IQA Round Up: Motor Museum event in Queensland, Tasmanian meet up

Check out the latest events hosted by the Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) for members around Australia.

Queensland members rev up for 2025 at Motor Museum event

The Brisbane Motor Museum roared to life as members of the Queensland branch and Central Queensland sub-branch came together for their end of year dinner meeting. Attendees kicked off the evening with a nostalgic journey through automotive history, exploring a stunning collection of iconic cars from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, before gathering for animated conversations over drinks.

The sold-out event featured two compelling presentations. Resources Safety and Health Queensland senior inspector Lionel Smith captivated the audience with his regulatory insights, while Boggo Road Station area manager Laura West unveiled fascinating developments on the Brisbane Cross River Rail project. Adding to the evening’s highlights, Tamara Undy from event sponsor Australian Quarry Solutions shared her dynamic perspectives.

The vintage cars provided a striking backdrop to this celebration of industry excellence. Building on the event’s success, the Queensland and Central Queensland sub-branches have lined up an exciting calendar of events for 2025, promising more opportunities for learning, networking, and growth in the region.

IQA Tasmania technical weekend

The IQA Tasmania branch hosted another successful technical weekend in Bridport, marking what is believed to be the 31st iteration of this cherished event. The gathering attracted 30 participants, including interstate visitors from Queensland and NSW.

The weekend kicked off with a social evening at the local Bunker Club, before Saturday’s comprehensive tour program. Special thanks to the bus sponsors, Stopford Drilling and Forze Explosives, and to Ron “Buggie” Bugg and Doug Hagan for sharing their expertise on local geology and history.

The tour began at the historic Bridport Pier ruins, where participants learned about the area’s fascinating geological formation from 380 million years ago. The group then visited Bridestowe Lavender Farm, home to 650,000 lavender plants across 250 acres. Participants toured the processing facility, learning how 250kg batches of lavender seeds are distilled to produce just 2.5L of precious oil.

Lunch was enjoyed at the 50-year-old Pipers Brook Vineyard’s Nadines Restaurant, accompanied by wine tasting of their cool climate varieties. The afternoon was spent exploring the historic gold mining town of Lefroy, which produced 190,000 ounces of gold between 1870 and 1941. The tour examined well-preserved mine shafts, including the New Chum and Volunteer mines, and visited the historic cemetery. The day concluded at Little Rivers Brewery in Scottsdale for refreshments.

The weekend wrapped up with dinner at Bridport Bay Inn, followed by golf and a barbecue at Ian and Suzie Smith’s residence •

UPCOMING EVENTS