Leadership transitions often signal more than a change in title. In many cases, they reflect a broader shift in direction, intent and ambition. At Timber Insight, the appointment of Craig Oatway marks such a moment.
With a background spanning strategic leadership, product commercialisation and construction system delivery, Oatway steps into the role at a time when Australia’s housing sector is under increasing pressure to deliver more homes, more efficiently, and with greater certainty. His focus is not on advocating for a single solution, but on strengthening industry capability and confidence around modern sustainable construction systems.
For Timber Insight, this next chapter is about positioning itself as a trusted advisor that helps the industry make informed, future-ready decisions.
A career grounded in delivery, not theory
Oatway brings more than two decades of experience working across timber construction systems, including senior roles within multinational organisations connected to timber and prefabricated building solutions. His career has been shaped by practical exposure to how products move from concept to specification and ultimately to site.
In Western Australia, he has worked closely with builders, developers, suppliers and specifiers, supporting the adoption of innovative systems in a market known for its distinct construction practices and regulatory environment.
That on-the-ground experience has informed his leadership style, one that prioritises clarity, collaboration and real-world application over abstract advocacy.
“I’ve always been a collaborative style of leader. Whether it’s working closely with my team, sharing the load or bringing together siloed departments – I think we achieve more when working together on a singular vision. Innovation and disruption in the construction industry is no different, it takes a varied group of stakeholders committed to positive change.”
Timber Insight’s role in a changing industry
Timber Insight has spent more than a decade supporting industry stakeholders across Australia through advisory services, education programs and applied research. Its work spans residential, commercial and infrastructure contexts, with a strong emphasis on helping practitioners understand where and how timber systems can be used effectively.
Central to that work has been a long-standing collaboration with WoodSolutions, the national timber design and education initiative supported by Forest & Wood Products Australia. Through this partnership, Timber Insight has contributed to regionally focused projects that address local conditions, compliance requirements and industry capability.
Under Oatway’s leadership, the organisation is sharpening its focus on education, system understanding and supply-chain connection rather than promotion.
There are many strong contributors across the timber construction supply chain however it’s historically struggled to find a singular voice that advocates for timber building systems. The advantages to using timber in buildings are clear but the pathway to scalable application can be complex. I see our role at Timber Insight to lead the conversation on the advantages of timber whilst empowering industry to shift its model and adopt more efficient and sustainable ways of delivering homes.”
From advocacy to industry enablement
A defining feature of Oatway’s approach is a deliberate shift away from product-led narratives toward industry enablement. Rather than positioning timber as an answer in search of a problem, the focus is on supporting informed decision-making across design, specification and construction.
This includes helping builders and project teams understand system suitability, compliance pathways, sequencing considerations and risk management. It also means working across fragmented supply chains to improve consistency and confidence as projects move from design into delivery.
For Oatway, credibility comes from meeting the industry where it is.
As much as I love timber, I’m the first to admit that it isn’t the right solution for every circumstance. However, it’s challenging to know how to compare options and validate the best material. The best way to increase timber adoption is empowering the market with tools to allow people to make their own decisions with understanding and clarity.
Strengthening knowledge and capability
Education sits at the core of Timber Insight’s strategy. Through technical forums, site visits, industry events and resource development, the organisation aims to lift understanding of contemporary timber systems in a way that is practical and accessible.
These initiatives are designed to support architects, engineers, builders and suppliers alike, recognising that successful system adoption relies on alignment across the entire project team.
By grounding education in local examples and real projects, Timber Insight seeks to move conversations beyond perception and toward performance.
“There are some great resources on timber construction out there, WoodSolutions being the pinnacle. However, many of us aren’t always inclined to settle in and read lengthy technical documents to find an “ah-ha!” moment or solution to a problem. Tactile events, on site-learning and connecting over shared human experience are way better for truly getting a handle on technical subjects!”
Collaboration across the sector
Oatway also places strong emphasis on collaboration with industry bodies and professional associations. Timber Insight maintains active relationships with organisations including Forest Industries Federation of Western Australia and Urban Development Institute of Australia WA, supporting broader conversations around housing delivery, sustainability and skills development.
These partnerships help ensure that timber system discussions are integrated into wider planning and development conversations, rather than occurring in isolation.
A measured vision for the future
As housing demand continues to place pressure on construction capacity nationwide, Timber Insight’s work under Oatway is framed around preparedness rather than prescription. The aim is to ensure the industry has access to reliable knowledge, capable partners and proven pathways when considering different construction systems.
Timber remains central to that mission, but the emphasis is on how it fits within a modern, flexible construction landscape.
For Craig Oatway, leadership at Timber Insight about championing timber as a material and building confidence across an industry navigating change.
“Timber Insight will continue to work with WoodSolutions and other industry partners to deliver inspiration and practical advice to all construction industry professionals. As we see the Australian industry continue to focus on speed of housing delivery and ways to mitigate climate impact the demand for timber across every construction class will continue to grow. The investment in Engineered Wood Products and Offsite Fabrication in Perth metro alone is testament to that growth and we will support that acceleration in capacity and capability with advice on how to leverage the benefits.
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