- Author Tiwi Traditional Owners and Northern Institute
- Publish date 20 April 2026
- Type Fact sheet
- Documents
- Forestry
- First Nations led business development
Summary
The Tiwi Forestry Seasonal Calendar documents the annual cycle of forestry activities alongside Tiwi seasonal knowledge, providing a shared framework to better align work practices with local conditions and cultural context.
This resource brings together operational requirements and Tiwi knowledge systems to support more effective, responsive, and culturally informed workforce planning.
What this project delivers
- A visual representation of forestry activities across the year
- Integration of Tiwi seasonal knowledge to inform timing, conditions, and work practices
- A practical tool to support workforce scheduling, training delivery, and operational planning
- A resource that strengthens communication between industry, workers, and community
This Calendar demonstrates how forestry operations can be grounded in Tiwi seasonal knowledge and language, creating a shared framework for planning, communication, and workforce development. It shows that culturally informed approaches can strengthen both operational outcomes and meaningful economic participation.
Projects
Maximising northern tropical forestry-linking communities and cutting-edge technology Tiwi Islands
This project supported the expansion of tropical hardwood plantations across the Tiwi Islands and northern Australia, combining advanced forestry science with Indigenous-led enterprise development to strengthen productivity, product value and long-term economic opportunities. Delivered through three integrated research programs, the project identified high-performing Eucalyptus pellita genetics, optimised plantation management practices and assessed opportunities for higher-value timber products. Researchers also worked with Aboriginal communities and industry stakeholders to develop a northern forestry industry growth model, providing a framework for future investment, supply chain development and Indigenous participation in the sector. The project directly informed Tiwi Plantations Corporation’s transition from acacia to eucalyptus plantations, contributing to the business case for an $80 million second-rotation investment and the replanting of 30,000 hectares on the Tiwi Islands. The research is now guiding the establishment of 30 million trees over the next decade, while creating a foundation for long-term employment, carbon opportunities and future value-adding industries. By combining cutting-edge genomics, plantation science and community-led development, the project has strengthened the role of Tiwi-owned forestry operations and established a pathway towards a more productive, sustainable and higher-value tropical forestry industry in northern Australia. Publications Watch Tiwi Traditions on Landline – https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/programs/landline/2023-07-02/tree-traditions:-new-plantation-model-for-tiwi/102552570