New Arborist of the Year

New Arborist of the Year

Are you an up-and-coming arborist or tree worker in your first 3 years of training or employment? This is your chance to shine,

have fun, meet other new arborists and win some great prizes.

The brand-new New Arborist of the Year competition celebrates fresh talent and dedication in our industry. It was developed to promote new

arborists and encourage skill development and education by matching competitors against individuals of similar experience in a fun

and friendly atmosphere.

Ten new arborists will compete in 5 events over one day. It’s free to enter and all competitors receive lunch,

a t-shirt, 1yr Arb Aus general membership, and a free ticket to the conference! The winner will also receive a trophy and $500!

How to Apply

Register now to secure your spot—places are limited. To be eligible you simply need to be in your first 3 years in the arboriculture

industry. You'll need to tell us what RTO you are enrolled with, or recently graduated from. Only the first 10 eligible applications will

be accepted, so don’t miss out.

Know someone who’s in their first 3 years working in arboriculture? Encourage them to apply today!

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, 16 March 2025 (this is an all-day event)
Location: Telopea Park, Canberra
Competition Events: Knot tying, Tree identification, Throwline, Work Site Safety Assessment, and a Quick-fire quiz. All skills and knowledge are based on the Minimum Industry Standard (3 Series) books (e.g. MIS301 Arborist Knots).

Register Here!

Don’t miss this opportunity to kick-start your career and gain recognition in the arboriculture community!  

    • This is an all-day event, running alongside the Australian Tree Climbing Championships (ATCC) Masters event. The New Arborist of the Year (NAotY) events will run in the morning and early afternoon and the day will include some free time and socialising, as well as the award presentation that evening.

    • Designated NAotY crew will be there to meet you, explain the events, show you around and introduce you to others. You will be with a group for the events and are competing against others with similar experience.

    • The winner will be announced that evening at the QT Hotel in conjunction with the Welcome Reception & ATCC Presentations. We recommend you stay Sunday night and utilise your free conference ticket the next day.

    • Based on the successful New Zealand model, this competition promotes networking and skills development. Many of the competitors make valuable new connections and receive job offers on the day.

    • All applicants will be emailed by Arb Australia by 21 February 2025. We will let you know if you were successful and will provide more details of when and where to meet and how to prepare. You will have contact details for the crew if you have any questions. Make sure you check your email (and junk folder). If you haven't received an email by Friday 21 February 2025, please contact us.

    • Photographs and recordings of competitors and events will occur. These are used to promote New Arborist of the Year, Arb Aus and our industry.

  • If you are in your first 3 years in the arboriculturet industry, you are eligible to compete in the New Arborist of the Year competition.

    You should enter to compete in New Arborist of the Year because you’ll be making history, there’s lots to gain and nothing to lose, and it’s fun!

    This is the first New Arborist of the Year competition in Australia – this is your chance to be the very first Australian winner.

  • Wear your work clothes and bring your helmet with chinstrap and glasses/eye protection.

    Bring some water, snacks, sunscreen and wet weather gear.

    All other gear is provided. Lunch is also provided and canapes will be available at the awards presentation that evening.

  • No, any travel or accommodation costs are the responsibility of the individual and not Arb Aus.

    Please be aware that it is an all-day event and you may need accommodation.

    It may be of note that the New Arborist of the Year competition will occur in Hobart in 2026, and Perth in 2027.

    • All competitors receive lunch, a t-shirt, 1yr Arb Aus general membership, and a free ticket to the conference (excludes Gala Dinner on Monday night)

    • The Winner of New Arborist of the Year will recieve a trophy and $500.

  • The 5 New Arborist of the Year events are:

    1. Tree ID

    2. Knot Tying

    3. Throwline

    4. Work Site Safety Assessment

    5. Quick-fire quiz

    All questions and skills are based on the Minimum Industry Standards (3 Series) books, which are core references in the Certificate III Arboriculture.

    This award is about celebrating your passion for the industry and your eagerness to learn. We want you to have fun and be inspired.

  • We’re working on sample resources for you so check this website regularly for updates.

    In the meantime, know your MIS, particularly (but not limited to):

    • MIS300 Safe Tree Work

    • MIS301 Arborist Knots

    The Throwline event will have the same format as the ATCC. Read the rules and see the scoresheet to help you prepare (page 31-38).

    The Tree ID event is open book. Know how to use keys and be familiar with the names of plant parts commonly used to identify trees.

  • As the New Arborist of the Year partner, your business is the sole brand associated with this national award program.

    Your business will be supporting the brightest young arborists coming through the ranks.

    For $3000 excl. gst, you receive exclusive branding on the NAotY webpage, t-shirt, and all marketing, signage at the event, and will feature in an article in the Arbor Age with a circulate of over 5000.

    See the NAotY Partner Package for more detail and email Arb Aus.