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When Mitchpine launched its new roundwood mill, someone had to get the team trained, motivated, and firing on all cylinders. That someone was Melvyn.

As newly appointed foreman of the Roundwood Mill, Melvyn has been a cornerstone of Mitchpine for nearly 12 years. His role sits right at the intersection of operations and people — and he's good at both. When the new mill came online, Melvyn took on the challenge of bringing the team up to speed, building confidence in new processes, and making sure everything ran the way it was supposed to. By all accounts, he nailed it.

A typical day starts with a clear head and a plan. Melvyn checks which orders need urgent attention, organises the team, and makes sure everyone knows what's happening before the day gets away on them. It's the kind of quiet, steady leadership that doesn't always get noticed — but without it, things fall apart fast.

Over nearly 12 years, Melvyn has trained a huge number of people across machines, quality control, and safety. "Helping others grow is something I'm proud of," he says — and it shows. His favourite part of the job is learning new things and connecting with people right across the site, which might explain why he's so good at bringing others along with him.

Outside of work, Melvyn is out hunting or fishing, or at home with family. At the yard, he keeps himself fuelled on pies, or chicken and chips — and he'll be the first to tell you why. When the ice cream truck comes around, he orders the works. No half measures.

If he had control of the radio, you'd be hearing 94.6 Channel X across the yard.

Twelve years in, a new mill up and running, and a team that knows what they're doing. That's a pretty good innings, Melvyn. Thank you.