Profiles

Adam Cozzitorto is an experienced AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist with more than 20 years in the arboriculture industry. Before founding Skilled Trees in 2007, Adam worked for his father’s company as a leading hand on the Salisbury City Council street tree maintenance contract in Adelaide’s northern suburbs. He also travelled extensively throughout Australia as a contract climber, gaining hands-on experience in some of the country’s toughest and most demanding arboricultural environments.

Since establishing Skilled Trees, Adam has become a trusted provider of professional tree services across North Queensland. He oversees all assessments, reports, and complex works, ensuring compliance with Australian Standards and best-practice arboriculture. Adam personally trains his arborists to his high professional standard, and is recognised for delivering safe, technically precise, and reliable tree care.

A qualified member of the Queensland Arboricultural Association (QAA) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Adam also holds the title of North Queensland Climbing Champion (2013)—a reflection of his advanced technical climbing skills.

Today, Adam leads Skilled Trees with a strong focus on safety, professionalism, and high-quality Arboricultural outcomes for councils, government agencies, construction partners, schools, commercial clients, and the wider community.

Joshua Townsend is an AQF Level 3 practicing arborist and key member of the Skilled Trees leadership team. Joining the company in 2015, Joshua has grown into a highly experienced and trusted arborist who plays a central role in the delivery of complex and high-standard arboricultural work across North Queensland.

As a leading hand, Joshua oversees day-to-day operations on site, ensuring that pruning, removals, stump grinding, vegetation management, and safety procedures are carried out to the highest professional standard. His strong technical knowledge, practical skill, and attention to detail make him a reliable and respected team leader.

Joshua is also a dedicated mentor within Skilled Trees, supporting the development and training of junior staff and apprentices. His commitment to quality, safe work practices, and ongoing learning reflects the values of both the arboriculture profession and the Skilled Trees team

Clinton Hore is a highly skilled AQF Level 3 arborist and long-standing member of the Skilled Trees team. Joining the company in 2012, Clinton brings more than a decade of practical arboricultural experience and is one of the most trusted and relied-upon leaders within the business.

As a leading hand, Clinton plays a key role in coordinating on-site operations, overseeing complex pruning, removals, stump grinding, and vegetation management works. He consistently applies safe work practices, strong technical skills, and clear decision-making across all projects.

Clinton is also a valued mentor to apprentices and junior arborists, providing hands-on training and guidance to ensure the next generation of arborists uphold Skilled Trees’ high standards. His deep industry experience, steady leadership, and commitment to quality make him an integral part of the Skilled Trees team.

Peyote Simmons is an AQF Level 3 arborist who joined the Skilled Trees team in 2023 and has quickly become an invaluable asset to the company. Although new to the organisation, Peyote brings a wealth of prior arboricultural experience, strong technical capability, and a mature, safety-focused approach to every project.

His high level of skill and natural leadership saw him progress to a leading hand role in a very short time. Peyote has integrated seamlessly into Skilled Trees’ work ethic and culture, demonstrating reliability, professionalism, and a strong commitment to quality workmanship.

Peyote’s positive attitude, problem-solving ability, and dedication to safe, efficient tree work make him a highly respected member of the team. Skilled Trees is fortunate to have him as part of its growing leadership group.

Brayden Hughes is a dedicated AQF Level 3 arborist who joined Skilled Trees in 2021. From the outset, it was clear that Brayden possessed the natural ability, work ethic, and passion required to excel in the arboriculture industry. He recently completed his arboriculture apprenticeship, becoming a fully qualified arborist and an increasingly valuable member of the team. Brayden has progressed into the role of Leading Hand, reflecting his strong capability and reliability on site.

Brayden has proudly represented Skilled Trees in climbing competitions, demonstrating both his technical skill and his enthusiasm for professional development. He continues to thrive on learning, advancing his abilities as the industry evolves, and embracing every opportunity to grow.

Well-liked by staff and clients alike, Brayden is a respected team member with a positive attitude and strong commitment to safe, high-quality work. As his career progresses, Brayden is expected to play an important mentoring role for new apprentices, helping guide the next generation of arborists at Skilled Trees.

Zachary began with Skilled Trees in 2018, initially working during school holidays from the age of 14 alongside his dad — the boss. He went on to complete his entire apprenticeship with us, officially qualifying as an AQF Level 3 Arborist in January 2024.

Growing up in the industry has shaped Zach into a capable, confident, and technically skilled climber. He has competed in multiple climbing competitions and continues to undertake additional training even after completing his apprenticeship, always striving to improve and refine his abilities.

Zach brings enthusiasm, strong work ethic, and advanced climbing capability to every job, making him a valued member of the Skilled Trees team, when he’s not travelling.

Luke Doherty joined Skilled Trees in 2023 and quickly demonstrated a strong interest in arboriculture, particularly in climbing and technical tree work. In 2025, he commenced his formal arboriculture apprenticeship, taking the next step toward becoming a fully qualified arborist.

Luke is enthusiastic, eager to learn, and consistently shows commitment to developing his skills both on the ground and in the canopy. His passion for climbing and hands-on work makes him well-suited to the industry, and he continues to progress rapidly under the guidance of our senior arborists.

With his positive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges, Luke is becoming a valued member of the Skilled Trees team and shows great potential for the future.

Connie Waigana is one of the most experienced and respected members of the Skilled Trees team, bringing an extraordinary depth of industry knowledge gained from working in arboriculture since 1994. Having spent his entire career in the Townsville region, Connie understands the local environment, species, and conditions better than almost anyone in the field.

Although not formally qualified, Connie is exceptionally skilled and highly regarded for his practical expertise, strong work ethic, and calm, dependable leadership on site. His ability to handle complex works safely and efficiently makes him a trusted senior team member.

Connie is also an outstanding mentor—guiding apprentices, supporting qualified arborists, and even offering valuable insight to management. His influence on the team culture is significant, and it is a privilege to have him represent Skilled Trees.

Connie’s commitment, loyalty, and professionalism make him a key asset to the business and a respected figure in the North Queensland arboriculture community.

Daniel Geia joined the arboriculture industry in 2018 and has steadily developed into a reliable and motivated member of the Skilled Trees team. While not yet formally qualified, Daniel is actively working toward gaining his arboricultural certifications and continues to build his skills through hands-on experience, training, and mentorship from senior staff.

Daniel brings a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn—qualities that make him a valued part of our crew. He is progressing confidently through both climbing and ground-based skills, demonstrating growing capability and a commitment to safe, high-quality tree work.

As Daniel continues his training, he is well on his way to developing into a qualified arborist and an even stronger contributor to the Skilled Trees team.

Sam Perera joined the Skilled Trees team in 2024 and has quickly proven himself to be a reliable, hardworking, and well-liked member of our ground crew. With a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, Sam has integrated seamlessly into the team and contributes effectively to the safe and efficient operation of all on-site works.

Sam supports our arborists with equipment handling, site preparation, clean-up, chipper operation, and general ground-based duties that are essential to smooth workflow and safe tree operations. He learns quickly, applies himself diligently, and shows strong potential for future growth within the company.

We are very pleased to have Sam as part of Skilled Trees and look forward to seeing him develop his skills as his experience grows.

Angus Knowles is the youngest member of the Skilled Trees team, beginning with us in 2021 while still at school. Now a full-time ground crew member, Angus has grown into a reliable, hardworking, and valued part of the business. He consistently demonstrates strong teamwork, a positive attitude, and an eagerness to learn—qualities that make him an asset on every job site.

Angus supports our arborists with a wide range of ground operations, including site preparation, equipment handling, chipper operation, and maintaining safe work zones. His maturity, willingness to follow direction, and ability to work effectively within a team have allowed him to develop rapidly in his role.

With clear potential and the capability to undertake an arboriculture apprenticeship should he choose to, we look forward to seeing Angus continue to grow and develop his skills within Skilled Trees.

Rob joined the Skilled Trees team in 2024 and has quickly become an invaluable part of the business. As our Yard Manager and Mechanic, Rob keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes — from plant and equipment maintenance to yard organisation and day-to-day logistics.

Reliable, detail-focused, and quietly keeping everyone accountable, Rob plays a key role in ensuring our crews can operate safely, efficiently, and without interruption. His problem-solving ability, work ethic, and commitment to the team make a real difference across the entire company.

Bianca is a part owner of Skilled Trees and has been involved with the tree industry for 13 years as the Office Manager of Skilled Trees, she has completed her Certificate II in Horticulture and Business Studies. When she is not at work of looking after her family she enjoys being on or near the water.