The IQA members have been out and about around Australia enjoying the benefits of the latest industry events with IQA branches and sub-branches.
IQA visits Hy-Tec Queensland operations
The IQA team recently conducted a valuable site visit to Hy-Tec Concrete and Aggregates’ Queensland operations, alongside IQA President, Michael Close. The visit provided an excellent opportunity for IQA staff members Jane Schmitt, Donna Turner and Rebecca Farnes to gain firsthand insights into Hy-Tec’s Queensland facilities and strengthen connections with members in the field. These on-site engagements play an important role in helping the IQA team better understand sector operations and maintain strong relationships with the IQA quarrying community.
Victorian sub-branch kicks off 2025 with sold-out networking event
The Victorian sub-branch started the year strong with a sold-out networking dinner in Geelong on 20 February, drawing 80 quarry professionals to the Grovedale Hotel.
The evening’s highlight was an engaging presentation by Heidelberg Construction Materials regional general manager southern region Sarah Bellman. Bellman shared valuable insights from her impressive 15-year journey in the mining and quarrying industry, drawing from her diverse experience as a former deputy president of the IQA and chair of the Cement Concrete and Aggregates Association in South Australia. The event also featured informative presentations from sector partners, with Cliff Hutchings discussing Hitachi Construction Machinery’s Building the Future 2025 initiative, and Franco Harkins representing Coffey Testing.
The networking dinner received enthusiastic feedback from attendees, with Steve Hopper from Komatsu praising Bellman’s presentation as “amazing”, while John O’Reilly from Metso echoed the sentiment about the event’s success. This well-attended gathering demonstrates the Victorian sub-branch’s commitment to promoting connections and professional development, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.
Queensland branch site tour delivers practical knowledge and networking opportunities
The Queensland branch and Central Queensland sub-branch started 2025 with a successful site tour at Currumbin Minerals on Thursday, 27 February, drawing more than 65 quarrying professionals. Attendees gained practical insights touring the gravity separation facility and the wet table, electrostatic and magnetic separation facility.
The tour showcased real-world applications that participants could immediately apply to their own operations. “Being able to see these processes firsthand and discuss challenges with peers is invaluable,” one attendee said. “You simply can’t get this level of practical knowledge from a webinar or textbook.”
Brett Hoyle guided the group through each facility, sharing industry expertise and answering questions from participants.
“We’re extremely pleased with the strong attendance at our first event of the year,” Queensland branch chair Blake Ardrey said.
“The combination of technical learning and networking opportunities is exactly what our members value, and we look forward to delivering more quality events throughout 2025.”
The day wrapped up with a barbecue lunch that created the perfect setting for sector connections. Conversations ranged from equipment specifications to operational challenges, with many exchanging contact information for future collaboration. The Queensland branch is planning several similar events throughout 2025.
Members consistently report these tours are among their most valuable IQA benefits, providing both technical knowledge and career-enhancing connections. Register early, as these popular site tours typically fill quickly.
platters while creating unique pieces of art. Image: IQA
North Queensland branch hosts sold-out women in quarrying event
The North Queensland branch kicked off its Women in Quarrying (WIQ) initiatives for 2025 with a creative networking evening on Friday 28 February in Townsville.
The sold-out event brought together women from across the sector for an evening that combined networking with artistic expression. Attendees enjoyed drinks and grazing platters while creating unique pieces of art at Tipsy Doodle in Townsville. North Queensland branch WIQ coordinator Deanne Lewty facilitated the successful evening, which provided an excellent opportunity for women in the quarrying sector to connect in a relaxed and creative environment.
Event sponsor Finlay Screening and Crushing provided valuable support for this initiative, demonstrating their commitment to promoting diversity within the industry.
The strong attendance signals growing interest in WIQ events across the region. The North Queensland branch is planning additional events throughout 2025 across both the North Queensland and Far North Queensland regions, with details to be announced in the coming months. •
Upcoming events
|
Introduction to Quarrying webinar |
1 April |
1:00pm – 5:00pm |
Online |
|
North Queensland branch dinner meeting |
2 April |
6:00pm – 9:00pm |
241 Flinders Street, Townsville, Qld |
|
Victoria branch Autumn technical event |
3 April |
3:00pm – 6:00pm |
1 Caterpillar Drive, Tullamarine, Vic |
|
Hunter sub-branch networking dinner |
3 April |
6:00pm – 9:00pm |
Queens Wharf Hotel, Newcastle, NSW |
|
Plant and equipment – safety compliance and best practice |
9 April |
6:00pm – 9:00pm |
Griffith, NSW |
|
Women in Quarrying coffee conversations |
10 April |
9:00am – 11:00am |
Central Park Cafe, 101 High Street, Maitland, NSW |
|
Slope stability workshop |
16 April |
9:00am – 5:00pm |
Online |
|
William Buck virtual webinar |
29 April |
5:00pm – 7:00pm |
Online |
|
North Queensland branch site tour, barbecue and networking event |
30 April |
3:30pm – 7:30pm |
395 Farleigh Habana Road, Farleigh, Qld |
For more information, visit quarry.com.au
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