Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) president Michael Close interviews Brett Kean a partner at William Buck, which is one of the strategic advisory partners supporting IQA’s mission to connect, educate, and elevate the sector through educational seminars and tailored financial advisory services.
Michael Close: What drew William Buck to partner with the IQA and support Australia’s quarrying professionals?
Brett Kean: The quarrying sector is fundamental to Australia’s infrastructure and economic growth, and we recognise that the professionals driving this sector have unique financial and business challenges at different career stages.
Whether it’s a young professional planning their first home purchase, a mid-career operator expanding their business, or a senior leader preparing for retirement, we understand each stage requires specific expertise.
The IQA’s focus on professional development creates the perfect platform for us to deliver educational content and advisory services that truly meet the sector’s needs.
Michael: How do you see the financial and business advisory needs evolving across a quarrying professional’s career journey?
Brett: We’ve structured our approach around three key member segments because financial priorities shift significantly.
For the young member network – those aged 28-35 – the focus is foundational wealth building: home ownership strategies, wealth building and early career financial planning. Growth-focused members, typically 35-55, face more complex challenges around business expansion, advanced tax planning strategies, and operational efficiency. Senior members, 55 and above, focus on retirement strategies, superannuation optimisation, business succession planning.
Michael: Tell us about the upcoming opportunities for members
Brett: Our first event is a webinar on 26 November covering business expansion, tax planning, and operational efficiency for growth-focused members. Following that, we’ll run face-to-face workshops in Queensland and NSW in early 2026 aligned with state events.
The combination of digital and in-person engagement lets us reach members across Australia while building those important direct relationships.
Michael: What role do you see professional advisory partnerships playing in strengthening Australia’s quarrying sector?
Brett: Professional advisory partnerships are essential because they help individual careers and businesses thrive, which ultimately strengthens the entire sector.
When quarrying professionals have access to quality financial and business advice, they make better decisions around business growth, investments and succession planning. Our partnership with the IQA ensures this expertise is accessible.
Ultimately, when the sector’s professionals are financially secure and their businesses are well-structured, it attracts more talent, encourages innovation, and builds the strong foundation the sector needs.
Michael Close, FIQ
President
Institute of Quarrying Australia
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