IQA members out and about for site tours, networking and golf days

Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) members have been connecting across Australia through golf days, site tours, and networking events.

Young members dive deep into quarrying

The Victorian branch Young Member Network (YMN) took sector immersion to new heights with a tour of three pivotal quarrying operations.

The adventure began at Heidelberg Materials’ impressive Wollert Basalt quarry, where participants witnessed firsthand how Melbourne’s major infrastructure projects find new life through innovative waste management strategies and concrete production.

After energising conversations over lunch at Republic Tavern, the group explored Conundrum Holdings’ Northern Quarries in Epping. Brian Calovic and Will Kerr unveiled the technological marvel of their control room, demonstrating how automation is revolutionising the screening and crushing processes.

The journey culminated at Coffey Testing’s sophisticated Melbourne laboratory, where Kavindra Hippola demonstrated the rigorous testing that ensures every quarried material meets exacting industry standards.

“These hands-on experiences are invaluable for young professionals,” Victorian YMN coordinator Alexandria Murray said.

“Seeing operations firsthand creates connections between classroom knowledge and real-world applications.”

The day exemplified IQA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of quarrying professionals through meaningful, practical experiences that bridge the gap between theory and application.

Queensland branch tees off for a day of networking and fun

The Queensland branch hosted its 31st annual golf day at Oxley Golf Club on 9 May, bringing together a record 155 players from across the quarrying sector for a day of networking, friendly competition, and perfect weather.

Participants enjoyed ideal overcast conditions for their 18 holes of golf.

“We were really lucky with the weather,” IQA Queensland branch committee chair Blake Ardrey said.

“Everyone made comments that they had a great day, with plenty of fun throughout.”

The event featured strong support from sector partners, with Terex Jaques serving as the major sponsor. Additional support came from Magotteaux (breakfast sponsor), Ritchie Bros Auctioneers and Glendun Contract Crushing (drink cart sponsors), Lantrak (coffee sponsor), and Delta Rent (lunch sponsor), along with 16 hole sponsors showcasing the industry’s collaborative spirit.

Competition was fierce but friendly on the course, with Team Hastings Deering taking top honours and receiving Hitachi Prize Packs. Team ACR North claimed second place with CAT prize packs from Hastings Deering, while Team Lantrak secured third place, winning Komatsu prize packs.

Novelty competitions throughout the course added extra excitement, with prizes for nearest pins, longest drives, straightest drive, and best approach shots sponsored by various sector partners.

Alec Harries from the IQA Queensland branch committee served as MC for the prize presentations, while IQA Queensland branch deputy chair Jason Egan was instrumental in securing the impressive array of prizes.

“The teamwork in the lead-up to the event was excellent,” Ardrey said.

“Alec and Jason were great help at the presentations, and we all worked really well together chasing prizes.”

This annual tradition continues to strengthen sector connections across Queensland’s quarrying sector, with players already looking forward to next year’s event.

Southern NSW branch site tour success

More than 40 members of the IQA NSW southern branch gathered at Lincom Group’s Unanderra facility for a successful sector showcase and networking opportunity.

The scale of preparation was immediately evident – Lincom Group had dedicated four days to site setup and transported specialised machinery from Queensland to ensure members experienced the full scope of their capabilities. Stephen, Barney and the Lincom team delivered comprehensive presentations covering their product portfolio and operational innovations.

Members were treated to hands-on demonstrations of advanced quarrying equipment, providing valuable insights into current technological developments and their practical applications.

“Events like this deliver genuine value to our members,” NSW southern branch chair Michael Holz said. “When companies like Lincom Group open their operations and share their expertise, it strengthens our entire regional quarrying community.”

The formal presentations concluded with a traditional barbecue, creating an ideal environment for members to continue discussions and share experiences across different operations and challenges.

The branch maintains an active event calendar, with a Christmas in July celebration at Mittagong RSL scheduled as the next member gathering.

Industry discovers bypass brilliance in Coffs Harbour

The IQA’s northern NSW sub-branch tour of the Coffs Harbour Bypass attracted 45 industry professionals to the site and 60 to the evening networking event. The event gave quarrying professionals exclusive access to Hanson’s concrete plant, Boral’s asphalt facility, and the impressive Roberts Hill Tunnel South Portal.

“What we’re seeing here represents infrastructure development at its finest,” one participant as engineers detailed the 14km project’s challenges and innovations said.

The evening gathering at Coffs Harbour Surf Club featured three standout presentations. Andrew Tait provided a comprehensive bypass update, John O’Reilly from Metso showcased China’s super quarries, and Luke Jones from event sponsor Premier Conveyors delivered practical material handling case studies.

With construction continuing through 2026, this behind-the-scenes glimpse offered valuable insights for all attendees.

Slope stability and spectacular skies

Under brilliant North Queensland skies, quarrying professionals gathered for what one attendee called “the perfect blend of learning and networking” at Heidelberg Materials’ Farleigh Quarry.

The mercury wasn’t the only thing running high in Mackay on 30 April, as enthusiasm peaked among nearly 40 quarrying professionals who converged for the combined workshop and site tour event.

“You could feel the energy from the moment people arrived,” IQA north Queensland branch treasurer Michelle Lergessner said.

“There’s something special about being on-site, seeing operations first-hand, and connecting face-to-face.”

The day kicked off with Ralph Erni from Martens & Associates diving into the critical world of slope stability – a topic that quite literally shapes quarry operations. Participants engaged with practical risk assessment techniques and real-world case studies.

Attendees then donned their PPE for an insider’s tour of Farleigh Quarry. quarry manager Dean Smith led the group through the operation, demonstrating how slope stability principles translate from classroom to quarry face.

As the afternoon progressed, Komatsu hosted a vibrant networking barbecue. Equipment demonstrations had participants climbing into cabs and experiencing the latest technology firsthand, while Tony Clear’s presentation sparked animated discussions that continued throughout the evening.

The impressive turnout speaks volumes about the quarrying sector’s commitment to professional development in regional areas, as well as the pulling power of a well-crafted program that balances education with networking.

Event sponsors Finlay Screening & Crushing and Nitro Crushing (with presenter Trent Marino) helped make the day possible, while Niall Ivory from Komatsu ensured no one left hungry after a full day of industry immersion.

SA Young Members get inside look at green cement revolution

IQA SA Young Member Network participants secured behind-the-scenes access to Hallett Group’s Port Adelaide Green Cement Distribution Hub – witnessing the future of sustainable construction firsthand.

The world-first facility features an innovative inflatable dome storing 52,000 tonnes of cement with integrated dial-a-blend technology. Members toured internal facilities including cement storage chambers and control rooms just before the structure is sealed for production.

“The dome has been a challenge – everything that has been done is a challenge because it’s never been done before,” Hallett CEO Kane Salisbury said.

The facility eliminates traditional cement bag handling through a completely sealed process. Ships discharge up to 500 tonnes per hour via underground augers, dramatically reducing dust emissions and operational complexity.

Part of Hallett’s $145 million Green Cement Transformation Project, the facility will cut one million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually once operational in late 2025. Members also explored the historic Berth 25 wharf upgrade, designed for larger vessels.

The day wrapped up with networking alongside sector leaders, including IQA President Michael Close, proving the YMN continues to deliver valuable industry access.

For more information, visit quarry.com.au

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