Forestry Australia’s National Symposium 2024
Simon Dorries – CEO of Responsible Wood
Simon Dorries is the Chief Executive Officer of Responsible Wood. Simon holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and has worked in the Forest and Wood Products Industry for over 35 years. Commencing with the Plywood Association of Australia in 1985 as a cadet scientist while undertaking a science degree through part-time study. Simon stayed with the Plywood Association for 30 years through a number of name changes to eventually become General Manager of the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia.
In addition to his role at Responsible Wood, Simon is currently Chair of Standards Australia Committee TM-011 Engineered Wood Products.
Matt de Jongh - Sustainablity Manager at Responsible Wood
Matt de Jongh is the Sustainability Manager for Responsible Wood and holds a Bachelor of Science (Forestry), ANU and a Graduate Certificate in Business Management, UNE. Matt is also a Director and Registered Forestry Professional for Forestry Australia, which is the professional association for foresters, private forestry, commercial tree growing and all forestry professionals.
Matt is a forester with over 20 years’ experience in both operational and policy roles. As an operational forester for about 11 years, Matt managed both native and plantation forests, with Forestry Corporation of NSW, in various locations throughout regional NSW, also spending time on a secondment to the NSW Natural Resources Commission to assist with the management of the state‑wide NSW Forest Monitoring and Improvement Program. In forestry policy, Matt has worked for both the Australian Government and the Australian Forest Products Association.
Matt has developed strong stakeholder engagement skills, not only as a forester but also in the six years spent as Local Area Manager for the NSW Local Land Services, working closely with a variety of stakeholders including Landcare groups, landholders and the agricultural industry. Matt is passionate about promoting and communicating sustainable forest management and advocating for the environmental, social and economic benefits associated with forestry.
Jonathan Tibbits – Marketing and Communications at Responsible Wood
Jonathan Tibbits looks after all things marketing and communication at Responsible Wood. In this role, Jonathan is responsible for managing the marketing and communications program for both the PEFC and Responsible Wood certification schemes in Australia and New Zealand.
Prior to working for Responsible Wood Jonathan ran a consulting business specialising in brand strategy, risk, and stakeholder communication. Jonathan holds a bachelor of International Business and Bachelor of Law (hons) from Griffith University. Jonathan holds a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and is also admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland as a legal practitioner.
Tracey Schoemaker – Administration at Responsible Wood
Tracey is a valuable part of our team and if you’re certified to the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme then you will know Tracey very well. Anything to do with Responsible Wood and PEFC logo use agreements, certification queries and DFA reporting comes through Tracey.
