As the arboricultural community powers through the first quarter of 2026, the Queensland Arboricultural Association (QAA) has been hard at work delivering a full calendar of professional development, industry connection, and international achievement.
From world-class training to celebrating Australia’s own on the global stage, the past few months have highlighted what makes our community thrive – collaboration, curiosity, and commitment to raising the bar for arboriculture across Queensland and northern NSW.
QTRA: Quantifying risk, strengthening confidence
On October 27-28, QAA hosted the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) course at its Cleveland headquarters, facilitated by Mike Ellison, founder of QTRA and one of the UK’s leading experts in tree risk management.
The course drew a diverse group of arborists, consultants, and council officers eager to deepen their understanding of evidence-based tree risk assessment. Over two days, participants explored how probability, consequence, and exposure combine to quantify risk, providing an objective framework that supports defensible, transparent decision-making.
Mike’s engaging teaching style and real-world scenarios made complex theory practical and applicable, reinforcing why QTRA continues to be a benchmark in the field. Feedback from attendees was glowing, with many noting the course’s value not just in risk assessment, but also in communicating with clients and stakeholders.
“QTRA bridges the gap between science and policy,” one participant shared. “It gives us the language to explain tree risk clearly and responsibly.”
Tools for modern urban tree management: TreePlotter Workshop
On October 29, QAA partnered with PlanIT Geo to host the TreePlotter™Software Suite Workshop – a dynamic, hands-on event led by PlanIT Geo Founder and CEO Ian Hanou.
Held at the QAA head office, the workshop brought together councils, consultants, and industry professionals seeking smarter, datadriven approaches to urban forest management. Participants explored the capabilities of the TreePlotter platform, from desktop analytics to mobile field tools, with live demonstrations and outdoor exercises highlighting how technology is transforming canopy planning and asset management.
Ian’s expertise and enthusiasm for advancing digital forestry shone through, inspiring attendees to think bigger about how technology can support strategic, evidence-based decision-making.
As one attendee put it: “TreePlotter shows us how powerful our data can be when it’s visual, connected, and used to tell the story of our trees.”
Flying the flag at ITCC
While education was in full swing at home, Queensland’s own Jess Hamer and Jamie Boston were representing Australia at the International Tree Climbing Championships (ITCC) in New Zealand.
These elite climbers, both longtime competitors and advocates for professional excellence, took on the world’s best in a showcase of skill, precision, and athleticism. Their performances reflected not only personal dedication, but also the strong culture of training and competition fostered by QAA through events like the Queensland Tree Climbing Championships (QTCC). Jess and Jamie’s professionalism and camaraderie were widely praised, embodying the values that define the arbor industry: safety, respect for the tree, and passion for continual improvement.
Climb strong. Stay safe. Keep inspiring.
Annual General Meeting
Two Kiwis, an Irishman, and four Aussies walked into a meeting room, backed by six proxy votes.
By the end, the Kiwis led the charge, the Irishman joined the crew and the Aussies backed it with their trademark enthusiasm and teamwork.
The QAA AGM was held on November 8, 2025, at the QAA Head Office in Cleveland, resulting in a Kiwi President, a Kiwi Vice President and a dedicated and driven committee.
Introducing President Jan Paterson, Vice President Sascha Seifritz and the Executive Committee Members Jamie Boston, Glenda Holowaty, Troy Moncur, Josh O’Rourke and Caleb Pratt.
In celebration of Queensland’s first female president, the QAA logo will turn pink for the next two years, marking a bright new chapter for the association.
Meet & Mingle
Community connection remains at the heart of everything the QAA does, and the association’s final Industry Meet & Mingle ran in late November.
These informal networking nights have become a staple of QAA’s calendar – a chance for members, sponsors, and industry professionals to connect, share stories, and discuss the future of arboriculture in a relaxed setting.
With a cold drink in hand and good company around, Meet & Mingle events remind us that collaboration doesn’t always happen in a classroom. Sometimes the best ideas start with a friendly chat among peers who care about the same things – trees, safety, and the people who work with both.
James and Xavier from Aviso, QAA’s industry insurer and long-term supporter, were in attendance, offering arborists the opportunity to discuss and share insights on insurance matters, risk management, and the professional support available through Aviso.
TRAQ: professional standards in practice
QAA will host the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) course in early 2026. The date is yet to be confirmed.
Delivered through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), TRAQ remains one of the most respected qualifications in the arbor profession. It provides a comprehensive framework for identifying, analysing, and communicating tree risk based on structured observation and professional judgment.
Participants will engage in classroom learning, field exercises, and written assessments under the guidance of qualified TRAQ instructors. Graduates of the program emerge with internationally recognised credentials and strengthened confidence in their role as tree risk assessors.
Contact
The QAA loves keeping in touch with the arboricultural community, and thatcommunication happens the classic way – through regular newsletters and by sharing updates and events on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.
But for those who like their news straight to the pocket, there’s ‘Jan Spam’, the QAA’s text reminder system. It started a couple of years ago when the association began collecting contact names and numbers to keep everyone in the loop about upcoming professional development sessions, climbing comps, and networking opportunities.
Congratulations to Stephen Porter from Treesafe Australia, who officially became our 300th contact on the ‘Jan Spam’ list.
Like and follow the QAA on socials – you know you want to.
And if you don’t want to miss a thing, email office@qaa.net.au and ask to be added to the ‘Jan Spam’ list. It’s the good kind of spam.
Building on momentum
As 2025 winds down and 2026 kicks off, QAA’s calendar stands as proof of what collaboration and commitment can achieve. From hands-on workshops and global representation to community events and leadership renewal, it’s been a season of connection and progress for the arboricultural community.
The QAA extends its deepest thanks to its members, sponsors, volunteers, and partners, who make these initiatives possible. Your continued support ensures QAA can keep delivering quality training, fostering professional excellence, and advocating for the trees and people that make our urban environments thrive.
We look forward to a strong, exciting 2026.
For more information on QAA and its activities, visit qaa.net.au.