The Australian Institute of Quarrying Education Foundation’s (AIQEF’s) annual auction and brunch was held in Adelaide this year, concluding the social program for the 2015 IQA national conference on 17 October.
Among the 20 lots on offer were models of plant and heavy machinery, a two-year lease for a glass-encased helmet that belonged to Australian champion motorcycle racer Casey Stoner, and two “rock on the ground” shots.
The combined winning bids for the two blasts was $29,000, making up the majority of the $41,000 raised on the day.
Proceeds from the auction will be put towards the AIQEF’s objectives of establishing and supporting national educational courses in quarrying and surface mining, and supporting advanced training for quarry professionals.
One of the ways in which the AIQEF supports industry training is through grants, and during the recent auction and brunch, the AIQEF presented the Alex Northover Training Award and a $2500 grant to New South Wales-based Michael Walton.
The award recognises the best prepared portfolio of evidence submitted to a registered training organisation by an applicant seeking industry accreditation.
High commendations were also awarded to Craig Potts (NSW), Phillip Krueger (Queensland) and Leigh Elliott (Victoria).
Since its establishment in 1982, the AIQEF has offered more than $1 million in grants. These have funded – or assisted in the funding – of a range of initiatives, including training resources, scholarships, awards recognising vocational training excellence and speakers for various educational industry events.
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