This month’s newsletter features an extract from Libby Robin’s new book What Birdo is That? In light of the recent decision by the Victorian government to end native forest logging by the end of 2023, past President John Dargavel has challenged members to consider what it means for Australian forest history when an era ends. There are also the speaking notes of Associate Professor Ruth Morgan for the launch of John Dargavel’s new book Anthropocene Days. Plus, there are many other wonderful stories and several short book reviews.

Congratulations to Peter Evans on compiling this issue of the AFHS newsletter, and thank the contributors – including Peter – who have provided the articles. The scope of this issue emphasises the diversity of subjects that can be classified as “forest history”. As always, the newsletter covers a wide array of topics. There is a standing invitation for members to write for the newsletter, long or short, on any subject that catches your interest. 

Our founding president, John Dargavel, has written yet another book, Anthropocene Days (see p16). This is at least the thirtieth book that he has written, co-written, edited or co-edited.

Peter Evans has another three works in progress to add to the dozens listed on his website. While Peter is often associated with forest and railway history, his interests are broader than that, and his published work includes a 2017 book titled Sunbury: Australia’s Greatest Rock Festival. 

This issue covers a wide range of interests of our contributors, and reflects the diversity that comes under the heading of “forest history”. There are two feature articles. The first, from Peter McHugh, is our cover story on the old Frankston State Pine Plantation located in what is now suburban Melbourne. The second feature article is by Michael Roche who takes us to New Zealand for his second instalment about the Diggers Sawmill Company.

We cover the world in this issue (our bit of it anyway), from New Zealand to Western Australia, and most states in between, along with a side trip to Wales. 

This issue of the newsletter features a wide variety of materials displaying the diversity of the AFHS. The title article takes us to New Zealand and is followed by a piece about concerns about the redevelopment of the Australian Forestry School site in Canberra, an article on forestry in WW2 (our contribution to Anzac Day), a digression to the south Pacific, Robert Onfray’s always entertaining blogs, and John Dargavel’s short article on Ukrainian foresters. Enjoy reading!

A special on forestry on Islands. The Islands discussed include: Fraser Island, Kangaroo Island, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, and Great Barrier Reef Island. There is also an article on forestry in there Territory of Papua when it was administered by Australia.

The August 2021 newsletter has a heavy emphasis on Victoria starting with an article by Roger Smith on the Ron Grote the first chairman of the Forestry Commission of Victoria. Another Victorian focused contribution is that on the Disabled Diggers Making Wooden Tobacco Pipes in Melbourne. Other articles discuss the creation of the environment Department in 1971, new publications, a timber tramline in NSW and more.

The April 2021 issue has a cover article on the Lake Corangamite Timber Barge and an introductory article by the new AFHS president Juliana Lazzari.