I hope you all had a great Christmas break and that the new year has started well for you and your family.
As 2013 begins, Quarry has again produced the annual 2013 Quarry Suppliers Directory. Suppliers play a major part in the quarrying industry, not only through their sponsorship and support of industry functions and the IQA, but also in the development and provision of new technologies and products, education and innovation generally.
Within the IQA, almost 50 per cent of our members work for organisations that supply goods and services to the quarrying sector. Statistics recently produced by the organisers of the CMIC12 event showed that twice as many delegates identified as IQA members than those who identified as CCAA members, and of the total delegates 60 per cent worked for companies supplying goods and services to the construction materials sector. These numbers are consistent with conferences over past years.
Being a member of the IQA provides each of us with valuable networking, educational resources and professional development. As such, we need to ensure we are aware of the demographic of our membership, not only geographical location, gender and age, but also employment, vocation and work history. We need to ensure all our members are afforded the same opportunities and benefits of membership, regardless of who they work for or if they work at all.
I recently attended the Technical and Social Weekend hosted by the Tasmanian branch at the beautiful Central Highlands in Tasmania. This weekend reminded me of the real benefits of IQA membership and the diverse nature of our membership. The local branch attendees included members with more than 30 years’ experience in the quarrying industry (and in the IQA itself) and new members. These individuals work in supplier organisations, large and small quarries and as consultants.
The mix of technical presentations and social networking provided all attendees with educational information, the opportunity to share ideas with like-minded people and a lot of fun.
I encourage all of you to attend functions such as these, which are organised by all branches across the country. You will get the best out of your IQA membership by attending branch activities and meetings, professional development courses and conferences. I also encourage you to share these positive experiences with non-members and suggest to them that they consider joining.
We have membership grades that cater for all associated with the quarrying industry, whether you work in a quarry, work for a supplier to the industry, are studying or have retired from the quarrying industry.
I do get asked from time to time what the greatest benefit of being an IQA member is. For me it is the “comradery” (or camaraderie) I experience often at IQA functions. Comradery telling jokes over a few beers, comradery when helping each other with work problems and comradery in the sharing of skills and knowledge to ensure the quarrying industry continues to prosper.
Wayne scott
President
Institute of Quarrying Australia