The Institute of Quarrying Australia’s (IQA) Ambassador Program is officially underway for 2025.
The new initiative from the IQA is designed to help the organisation strengthen the IQA community and enhance member engagement.
Together, the group of ambassadors will help increase awareness about the industry, the IQA’s membership offerings and provide the IQA with direct feedback from members.
The IQA has chosen a group of 26 professionals from across the industry and around Australia as their first-ever ambassadors.
The group includes: Blake Ardery (Quarry Solutions), Greg Dressler (Hanson Australia), Tylah Drochmann (Resources Victoria – Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action), Charlie Eaton (Terex Jaques), Brendan Edwards (Holcim Australia), Jason Egan (Lantrak), Steve Franklin (Eltirus), Frank Grech (Kayasand), Clayton Hill (SLR Consulting), Nick Lahman (Texcel), Harry Lewis (The Neilsen Group), Richard Lightfoot (Casconsult P/L), Francis Lourey (Boral Quarries NSW), Malcolm McDonald (Trainsafe), Lachlan McGillivray (Hanson Australia), Carly Monaghan (SLR Consulting), Alexandria Murray (Peninsula Quarries, Victoria), Mark O’Brien, Dean Olzard (ABC Training and Consulting), James Rowe (SLR Consulting), Allan Schoenfisch (Advanced Engineering Group), Thomas Sherd (Adbri), Tegan Smith (SLR Consulting), Ezrah Waith (Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers), Michael Willmott (Webforge Locker Australia) and Reynaldo Yeo (Omya Australia).
Throughout 2025, Quarry will sit down with the members and get their thoughts on the Australian industry and their career journey.
First up are Dean Olzard from ABC Training and Consulting and Frank Grech from Kayasand.
Why did you decide to join the IQA Ambassador program for 2025?
Dean Olzard: ABC Training had decided to go to the IQA’s national conference and exhibit. I felt there was a potential for us to partner with them and make a difference, especially in the education and training space.
We met with the IQA, and I decided to go all in. They’re great people to deal with, and I love the industry; I’ve been in it for 15 years. I felt the program gave me a great chance to make a difference with a great bunch of people.
What are you hoping to achieve as an IQA Ambassador?
DO: I want to help spread the word so we can bring more people into the industry and the IQA membership team as well. It is all about giving the members a voice and showcasing the great work that the IQA does. They offer so much support to their members, so we want to raise awareness and have people jump on board to benefit from that.
You mentioned you’ve been in the industry for a while now. Why have you stayed in the quarrying industry?
DO: Once I started in the quarrying industry, I never once thought I was ever going to leave it. That is due to the people in the industry; they’re down-to-earth and work really hard, and it’s honest. Even when I went to the IQA’s national conference, everyone stopped to say hello and I felt so welcome within the first ten seconds. I think that’s a great thing about the industry and I hope it doesn’t change.
Why would you encourage someone to become an iqa member in 2025?
Frank Grech: The IQA is a trusted, values-driven organisation that’s in it for the right reasons.
They support their members, their clients, and the education, training, and professional development of the industry. Most importantly, they provide a platform for people to share their collective knowledge, insights, and experiences and elevate the standards and success of the entire industry.
Why did you want to be part of the IQA Ambassador program in 2025?
FG: I’ve been part of the quarrying and mining industry for a long time, and I see this as an opportunity to give back.
Being part of the program enables me to support the next generation and ensure the ongoing success and development of an industry that has shaped my career.
What benefits will the IQA Ambassador Program bring to the industry?
FG: I hope it will provide an environment where individuals feel empowered to voice their opinions, share insights, and ask important questions about our industry.
By integrating fresh perspectives with traditional practices, we have the opportunity to innovate, improve industry standards and drive meaningful change.
What would you tell someone considering joining the IQA?
FG: I encourage anyone in the industry to join. Having a strong professional network is essential. Throughout my career, having the ability to exchange ideas and tackle challenges has been invaluable, and it’s something that new members can immediately tap into for support and growth.
What has kept you in the industry?
FG: It’s definitely the people. Our industry is an interconnected one with a strong sense of community. Everyone knows everyone, and we deal with the same people numerous times. I value and enjoy the working relationships I’ve made over the years; they are a part of my success.•
For more information, visit quarry.com.au
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