Institute of Quarrying (IQA) president Michael Close shares how the IQA is supporting innovation and connection across the industry in Australia.
The first quarter of 2025 has demonstrated remarkable momentum across our IQA community, with strong engagement in both educational offerings and branch events nationwide.
All branches across the country are actively developing their 2025 event calendars, promising a year filled with valuable networking, professional development, and technical learning opportunities. The Queensland and North Queensland teams have already hosted successful site tours and networking events, while the Victorian Branch has secured an impressive calendar for 2025, including their April Autumn technical event featuring insights on geospatial technology in quarries.
Our Strategic Growth Webinar Series in partnership with William Buck has been particularly well-received by members, providing practical business development resources specifically tailored for quarry businesses. I encourage you to register for the final session on 29 April focused on succession planning – an important topic for many in our sector.
Education and professional development
We continue to expand our professional development offerings with a comprehensive range of courses including introduction to quarrying, critical control management, mental health and wellbeing, contractor safety management, and specialised technical training programs.
These educational opportunities provide valuable CPD points while enhancing the skills and knowledge essential for career advancement in our sector.
Membership growth
I’m pleased to report we’ve had 141 new professionals joining our community since the beginning of the financial year. This strong interest, particularly from Queensland and Victoria, demonstrates the continued value of IQA membership to quarrying professionals.
As our membership base continues to grow, we’re enhancing our member benefits through our comprehensive 12-month member journey plan. This initiative focuses on improving your experience at every touchpoint with the IQA, from professional development opportunities to networking events and digital resources.
Looking forward
As we move into the second quarter, preparations are intensifying for our state-wide Quarrying and Mining Safety & Health Conferences in Queensland, North Queensland and NSW Hunter Valley in June and July. These flagship events will bring together sector leaders, regulators, and practitioners to share knowledge and drive safety innovation across our sector.
Work is also progressing on our national public awareness campaign. This comprehensive initiative will highlight the essential role quarrying plays in building Australia’s infrastructure while showcasing our commitment to sustainability, safety, and community engagement. By raising the profile of our sector, we aim to attract new talent, strengthen community relationships, and ensure continued support for responsible quarrying operations nationwide.
I encourage all members to engage with our expanding range of initiatives and opportunities and to consider active involvement in our branch activities and committees.
Your participation strengthens not only your own professional journey but our entire quarrying community.
Michael Close, FIQ
President
Institute of Quarrying Australia
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