Quarry talks to members from the IQA Ambassador Program for 2025 about their careers and industry insights.
The Institute of Quarrying Australia’s Ambassador Program is in full swing as the initiative takes shape for the first time in 2025.
The initiative from the IQA is designed to help boost engagement with its members and help support and grow the organisation’s mission.
The group consists of 26 professionals from across the quarrying industry. The program’s inaugural 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).
In this edition, Quarry chatted to Charlie Eaton from Terex and Alex Murray from Peninsula Quarries about their careers and insights into the industry.
How did you get your start in the quarrying industry?
Charlie Eaton: I come from a machinery hire background, account manager and business development manager roles for a good number of years now.
I was approached about an opportunity at Terex Jaques as their aftermarket parts manager nearly a year ago now, and it ticked all the boxes. Terex has been amazing in supporting me to do the best that I can, and they were stoked when I became an ambassador for the IQA.
Why did you want to join the IQA Ambassador Program?
CE: Seeing what the IQA do for the industry really got my attention. Everyone in the IQA has such an incredible passion and drive for the industry as a whole and that’s something I really wanted to become a part of.
What do you like about being an IQA member?
CE: It makes me feel more involved in the larger picture by giving me the opportunity to have a say in the goings-on more directly and assist people looking to join the IQA in any way I can. I’m proud to be an IQA member.
How do you find representation in the field, and how has that changed during your time in the industry?
CE: I spent most of my life in Central Queensland. As a farmer’s daughter and growing up in and around the industry, I’ve had no issues. Everyone I work for and with has always been incredible, and if not, maybe they just got up on the wrong side of the bed.
What benefits do you find from the IQA programs like Women in Quarrying
CE: For our area in South East Queensland, Women in Quarrying is the most wonderful program. I do find women closer to larger cities may find it somewhat difficult to know how to get work in quarrying or what might be expected in the world of quarries. But these programs can offer a great starting point for developing that knowledge.
This program allows women to get together and listen to other accomplished women in incredible industry roles.
We all get to listen and then ask questions, and the snacks are the best. I highly recommend that any women considering joining the IQA go ahead and come along to the Camp Fire Chats held by the amazing team from Women in Quarrying.
What would you tell someone thinking of becoming a member?
CE: I’d say get amongst it. The courses on offer will give you a huge leg up in the industry. The tours will connect you with the wider quarry community, and the list of benefits goes on.
How did you get started in quarrying, and what do you do now?
Alex Murrary: Inspired by my mother working in the industry, I applied for a second job as Weighbridge Operator under her operations at Peninsula Quarries (Vic) in 2020. Over the course of five years at Peninsula Quarries (Vic), I worked my way up into a variety of managerial positions, where I am currently operations manager.
Why did you want to join the IQA Ambassadors program?
AM: I am a big advocate for getting young members and women into the industry, so this is just another avenue that I can pursue to encourage more minorities within the industry to join.
Joining the industry at such a young age can be daunting, and the thought of making lifelong friends seemed impossible, considering the different demographics within my company and the quarrying sector. The idea of being another friendly face to represent the IQA, which can help support and guide people into the industry to make influential connections, is very rewarding.
What do you like about being an IQA member?
AM: My favourite aspect of being an IQA member is the ability to network which has created strong support systems within my personal and professional development.
March marks International Women’s Day. How do you find representation in the field, and how has that changed during your time in the industry?
AM: While female representation within quarrying has progressed over my short time in the industry, it still has a long way to go. Workplaces are slowly increasing the number of women employed, which is a positive, and I am grateful I am in a position where I can contribute to those numbers.
While there has been improvement, we need to promote, encourage and inspire women to undertake positions that have previously been primarily filled by males. Incentives such as Women in Quarrying events hosted by the IQA showcase the growing female presence in our industry and the importance of gender equality.
What benefits do you find from the IQA programs, such as Women in Quarrying, Young Members?
AM: Any event supporting minority groups within the industry is heavily beneficial not only for the individuals belonging to those groups, but they assist in changing outsider’s perceptions with regards to these topics. These events bring likeminded individuals together to allow for valuable networking opportunities.
During my involvement with the IQA, events such as WIQ and YMN have seen increased attendance from workers within the industry as well as current suppliers. Inclusive programs will benefit the reputation quarrying has to the outside world and may also help with employee retention.
What would you tell someone who is thinking of becoming an IQA member?
AM: Just do it! The IQA is for everyone – It is a great opportunity to be surrounded by people with similar professional interests allowing for personal growth and lifetime connections. •
For more information, visit quarry.com.au
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