Centre of Excellence in the spotlight

THE Forestry Centre of Excellence (FCoE) has reinforced its growing role as a hub for industry connection and regional innovation, hosting its inaugural Annual Showcase (May 13-14), marking its first 18 months of operation at the Mt Gambier Adelaide University campus.

More than 120 growers, processors, researchers, students, community partners and government representatives attended, highlighting the centre’s early achievements in establishing new research capability, building industry partnerships and translating applied research into practical outcomes.

The showcase also featured the official opening of the recently completed FCoE building by SA Premier Peter Malinauskas, who reinforced the Centre’s strategic role in supporting the long-term sustainability of the Forestry sector in the region, including capability across the workforce.

FCOE Director Professor Jeff Morrell said the showcase demonstrated how the Centre was already delivering value to both industry and the broader community.

“The FCOE exists to bring growers, researchers, students, and community partners together to solve real problems and build a stronger future for the region. The engagement we saw at the showcase illustrates how deeply this work matters,” Professor Morrell said.

The program featured keynote presentations and four technical breakout streams spanning grower innovation, timber processing, forest health, and emerging technologies. Presenters shared new insights on remote sensing, safety innovation, silviculture trials, water-use research, biochar opportunities, and climate-ready breeding programs; research that directly supports the region’s workforce, productivity and environmental resilience.

Centre General Manager Dr Jim O’Hehir, who was recognised by Premier Malinauskas for his exceptional contributions to the Centre, said the Showcase feedback would play a pivotal role in shaping the Centre’s forward research agenda.

“The conversations and priorities raised throughout the day give us a clear signal of where industry needs support. These insights will guide our research program, partnerships and capability-building efforts over the coming years,” Dr O’Hehir said.

The outcomes from the Showcase will feed into the Centre’s strategic planning for 2026–2030, helping refine priority research themes and ensuring the FCOE continues to deliver practical, applied outcomes for growers, processors and the wider community.

The event concluded with a networking session at the Adelaide University Piazza, strengthening relationships across the sector and fostering new collaborations.

The FCoE is a partnership between the South Australian Government, Adelaide University, the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub and the South Australian Forest Products Association.