IQA members attend key industry events across Australia

Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) members have been out and about at key industry events.

Technology integration tops agenda at WIQ coffee conversations

Quarrying professionals meeting at two recent Women in Quarrying (WIQ) coffee conversations events identified systems integration as a key operational challenge facing quarry operations.

The NSW Hunter Region gathering, held on 10 April at Central Park Café in Maitland, brought together representatives who highlighted the challenges in managing multiple platforms for CRM, project management, tracking and workflow systems.

“A common recurring theme discussed was the multiple systems used across the industry and the lack of integration between these systems,” said Kylie Considine from Hunter Quarries, who coordinated the event.

“Many tips and tricks were shared, with one attendee proposing a dedicated IT workshop to address these widespread challenges,” Considine told Quarry.

The Hunter event, supported by TASC Solutions, coincided with another successful WIQ coffee conversations in Perth, sponsored by KOMATSU. The Western Australian gathering similarly provided a platform for professionals to network and share experiences in a supportive environment.

These events form part of IQA’s ongoing commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the quarrying sector, with the next Hunter Region WIQ breakfast planned for late May.

Hunter region dinner draws record attendance

The Hunter sub-branch transformed Newcastle’s Queens Wharf Hotel into a hub of sector innovation, drawing a record 75 quarrying professionals for an evening of knowledge sharing and networking.

NSW Resources Regulator chief inspector Anthony Margetts captivated attendees with practical insights on the new ROVOA principal hazard management plans, prompting discussion about implementation strategies.

Wabtec’s Craig Hoffman impressed the crowd with cutting-edge collision avoidance technology demonstrations, showcasing safety solutions that several attendees were eager to explore further for their operations.

In a highlight of the evening, IQA chief executive officer Jane Schmitt presented national updates and awarded Dayne Steggles with his well-deserved IQA Fellowship, acknowledging his significant sector contributions amid applause from colleagues and peers.

“There’s something special about the Hunter spirit,” IQA Hunter Region chairperson Greg Dressler said. “Watching competitors become collaborators over dinner reminds us why these gatherings are so valuable for moving our industry forward.”

The event, supported by major partner Heavy Plant Hire Australia, continued well into the evening as attendees exchanged experiences and innovations over a three-course dinner.

Magic, milestones, and meaningful connections at SA branch dinner

The historic Kent Town Hotel buzzed with energy as the South Australian IQA branch welcomed over 100 quarrying professionals to their first dinner of 2025.

Wayne Barker from the SA branch Committee proudly presented membership certificates to three enthusiastic new members: Liam Stirling from Porter Plant, Jhorden Minutillo representing Coffey, and Lynton Nitschke of Hallett Group.

The room erupted in applause as long-standing members were celebrated for their commitment to the sector – from eight professionals marking their 10-year milestone to Tony Ward’s impressive 40 years of membership.

“Looking around the room, you could see the entire spectrum of our sector,” IQA SA chairperson James Rowe said. “From those just beginning their journey to veterans who’ve shaped quarrying for decades – these connections across generations make our branch truly special.”

IQA president Michael Close shared insights into national initiatives, while magician George Stas wove heart health awareness into his mesmerising performance, leaving guests both entertained and enlightened.

The evening’s success reflected the strong support from branch sponsors, whose ongoing commitment enables these valuable networking opportunities.

The SA branch is already looking ahead to their next major gathering – the AGM branch dinner scheduled for 22 August at the Adelaide Pavilion.

Full house for NQLD branch in Townsville

Quarrying professionals filled the newly renovated North Queensland Club on 2 April as the North Queensland branch hosted their first dinner meeting of the year in Townsville.

Resources Safety & Health Queensland’s Lionel Smith delivered a practical presentation on the new portal rollout, drawing keen interest from attendees. Event partners Smarttech Australia and SMH Equipment showcased innovative solutions, while Komatsu’s Tony Clear highlighted exciting developments as the North Queensland major sponsor.

Branch Chairperson Paul Hooton guided the evening as MC, with the IQA Education team helping create a standout regional networking event.

Victorian branch dives into cutting-edge geospatial technology

The Victorian branch room was buzzing with energy as 57 quarrying professionals gathered at Caterpillar’s facility for the Autumn Technical Event on 3 April.

Mawsons’ drill and blast/pit development manager Adrian Bull captivated the audience with his practical insights on geospatial technology applications in quarrying. Attendees were particularly engaged during his breakdown of how GPS-enabled drilling is transforming extraction precision and efficiency.

The highlight for many was viewing Caterpillar’s state-of-the-art distribution centre from an exclusive boardroom platform, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of next-generation logistics in action.

Caterpillar’s Dean Alley and Sandvik’s Tim Twine rounded out the technical program with presentations that sparked animated discussions during the networking session that followed.

With record attendance for a technical event this year, the Victorian branch continues to deliver must-attend professional development opportunities that blend practical knowledge with forward-thinking quarrying solutions.•

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For more information, visit quarry.com.au