Obituaries Australia

Peter Grose sadly and suddenly passed away on 4 August 1995 aged 38 years.

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather Norm Grose (Forest Foreman—Ovens Plantation) and father Ron (former Chairman of the Forests Commission Victoria and past President of the IFA), Peter committed himself to a career in forestry by accepting a position at the Victorian School of Forestry at Creswick. He was subsequently awarded a Diploma in 1977 and went on to successfully complete the Bachelor of Forest Science at the University of Melbourne in 1979.

Peter formally commenced his professional career working with the Economics and Marketing Branch of the then Forests Commission of Victoria, where he was involved in mill studies in the regrowth ash resource of the Central Highlands in Victoria. Undoubtedly it was during this time his interest in and interaction with the forest industry was fostered.

In 1981, Peter left main stream forest management to pursue a career with Neville Smith Timber Industries (NSTI) as the companies Assistant Resource Development Officer. He successfully integrated his forestry skills and knowledge with a rapidly developing business acumen, advancing to become Production Manager for NSTI’s large and diverse sawmilling operations, the position he held at the time of his death.

Renowned for his energy and commitment to work, Peter represented timber industry interests in the development of a broad range of forest management policies and activities including the Timber Industry Strategy, Land Conservation Council recommendations and the State Roading Advisory Committee.

In 1983 Peter was elected to the committee of the then Sawmillers Association (later the Victorian Association of Forest Industries—VAFI) followed by appointment to the position of Chairman of the Hayfield Section. In 1987 he became Vice President and member of VAFI’s management committee.

Other roles he fulfilled include being director of the Victorian Forest Industry Training Board, Chairman of VAFI’s Industrial Relations Committee and foundation director of the Central Gippsland Logging Syndicate.

Peter was highly regarded by those with whom he worked. It is clear that his successful career with the timber industry was underpinned by a sound knowledge and understanding of the principles of sustainable and proper forest management, combined with his genuine love of the Australian bush which was no doubt nurtured by the family background.

His passing at such a young age represents an enormous loss to the forestry profession, the timber industry and all his work colleagues. Sincere sympathy is extended to his wife Helen, children Daniel and Jessica, parents Ron and Bebe and the Grose family.