THE success of Corryong's timber mill has been recognised by the Victorian Association of Forest Industries with a sustainability award.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The organisation also paid tribute to the mill's patriarch Max Walker through the bestowal of a lifetime achievement award.
Walkers Sawmill managing director Graham Walker was thrilled with the accolades which were presented at a weekend awards ceremony at the MCG.
VAFI chief executive Tim Johnston said he was privileged to pay tribute to the family and business.
"The story of Max, his son Graham and the rest of the Walker family is echoed across Australia," Mr Johnston said.
"Despite continuing political challenges, sawmills are constantly looking at new ways to reinvent themselves, to stay afloat and to produce a sustainable product needed commercially and socially."
Walkers Sawmill, which makes pallets, was honoured for its focus on cutting carbon emissions.
"Walker's Sawmill is now reaping the rewards of new LED lighting and solar electricity," Mr Johnston said.
"Employment has grown to 23 staff, production has increased by 40 per cent and contracts for 16,000 cubic metres of extra logs in 2020 are ready for signing."
In his submission for the award, Mr Walker outlined how he had taken those steps and adapted the business to ensure it would survive and he could oversee it after the retirement of his father.
Having been in a wheelchair since 2000 and suffering a degenerative muscular condition and requiring a ventilator to breath, Mr Walker said he had a CCTV network set-up so he could monitor the mill remotely.
"I've got seventeen cameras in the mill which gives me pretty well full coverage," he said.
"I can see, for instance, the wood chipper might be blocked and I can send through a message and that saves a lot of time."
About $800,000 has been spent on a 250 kilowatt solar set-up, $150,000 on upgrading and repairs of machinery and $75,000 on a cleaner compressor system.
Mr Walker's father Max, 96, who resides in Albury-Wodonga, was not fit enough to attend the awards ceremony.
Graham Walker said he was "absolutely stoked" to accept the prize on his behalf.
Mr Johnston lauded Max Walker's contribution to the sector.
"At 14 Max left school and started to work with his father in the bush prior to World War II," Mr Johnston said.
"Max has devoted 81 years to the forest industry and I was privileged to pay tribute to a son, husband, father, stalwart, friend and one hell of a saw miller."
