Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) chief executive officer Jane Schmitt writes about the organisation’s achievements, including the launch of IQA Connect and the IQA Mentoring Program.
As we close out 2025, there’s a real sense of momentum across the IQA. This has been a year where digital innovation, workforce development, and community strengthening came together to reshape how we serve our members.
Our digital transformation reached two significant milestones. In July, we launched our redesigned website at quarry.com.au, providing a modern, mobile-friendly platform for events, training, resources and IQA updates. Building on this foundation, October saw the launch of IQA Connect – our member app putting networking opportunities, our IQA community and new member forums, training notifications, and sector updates directly at your fingertips. These platforms make it easier to stay connected and engaged, whether in the office or on-site.
In May, we launched the inaugural IQA Mentoring Program, pairing 50 participants – 29 mentees with 21 experienced mentors – in a structured six-month program. This initiative came directly from member feedback through our 2024 member survey. Offered free to members, the program filled quickly, creating meaningful connections and knowledge transfer across our sector. The next round kicks off in March 2026.
We are finalising our national awareness campaign, launching early 2026. We’ve filmed members sharing authentic experiences, highlighting what our sector contributes to communities and why people choose this career. This campaign addresses the need to improve public awareness of the vital role of the quarry sector in every Australian community and to attract and retain workforce. How many times have you told someone you work in quarrying and been met with a blank stare? Yet every road, every building, every piece of infrastructure starts with our sector. Thank you to members who nominated team members to feature, your participation is reshaping how Australia sees quarrying.
Our branches and sub-branches have been exceptionally active, hosting 67 events attracting 2646 attendees – a 9 per cent increase year-on-year. From technical presentations to site visits to social gatherings, these connections strengthen what makes our sector resilient. Combined with our National Conference and education programs, we reached 4198 people – a 27 per cent increase in total engagement. We delivered 63 education courses with 917 participants from 177 organisations. The IQA Learning Hub launched with 115 self-paced enrolments. Membership grew 6 per cent, increasing by 102 members.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Gold Coast will host our National Conference on 6–8 October with three days of insights, innovation, networking opportunities. The Young Member South African study tour in April will bring emerging leaders from Australia and affiliated Institutes of Quarrying globally together for 14-day professional development, and our member survey will provide input for the 2026–2029 strategic plan.
Thank you to our members, partners, volunteers, branch committees, and staff who made this year possible.
Jane Schmitt
Chief Executive Officer
Institute of Quarrying Australia
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