Description (Approx. 500 words): What began as a desperate effort to save a struggling family farm has grown into one of Australia's largest firewood businesses. Peter Chauncy, a farmer from Canyonleigh in New South Wales' Southern Highlands, transformed a small firewood side business into a multi-million-dollar enterprise that now supplies thousands of service stations across the country.
Forty years ago, Chauncy faced enormous financial hardship after prolonged drought and bushfires severely affected his sheep and cattle farm. Having returned home from studying law to help manage the family property following his father's illness and death, he found himself battling some of the harshest farming conditions in eastern Australia. Faced with mounting financial pressure and a growing family to support, he searched for another source of income.
He began collecting fallen timber from his property, cutting it into firewood and personally delivering it to customers in Sydney. In the early days, Chauncy went door-to-door looking for buyers, gradually building a loyal customer base through hard work and reliable service. As demand increased, what started as a weekend side hustle quickly developed into a full-scale business.
Today, the family-run company produces approximately one million bags of firewood every year. Its distinctive yellow bags are stocked in around 3,000 petrol stations and retail outlets across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. The business has become a familiar sight for Australians purchasing firewood for fireplaces, camping trips and backyard fire pits.
Operations have expanded significantly over the decades. Around 25 truckloads of firewood can be dispatched on busy days, with about 300 tonnes of timber loaded daily during peak demand. The company sources much of its timber through forestry thinning programs as well as private landowners, while modern machinery processes, cuts and bags the wood before distribution nationwide.
Despite increasing energy efficiency and changing heating technologies, Chauncy says demand for firewood remains strong. Sales increased during the COVID-19 pandemic as more Australians spent time at home and installed fireplaces or outdoor fire pits. Even with rising transport and fuel costs, the business has continued to experience strong seasonal demand.
Like many forestry businesses, the company is monitoring changes to native forest logging policies in several Australian states. Chauncy acknowledges future challenges but believes private forestry resources and careful business planning will help maintain supply into the future.
Reflecting on his journey, Chauncy says family has always been the driving force behind every decision. Although he once planned a legal career, he has no regrets about remaining on the family farm and building a business from one of the most difficult periods of his life. His story demonstrates how resilience, innovation and determination can transform adversity into long-term success.
Today, the Canyonleigh business continues to employ local workers and supply households across much of Australia, standing as an example of how regional entrepreneurship can grow from humble beginnings into a nationally recognised enterprise.
