F&T Time with Kersten Gentle

S5 Ep 2: Generations of Timber with the Harvey Family 12.05.2026 26min

In this episode of FTMA’s F&T Time Podcast, we sit down with three generations of the Harvey family, Jeff, Steve, and Alyssa. whose combined passion and dedication have helped shape the timber industry through their work with Bowens and Timbertruss. Jeff, fondly known as the “timber man,” reflects on a remarkable 60-plus year career driven by a deep respect for timber as a sustainable, living resource. His story is one of commitment, knowledge, and an enduring belief in the vital role tim...

S5 Ep 1: Smarter Lifting with Palfinger: Insights Ahead of the FTMA National Conference (18–19 May) 30.04.2026 14min

In this episode of F&T Time, we sit down with Dave Murray, National Sales Manager at Palfinger Australia, to unpack the role of crane technology in the frame and truss industry. With extensive experience across transport and lifting solutions, Dave shares practical insights into selecting the right equipment, why fit-for-purpose matters, and how manufacturers can improve safety and efficiency on site. The conversation explores key considerations when choosing a truck-mounted crane, as wel...

S4 Ep 1: Steps Towards a Greener Future 30.01.2025 29min

Welcome back to the F&T Time podcast for 2025! For the first episode of the new season, we are joined by Dr. Alastair Woodard, a renowned expert in sustainable building practices and author of the ground-breaking report Steps Towards a Greener Future. We dive into critical findings from the report, which outlines a roadmap for reducing embodied carbon in construction while meeting Australia’s urgent housing goals under the National Housing Accord. Dr. Woodard shares his expert insig...

S3 Ep 7: Tech Talk and the Year Ahead 17.12.2024 26min

As we close out another remarkable year, we’re taking the opportunity to reflect on the key engineering and technical challenges that have shaped our industry over the past twelve months. This episode will shine a spotlight on the vital role offsite prefabrication has played, supported by the unwavering expertise of esteemed professionals from MiTek, Multinail, and Pryda. Our special guest engineers also look ahead and discuss what challenges and/or opportunities lie for the frame and truss i...

S3 Ep 6: Maximising Savings with Choice Energy: Strategies for FTMA Members 30.08.2024 19min

In this episode of the F&T Time Podcast, we catch up with Christopher Dean, CEO of FTMA Supporting Partner, Choice Energy, to discuss the intricacies of energy management in today's challenging economic environment. With rising energy costs and a shifting market, we delve into effective strategies that FTMA members can utilise to not only manage their energy consumption but also to achieve significant savings. Chris shares insights on innovative solutions and successful initiatives that e...

S3 Ep 5: The Heart and Soul of 'Fatherhood Unfiltered' with Deano & Damo 11.07.2024 22min

In this heartfelt and engaging episode of the F&T Time Podcast, we sit down with two FTMA Member, Dean Kidd and Damien Whitnell, the creators of the upcoming "Fatherhood Unfiltered" podcast. Dean and Damo share their personal journeys as fathers and the pivotal moments that inspired them to create a supportive platform for dads everywhere. They discuss their vision and objectives for "Fatherhood Unfiltered," exploring themes of mental health, community-building, and providing practi...

S3 Ep 4: Housing All Australians 22.05.2024 23min

In this episode of F&T Time, we are joined by Robert Pradolin, Founding Director of Housing All Australians, who reminds us that the fight against homelessness and the quest for affordable housing in Australia, isn't confined to policymakers or builders alone. It's a mission that belongs to all of us. Every one of us has a role to play, whether through advocacy, investment, or by simply spreading the word. We take a closer look at how timber prefabrication is being leveraged to no...

S3 Ep 3: Sustainable Forestry - A Critical Part of the Answer 22.03.2024 20min

Listeners may remember today's guest from season one, however this time he joins us as the Executive Director of International Sustainable Forestry Coalition! This insightful episode with guest Ross Hampton, looks at the important role sustainable forestry plays in the fight against climate change and the great announcements that came out of COP28 at the end of 2023.

S3 Ep 2: Sustainable Construction Practices Helping Create a Greener Future 24.01.2024 23min

In this enlightening episode of F&T Time, we sit down with Hamish White, a Founding Builder of the Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA). Hamish's dedication to a more sustainable construction industry is truly inspiring, and we delve into the transformative work the SBA is doing to reduce emissions and carbon footprint in construction. Born out of Builders Declare Australia, the SBA is driven to revolutionise construction practices for the betterment of our planet. FTMA proudly alig...

S3 Ep 1: An Exciting 2024 Ahead! 19.01.2024 10min

FTMA is back again for another season of our podcast series, F&T Time! This first episode of the new season looks at the exciting year ahead, including the 2024 National Conference which is the only national conference specifically curated for timber frame and truss fabricators. Enjoy listening and remember, this is YOUR podcast! We're always open to topic suggestions or questions, so don't hesitate to connect 📨 Here's to another great year at FTMA! 🥂🎉 Stay tuned, stay inf...

S2 Ep 11: Celebrating Training 29.11.2023 18min

Today, we’re looking into the importance of education and training for the timber, frame and truss sector - a topic that is particularly important for us at FTMA, given our drive and pursuits to deliver courses, to help address the under employment that we are all experiencing, and encourage skilled people into our wonderful industry. We are joined by NTHA Senior Trainer and Assessor, Colin Taranto - an inspiring and dedicated man, who has contributed greatly by paving the way for those...

S2 Ep 10: Carpentry Australia’s Helping Hand Day 21.09.2023 20min

Today, we're shining a spotlight on Carpentry Australia’s Helping Hand Day. This isn't just an event; it's a testament to the spirit of community and the craftsmanship that lies at the heart of everything that Carpentry Australia do. During Helping Hand Day, carpenters from all walks of life join forces to lend their expertise and support to various community projects. It’s a day when chippies roll up their sleeves, pick up their tools, and make a real tangible difference in our communities....

S2 Ep 9: The Push for a Timber Olympics 06.09.2023 30min

The Paris Olympics in 2024 are aiming to be the most sustainable games in Olympic Games history. One way they are achieving their sustainability goals, which align with the Paris Agreement, is using timber in construction. To ensure the Brisbane Olympic Games achieve similar environmental milestones to Paris, several strategies must be implemented. We need to prioritise the use of timber in our construction projects. This involves not only the games' facilities but also surrounding infrastru...

S2 Ep 8: Modern Mentality with Jordan Schmidt 25.08.2023 30min

In the lead up to R U OK? Day, I have invited Jordan Schmidt of Modern Mentality to talk to us about his challenges and provide tips on how to address mental health from a young man’s perspective. Jordan is like a nephew to me as I have known him most of his life and have witnessed firsthand the many life changing moments he has had to endure, and yet through each obstacle, I’ve witnessed Jordan pick himself up, and grow stronger. In this episode, Jordan will share his story and discuss the...

S2 Ep 7: Running for a Cause 14.08.2023 20min

This episode focuses on two passionate timber engineers and educators, Jon Shanks, and Lisa Ottenhaus. If you’ve ever met Jon or Lisa, you would know that they’re passionate about mountain biking, trail running, and really all things outdoors. What you probably didn’t know is that Lisa has been living with Multiple Sclerosis for over 13 years. Lisa doesn’t tend to make a big deal of it, because generally, things were ‘fine’... until they weren’t. In early 2022, Jon got a phone got call from L...

S2 Ep 6: Emerging Leaders Conquering Kokoda 24.07.2023 30min

There are many stories of our ANZAC’s which demonstrates their character, determination and the toughness of our diggers. One of the fiercest fights was in Papua New Guinea on the infamous Kokoda Trail. Nowadays, the Kokoda Track is visited by many Australians to not only honour the brave soldiers who fought, and sadly died on the track, to thank them for their sacrifices which ensured Australia’s freedom. It has also become a trek that helps build future leaders, teaching them resilience, lo...

S2 Ep 5: Let's Talk About... Health for Men's Health Week 08.06.2023 24min

In a male dominated industry, it’s critical to talk about the issues impacting so many men and look at what can be done to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Too many times, men shy away from conversations about their mental, physical and social health but it’s time we put a stop to it. Next week from 12 – 18 June, it’s Men’s Health Week. This event is celebrated every year around the world, and in Australia it is organised by the Centre for Male Health at Western Sydney Univer...

S2 Ep 4: The Importance of Choosing Fit for Purpose Timbers 31.05.2023 22min

This episode focuses on the importance of choosing fit-for-purpose timbers when manufacturing our quality offsite engineered products. Whilst we are focusing on frame & truss manufacturers, it is important to remember that everyone along the supply chain plays a critical role in ensuring that products or services are delivered to customers in a safe, ethical, and sustainable manner. Each person or organisation involved in the supply chain can impact the quality, safety, and environm...

S2 Ep 3: How to Best Care for Your Timber Products 18.04.2023 21min

With the increase in the number of builders collapsing, such as Porter Davis, and the real possibility that frames and trusses, could potentially be uncovered and left in the weather for months, we thought it was a good time to talk about Best Practices for Caring for Your Timber Products. Today we are joined by three nail plate engineers to discuss what can frame and truss manufacturers, builders and homeowners do to care for their quality timber products. Episode guests: Tim Rossite...

S2 Ep 2: Unravelling the Complexities of Insolvencies with Jaqi Rennie 05.04.2023 24min

With the 13th largest builder in Australia going bust, leaving 1700 homes unfinished, and a trail of creditors, we thought it would be a good reminder to go over what the collapse means, how it impacts fabricators and talk about how you can avoid being caught by the collapse of more builders in the future. Today, we are joined by Jaqi Rennie, Managing Director of Austbrokers Trade Credit to explain further. Jaqi experience spans three decades with a background in finance and law. Jaqi’s...