The Institute of Quarrying Australia has announced the rescheduling of its 63rd National Conference in Newcastle, New South Wales.
The conference will now be held at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre (NEX) in Newcastle from 29 to 31 March, 2022.
The IQA was set to host IQA2021 from 5 to 7 October. However, due to “the uncertainties and travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and in consideration of the health and safety of our delegates, sponsors and exhibitors”, the Institute announced on 4 August that the conference has been postponed.
Sydney has been in lockdown due to spiraling COVID-19 case numbers since late June. Newcastle and the neighbouring Hunter region was forced into a seven-day lockdown at the beginning of August when students across three local schools tested positive. Until that time, Newcastle and Hunter had experienced zero cases.
“This decision has been made after discussion with key stakeholders, in consideration of the latest Government health advice and to ensure the conference delivers value for delegates and sponsors,” IQA President Shane Braddy, IQA2021 Conference Chair James Collings and IQA CEO Kylie Fahey said in a joint statement.
“We are determined to run the National Conference Re-Think, Re-Source, Re-Engage as a face to face event and are optimistic that the current travel restrictions will have eased by March 2022 to allow us to deliver a comprehensive and informative program in an environment which enables delegates and stakeholders to network, build relationships and share knowledge.
“We would like to acknowledge and thank our sponsors, exhibitors and registered delegates for their support of the IQA’s 63rd National Conference,” Braddy, Collings and Fahey added. “We have been overwhelmed by the level of support from our industry, particularly in such unprecedented times. All existing bookings will be transferred to the new dates, however for those that have committed to IQA2021 and are unable to attend in March 2022, any fees paid will be refunded.
“We certainly look forward to welcoming you to Newcastle in 2022. In the meantime, the Conference Organising Committee will continue to work behind the scenes to make this the best conference yet.”
For further information, including registration, contact the IQA’s Conference Manager Ned Worboys, on tel 0431 021 193, email events@quarry.com.au or visit iqa.eventsair.com/conference
The October issue of Quarry, which would have been launched at the conference as a satchel insert, will be mailed out as per normal to IQA members. Exhibitors and sponsors keen to promote their products and services between now and the rescheduled March conference are encouraged to contact Quarry BDM Les Ilyefalvy, tel 0402 177 966 or email les.ilyefalvy@primecreative.com.au
2021 IQA Awards extended
With the national conference date now moved to the end of March 2022, the Institute has extended the IQA Award submission deadline from August to 5:00pm on Friday 22 October, 2021.
This will provide IQA members with additional time to prepare their own submissions or to nominate colleagues that they believe are worthy of an award and recognition of their endeavours.
“Showcase the many good people and ideas in the industry by nominating yourself or someone else today,” Fahey said.
“Winning an IQA Award reflects talent across the quarrying and associated industries and validates the passion in the industry.”
To learn more about the IQA Awards, visit the IQA website.
The recipients of the IQA Awards will be announced at the IQA Conference in Newcastle from 29 to 31 March, 2022.
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