Maroc - TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 25/Mar 23:30

Timber Queensland acknowledges contribution of Colin MacKenzie on his passing

Timber Queensland has acknowledged the outstanding contribution Colin MacKenzie has made to the timber industry both nationally and in Queensland. Mr MacKenzie passed away on 24 March in Brisbane. Source: Timberbiz “It is with heavy hearts, we note the passing of Colin MacKenzie, a visionary in timber engineering, a dedicated contributor to the built environment, a legendry dry-humoured colleague and a friend to so many in our industry nation-wide,” Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said. “His loss will be particularly felt by the many former and current directors and staff of Timber Queensland who have known and worked with Colin over many decades, as well as the hundreds of member companies and technical bodies that relied and benefited from his advice. “Timber Queensland, the broader timber and building industry and the community all owe a great debt to Colin MacKenzie. His tireless work and reputation to develop and educate the industry on relevant timber codes for structural integrity and safety is un-questionable.” Mr MacKenzie passed away on the morning of 24 March in Brisbane aged 75 following a period of illness and is survived by his loving wife Christine and daughters Aleisha and Trina. His influence on the timber and building industries will be felt for generations to come. Affectionally known as ‘The Timber Expert’ due to his skills and experience, his enthusiasm and commitment to timber product education will be hard to replicate. Mr MacKenzie’s journey in engineering began in Melbourne, where he graduated from the Caulfield Institute of Technology in 1974. With over 40 years of experience in all facets of timber and wood product design, use, and application, he became a leading authority in the field, particularly where timber was used in building and construction. His expertise was built from his early days as a Technical Officer with CSIRO’s Divisions of Forest Products and Building Research through to his leadership roles as Technical Director, TRADAC and later Manager of Timber Application and Use with Timber Queensland. His contributions were instrumental in advancing timber construction standards, ensuring structural integrity, and promoting innovative applications for wood products. Over the course of his career, he became a defining figure in timber engineering, working with the Timber Research and Development Advisory Council of Queensland (now Timber Queensland) before establishing MacKenzie Consulting. His work spanned durability design, domestic engineering, and the advancement of Australian Standards and Building Codes. A leader in pioneering timber grading and in-grade testing programs, his impact reached far beyond Australia. He served on numerous Australian Standards Committees including the Timber Structures Committee, the Structural Timbers Committee and the Timber Framing Committee. Internationally, he represented Australia on the ISO TC 165 Timber Structures Committee, ensuring that his expertise shaped the global timber industry. His commitment to education and industry advancement was evident in his contribution to writing numerous technical publications, including the renowned Timber Queensland Technical Data Sheets, Queensland Timber Framing Manuals, Mult-Residential Timber Frame Construction publications, AS 1684, and the Handy Span Tables book. He played a key role in research projects such as Advanced Flooring Re-search, Recycled Timber Grading, and Durability Design, all aimed at strengthening the future of timber construction. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr MacKenzie was recognized with the ‘Stanley A. Clarke Medal’ from the Institute of Wood Science in 1999, an acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to timber technology. He was also a Registered Professional Engineer in Queensland, a member of the Institute of Engineers, the Building Disputes Practitioners Society, and served on influential committees including the HIA Legal and Technical Committee and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Industry Reference Group. His legacy is not only in the structures that stand strong today because of his work but in the numerous generations of people he mentored, the standards he helped establish, and the industry he loved and gave so much. Though he is no longer with us, his work remains as a lasting testimony to the industry and the many builders and certifiers that have relied on his knowledge and expertise – solid, resilient, and built to last, just like the timber he so passionately championed. “Given his significant influence spanning decades we know there will be many in the industry who will want to pay their respects, and we are discussing with Colin’s family their wishes for memorial arrangements. In addition, Timber Queensland will be putting in place a lasting legacy to appropriately recognise Colin’s contribution in the field of timber engineering in Australia. We are talking with other industry partners and will be able to make a further announcement at the appropriate time,” Mr Stephens said.