The Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) members have been out in force at annual general meetings, Women in Quarrying events and Young Member Network events.
Queensland kicks off AGM season
The 2025 AGM season commenced in Townsville on 16 July, with the north Queensland branch and far north Queensland sub-branch leading the charge at the annual general meeting (AGM) and dinner.
From July to September, IQA branches nationwide hold their AGMs.
In Townsville, new committee members were officially welcomed for the upcoming term, ensuring continued strong regional leadership.
Event sponsor Onetrak, represented by Paul Kerr, opened proceedings before keynote speaker Ajith Dissanayake from TMR delivered a compelling presentation on north Queensland’s unique quarrying and road construction challenges.
His address covered critical material risks, mitigation strategies for infrastructure projects, and important updates to the QRS TMR Quarry registration system, including new processes for recycled materials.
John O’Reilly from Metso further enriched the evening’s technical content, contributing to robust industry discussions. The event balanced formal governance with practical industry insights, exemplifying the value these regional gatherings bring to members.
Young Member Network tackles production and burnout
The QLD Young Member Network (YMN) gained valuable insights during the 23 July visit to Multotec’s Berrinba facility, exploring both innovative manufacturing and mental health in the workplace.
Members toured the production floor, witnessing the creation of both off-the-shelf and customised products that serve the quarrying industry.
The behind-the-scenes look at Multotec’s operations provided fascinating insights into the company’s modern manufacturing processes.
The visit’s highlight came during the Mastermind Session, where Queensland YMN coordinator Matthew Ferguson led an important discussion on workplace burnout, a timely topic resonating with quarrying workers navigating today’s demanding work environment.
The day’s combination of technical learning and wellbeing focus delivered real value for attendees.
Women in Quarrying Connect Over Coffee
Women from Victoria’s quarrying sector gathered at the Old England Hotel, Heidelberg in July for the latest Women in Quarrying coffee conversations event.
The 90-minute session sparked lively discussions on supporting women’s advancement in the quarrying sector, navigating regulatory relationships, building community support, and effective supplier engagement strategies.
These regular gatherings continue to provide valuable networking opportunities for Victorian women in the sector, promoting the professional connections that strengthen the quarrying sector.
IQA Welcomes William Buck as strategic advisory partner
The Institute of Quarrying Australia is pleased to announce William Buck as its strategic advisory partner for FY25-26, delivering enhanced professional advisory services to members.
William Buck is a leading firm of accountants and advisors specialising in business advisory, tax planning, and wealth management.
Through this partnership, IQA members gain exclusive access to educational seminars and webinars tailored for quarrying professionals, expert articles, member-exclusive resources, and special member rates on professional services, including tax preparation.
The first seminar is planned for October 2025, with more details to follow
“This partnership connects members with trusted advisors who understand our sector, its challenges and specific needs,” IQA chief executive officer Jane Schmitt said.
Victorian sub-branch takes flight in Wangaratta
IQA members gathered for the Victorian sub-branch’s Wangaratta event on July 24th, combining wartime history with vital sector insights.
The day kicked off with a tour of Benalla Aviation Museum, where members discovered Australia’s WWII RAAF pilot training legacy through impressive displays of operational military aircraft and authentic memorabilia.
But the real highlight came at Old Town ‘n’ Country Tavern, where keynote speaker Jodi Goodall delivered hard-hitting lessons from mining and quarrying fatalities outlined in the Brady Report. Her frank discussion of how “work as imagined” differs from “work as done” – and how organisations drift into failure – struck home with the engaged audience. Terex Jaques’ Stephen McKee rounded out the evening with valuable sector perspectives.
Magical Christmas in July in NSW
The NSW southern region sub-branch brought festive cheer to winter at Mittagong RSL on 25 July, combining its AGM with a Christmas in July celebration that drew 48 members.
Magician Jack Black stole the show, converting sceptics with mind-bending card tricks and an impossible beer glass-smashing performance that left the crowd amazed.
His entertaining stories of famous encounters added extra sparkle to the evening for all of the attendees.
Following successful AGM proceedings facilitated by Jim Hankins, the sub-branch welcomed new committee members for 2025-26. Sponsor Gulf Western Oils then treated attendees to an engaging factory tour video before Kevin Davy fielded questions about their operations.
The night’s finale featured trolleys overflowing with gifts for attendees which were supplied by generous sponsors and members.
Every attendee walked away with Christmas presents, with enough donations to ensure second helpings for all.
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