kersten Gentle is joined by Sarah Downey, Head of Marketing and Communications at Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA), to discuss the new 14 week national campaign, Let's Put Timber Back in the Conversation. Together, FTMA Australia and WoodSolutions are encouraging manufacturers, suppliers and everyone connected to the industry to con...

In this episode of FTMA’s F&T Time Podcast, we sit down with three generations of the Harvey family, Jeff, Steve, and Alyssa. whose combined passion and dedication have helped shape the timber industry through their work with Bowens and Timbertruss. Jeff, fondly known as the “timber man,” reflects on a remarkable 60-plus year career driven by a deep respect for timber as a sustainable, living resource. His sto...

In this episode of F&T Time, we sit down with Dave Murray, National Sales Manager at Palfinger Australia, to unpack the role of crane technology in the frame and truss industry. With extensive experience across transport and lifting solutions, Dave shares practical insights into selecting the right equipment, why fit-for-purpose matters, and how manufacturers can improve safety and efficiency on site.

The conversation explores k...

Welcome back to the F&T Time podcast for 2025!

For the first episode of the new season, we are joined by Dr. Alastair Woodard, a renowned expert in sustainable building practices and author of the ground-breaking report Steps Towards a Greener Future.

We dive into critical findings from the report, which outlines a roadmap for reducing embodied carbon in construction while meeting Australia’s urgent housing goals under the ...

As we close out another remarkable year, we’re taking the opportunity to reflect on the key engineering and technical challenges that have shaped our industry over the past twelve months. This episode will shine a spotlight on the vital role offsite prefabrication has played, supported by the unwavering expertise of esteemed professionals from MiTek, Multinail, and Pryda. Our special guest engineers also look ahead and discus...

In this episode of the F&T Time Podcast, we catch up with Christopher Dean, CEO of FTMA Supporting Partner, Choice Energy, to discuss the intricacies of energy management in today's challenging economic environment. With rising energy costs and a shifting market, we delve into effective strategies that FTMA members can utilise to not only manage their energy consumption but also to achieve significant savings. Chris shares insi...

In this heartfelt and engaging episode of the F&T Time Podcast, we sit down with two FTMA Member, Dean Kidd and Damien Whitnell, the creators of the upcoming "Fatherhood Unfiltered" podcast. 

Dean and Damo share their personal journeys as fathers and the pivotal moments that inspired them to create a supportive platform for dads everywhere. They discuss their vision and objectives for "Fatherhood Unfiltered," exploring them...

In this episode of F&T Time, we are joined by Robert Pradolin, Founding Director of Housing All Australians, who reminds us that the fight against homelessness and the quest for affordable housing in Australia, isn't confined to policymakers or builders alone. It's a mission that belongs to all of us. 

Every one of us has a role to play, whether through advocacy, investment, or by simply spreading the word.

W...

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 constr...

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...

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 ded...

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 sleev...

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 in...

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, ...

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, thi...

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 bec...

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 ...

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 t...