IQA President: Momentum builds across the IQA community

IQA
IQA president Michael Close. Image: IQA

Institute of Quarrying (IQA) president Michael Close has given insights into the organisation’s activities within the Australian quarrying community.

The opening months of 2025 have demonstrated the strength and vibrancy of our IQA community.

Our education programs have launched with unprecedented demand, with several courses, including the critical control management course in Yatala and our introduction to quarrying online program, reaching capacity almost immediately. This enthusiasm extends to our comprehensive range of safety-focused courses and specialised technical training.

Our local branches have also hit the ground running, with technical site tours, networking events, and specialised programs already bringing members together across the country.

Strategic partnerships

I am particularly pleased to highlight our new partnership with William Buck Australia to deliver a strategic growth and succession planning webinar series. This complimentary three-part program for IQA members exemplifies our commitment to providing practical, targeted support for quarry businesses.

The series addresses important aspects of business development, from structural foundations to succession planning, with the first session in February receiving outstanding feedback from participants.

Get involved

As we move into March and our activity calendar reaches full swing, I encourage you to consider involvement with the IQA through our various committees and local branch activities.

These opportunities not only enhance personal development but strengthen our entire sector through shared knowledge and experience. Whether through Women in Quarrying, Young Member Network, or branch committees, your involvement helps shape the future of our sector.

Looking ahead, our state-wide Quarrying and Mining Safety & Health Conferences are taking shape, with events planned across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria from June through August. These conferences will provide essential platforms for best practice development in our ongoing commitment to safety.

The energy and engagement we’re seeing across all aspects of our IQA activities promises an exciting year ahead. I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming events as we continue to build a stronger, more connected quarrying community.

Michael Close, FIQ

President

Institute of Quarrying Australia

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