2018 Playford Trust/TAFE SA Award
At the time Joe received his Playford Trust Award, he was employing just two staff in his arborist business, Adelaide Hills Tree Services. Now there are 10 on the team – and most of them have already completed, are currently studying, or are about to begin their studies in Arboriculture at TAFESA.
Joe, too, has continued his learning and is nearing the completion of his Diploma of Arboriculture.
Not surprisingly, his main focus has been the growth of the business, which has a strong focus on responsible practices within the arboriculture industry. While the team prunes, trims and cuts down unwanted trees, they actively advocate against their unnecessary removal – and plant 10 trees for every mature tree they have to remove.
By the end of their revegetation program in 2023, they will have planted almost 13,000 trees.
Adelaide Hills Tree Services has been part of some really rewarding projects, too, such as working alongside Primary Industries SA helping to control Tasmanian Blue Gum on Kangaroo Island following the devastating bushfires in 2020. They’re trying to ensure this invasive species doesn’t smother all the high value native vegetation.
The Playford Trust helped fund Joe’s studies when his business was in its infancy – and his passion for lifelong learning remains strong.