Applications open for 2025/26 Growth Scholarship Program

Applications open for 2025/26 Growth Scholarship Program

Friday 11 Apr 2025

Timber Queensland has launched its 2025–2026 Growth Scholarship Program, inviting early and mid-career professionals and skilled workers across the forest and timber industry to apply for financial support to pursue tailored learning and professional development opportunities.

Designed to elevate industry capability and retain skilled talent, the Growth Scholarships provide funding for innovative learning projects that will strengthen individual career pathways and support the long-term growth of Queensland’s forest and timber sector.

Clarissa Brandt, Timber Queensland’s Strategic Relations and Communications Manager, said the initiative plays a critical role in Queensland’s workforce development and sector innovation. “The Growth Scholarships support practical, purpose-driven learning, recipient’s from previous years have obtained formal qualifications, undertaken short courses, participated in overseas study tours, organised secondments to other businesses and attended conferences and expos,” Mrs Brandt said.

“Applications are open to people across all parts of the supply chain—from forest management and harvesting to sawmilling, design, manufacturing, building, and sales. We’re particularly keen to support emerging leaders and technical specialists committed to strengthening the sector’s future.”

Scholarship categories for 2025–2026 include:

Kennedy’s Timber Award – $10,000
HQPlantations Award – $5,000
AKD Award – $5,000
DTM Timber Award – $2,500

“We’re proud to have Kennedy’s Timber as our Foundation Partner, alongside HQPlantations, AKD, and DTM Timber as key supporters,” Mrs Brandt said. “Their investment in workforce development reflects a shared commitment to lifelong learning and industry resilience.”

Michael Kennedy, CEO of Kennedy’s Timber, emphasised the importance of nurturing individual ambition to fuel collective industry growth. “More than 70 years ago, my grandfather began his journey as a timber apprentice. The Kennedy’s Timber Award continues this tradition of investing in people and ensuring that passion and expertise remain central to our industry’s evolution,” Mr Kennedy said.

Applicants must be aged 18–45 and either working in or studying towards a career in Queensland’s forest and timber industry. Proposed projects must demonstrate clear professional development outcomes and benefits to the broader sector.

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Source & image credit: Timber Queensland

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