Our second issue for 2024 carries the sad news of the death in late July of the AFHS founding president John Dargavel. The newsletter carries a couple of “vale” articles, and even contributions from John himself which he submitted before his passing. We also have the usual array of articles on forests and forestry.

Our first issue for 2024 starts in New Zealand with a story of what the British Empire in the 1930s could learn from Japan about forest management, and then moves to Australia with a series of articles that reflect a small slice of the diversity that constitutes forest history. One piece notes the commendation received in February by AFHS member Peter Evans at the Victorian Community History Awards for his 2023 book “Wooden Rails & Green Gold”.

The Australian Forestry School in Canberra is the subject of the lead article in the December 2023 newsletter, in particular the unveiling of a plaque in front of a crowd that included a number of former graduates. We also have an article on the Toolangi Forest Discovery Centre in Victoria, and one on log branding hammers. There are also articles reporting on the recent deaths of three of our members.

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!