Responsible Wood AGM marks the end of an era [AU]Friday 23 Oct 2026
Beyond exploring the achievements of the preceding 12 months and launching the organisation’s 2025/26 Annual Report, the meeting was significant in marking the recent resignation of former Responsible Wood CEO Simon Dorries, with Acting CEO Matt de Jongh, Chair Dr Tony Bartlett and former Chair Dr Hans Drielsma AM all speaking to Simon’s extensive and well-regarded contributions. “Over the past 11 years, Simon has played a major role in advancing sustainable forest management and chain of custody certification as technically robust and commercially relevant,” said Acting CEO, Matt de Jongh. “His contributions leave a lasting legacy for not just Responsible Wood, but the broader sector”. Throughout his career, Simon has played an important role in strengthening the technical foundations and recognition of forest management and chain of custody certification. In a conversation with the Responsible Wood team, Simon noted one of his earliest career highlights, achieved at the ripe age of 25, while working as a technical officer with the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia. His efforts helped develop standards, auditing processes and testing systems that could demonstrate, through objective evidence, whether products complied with relevant standards. That early work put him at the forefront of his field, with industry professionals from around the world seeking his technical advice – a practice that continues today. At Responsible Wood, Simon identified the revision of AS/NZS 4708 (the joint Australian and New Zealand Standard for Sustainable Forest Management), and its subsequent recognition by the Green Building Council of Australia as among his proudest achievements. Each revision, including the latest which is nearing completion and on track to seek re-endorsement from PEFC in early 2027, has strengthened the Standard's performance requirements, balancing practical implementation with robust and demonstrable sustainability outcomes. Securing its recognition under Green Star was a significant milestone, supporting the continued acceptance of Responsible Wood-certified timber in Australia's commercial building sector. “On behalf of Responsible Wood and the forest and wood products sector, I’d like to thank Simon for his leadership and technical expertise throughout his tenure,” said de Jongh. “He’s leaving the organisation in a strong position, and his contribution will benefit the sector for years to come.” Source & image credit: Responsible Wood | ||
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