ForestWorks Transition Framework is a wholistic 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 has delivered strong results. The current Victorian Native Forest Transition worker support project has achieved over 90% re employment rate for impacted workers.
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.
If you are an affected Victorian Forestry & Timber worker, you may be eligible
for support under the Worker Support Program.
Support is available for eligible workers.
The Victorian Forestry Worker Support Program (WSP) aims to support forestry and timber workers who are made redundant, had their employment ended or contract finished as the result of the Victorian Forestry Plan. WSP is delivered by ForestWorks and funded by the Victorian Government’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. The WSP is fully funded and available until 30 June 2026.
Support Programs Available
Sawmill work, Forestry workers and Harvest & Haulage contractors
Support available for all workers employed in the native timber industry including:
Opal Australian Paper Workers
ForestWorks is delivering support to Opal Australian Paper workers affected by white side manufacturing stand downs and any future operational changes through the Opal Worker Support Service.