The Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) has welcomed its members around Australia to a series of events, including conferences, networking events and site tours.
Blast safety under scrutiny at WA Seminar
Flyrock incidents and misfire management gaps are driving increased regulatory scrutiny across WA – a key focus at the IQA WA’s recent blast safety seminar in Perth.
Held at the Aloft Hotel, the seminar brought together quarrying and blasting professionals for a day of high-level technical training and peer collaboration.
The speaker lineup tackled three critical safety areas head-on. Brian Burke from Orica explored flyrock control strategies, including exclusion zone planning and managing energy scatter risks. Adrian Jurg from WorkSafe’s mines safety directorate delivered a sharp analysis of global incidents and prosecutions, drawing clear connections to WA operational contexts. Dan Kavanaugh from Goldfields Explosives rounded out the session with practical misfire management protocols — from prevention through to investigation and embedding safer daily practices.
An afternoon Q&A panel gave delegates the chance to dig deeper into regulatory expectations and real on-site challenges, with thoughtful questions driving robust discussion. The seminar reinforced IQA’s commitment to building safer, more skilled quarrying operations across Western Australia.
SA branch celebrates year’s end
More than 100 members and guests packed the Pullman Adelaide on 7 November for the South Australian branch’s early Christmas celebration.
The evening’s standout moment belonged to Mark Taylor (Cavpower), who received his Fellow of the Institute of Quarrying (FIQ) certificate and pin. In a gesture that brought the room to its feet, all FIQs present – including Honorary FIQ Peter Duffy – were invited on stage to welcome Taylor into their ranks. A fitting tribute to someone who’s championed the SA branch and its next generation for decades.
The branch welcomed five new members, while long-service certificates recognised Kane Salisbury (10 years), Darryl Constable (30 years), and the legendary Peter Duffy (50 years).
Comedian and mental health advocate Marc Ryan, ‘the beautiful bogan’, delivered the perfect blend of laughs and meaningful insights.
“It’s evenings like this that remind us why we do what we do,” said IQA South Australia branch Chairperson James Rowe. “The support from our partners, sponsors, and companies who back their people to attend these events keeps our community strong.”
Vince Matthews awarded Fellow grade
Gunlake Quarry Manager Vince Matthews was formally recognised with the FIQ grade at the southern NSW region sub-branch’s end-of-year celebration, which drew a record 73 attendees.
Matthews, a member since November 2005, received the honour during the annual dinner at the heritage-listed Old Goulburn Brewery, following a site tour of Gunlake Quarry. The Fellow grade recognises his two decades of exceptional contribution to both operational excellence and the Institute, including his work on the southern region sub-branch Committee.
As quarry manager at NSW’s largest independent concrete and quarry producer, Matthews helped showcase Gunlake’s unique 400-million-year-old ignimbrite deposit – a volcanic rock formation prized for its durability in high-performance construction applications. The operation, located 160km south of Sydney, employs 86 full-time staff and holds over 180 million tonnes in reserve.
Gunlake Quarries managing director Ed O’Neil shared the remarkable O’Neil family legacy spanning five generations and dating back to 1852 in Kapunda, South Australia –one of the nation’s earliest mining towns.
NQLD branch wraps up year with trivia night
The IQA North Queensland (NQLD) branch brought the year to a festive close with its end-of-year Christmas trivia night on 7 November at the Townsville Yacht Club.
Quarrying peers from across the region gathered to test their general knowledge – and their quarrying intellect.
The evening featured spirited competition, with teams battling it out over rounds of challenging questions facilitated by trivia nights.
Attendees enjoyed nibble platters, a hearty main meal, and refreshments while networking with colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere. The event was a highlight on the NQLD calendar, with even Queensland committee member Alan Schoenfisch making a special appearance while in the Townsville area.
NQLD branch chairperson Paul Hooton led the evening’s festivities, with worthy winners walking away with fantastic prizes.
A perfect way to celebrate another successful year of NQLD branch activities and connection across the quarrying community.
South Australian young members explore dust mitigation
IQA South Australian Young Member Network (YMN) members recently toured AdBri’s Sellicks hard rock quarry, gaining practical insight into operational best practice and dust management innovation.
The site visit focused on AdBri’s continuous improvement initiatives, including recent upgrades to dust suppression systems and environmental controls. Participants explored key areas where targeted interventions have reduced airborne particulates – including deployment of ‘the turtle’ water cart relocated from another AdBri site, and focused suppression at high-activity zones like the sand tower and primary crusher’s enclosed shed.
Discussions covered monitoring techniques, community engagement with nearby Sellicks Beach residents, and production-scale operations. The tour highlighted how innovation, planning, and trial-and-error contribute to safer, cleaner, and more efficient output.
National Women in Quarrying (WIQ) coordinator Carly Monaghan attended alongside sponsor Bio-Central, reinforcing the value of industry collaboration in developing emerging quarrying professionals.
The event was coordinated by South Australian young member coordinator Elijah Thomson (Heidelberg Materials).
Central Queensland sub-branch takes aim at end of year celebrations
The IQA central Queensland (CQLD) sub-branch concluded 2025 in style on 31 October with a unique networking event at Rockhampton Clay Target Club.
Members and guests traded their hard hats for ear protection, enjoying an afternoon of friendly competition and camaraderie. Following spirited rounds of clay shooting, attendees celebrated at Big Rock Brewery with pizzas and refreshments. Blair Parker claimed first place in the shoot-out, with Sam Hill and Fabian Sutton taking second and third respectively.
Peter Huntingdon from Multotec praised the innovative format.
“The Clay Target Shooting activity was an excellent choice, with participants enjoying themselves regardless of their shooting success,” Huntingdon said. “The format encouraged interaction and networking among attendees, which was highly effective. Overall, I would rate this networking event a nine out of 10.”
Special thanks to CQLD sub-branch chairperson Sam Hill for hosting, and IQA Queensland engagement and events coordinator Bec Farnes and the sub-branch committee for delivering such a memorable event to close out the year.
Central west NSW sub-branch champions diversity in quarrying
The IQA central west NSW sub-branch delivered a standout event on 19 November, bringing quarrying professionals together for a powerful day focused on maximising the value of diverse perspectives, with particular emphasis on women in quarrying.
The event featured Dan Howard from the NSW resources regulator presenting on psychosocial risks, while Christine Ashcroft from MAAS Group challenged attendees to recognise and address unconscious bias in their daily interactions.
The event’s innovative “In Her Boots” session saw five women – Emma Purser, Tace Lang, Lily Wilson, Kirsty Smith, and Rebecca Finlay – share unfiltered accounts of their careers in quarrying, exposing both barriers and breakthrough moments that resonate sector-wide.
Raylene Slade from Graymont emphasised that site planning must evolve to support growing female participation, while Will Townsend reinforced that excellence demands diverse perspectives.
The central west’s proactive approach signals shifting priorities across the Australian quarrying sector.
Hunter makes history with leadership handover at Geotrail tour
The Hunter branch closed 2025 with a twist; a geological adventure along Newcastle’s coastline.
Members joined Phil and Cressida Gilmore’s Geotrail tour from Newcastle Nobbies to Bogey Hole, exploring 400 million years of geological history.
Indigenous heritage, volcanic tuffs, coal seams and mass extinction events provided the backdrop for an unconventional branch networking experience.
The evening marked a significant transition, with Darryn Bosch officially taking over as Hunter chair. Outgoing chair Greg Dressler was recognised for his leadership and service to the branch.
National sponsor Tricon demonstrated mobile crushing and screening solutions with case studies showcasing real-world quarry applications, while event sponsor Crusher Spares hosted the 60-strong crowd for dinner at Newcastle’s Customs House.
The format proved popular, combining technical content, networking and geology.
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