The Victorian Forestry Worker Support Program closed 30 June 2026
ForestWorks’ Transition Framework is a holistic program that provides a strategic, structured and systematic approach to worker support for forest regions undergoing industry transition to ensure sustainable outcomes for impacted workers.
ForestWorks’ proven framework is built on four core program elements:
- Peer-to-peer model – leveraging lived experience to foster trust and resilience.
- Whole-of-program engagement – ensuring coordinated involvement across government, industry, and community stakeholders.
- Integrated training pathways – aligning workforce development with regional employment opportunities and future industry needs.
- Comprehensive support overlays – providing tailored assistance to address individual and family needs during transition.
This structured framework delivered strong results in the recently closed Victorian Native Forest Transition worker support project. The program supported 614 redundant workers, with 3,923 approved training plans and 266 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) outcomes. Approximately 95% of workers have transitioned either to new employment, retirement or have chosen not to look for work.
Over the past 15 years, ForestWorks has been delivering successful outcomes in Forestry Worker Assistance and Restructure Initiatives.
- Victorian Native Forest Transition (2023–2026)
- BLERF – Snowy Valley Skills Development Service, NSW (2021–2023)
- Training and Skills Development Services (TSDS), Tasmania (2016–2018)
- Shoalhaven, NSW (2015–2016)
- Gunns, Tasmania (2013)
- Tasmanian Forestry Workers Assistance Service (2010–2014)
- Tasmanian Pulp and Forestry Workers Assistance (2010–2014)
These programs demonstrate ForestWorks’ deep experience and capability in delivering tailored, regionally focused support. Through ongoing collaboration with government and industry, ForestWorks has built a robust delivery model that supports workforce resilience, regional development, and social cohesion to ensure outcomes that are both effective and locally grounded.
