A NEW award has been named in honour of long-time Hamilton resident, John Kiely, recognising high achieving individuals in the hardwood plantation sector.

The John Kiely Award was launched at Australian Bluegum Plantations (ABP) 15th anniversary dinner last weekend with compliance coordinator, Amanda Nagle recognised with the inaugural honour.

ABP chief executive, Russ Hughes said the award would be announced annually, recognising a industry member who illustrated a high level of “integrity and perseverance developing and delivering projects” focused on improving the plantation estate.

“Amanda has been instrumental coordinating projects which prioritise best practices and ensure the long-term value of our plantation resource,” he said.

“Amanda embodies a high level of integrity in her work, a trait that John exemplified throughout his esteemed career in our industry.”

Now retired, Mr Kiely first joined the sector in 2005 working as a communications manager after retiring from a 32-year long career with Victoria Police.

He joined the ABP team in 2013 managing stakeholder engagement, including government relations.

Mr Hughes said the award recognised Mr Kiely’s passion and commitment to the sector.

“Through honesty, perseverance and integrity, John became an innovator for the sector helping it to grow to become the strong industry we have locally today,” he said.

“John was an excellent advocate, helping educate the community about the vital role our resources provide whilst also building strong connections with government.”

When asked by The Spectator what stakeholder relations involved, John replied, “I had contact with a number of government departments including the Department of Environment (as well as) wildlife carers and other forestry companies and sometimes a minister or two.”

He went on to say he “wrote the Koala protection policy, which is going well.”

He added that he is now used to retirement and enjoyed it, having “tried it four times before.”

Ms Nagle said she was humbled to receive the recognition.

“This award is a celebration of our collective efforts to achieve our company focus on growing excellence,” she said.

“I’m really proud to work with ABP who have such a strong culture dedicated to improving economic, social and environmental returns.”