F&T Time with Kersten Gentle

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...

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...

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...

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 enginee...

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 achiev...

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 fo...

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 s...

Listeners may remember today's guest from season one, however this time he joins us as the Executive Director of International Sustainable Forestry Coalition! This insightful episode with guest Ross Hampton, looks at the important role sustainable forestry plays in the fight against climate change and the great announcements that came out of COP28 at the end of 2023.

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 dr...

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 d...

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 Taran...

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 wh...

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 co...

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 p...

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 ge...

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...

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 the wor...

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 pers...

With the increase in the number of builders collapsing, such as Porter Davis, and the real possibility that frames and trusses, could potentially be uncovered and left in the weather for months, we thought it was a good time to talk about Best Practices for Caring for Your Timber Products . Today we are joined by three nail plate engineers to discuss what can frame and truss manufacturers, builder...

With the 13th largest builder in Australia going bust, leaving 1700 homes unfinished, and a trail of creditors, we thought it would be a good reminder to go over what the collapse means, how it impacts fabricators and talk about how you can avoid being caught by the collapse of more builders in the future. Today, we are joined by Jaqi Rennie, Managing Director of Austbrokers Trade Credit to explai...

Welcome back for season two of F&T Time!  To kick off this season of F&T Time, we are joined once again by Tim Woods of IndustryEdge to talk about what we expect to see with timber supply and the housing markets for 2023. It seems everyone has a viewpoint on where the market is headed, but not all are on the same page. Some say the boom will continue, as we welcome an expected 200,000 migr...

We are joined by FTMA's outgoing chair, Jamie Dahlsen, and newly elected chair, Aaron Hillman, for the last episode of this wild year! We recap our first ever season of F&T Time and discuss the exciting things that lie ahead for not only Season 2 of F&T Time, but FTMA and the wider industry. Thanks for listening to our first ever podcast series, see you next year for season two!

Stress is a natural part of being human, short term, it gives you energy and promotes action. Unfortunately, being too stress for too long kills motivation, ruins focus and decreases performance. What if we could harness the awesome power of stress and get rid of the bad stuff. Well that's what today's guest, Luke Mathers, is going to talk about - becoming Stress Teflon. FTMA Members may...

Today, we are joined by Jo Mason, Co-Founder and CEO of WorkHaven.  WorkHaven is committed to developing a culture of zero tolerance towards domestic and family violence where each member of the community protects and empowers victims of DFV. With the upcoming changes, now is the right time to consider your businesses' approach to Domestic and Family Violence. FTMA has engaged Jo at WorkHaven...

October is National Safe Work Month—a time to commit to building a safe and healthy workplace. As FTMA honours National Safe Work Month, we are joined by AKD’s National Health & Safety Manager, Toni Kirkup, who’s passion for safety saw her receive the 2021 National Forests industries Innovation Health and Safety Award. Toni explains how safety doesn’t just start or finish at the gate and, how...