Civil Connect Magazine - 2025 Issue 1 by Civil Contractors Federation SA

CIVIL CONNECT

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CIVIL CONTRACTORS FEDERATION

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Tunnel Boring Giants Bound for SA

In 2025 CCF SA will once again be celebrating amazing individual accomplishments in civil with a special gala evening to recognise the people who are making a di erence in our industry.

Friday 16 May, 2025 6:30 pm arrival for a 7:00 pm start, with a 11:59 pm ﬁnish Hall C, Adelaide Convention Centre Members Single Ticket: $190 (Inc. GST) Tables of 10: $1900 (Inc. GST) | Non-Members Ticket: $290 (Inc. GST) Tables of 10: $2900 (Inc. GST)

Apprentices, managers, women working in civil, Indigenous trainees –we’re shining a light on the achievers on the evening of Friday 16 May 2025 at the CCF SA Industry and Training Awards. Buy your tickets

CIVIL CONNECT

Simon

0437 856 793

CEO Message

Welcome to this 2025 ﬁrst edition of Civil Connect, where we shine a spotlight on two of the most critical drivers of our industry’s future: infrastructure delivery and workforce development.

Across South Australia, the civil construction sector continues to rise to the challenge of delivering complex, community-shaping projects while also building the skilled workforce needed to sustain this momentum. This issue celebrates that dual effort – and the people and projects behind it.

We dive into major infrastructure developments with a close look at stage 2 of the Main South Road Duplication, and the tunnel boring giants preparing to transform Adelaide’s transport corridors. Our feature on SA Water’s infrastructure investment highlights the crucial role civil construction plays in enabling housing and population growth across the state.

Read about valued members like Ashmans Accounting – a trusted ﬁnancial partner to many in our sector, and Bisley Workwear who supports our industry workforce with safe, comfortable, and industry compliant workwear.

Also, don’t forget to keep abreast with the latest Civil Train and CACL training courses and programs on offer that are designed to equip our civil construction professionals with the relevant industry skills. At CCF SA, we remain committed to advocating for the civil industry, championing local capability, and creating opportunities for growth –

for both businesses and individuals. Whether you’re on the ground delivering major projects, in the ofﬁce, or mentoring the next generation, your contribution is what keeps our industry moving forward.

As many of you know, with my upcoming departure, this will be my ﬁnal contribution to Civil Connect as CEO of CCF SA and Executive Director of Civil Apprenticeships and Careers Ltd. It has been an absolute privilege to lead these organisations, and to work alongside such passionate, skilled, and driven people. I am proud of what we’ve achieved together and deeply grateful for the trust and support I’ve received from across the industry.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve this remarkable sector. I look forward to watching it continue to grow, innovate, and lead.

Warm regards

Rebecca Pickering

Chief Executive Ofﬁcer Civil Contractors Federation South Australia (CCF SA)

Executive Director Civil Apprenticeships and Careers Ltd

Dear Members, Industry, CCF SA and CACL Boards, and my incredible teams and apprentices – both past and present:

As time moves forward, so must we. CCF SA is on the cusp of an exciting new chapter – moving to a new home and continuing to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of our industry.

I, too, am set to embark on a new chapter – our story together was never to be forever. The time has come for a new Chief – someone who will bring fresh energy, ideas, and passion to carry forward CCF SA’s unwavering commitment: to be what our industry needs us to be – brave, bold, and never a ‘brown cardigan’ industry association.

For over six years, I have had the absolute pleasure of working with and for CCF SA. Initially, my consultant service was engaged to produce a feasibility report and financial analysis, to establish what is now Civil Apprenticeships and Careers Ltd. I quickly fell in love – with the Board’s vision, the incredible CCF SA team, our members, and our civil industry as a whole. Moving from my position as a consultant to employee was one of the most rewarding decisions of my career.

It has been an outright privilege to serve this industry and work alongside the very best. Through the challenges and the triumphs, the long days and the big wins, every moment has reinforced why I love what we do.

To our CCF SA and CACL Boards – past and present – Thank You for your trust and support. To our members, industry, stakeholders, community, partners, and the entire CCF SA and CACL team – Thank You for your dedication and belief in what we can accomplish together. Along the way, we have achieved some incredible milestones – our biggest yet!

My almost 30-year journey in infrastructure is far from over. I will continue to champion our incredible industry and our great state of South Australia, returning to the private sector after nearly a decade –with all my energy, passion, commitment, and always cheering for CCF SA.

With a full heart and deep gratitude, I say goodbye as your CEO – but never as an advocate for this

Rebecca Pickering

Main South Road Duplication stage two

South Australia’s premier tourist attractions, abundant in wildlife, stunning landscapes, fresh produce and some of Australia’s best wines. It is also a region that is growing fast, and Main South Road is a critical link between Adelaide and the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Main South Road carries around 19,000 vehicles a day, and that is only set to increase, with trafﬁc volumes expected to grow to 26,000 vehicles a day by 2036. Ensuring that people can get to and from this beautiful part of the state safely and stress-free is vital for people who live, visit or do business there.

Work to duplicate Main South Road from Seaford to Aldinga began in 2022 and the road was officially opened in late 2023, before the project was fully completed in 2024. Victor Harbor Road was also duplicated between Main South Road and just before MacLaren Vale, improving safety and helping to keep traffic flowing.

In late 2022, the South Australian government committed to continuing the duplication of Main South Road from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach, stage two of the project which is currently underway.

of Main South Road between Seaford and Sellicks Beach will ease congestion, improve road safety and travel times for motorists, while also supporting regional growth and tourism.

It will also make Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula, including their wine regions, walking trails, restaurants and beaches, more accessible.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Tom Koutsantonis, said that improving safety for people traveling down south was a priority.

“This section of road ranked number one on the RAA’s Risky Road survey in 2017, 2019 and 2021, with 47 crashes along this section from 2016 to 2020, including 33 casualties,” Minister Koutsantonis said.

“Duplicating Main South Road will ensure smoother traffic flow and reduce driver frustration. Other safety improvements such as the installation of wide centre medians and wire rope barriers will separate north and southbound traffic, reducing the chance of head-on collisions.

provide smoother, safer journeys for locals, commuters, freight, and visitors to the Fleurieu region, helping to boost the local economy and support growth in the area.”

The biggest piece of infrastructure for this second stage of the duplication of Main South Road is the new Aldinga Bridge, a key feature of the new Aldinga Interchange, which realigns the junctions of Aldinga Beach Road and Aldinga Road.

The bridge opened to traffic on 3 March 2025, with traffic now using the realigned Aldinga Road and Aldinga Beach Road, creating a more direct connection for east-west travel. The opening of the bridge was a significant milestone for the project, improving traffic flow and safety for motorists travelling through the area.

One of the largest cranes in South Australia was used to lift 12, 40 tonne super-T beams into place to support the bridge. It was the ﬁrst time that the 45-metre tall, 700-tonne crane had been used on a South Australian Government project.

New Aldinga Bridge and overpass construction February 2025

The bridge deck measures 26 metres long and 27 metres wide and is supported by 53 concrete piles. The deck is complemented by 62 architectural panels and 86 metres of anti-throw screens to enhance both safety and the visual appeal of the bridge.

Techniques like soil nailing and shotcrete are being used for the underpass. By the project’s end, 15,600 metres of soil nails and 4,000 square metres of shotcrete will support the underpass, providing long-term stability and safety.

As well as the Aldinga Interchange, the stage two duplication includes intersection upgrades at Hart and Colville roads, Norman and Rogers roads, Hahn and Cox roads and Sellicks Beach Road, three U-turns to facilitate local access, and a shared use path for pedestrians and cyclists along the western side of Main South Road, from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach.

The materials needed to complete such a large project are staggering – 11,500 cubic metres of concrete have been poured, which equates to approximately 4,500 concrete trucks worth, 105,000 tonnes of asphalt have been laid, equivalent to approximately 175 fully loaded Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and

605,000 m3 of earth has been moved, enough to ﬁll approximately 242 Olympic size swimming pools.

A priority for the project has been supporting local businesses and employing a South Australian workforce. Ninety eight percent of the work has been undertaken by South Australian businesses, with the project made up of a 99 percent South Australian workforce.

The project is supporting 405 full-time equivalent jobs over the construction period. In all, 65 businesses, including a number of Indigenous-owned enterprises, have been awarded tenders to provide materials and services for stage two of the Main South Road duplication.

Most of the successful companies are South Australian-based, with several coming from the local Fleurieu region, highlighting the project's strong connection to the local economy.

These businesses are providing a variety of services, including earthworks, trafﬁc control, road sweeping, PPE supply, environmental monitoring, drone surveying, and equipment maintenance. Local suppliers are

also delivering essential materials like concrete, quarry products and steel.

One such company is TW Civil, run by Seaford local Todd Williams. Todd started as a sole operator with a minor contract for stage one of the duplication and in a little over two years, Todd’s company has grown at a remarkable rate.

TW Civil was awarded a major drainage contract for stage two which has seen his initial crew of ﬁve people grow to a team of 15, with his ﬂeet of vehicles expanding from one ute to two excavators, two bob cats, a 12-tonne tipper and several work utes.

“It’s been fantastic to be close to home and have a job on my front

“Going from being on my own to three crews in such a short space of time, I pinch myself every day. It’s grown so rapidly.”

As to the progress on the roadway, the transport landscape has certainly changed out there for the kid who would visit his family’s beach shack at Silver Sands in the

“Every day I drive around and see change – when I’m talking to people about the project, they say how good it’s going to be for the economy down here.

“It’s a long way from my small beginnings, but I’ll keep putting my best foot forward and growing and expanding as needed.”

A total of $7.7 million in packages of work on stage two of the duplication project have so far been awarded to Indigenous

Todd Williams from TW Civil is pictured where it all began – with one man and his ute

Super T beams being lifted into place to construct the Aldinga Bridge December 2024

Indigenous-owned business Ngurra has joined the team that’s delivering stage two – a move that is leading to beneﬁts for everyone concerned.

Ngurra is an Indigenous civil and construction company based in metropolitan Adelaide, which works on projects around Australia. The company’s focus for stage two is delivering essential drainage solutions and completing minor structural works.

“Ngurra is honoured to be part of the Main South Road upgrade, contributing to signiﬁcant improvements in southern Adelaide. The opportunity to be part of a project with long-term beneﬁts is highly valued,” said Ngurra executive director Will Darley.

“As an Indigenous company, we are deeply committed to supporting infrastructure that beneﬁts the community, and this project provides a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact,” Will said.

“Collaborating with top-tier companies on this project has pushed us to perform at our best and has provided valuable opportunities to strengthen industry relationships and expand our expertise.

“Our Indigenous employees have had the opportunity to work on the project, and their feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. They value the collaborative environment and are proud to be part of such a signiﬁcant infrastructure development.

“Collaborations foster knowledge-sharing and skill development, beneﬁting both Indigenous and non-Indigenous teams. Indigenous businesses gain expertise in specialised areas, while non-Indigenous companies can learn about sustainable practices and community engagement strategies.”

Among the businesses involved, many participated in the ﬁrst stage of the project, with others joining for the second stage. One example is Seaford-based company, Super Suction, which started with a single vacuum truck in 2006 and has grown its ﬂeet and workforce through its work on this project.

During stage one, Super Suction expanded from eight to 15 trucks and added around 20 staff. Its work now includes hydro-excavation and CCTV drain inspections; a new service they’re offering to inspect underground pipes.

“It’s pretty exciting to be part of the project’s second stage. It’s an opportunity for continued growth into the future,” said Super Suction managing director Josh Raston.

Stage two of the Main South Road duplication project is expected to be completed in 2026.

To ﬁnd out more, please visit Fleurieu Connections • Main South Road and Victor Harbor

MSR stage 1 tra c switch Port Rd Aldinga July 2023

The Ngurra team concreting at one of the major drainage components of MSRD2

INDUSTRY CALENDAR 2025

RDOs provided in this

Note that employers covered by the Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2020 must consider and apply the terms of clause 16 of that Award in relation to RDOs. Employees covered by an enterprise Agreement will need to refer to that Agreement for RDO Provisions. *Dates

Bowhill Engineering Unveils B5:

A New Era of Growth and Innovation

"The future depends on what we build today." – Mahatma Gandhi

Today marks a signiﬁcant milestone for Bowhill Engineering, a family-owned business that has grown from humble beginnings into one of South Australia’s leading specialist fabricators of heavy and complex structural steel. With the ofﬁcial opening of B5, their newest fabrication facility, the company takes a bold step towards expanding its capabilities, strengthening sovereign manufacturing, and securing a brighter future for its workforce and the broader community.

A Legacy of Growth and Innovation

Established in 1974, Bowhill Engineering has evolved from a small, local engineering workshop into a nationally recognised leader in infrastructure fabrication. Rooted

industry demands, taking on complex projects such as bridges, maritime infrastructure, and large-scale fabrication for transport and defence projects.

B5 represents the next phase of this journey – a purpose-built workshop designed to accommodate growth, enable cutting-edge technology, and improve efﬁciency. The facility is a symbol of resilience, innovation, and long-term investment in Australian industry.

B5: Designed for Scale and Efﬁciency

The B5 fabrication facility was born from necessity but has evolved into a game-changing asset. Originally planned as a replacement for Bowhill’s B2 temporary workshop,

signiﬁcantly increase overall capacity instead of merely replacing what was already there.

Jeremy Hawkes, Director of Business Development, shared the remarkable journey behind B5’s construction: "During a visit to Osborne, we discovered a surplus building frame originally intended for a now-cancelled project. After extensive negotiations, we secured the frame, cladding, and even a 100-tonne overhead crane. This facility isn’t just big – it’s transformational."

Key Features of B5

• Size and Scale: Measuring 70m long, 20m wide, and 23m high, B5 provides more ﬂexibility for handling large-scale components.

• Heavy Lifting Capacity: The 100T crane, along with two 30T cranes, signiﬁcantly improves material handling and safety.

• Technological Investment: The facility is equipped for robotic welding and CNC milling, positioning Bowhill at the forefront of automated fabrication.

• Sustainability Commitment: B5 is aligned with Bowhill Engineering’s Sustainable Energy Commitment (SEC), with solar power installation planned to reduce emissions and energy costs.

More Than Just a Workshop – A Commitment to People

Bowhill Engineering’s investment in B5 is not just about expanding production; it’s about creating opportunities for people within our regional community.

General Manager Tom Dennis, who started as a boilermaker 12 years ago and worked his way up, reﬂected on the impact of the facility: "B5 allows us to take on bigger projects, increase efﬁciency, and create new job opportunities. We plan to grow from 60 to 75 staff over the next few years, ensuring that regional South Australia continues to thrive with meaningful employment."

A Pipeline of Major Projects

Despite a challenging economic year, Bowhill Engineering’s project pipeline is strong. B5 is already playing a pivotal role in delivering several major infrastructure projects. including:

• 250 tonnes of steelwork for the Kangaroo Island Ferry Access project

• 140 tonnes of temporary steelwork for bridge infrastructure

• 75 tonnes of rail bridge for Light River

• 400 tonnes of Inland Rail bridge components

• 220 tonnes of marine steelwork for large vessel docking cradles

To meet these demands, Bowhill Engineering is investing a further $6 million in advanced manufacturing technology, including:

• Three of the largest robotic welding stations in SA and amongst the largest in Australia, each featuring 7-axis robotic arms, twin-wire welding technology, laser camera and real-time QA data recording.

• The largest, most sophisticated CNC double column milling machine in SA, and one of the largest in Australia, capable of

ensuring machining large 3D components, large enough to ensure that post weld machining of sub-assemblies can drive absolute surety of ﬁt-up during installation. This can be proven through its inbuilt measurement probe, measuring to within 1 micron!

• Upskilling opportunities, ensuring that staff develop through training of cutting-edge expertise, and that the robotic automation can truly achieve mutual success.

Senior Project Manager David Holland emphasized that automation will not replace jobs but instead enhance efﬁciency and create new roles: "These machines will take on the hard, repetitive, and physically demanding welding tasks, making our people’s jobs easier and safer. This isn’t about reducing our workforce – it’s about increasing our capacity to take on more work and grow sustainably and global competitiveness."

A Future-Focused Approach

Bowhill Engineering’s leadership team is committed to ensuring that the beneﬁts of B5 extend beyond the workshop ﬂoor.

• Sustainability Initiatives:

o Solar installation on B5 (77kW) with battery backup for energy efﬁciency.

o Reduction of energy intensity by 15% and emissions by 50%.

o Plans to trial carbon-neutral biofuel (B100) for forklifts and backup generators.

• Workforce Development & Social Impact:

o Of Bowhill Engineering’s staff, 43% are engaged in formal workforce development plans.

o Apprenticeship program expansion with 14 apprentices currently in training.

o Increased engagement with Social Enterprise hiring programs to create employment opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Celebrating the Past, Building the Future

The opening event also celebrated Bowhill Engineering’s founding vision. Brendon and Averil Hawkes, the original founders, were acknowledged for laying the groundwork for what Bowhill Engineering has become today.

CEO Jodie Hawkes closed the event with a powerful message: "This project is a game-changer for Bowhill Engineering. Not only is it the biggest project we have won – it makes us the only supplier of these tunnel segments in the Southern Hemisphere. B5 is more than just a building; it’s an investment in our people, our community, and Australia’s sovereign capability."

Looking Ahead

With B5 now operational, Bowhill Engineering is poised for its next phase of growth. The facility is not just a testament to resilience and strategic vision – it represents the future of advanced steel fabrication in Australia.

As Mahatma Gandhi’s words remind us, "The future depends on what we build today." At Bowhill Engineering, the foundation for that future has never been stronger.

Training To Locate Underground Services

Saving Lives, Saving Costs, Protecting Our Environment

In the construction sector, underground services like water, electricity, gas, and afﬁliated communications networks are critical to infrastructure.

Unfortunately, such underground construction works could be fraught with danger and potentially result in accidents with dire outcomes to both people and structures.

Damaging underground services could involve serious risks, including workplace accidents, legal issues, and ﬁnancial losses. For example, hitting a gas line could cause an explosion, while cutting communication cables may lead to major disruptions.

Thankfully, with proper training, these incidents could be prevented. That will not only save time and money for the construction companies, but help protect the environment for the good of the workers and the wider community.

Civil Train SA Training Course –RIICCM202E Identify, Locate And Protect Underground Services

Civil Train SA provides accredited training to equip workers with the skills and conﬁdence to Identify, Locate, and Protect these underground assets. Put simply, we help workers to perform their jobs safely and in compliance with industry regulations.

Our RIICCM202E Identify, Locate And Protect Underground Services (RIICCM202E) course provides hands-on training to help workers to:

• read and interpret BYDA plans to locate underground services.

• use safe excavation methods to protect underground assets.

• follow safety laws and WHS requirements.

• maintain a hazard-free worksite.

Written by Marie Danzuso and Terry Rayner

Australian Regulations

The RIICCM202E course will train workers to follow strict laws and standards when excavating, including:

• Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2012 (SA) – Ensures safe work environments by managing excavation risks.

• Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) Requirements – Requires obtaining site plans before digging to avoid damaging underground assets.

• Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) Standards –Ensures underground services are protected during construction.

Failure to comply can result in ﬁnes, project delays, and legal action, making training essential.

Reducing Costs by Protecting Underground Services

The course will also help workers to put into practice ways to reduce damage to underground assets, and reduce/eliminate:

• costly repairs and compensation claims.

• project delays from emergency responses and investigations.

• ﬁnes for breaking excavation laws.

By completing the RIICCM202E course, workers can avoid these risks and keep projects running smoothly.

Successful participants will receive a Statement of Attainment certifying their skills in underground service identiﬁcation, although asset owners may still require certiﬁed locators for specialised work.

As South Australia's civil construction sector grows, investing in training is necessary. The course ensures compliance, safety, and infrastructure protection, helping the industry to build and maintain a skilled workforce, as well as support long-term industry sustainability.

Our second event will be a tour to the Coopers Brewery at Regency Park. The event is currently still in the planning stage and slated to happen in July. That’ll be when we ﬁnd out if we should be drinking a cold beer or a warm tipple in the midst of winter! We are going to indulge in a day of beer and

Lastly, November is when we usually have our Xmas drinks

RMG Members List

Peter & Melissa Je ery

Michael & Raelene Pridham

Roger & Janet Rose

Mike & Juliene Rowe

Peter & Anne Keane

Dennis & Marie Lorenzin

Claudette Renfrey

John & Sally Adamson

Roger & Debbie Ashby

Mike Barnhurst

Tony Baulderstone

Darryl & Janet Beall

Colin Best & Jane McQueen

Glen & Jennifer Blackmore

Kenneth Bulmer

Ian & Noelene Butterworth

Joe & Christine Caudo

John & Yvonne Chamberlain

John Davison

John & Tania DiFabio

Adrian Donald

Rex & Jennifer Herde

Robert & Anita Hudd

Adrian & Fay Langley

John & Kati Lewis

Ross (Alan) & Susan Lewis

Bill (William) Lorenzin

Barry & Glenda Murray

Tony (Antonio) Musolino

Ted & Teresa Paluszek

Chris Reynolds

Greg & Bev Rosser

Mike & Lori Sherri

Valerie & Richard Staniford

Richard & Sue Tolmer

Joe Tripodi

John & Julie Welsby

THE BOSS

Mikael Strain General Manager

Platinum Civil Construction

M: 0410 875 052

E: mikael@platcivilgroup.com

The thinning crown is balanced by the fullness of the moustache and beard that partially frame the face, drawing immediate attention to this larger built man.

He has eyes that swim with the light and a laugh that can resonate with abandonment through an empty room.

The tattooed names of his family spring to life when he ﬂexes his left arm.

This proud Wiradjuri man is Mikael (pronounced as Michael) Strain –General Manager of Platinum Civil Construction.

Platinum Civil Construction (Platinum)

The 31/2-year-old company is the only Aboriginal Civil Construction company in South Australia that is majority owned and managed by an Aboriginal woman, Kiara Johnson.

The business that prides itself on stafﬁng over 40% Aboriginal employees has experienced signiﬁcant growth, from working on small sub-contracted work to being principal contractor, in South Australia where it deals with the Tier 1 companies and have direct engagement with Government.

Platinum’s other arm engages with work in the mining industry. It is contracted by BHP in a mining asset project which is quite big, and for work on an ad hoc ﬁve-year civil maintenance works contract at the Olympic Dam facility.

“We do a bit of work with Ventia as well – one of our top customers in metropolitan Adelaide,” says Strain. Ventia has the Across Government Facilities Management Arrangement (AGFMA) – the facilities management contract with the South Australian government for asset management covering government-owned facilities. “They are a big advocate for including Aboriginal people and involving Aboriginal businesses in what they do.”

According to him, BHP and Ventia have helped Platinum grow along the way. “Instead of just being

That job seems to be a perfect ﬁt with Strain effusing about how the business prides itself on having a high rate of Aboriginal staff.

“Our retention for our Aboriginal employees for the past 12 months is 100%,” remarks Strain who claims that Platinum fosters a very inclusive culture, making sure the employees are happy in a more culturally sensitive workplace.

“We term our culture like our ﬁrst-born son – we really protect our ﬁrst-born child.

“We protect our culture more so than a lot of things like proﬁtability and hierarchism – that doesn’t really come into play. We adopt those principles more than things like looking at the bottom line, and really foster a very good culture.”

Written by Sarah Goh

Is managing a company with Aboriginal staff very different?

“Where I’ve come from in the automotive business, there had been no real focus on the Aboriginal business side,” he admits. “So, coming from a large private company with traditional English manufacturing mentality, into something more liberal and accommodating… it was a bit of a shock and a culture change for me. But it was a very positive culture change because I always had ideals around how businesses should be run in a certain type of environment and that had fostered a fair few of my values.”

Currently, its team is working on the tram grade separation project on South Road-Anzac Highway, on the movement of the tram line. With all of the early works package secured, there is hopeful anticipation more will follow.

Operations Manager (from 2012-2017).

Two and a half years ago, he was head-hunted by Platinum, to help with managing the growing business. He joined as its General Manager.

At his previous job at ROH Wheels, he collaborated with a director to instill good core cultural values. When he decided to transfer those values over to Platinum, he was pleasantly surprised that a lot of them were already in place because of its ownership. So, all that time spent building those values into the automotive realm, are already in place in the construction realm!

Aboriginal people and women in the industry

While Strain is dedicated to championing the Aboriginal cause by creating employment opportunities for them, he is fair and realistic in practice. “Proud of who I am and where my family came from. But I also strongly believe there’s a job that needs to be done, and when you hire someone, you hire them based on merit not on race or gender.”

So, while there is a heavy focus on wanting to employ more Aboriginal people as well as wanting to employ women in construction, they are not driving factors, and if there is a critical role that needs to be ﬁlled, the employment will always be based on merit in the ﬁrst instance.”

However, with entry level opportunities, there is usually more leeway to focus on disadvantaged Aboriginal people and women in construction, to offer them the opportunity to enter the industry workforce. “And from that point, we’ll spend a lot of time and resources to upskill them so they can become people in the critical job functions who can competently perform their roles,” he remarks.

Strain’s team invests time to nurture them by providing relevant on-the-job training to gain the right skills to advance their careers.

The results speak for themselves. There are already several of those people in the company. Two of the leading hands started working at Platinum without much experience in civil construction. “We gave an Aboriginal team member on-thejob training and then got him into a leadership with a view for a supervisory role in the not-too-distant future.”

Life at work

With his attention in demand on various work fronts, Strain’s hectic schedule changes daily. “My job function is very ad hoc in its nature because of the way the business is set up, so I play a hand in a lot of di erent areas,” he explains.

Overall, he ensures everybody’s on song and the business is in sync with all that is going on. “There’s a lot of ﬂuidity in my job role. My focus would be around HR, business development, ﬁnancial governance, and commercial governance,” adds the General Manager because so much that’s happening could affect his work.

Challenges

One of the main challenges for Strain is breaking down the barrier of skepticism regarding the capacity and capability of an Aboriginal business to perform the work that is required, although he is seeing consistent improvement. Although Platinum is staffed by very skilled people (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal), the business could be perceived as not necessarily competent. “Sometimes I ask myself if that is because we’re an Indigenous company?” wonders Strain. “Or if it is because people

do not understand what we do?”

He thinks there’s an underlying bias around the engagement of Aboriginal contractor businesses, especially when they are younger. By the same token, he is hopeful as he witnesses the Aboriginal businesses that have done very well, including Intract, Yunan, and Zancott that have successfully broken down that stigma. And with continuing national initiatives to help people understand Aboriginal culture, it will become a thing of the past.

Outside Work

Strain remembers growing up at the lower end of the social economic scale in a loving family, with not much more than a bed and pillow to sleep on, and a milk container to play cricket with.

Now married with ﬁve children, his household bustles with life… with the kids, sports, training… and a whole lot more.

To wind down, he indulges in reading business books, ﬁnancial literature, about international politics, and how things work.

“I’m always reading to investigate – how something has come into being, who developed it, how it works and what type of engineering has gone into it. That’s the sort of material I indulge in.”

He is certainly drawing from his hobby for work situations, solving problems through investigative processes.

Role model

He attributes his business acumen to his grandparents who owned a manufacturing facility. An ex-military uncle, also from his father’s side, had inﬂuenced him positively with his work discipline too.

But his mother is his champion role model. “She’s got three Degrees and two Masters in health. She did a lot of work in the Aboriginal health space and now works for the Dept of Child Protection in New South Wales,” boasts the son who is in awe of her vast knowledge and commitment to learning.

“For most of the years I lived at home, I would come home and see her sitting at the dinner table and there would be textbooks everywhere, paperwork everywhere. With headphones on, she would be writing, just writing.

And reading… I remember that… to get knowledge. That would be something very useful. The more you know the better. And you’ll do well.”

Now we know where Strain got his appetite for continuous learning even without an academic background – he left high school at Year 10.

Strain’s Three Wishes in Life 1 “Equality generally amongst all cultures, all genders – it will lead to harmony with nobody looking down on anybody. Regardless of our cultural background or gender, we all have something to add –that’s important.”

2 “Prosperity for everybody. That must be coupled with hard work. If we want to be successful in the world, we must work to get there.”

3 “I’m a very family orientated person and I just want to see my kids and my brothers do well, and my parents and wife to be happy!”

You’ve just met Mikael Strain. A manager for all seasons. Who wishes for humanity the blessings of equality, prosperity and happiness.

You’ve just Met the Platinum Boss.

Written by Sarah Goh

Delivering critical infrastructure

to support SA’s housing growth

South Australia is experiencing a once-in-ageneration housing challenge, and SA Water is working with the State Government to ensure critical water and wastewater infrastructure is in place to support the state's rapid growth.

As part of the State Government’s Housing Roadmap, SA Water is investing $1.5 billion to upgrade and expand its water and wastewater infrastructure to enable an estimated 40,000 new allotments to be built over the next 4 years – providing builders and developers with certainty around essential services.

“We are delivering large-scale ‘backbone’ water and wastewater infrastructure that will unlock land for housing – both now and for future generations. Importantly, this critical infrastructure will support up to 50,000 new homes by the 2050s with future investment, ensuring we can support long-term growth,” said Acting General Manager Sustainable Infrastructure, Peter Seltsikas.

“This is an infrastructure project of enormous scale that will future proof growing communities by delivering the essential services they need to thrive. We’re laying the foundation for growth, supporting tens of thousands of future homes, and ensuring South Australians have access to reliable water and wastewater services for generations to come. It’s an exciting and transformational investment in the state’s future.”

Since the launch of the State Government’s Housing Roadmap, more than 4000 new allotments across South Australia have been approved for construction with guaranteed water and wastewater services, backed by SA Water’s agreements with major land developers.

Work to deliver this new growth infrastructure is already well underway, with several projects currently under construction to install new trunk water mains, with wastewater network upgrades commencing soon.

Projects supporting housing growth only form part of SA Water’s 4-year, $3.3 billion capital program, with a plethora of work focused on sustaining and enhancing its assets.

This is a record investment, and it’s creating new opportunities for the construction and services industry to get involved in delivering critical water and wastewater infrastructure.

The delivery of infrastructure to support growth is being rolled out in two tranches, prioritising Adelaide’s northern and southern growth corridors. The ﬁrst tranche will deliver new water and wastewater infrastructure for key areas, including Angle Vale, Riverlea, and Roseworthy. It also involves major upgrades to existing assets, such as water tanks and trunk wastewater mains, to boost capacity.

Installation of a 12.2m DN1200 MSCL pipe, lifted into position using a 95T crane at Woodford Road, Elizabeth North. These works are part of critical infrastructure delivery, supporting housing growth and ensuring reliable services for communities and future generations.

This investment’s second tranche will focus on further expansion in Angle Vale and Riverlea, along with new infrastructure for Gawler East, Onkaparinga Heights, and Virginia. It also includes signiﬁcant upgrades to the Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant and other major networks.

By strategically sequencing this work, SA Water is ensuring that developments can begin without waiting for all stages to be completed.

“Each project we complete adds incremental capacity to our network, allowing developers to progressively release new allotments for construction,” Peter said.

Delivering this scale of infrastructure requires strong partnerships with industry. SA Water has extended framework agreements with ﬁve major contractor – Fulton Hogan Utilities, John Holland and Guidera O’Connor (as a joint venture), McConnell Dowell and Diona (joint venture) – leveraging their expertise to help fast-track critical projects.

A specialist panel of pipeline contractors has also been established to manage the high volume of pipe laying activity, particularly in Adelaide’s northern growth areas. This new panel includes BMD, Diona, and Leed Engineering and Construction.

Additionally, SA Water has formed a dedicated in-house team to focus on engineering, design, and program management for these growth projects.

“We hit the ground running, with the ﬁrst pipes in the ground within 100 days of the Housing Roadmap announcement,” Peter said.

“This is a testament to the collaboration between government, industry, and our construction partners.”

Approximately 2,400 metres of new water mains are being installed in Elizabeth North and Davoren Park to secure reliable services to existing customers and growing communities.

Key projects already in progress or about to commence include:

• installation of 3,000 metres of new trunk water main under Angle Vale Road and Supple Road in Virginia, increasing capacity for growing developments

• the ﬁrst of the new 1200-millimetre-diameter pipes

– the largest SA Water has installed in more than a decade – have started being laid in Davoren Park and Elizabeth North, as part of the installation of approximately 2,400 metres of new water mains in these areas

• large underground trunk water mains are being installed in Concordia, where more than 2,400 metres of pipe will be laid ahead of an additional 500 metres to be installed in Gawler East, which will enable new homes to be built in greenﬁeld developments across Roseworthy

• new pressure reducing valves to regulate incoming water pressure and ensure stable supply

• installation of 2 new above-ground water storage tanks at Sandy Creek, as well as a new control valve building and new underground trunk mains connecting the tanks to the existing Barossa Trunk Main, boosting the network’s holding capacity

• upgrades to wastewater pump stations and the installation of new wastewater trunk mains to support future housing development in Angle Vale.

Approximately 2,400 metres of new water mains are being installed in Elizabeth North and Davoren Park to secure reliable services to existing customers and growing communities.

Some of these new water and wastewater trunk mains are up to 1.2 metres in diameter, weigh as much as 6 tonnes each, and need to be laid at depths of up to 6 metres, highlighting the sheer scale of the infrastructure being delivered.

SA Water is working closely with industry to ensure South Australia’s infrastructure keeps pace with its housing needs.

“There has never been a more important time for collaboration,” said Peter.

“This is a generational opportunity to shape South Australia’s future, and we want to ensure we are leveraging every opportunity to work together.”

To facilitate this, SA Water hosted a construction industry procurement brieﬁng in 2024, providing insights into upcoming projects and opportunities for contractors to get involved.

“We are planning beyond 2028, looking at where future growth will occur and ensuring we stay ahead of demand,” Peter said.

“By working together, we can build the critical infrastructure needed to support housing growth for generations to come.”

For more information on SA Water’s work to support housing growth, visit sawater.com.au

Future In Civil Welcome Back Drinks 2025

What an incredible evening it turned out to be at our Future In Civil Welcome Back Drinks 2025, proudly sponsored by the Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Alliance!

With one of South Australia’s most signiﬁcant infrastructure projects underway, attendees were briefed on exclusive updates about the project plans and opportunities for industry involvement.

The Future In Civil Committee also shared their vision for the year ahead, setting the stage for an exciting 2025.

A special highlight of the night was celebrating our Leadership Program graduates – the future leaders of our industry. Congratulations to these outstanding professionals for their dedication and hard work!

FIC Leadership Program 2024

Graduate

Aalyah Teav

Brayden Cebulski

Calvin Nguyen

Ei Mon

Cameron Bennett

Maninder Singh

Martin Edwards

Nathan Duncan

Peter Varsos

Poornesh Kumar

Ram Burlagadda

Ray Wong

Samuel Williams

Tate Murray

Tom Bateman

Vincent Dang

Employer

McConnell Dowell

Adbri

Leed

Adbri

ESO Surveyors

John Holland

McConnell Dowell

Guidera O’Connor

McConnell Dowell

ESO Surveyors

Leed

McConnell Dowell

Our next intake for our 2025 Future In Civil Leadership Program – facilitated by Peter Karounos, is now open. Limited spaces are available so register today.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in this event to kickstart 2025! We can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds for our incredible civil

Importantly, we wish to thank our event sponsor, the T2D Alliance. It is from this sort of support that the younger generation of industry workers can be inspired to progress from the exposure they gain in a collegiate atmosphere.

Thank you for the fantastic start!

Member Proﬁle

Tell us about the Ashmans team

Ashmans Accounting has been in operation in one incarnation or another for over 50 years. Our Director, Joe Maurici and his team have been providing taxation and business services to the civil industry for much of this time.

Where is Ashmans Accounting based?

Ashmans is based in South Australia, with the primary ofﬁce located at 6/13-15 King William Road, Unley SA. Just off Greenhill Road, right next door to the OTR.

Which areas of SA does Ashmans Accounting service?

Our clients are mainly SA based, though they expand to the Eastern states and upwards to the Northern Territory. Our civil clients work throughout Australia. We are a proud SA business, and that means we develop close relationships with our clients, stay in constant contact, and have understanding of their needs and objectives.

Ashmans has an extensive team across multiple disciplines. We are growing to deliver value to our clients across a broad range of services, including advisory, accounting, taxation, bookkeeping and payroll along with strong administrative support.

What are Ashmans

Accounting’s core business offerings or specialised services?

Core business services include:

Business advice –

Wealth Creation

Asset Protection

Wealth Preservation

Business & Investment

Structuring

Risk Management

Tax Planning & Strategy

Forecasting

Accounting –

Company’s, Trusts, Super Funds

Administrative Support –

Bookkeeping & Payroll

Ashmans Accounting Team

Ashmans Accounting take to promote health and wellbeing among staff and in everyday business operations?

We’re a fun-loving bunch at Ashmans as you can tell by the smiley faces. It’s about working hard and celebrating our wins. We actively encourage employee wellbeing through such initiatives as bringing in coaches, our mentor program, and team building both internally, out of the ofﬁce and online. In line with our core value of community, our team members are held in equal regard as our clients.

What are Ashmans Accounting future goals or aspirations?

Our goal is to make our ﬁrm extremely client-centric. While this is the case now, we want to pursue this further, by delivering more engagement to provide a holistic offering so that we increase touch points and the provision of a deeper strategic alliance. We want to build a fortress around our clients so that they are fully supported across all their business functions with Ashmans as the go to for all their needs.

Is there any additional information you’d like to include?

Aside from our core focus on community, we also hold stewardship, excellence and reliability in high regard. We strive to build strong relationships, are rock solid for our clients and excel in all that we do. We have a passion for the civil industry and recognise the invaluable contributions made by the people behind the businesses to overall economic growth and social wellbeing.

Tunnel Boring Giants Bound for SA

The year 2025 is set to be a big one for the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in South Australia – the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project.

The $15.4 billion project, funded by the South Australian and Australian governments, is the ﬁnal 10.5-kilometre section of the North-South Corridor, and will complete 78 kilometres of non-stop, trafﬁc light free motorway between Gawler and Old Noarlunga.

Activities are ramping up in early 2025 as three construction precincts along the alignment are established: southern, central and northern. Each precinct will accommodate tunnelling operations and surface level construction work to build the lowered motorway and associated infrastructure.

The T2D Project involves constructing two separate tunnels –the Southern Tunnels and the Northern Tunnels, which will be connected by an open motorway.

Construction of the open motorway between the two sections of tunnels allows for connectivity to key east and west destinations such as the Adelaide CBD, Adelaide Airport, Anzac Highway and other main connector roads.

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport’s Chief Executive, said this groundbreaking project is incredibly exciting for South Australia. “The T2D Project is the ﬁrst major road tunnelling project in South Australia and it’s also the ﬁrst project here to use Tunnel Boring Machines – or better known as TBMs for short – to excavate the tunnels.

“Later this year, the ﬁrst components of three TBMs that will excavate the tunnels are expected to arrive and transporting these massive engineering marvels to Adelaide is no small feat.

“Last year, the South Australian Government and the T2D Alliance formally signed a contract to purchase three TBMs from Herrenknecht, a world leading construction equipment manufacturer based in Schwanau, Germany. Herrenknecht has delivered TBMs right around the world, including to the United States, England, China, Singapore, Italy and Qatar – as well as to Australia for projects such as the Sydney Metro and the North East Link and West Gate Tunnel Projects in Melbourne.

“The TBM components will be manufactured in Germany and China, before being assembled and factory assurance tested in China and then delivered to Adelaide by sea.

“They are complex and extremely big pieces of machinery, that will take approximately six months to assemble and commission before they can start tunnelling works, which are expected to begin in the second half of 2026.”

The TBMs used to construct the T2D tunnels will be around 100 metres long, with a diameter of around 15 metres – roughly the height of the Thebarton Theatre or the AFL goal posts at Adelaide Oval. The T2D Project will have three TBMs working concurrently so that the Northern and Southern Tunnels can be constructed at the same time.

The tunnels will run deep underground from 12 metres to around 25 metres below the surface, with the TBMs operating continuously and progressing about 8 to 10 metres per day. The

Jon Whelan

A TBM at Herrenknecht’s Schwanau, Germany headquarters

machines are expected to pass beneath a typical residential property in around three days.

In addition, two smaller 4 metre diameter mini TBMs will also be procured for the Project for the excavation of the cross passages between the main tunnels. The use of the mini TBMs has been selected speciﬁcally for safe construction in Adelaide ground conditions and will be the ﬁrst use of this technique in TBM tunnelling in Australia.

These cross passages are located every 120 metres and will house equipment which support the day-to-day operations of the tunnels. They also form part of the tunnel safety system, allowing safe egress for motorists and access for emergency service personnel in the unlikely event of a major incident in the tunnels.

A cutterhead at the front of the TBM rotates to excavate soil and rock (known as spoil) from the tunnel face using cutter teeth and discs. A series of conveyors move spoil from the front of the TBM, out of the tunnel to a spoil shed at the surface. Spoil will then be trucked away to a receival site. Modelling and calculations have identiﬁed approximately 7.5 million tonnes of spoil will be generated during excavation of the tunnels and open motorway sections.

A segment erector inside the TBM installs 10 precast concrete tunnel

lining segments to form a ring of the tunnel wall. More than 50,000 tunnel lining segments will be used to construct the lining walls, with each concrete segment weighing up to 12 tonnes. When each ring is completed, hydraulic cylinders press against the tunnel ring to push the TBM forward and excavate more of the tunnel face.

The concrete tunnel lining segments will be manufactured in South Australia at a precast facility being purpose built near Waterloo Corner.

The rest of the TBM houses logistics facilities needed to operate the overall system, with up to 20 specialised people working inside.

The tunnel lining segments and other materials needed to work in the tunnels, are transported into the tunnels by multi-service vehicles or MSVs. They are 27 metres long and can be driven from both ends.

“When the project is completed, which is expected by the stated 2031 deadline – if not earlier –about 60 per cent of the T2D Project will be in tunnels,” Mr Whelan said. “This state-shaping

a skills legacy for South Australia. The T2D Project will improve safety and travel times between the River Torrens and Darlington, by reducing the amount of stop-start trafﬁc on South Road, resulting in about 200 fewer crashes per year on this section of the road network.

It will reduce trafﬁc congestion by taking around 130,000 weekday trips into tunnels and reduce congestion on surrounding major roads including Marion Road, South Road and Goodwood Road. It will also provide road users better access to key travel gateways, including Adelaide Airport, Port Adelaide and the national highway network.

The T2D Project will deliver urban renewal opportunities for local businesses and residents through new and upgraded walking and cycling paths, green spaces and recreational areas.

Mr Whelan said the beneﬁts of this innovative project will last for generations. “By completing the North-South Corridor, the T2D project will fundamentally transform the road network of Greater Adelaide and the South Australian economy, provide a model for other Australian road infrastructure projects, and leave a

Rebecca Pickering: A Legacy of Leadership and Transformation at CCF SA

After close to ﬁve years at the helm of CCF SA as CEO, and six years as Executive Director of Civil Apprenticeships and Careers Ltd, Rebecca Pickering is stepping down—leaving both organisations stronger, more inﬂuential, and well-positioned for the future.

Rebecca’s impact has been both signiﬁcant and enduring. Her advocacy has played a key role in securing billions in infrastructure investment, while also driving important conversations around workforce development, fair procurement, and industry training.

How could anyone forget the moment when, amid the high-stakes Federal Government 90-Day Infrastructure Review, we held our breath while she presented a direct submission to safeguard as many projects as possible?

Now, as she prepares to pass the torch, she shares that CCF SA is also on the cusp of a new era, moving to a new home, and evolving to meet the changing needs of our industry. She hopes the new Chief will bring fresh ideas

Bringing a Vision to Life: Civil Apprenticeships and Careers Ltd

One of Rebecca’s landmark achievements is establishing Civil Apprenticeships and Careers Ltd (CACL). What started as an ambitious concept soon became a reality under her leadership, transforming the way the industry develops its future workforce.

Rebecca: • led the ASIC and ACNC registration and establishment of

Commissioner and other state-based representatives to address this critical issue.

This federal advocacy, initiated in response to your voice and Rebecca’s tireless efforts, is continuing its work with Minister Hon. Andrew Giles MP, led by Minister Blair Boyer, the CITB, and SA Skills Commissioner Cameron Baker.

Shaping the Future Workforce:

Roads2Civil & Flexible Industry Pathways

Rebecca’s passion for education and workforce development has transformed how young people can engage with the civil construction industry in South Australia.

She led the design and delivery of Roads2Civil, a pioneering school-based program that gives students hands-on exposure to civil careers and a direct pathway from classroom to worksite. It laid the foundation for what is now the Flexible Industry Pathways – a Civil Construction program rolled out in secondary schools across the state.

Under Rebecca’s leadership:

• Roads2Civil was launched, offering practical experience and clear entry points into civil careers.

• Civil construction industry awareness and engagement signiﬁcantly increased, with CCF SA and CACL teams promoting careers in the civil industry to students and educators at more than 100 schools across South Australia.

• a structured school-to-workforce pipeline was created, linking students to new and existing industry employment opportunities.

• CCF SA established its leadership position in vocational training innovation, inﬂuencing state-level workforce development policy.

• championed the sector by personally connecting with thousands of students, their families, and career inﬂuencers, inspiring young people to consider civil construction as a meaningful, rewarding career path.

In 2023:

• 30 schools participated in 12 School Civil Immersion programs (3-hour tours for Years 7–10).

• 18 schools joined 7 Trade Taster programs (2-day tasters for Years 10–11).

• 4 schools took part in 4 Bus Tours (3-hour site visits).

Today, Immersion Programs continue, with other industries following CCF SA’s and CACL’s lead.

Rebecca’s work has not only opened doors for future civil professionals but also positioned the industry as a visible, accessible, and exciting career path for the next generation.

A Champion for the Civil Industry

Throughout her tenure, Rebecca has been a tireless and strategic advocate for South Australia’s civil contractors, ensuring their voices were heard at both state and national policy discussions. Her leadership has delivered tangible wins and long-term beneﬁts for the industry across funding, workforce development, procurement reform, and policy inﬂuence.

Key achievements under Rebecca’s leadership include:

• securing ‘Essential Worker’ status for civil construction during the COVID-19 pandemic – the only sector granted this exemption by SA Health, ensuring vital projects continued.

• playing a central role in retaining key infrastructure projects and increasing federal funding following CCF SA’s submission to the Federal Government’s 90-Day Independent Infrastructure Review.

• securing $3 billion in SA Water infrastructure funding, guaranteeing ongoing investment in civil projects across the state.

• driving procurement reforms, including: o 15-day payment terms for subcontractors o a 1% subcontractor support fund

o stronger complaint mechanisms for unsuccessful tenderers.

• providing strong industry representation in the debate around Portable Long Service Leave, ensuring client, contractor and civil sector concerns were heard.

• establishing the Roads2Civil pre-employment program, paving pathways into the industry for

school students and leavers, the long-term unemployed, and vulnerable cohorts.

• securing over $2.4 million in federal and state funding for workforce development and employment programs – delivered over several years.

• defending civil contractor rights by pushing back on union-imposed site entry conditions, including preventing the enforcement of ‘no ticket, no start’ mandates.

• restructuring CCF SA House in 2021 by securing a major ground ﬂoor tenant, and in the process, unlocking the asset’s value to enhance member beneﬁts.

• facilitating successful Civil Infrastructure Roundtables with Minister Tom Koutsantonis MP, and securing his ongoing commitment to hold regular industry forums.

• establishing ongoing direct engagement with public agencies, infrastructure decision-makers, and industry inﬂuencers through dedicated forums.

• CCF SA now has a seat at more policy-making tables than ever before, contributing to a broad range of critical issues shaping the future of our industry.

Rebecca’s advocacy has not only strengthened the industry’s position on key issues but augmented CCF SA’s inﬂuence, credibility, and ability to shape a

Training: Civil Train’s Journey from Paper to Digital

Rebecca played a pivotal role in modernising Civil Train, spearheading the transition from traditional paper-based systems to a modern Student Management System and integrated e-learning platforms to meet the evolving needs of today’s civil workforce.

Under her leadership:

• a cutting-edge online learning system was developed, making training more ﬂexible and accessible.

• launching industry-led programs, including the nationally-accredited Vacuum Loading Certiﬁcation – a ﬁrst for the sector.

Civil Train SA’s innovation and impact were recognised at the South Australian Training Awards, where it was a ﬁnalist in the Industry Collaboration category for the Roads2Civil program.

Rebecca’s leadership in training delivery and championing future-focused skills has positioned Civil Train SA as a national leader in civil workforce development.

A Legacy That Will

Rebecca acknowledges transitioning from consultant to employee at CCF SA as one of the most rewarding decisions and career deﬁning moments, allowing her to work alongside the best people in an industry she loves.

She leaves CCF SA in a stronger, more resilient position, to continue supporting civil contractors and strengthening South Australia’s infrastructure sector.

Her strategic vision, fearless advocacy, and commitment to industry training have created a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come.

• digital learning options were enhanced, enabling regional and remote trainees to upskill without

• blended learning models were introduced, combining online study with in-person practical training.

• training accessibility for businesses improved signiﬁcantly, allowing for on-the-job upskilling with minimal disruption.

Beyond digital transformation, Civil Train SA also made major strides in skills development under Rebecca’s guidance including:

• becoming one of the ﬁrst RTOs to obtain micro-credentials, including:

o Small Civil Team Leader

o Apprentice Supervisor – Civil Construction

o Cut-Off Saw Operations.

o Including, successfully developing and securing funding for the ‘Tunnelling Support Worker – Civil Construction’ micro credential program, creating training opportunities for 36 participants in a future-focused

CCF SA President Charles Hatcher acknowledges her exceptional leadership: “Rebecca’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the future of CCF SA. She has delivered outstanding results, and her impact will be felt for years to come.”

Rebecca leaves behind a legacy of innovation, advocacy, and industry transformation. Her next chapter will undoubtedly be just as impressive, as she continues to champion South Australia’s civil construction industry.

As she embarks on the next chapter of her journey, one thing is certain: the mark she’s leaving on CCF SA and the civil industry will remain for generations to come.

Supporting a Better Future for Whyalla!

Operating Your Future

Program

Civil Industry workforces in the Northwest Country have been experiencing job losses even prior to the administration of the Whyalla steelworks.

Why the Operating Your Future Program Matters

It is designed to do following:

Increasingly, and especially for mature-age workers, many are facing unique challenges. Having worked in the same industry for much of their careers, many might not have the skills or opportunities to transition to new roles in other industries.

For mature-age workers, losing a long-term job can be emotionally and ﬁnancially distressing. These workers may have fewer years left in their careers and might feel disconnected from newer industries or training opportunities.

To support the region, Civil Contractors Federation –Civil Train, has been running the Operate Your Future Program. This federally funded initiative, supported by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations National Priority Fund is designed to help mature-age workers with reskilling or upskilling opportunities. The program provides tailored support, enabling workers to ﬁnd new jobs in sectors that can absorb the workforce while ensuring our regional towns continue to thrive.

February saw the commencement of our second intake in Whyalla, with learners who completed the training and graduating on Friday 28 February. We have already seen successful local employment outcomes. In addition, our onboarding service will continue to link the remaining learners with prospective employers over the next weeks.

• Re-skill workers 45+ for rewarding careers in civil construction

• Strengthen regional communities by expanding the skilled workforce

• Break down employment barriers for those looking to re-enter the industry

Units of Training

The program trains successful applicants in nationally recognised Units of Competency including:

• RIIRTM203E Work as a safety observer/spotter

• RIICCM202E Identify, locate and protect underground services

• RIIHAN308F Load and unload plant

• RIIMPO320F Conduct civil construction excavator operations

• RIIMPO318F Conduct civil construction skid steer loader operations

The live training site provided by the Whyalla City Council

To facilitate this training, Civil Train has provided on-site plant machine training with the use of a plant simulator for extra support. It provides hands-on experience in a safe, controlled environment.

With the February program now successfully concluded, the March course has been scheduled to run between 13 March – 4 April.

We would like to give a big shoutout to our amazing partners for making this possible! Thanks to their generous support, it has made it easy for Civil Train to navigate the challenges of conducting regional training.

Our sincere appreciation goes to:

Local Jobs Program Northwest Country – Andrea Broadfoot (helping to promote training for the government funded initiative)

Whyalla City Council – Colin Sharp (providing support and training sites)

Workskil Australia – Alex Apostolakis (referring clients to training pathways)

APM Employment Services – Faye Gardiner (referring clients to training pathways)

Zancott Recruitment – Josh Zecchini (top employment recruiter)

Let’s keep building strong futures for South Australia!

Our program participants: From left: Colin Sharp (Manager – City Operations, Whyalla City Council); Andrew Harrison (Trainer – Civil Train); Peter; Shane; Tracy; Craig; Anthony (graduates); Thomas Spirat (Manager – Depot & Roadworks, Whyalla City Council); Todd (graduate); Josh Zecchini (Branch Manager – Zancott)

Women In Civil International Women’s Day Luncheon

Date: Friday 7 March 2025 | Time: 12:00pm – 3:30pm | Venue: Adelaide Convention Centre

The civil family came together for the much-anticipated sold-out event that started with a warm welcome from Natasha Hemmerling, Chair of WIC, to celebrate women’s achievements in an innovative industry that must respond relentlessly to changes and foster pathways for women to thrive. For women to call out bias. To support each other. To nurture diversity in the industry. All of which require the collective effort of everyone (men included) to help women March Forward!

The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, SA’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, a strong advocate for inclusion, talked about breaking barriers and creating spaces for women to not just be accepted but celebrated with equal opportunities and respect because “Your voice matters, your dreams matter.”

The Minister (who happens to be an avid fan of AWFL), mentioned confronting the biggest challenges in the industry – the lack of workforce, including that of female leadership, the gender disparity in pay and access to resources, and the steps taken to overcome them.

Mario Russo, Managing Director of McConnell Dowell, our main event sponsor, outlined steps his company has taken to spearhead a work environment that promotes staff retention and advancement, with all four leadership positions in the last quarter ﬁlled by women.

Speaking in unison, Hon Ben Hood MLC, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, stressed that women hold just 3.7% of technical roles in construction. With the challenges and opportunities to foster greater female participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, our role is to inspire the next generation of women in these ﬁelds.

So there we were, sharing a moment to March Forward Reﬂect on our challenges. Celebrate our achievements. And Connect with kindred spirits, before we were drawn into the journey of Hope Moana Hope. Our keynote speaker.

her footy goals, competed in the Australian Survivor series, run her

Member Proﬁle

Ashley Slade

– SA Territory Manager

M: 0412 473 088

P: 1300 247 539

E: ashley.slade@pipanz.com

W: www.bisleyworkwear.com.au

How long has Bisley Workwear been in operation?

Over 60 years.

Where is Bisley Workwear based?

Our Head Ofﬁce is in Sydney, but we have ofﬁces all over Australia and New Zealand.

Which areas of Adelaide does Bisley Workwear service?

We service all areas of Adelaide and South Australia.

How many staff members does Bisley Workwear employ?

100+.

What are Bisley Workwear’s core business offerings or specialised services?

Bisley Workwear is a leading supplier of workwear in Australia and New Zealand. Our core business offerings revolve around providing a comprehensive range of clothing and safety gear for various industries.

How does Bisley Workwear support the civil construction industry?

Bisley Workwear plays a crucial role in supporting the civil construction industry by providing essential workwear and safety gear. Here's how they contribute:

• High-Visibility Clothing:

o Civil construction sites are often high-risk environments with heavy machinery and moving vehicles. Bisley's extensive range of high-visibility clothing ensures that workers are easily seen, signiﬁcantly reducing the risk of accidents.

o Bisley provides clothing that meets Australian and New Zealand safety standards for both daytime and nighttime visibility.

• Durable and Functional Workwear:

o Civil construction work is physically demanding, requiring durable clothing that can withstand harsh conditions. Bisley offers a wide range of robust trousers, shirts, and outerwear designed for this purpose.

o Features like reinforced stitching, durable fabrics, and ample pockets for tools are essential for construction workers, and Bisley incorporates these into their designs.

What initiatives does Bisley Workwear take to promote health and wellbeing among staff and in everyday business operations?

We offer ongoing training online.

What are Bisley Workwear’s future goals or aspirations?

To continue to provide quality and innovative workwear to the global market.

Is there any additional information you’d like to include?

At Bisley Workwear, we don’t just create workwear – we innovate for the future of workplace safety, comfort, and sustainability. Our commitment to cutting-edge fabric technologies, industry-leading compliance, and modern designs ensures that workers across construction, infrastructure, and trade industries have the best gear to perform at their peak.

But beyond our products, we take pride in our impact. From championing ethical sourcing and sustainability initiatives to supporting community-driven programs, we believe in making a difference both on and off the job site. Our recent work in modern slavery prevention and responsible supply chain management underscores our dedication to ethical business practices.

We’re also at the forefront of integrating smart workwear innovations, such as advanced moisture-wicking fabrics, UV protection, and ergonomic designs that enhance mobility and durability. Our collaborations with industry leaders and ongoing research ensure we remain ahead of the curve in workwear evolution.

We’d love to share more about our latest advancements, partnerships, and sustainability efforts with your readers – because at Bisley, workwear is more than just clothing; it’s a statement of safety, performance, and responsibility.

Virtual Reality in Civil Construction Training

As industries evolve rapidly, the civil construction sector in Australia is increasingly turning towards innovative solutions to address training challenges, enhance learner engagement, and improve safety outcomes. One of the most promising advancements is Virtual Reality (VR) –transforming traditional training methodologies into immersive, interactive, and highly effective learning experiences.

Civil Train, a leading provider in civil construction training, is at the forefront of this technological shift. Supported by a capital grant from Skills SA – Department of State Development, Civil Train is incorporating VR technology into its training programs, notably through collaboration with Next World's VR Safety Video Library.

Written by Amr Soliman

Beneﬁts of VR in

Training

VR provides a controlled, risk-free environment that allows learners to practise complex tasks and manage hazardous scenarios safely. It signiﬁcantly enhances learning retention through experiential learning, reinforcing theoretical knowledge through realistic practice.

The immersive nature of VR allows trainees to experience scenarios such as working at heights, operating heavy machinery, or responding to emergencies without real-world risks. For instance, Next World’s VR Safety Video Library offers modules like trench safety, site hazard identiﬁcation, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), providing practical, hands-on safety education.

Accessibility and Age Groups

The ﬂexibility and accessibility of VR make it suitable for diverse age groups, from young students exploring potential career paths, through school immersion programs, to experienced workers looking to upskill or refresh their knowledge. VR’s intuitive interface ensures that it caters effectively to both digital natives and individuals less familiar with technology.

VR enables risk-free, hands-on practice of construction tasks

Integration into Civil Train Courses

Civil Train is leveraging Next World's extensive VR library to enhance existing course offerings. Specific units in Civil Train's curriculum, such as ‘Implement Workplace Safety Procedures’ and ‘Conduct Civil Construction Excavator Operations’, will integrate relevant VR modules. For instance, trainees can virtually experience site-specific hazards or machinery operation before undertaking real-world tasks, significantly improving their preparedness and confidence.

Expos and School Immersion Programs

The use of VR extends beyond traditional classroom training. Civil Train plans to showcase VR experiences at industry expos, offering participants engaging demonstrations of civil construction activities. Additionally, the integration of VR into school immersion programs will provide students with captivating, realistic insights into civil construction careers, stimulating interest among younger generations and supporting industry recruitment.

Innovative Virtual Reality Pipe Laying Experience

A highlight of Civil Train’s initiative, funded by the Skills SA – Department of State Development capital grant, is the development of a specialised VR experience dedicated to pipe laying – a critical task in civil construction. This bespoke VR scenario will enable trainees to practise techniques, handle equipment, and manage typical challenges encountered in pipe laying operations, signiﬁcantly enhancing skill development and operational efﬁciency.

Technology and Limitations

While VR offers numerous beneﬁts, it is not without limitations. High upfront costs, technology literacy requirements, and reliance on specialised equipment like the Meta Quest 3S headsets, can pose barriers. Furthermore, trainees in remote areas might face accessibility challenges due to limited internet connectivity or infrastructure.

Despite these limitations, the integration of VR technology into civil construction training represents a signiﬁcant advancement, promising safer work environments, enhanced training effectiveness, and increased learner engagement.

Civil Train’s investment in VR technology signals a bold step toward the future, positioning Australia’s civil construction industry at the cutting edge of training innovation.

VR technology improves engagement and retention in training

Immersive VR training enhances workplace safety awareness

Vale Maurits Brookman A Pillar of Strength, an Amazing Friend

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our dear colleague, Maurits Brookman.

Maurits was an integral member of the FMG Research team and the civil industry, and had been since 1985. During this time, Maurits provided testing services and on-site supervision for many high-proﬁle projects throughout Adelaide and rural South Australia where his expertise as a Senior Soils Technician, especially in identifying natural soils and uncontrolled ﬁll, was unmatched. Over the decades, many of us often turned to Maurits for guidance and he was always willing to lend a guiding hand.

“Maurits was an amazing asset to our industry, and he will be missed,” says Rebbecca Pickering, CEO CCF SA.

Maurits contributed to many prominent projects such as the Hyatt Hotel (now the Intercontinental), Adelaide Airport, Adelaide Tram Extension, Welland

Landﬁll, O-Bahn, Southern Expressway, Royal Adelaide Hospital, various rural road upgrades, Urban Brompton Redevelopment, Torrens to Torrens, Portrush Road upgrade, Burnside Village and numerous projects in the Riverland. Maurits loved those jobs. He also worked on the Alice Springs Airport, Woomera Airport, Whyalla Reﬁnery, Pelican Point Power Station, and many more.

His loyalty, knowledge and experience made him a pillar of our team and his infectious sense of humour made him a cherished friend. His kind heart and quirky love for antique collecting made him a unique character who will be greatly missed. Let us remember him fondly.

We keep Maurits' family and friends in our thoughts during this difﬁcult time.

Building the Future: Training the Next Generation of Road Infrastructure Professionals

As South Australia continues to invest in road infrastructure to support economic growth and connectivity, the need for skilled workers in the civil construction industry has never been greater. At Civil Apprenticeships and Careers Ltd (CACL), we play a vital role in preparing the next generation of civil construction professionals, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge required to build and maintain the nation's road networks safely and efﬁciently.

Training for Road Construction Excellence

CACL provides hands-on training and structured apprenticeships that cover a wide range of road construction disciplines. From site preparation and excavation to asphalt laying and trafﬁc management, our apprentices gain real-world experience working alongside industry experts. Our programs align with national training standards and are designed to equip apprentices with the technical expertise and safety awareness needed for success in the industry.

One of our key focus areas is ensuring apprentices understand the complexities of road construction projects. This includes:

• Site preparation and excavation – training in earthworks, drainage, and ground stabilisation techniques

• Pavement construction – learning about asphalt and concrete paving, compaction methods, and material selection

• Road safety and trafﬁc management – gaining essential skills in setting up trafﬁc control measures to protect both workers and the public

• Heavy machinery operation – hands-on training in the use of skid steers, rollers, and excavators

• Environmental and sustainability considerations –understanding erosion control, water management, and the use of recycled materials in road construction

Safety First: Working on Live Roads

Safety is a critical component of all CACL training programs, particularly when it comes to working on or near live trafﬁc. Our apprentices undergo extensive training in roadwork site safety, including:

• Implementing trafﬁc control measures and signage

• Using personal protective equipment (PPE) effectively

• Identifying and managing risks associated with working near moving vehicles

• Adhering to legislative and workplace safety standards

Through partnerships with industry safety bodies, we ensure our training reﬂects the latest best practices and technological advancements in roadwork safety.

Industry-leading Trainers and

CACL is proud to work with Civil Train and their experienced trainers who bring years of industry expertise to our apprenticeship programs. Their new training facilities will be equipped with state-of-the-art resources, including:

• Simulated and real construction sites for practical

• Virtual and augmented reality tools for hazard identiﬁcation and machinery operation

• Partnerships with civil contractors to provide on-the-job training opportunities

Construction

The demand for skilled road construction professionals is set to increase as South Australia undertakes major infrastructure projects. By investing in quality training and apprenticeships, CACL is ensuring the industry has a pipeline of well-trained, safety-conscious workers ready to contribute to these vital projects.

Our apprentices are not just learning a trade – they are shaping the future of South Australia's road networks. With a strong focus on safety, technical skills, and hands-on experience, CACL remains committed to building a workforce that is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s infrastructure needs.

For more information on our construction training programs and apprenticeship opportunities, visit www.cacl.com.au

New machinery, new demand: get trained, get hired

Do you hold a duty of care plant ticket but want to upgrade to a nationally accredited qualiﬁcation? Or are you looking to gain formal recognition for your plant operation skills?

Now’s the time to take the next step with Civil Train! Upgrade or obtain your accreditation in Roller, Skid Steer Loader, Backhoe/Loader, Excavator, and Wheeled Front-End Loader Operations with our nationally recognised training. Train with brand-new machinery and industry-experienced trainers to enhance your skills, increase job opportunities, and ensure compliance with workplace requirements. 10% Discount on mobile plant training for limited time

Get started today!

Call (08) 8111 8000 or email courses@ccfsa.com.au CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Managing Environmental Risks and Meeting Environmental Compliance through Training

Environmental Awareness in Civil Construction – South Australia

Environmental awareness is essential in South Australia’s civil construction industry because of the strict regulations aimed at protecting the environment.

Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws require construction companies to manage environ–mental risks. The Environmental Code of Practice for Construction Sites (an approved code of practice of the WHS Act) outlines measures to prevent pollution, control erosion, and manage waste. Compliance is both a legal requirement and a commitment to protecting communities and ecosystems.

The Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) sets clear guidelines to ensure contractors

follow sustainable practices. Understanding these obligations helps maintain compliance, reduce environmental impact, and support a sustainable future. DIT’s Environment and Heritage Handbook provides a framework to help contractors working on public infrastructure projects to manage environmental risk during the construction, operation, and maintenance of DIT infrastructure. It requires at least two on-site personnel to complete approved environmental awareness training.

To help meet both their requirements with managing environmental risks, Civil Train SA is delivering an industry speciﬁc one-day course to provide specialised training for contractors and construction workers.

Written by Marie Danzuso and Terry Rayner

Environmental Awareness For Civil Construction course:

• meets DIT requirements with a Statement of Attendance.

• provides practical skills to manage environmental risks.

• reinforces sustainability principles in construction.

• covers environmental regulations and responsibilities.

• helps identify and mitigate environmental risks.

• teaches best practices to minimise impact.

• encourages seeking guidance to prevent environmental harm.

Completing this course ensures compliance with DIT requirements and promotes sustainable construction practices.

Sustainability and Compliance South Australian regulations emphasise:

• erosion control to protect waterways.

• waste minimisation through recycling and responsible disposal.

• air and noise pollution management to reduce community disruption.

• water conservation for sustainable resource use.

Adhering to these regulations avoids penalties, enhances reputation, and improves efﬁciency.

With environmental compliance a priority in South Australia, investing in training supports both regulatory adherence and long-term industry sustainability. Enrolling in Civil Train SA’s course helps workers stay informed and contribute to responsible construction practices.

to check upcoming courses. CITB subsidies available to eligible participants.

Meet The Team

Steven Young

Senior Trainer/Assessor

What does a normal day at CCF SA look like for you, and what do you love most about your job?

Working at CCFSA always has its stimulating and challenging moments, not only in training and assessment, but also supporting and assisting in the development of many upcoming industry leaders within the diverse sectors of the industry. It’s great to be a part of!

The abilities that the team has to deliver quality outcomes stem from across its training division and supporting operational functions. This includes staff being from multiple areas of expertise within the industry from diverse backgrounds of experience sharing and educating each other along the way.

The relationships built across all sectors enable us to discuss the most current industry challenges, changes, legislation requirements, and amendments required to be not only successful in the industry currently, but industry leaders moving toward busy and exciting times here in SA.

Some of the most rewarding aspects of the job are not only from the people I work with, but also relationships developed with company representatives attending any level of training course provided. The move towards professional development enhancement gained by networking and being able to assist with personal seeking the correct information required to be proactive and meet legislation, is a key focus of mine.

What has working at CCF SA taught you?

Continuous professional development for everyone within our ever-changing industry also includes keeping up to date with the ever-changing guidelines, methods and technological abilities which are crucial not only for us as an individual/company, but the industry itself.

It’s great to have day-to-day interaction with industry leaders to share the information gained and shared with groups attending. Teamwork within an organisation is key.

What do you think is the biggest challenge that you will be facing in the next 12 months?

The next 12 months for CCF SA will be exciting. With the new facility being planned to include all training offered by CTSA (Civil Train SA) on the one site. This will play a signiﬁcant roll in the ability to provide all facets of training offered and available for review to leaners.

What are your resolutions for 2025?

Assist in the development and abilities of the CCF SA to be able to offer not only the current support mechanisms for our hosts and attendees to courses, but also develop programmes to assist in the qualiﬁcation and general training outline offered.

Who do you look up to?

The entire team. The team we have here currently and growing makes for a team that I am happy and looking forward to being a part of.

What did your 8-year-old self love doing?

Being a young lad growing up in Moonta on the Yorke Peninsula, my favourite activities included and still do – swimming, ﬁshing, camping and the old BMX ride around town as young lads did back in the break of the 90s.

What is your favourite thing about autumn here?

Last of the warm weather. Preferring warm weather than cold

Brad Charity Trainer/Assessor

What does a normal day at CCF SA look like for you, and what do you love most about your job?

As I have just started in the Training industry, every day is different for me. I am continuously learning and growing into my new role as a Trainer/Assessor. I am really enjoying the challenges along the way. With so much support from my peer trainers, I am so grateful for everyone’s support in my new journey.

What has working at CCF SA taught you?

Being a trainer could sometimes be a thankless job. I have witnessed in my short time here at CCF SA how the trainers were going above and beyond to provide training sessions to meet industry standards. They are always upskilling and continuously learning to support our students and members of our industry.

What do you think is the biggest challenge that you will be facing in the next 12 months?

I am aware of a lot of new challenges I will continuously be facing with having to stand up in front of a class, being conﬁdent in my own abilities and knowledge, as well as working on my craft in training and assessing solo in the next 12 months.

What are your resolutions for 2025?

To work on self-care, look after my mental health to give myself the best chance at learning, and growing as a trainer and assessor.

Who do you look up to?

Working alongside all the different trainers here at CCF SA, I am learning about all the different experiences they had, their stories or journeys, how they got to where they are, how passionate they are about the industry and with supporting students. I have a great appreciation for and look up to all the trainers here. I am in awe of their standards and look forward to thriving in my job as a part of the team.

I have enjoyed working alongside all the different trainers here at CCF SA, seeing all the different experiences in our trainers and getting to know their story or journey, how they got to where they are, and how passionate they are about the industry and supporting students. I have a great appreciation and look up to all the Trainers here at CCF SA. I am in awe of their standards and look forward to thriving as a part of the team in the near future.

What did your 8–year–old self love doing?

I loved being outside playing footy, emulating my favourite players, riding my bike, and building dirt jumps. I was on the shovel from a young age… haha!

What is your favourite thing about autumn here?

Spending time with my family by going for a drive up to the Adelaide Hills to catch up with my brother-in-law and his family. Seeing all the different colours of the leaves is always nice, but let’s be honest… AFL starts in autumn so I would say, Footy is my favourite thing about autumn! ��

Enjoying a lunch date with my lovely wife Kylie

My family, my favourite people

With my kids Blake (11) and Joel (8) at Footy

Having a ball with the kids

Suppliers and Service Providers

Allied Services

Alcolizer Technology

Before You Dig Australia Byda.com.au

Cbus Super P 1300 361 784 | Cbussuper.com.au

Geofabrics Australasia Pty Ltd

Red Earth Training Solutions Pty Ltd

Training Ahead Australia

Williamsmetal Fabrications Pty Ltd

Apprentices

Civil Apprenticeships and Careers Ltd

Business Advice & Support

Access Capital

AECOM Australia Pty Ltd

Ait Specialists

Brentnalls SA

Cunningham Partners

Dkh Consulting

Assignar M 0410 120 096 | www.assignar.com

Equipment Hire, Sales & Servicing

Act Hire

Adelaide Heavy Machinery

Adelaide Hydraulics

Aptella

Australian Construction Equipment Pty Ltd

Big Chief Hire P 1800 424 424 | bigchiefhire.com.au

Brooks Hire Service Pty Ltd

Case Construction Equipment (SA Tractors)

Caterpillar Financial Australia Ltd

Cavpower P (08) 8343 1600 | Cavpower.com.au

C.R. Kennedy & Company Pty Ltd

ESP Australia

Envrio Sweep

Firmus Group

Generators South Australia

Grays

Husqvarna

Jcb Construction Equipment Australia

Kennards Hire - SA

Komatsu Australia Pty Ltd

Liftquip Australia

Loadex Hire SA

Longship Enterprises Pty Ltd

Gallagher P 1800 240 432 | www.assignar.com

Generation Thrive

Insurance Advisernet Australia Pty Ltd

(NCI) National Credit Insurance Brokers

TQCSI International

Western United Financial Services Pty Ltd

Compaction & Materials Testing

Australian Geotechnical Testing

Co ey Testing

Earth Testing Services Pty Ltd

FMG Engineering

Lab And Field Pty Ltd

SMS Geotechnical Pty Ltd

Terra Firma Laboratories

Marson Hire

Maughan Thiem Auto Sales

MEH Hire

North East Isuzu P (08) 8280 9899 | Neisuzu.com.au

Peter Kittle Motor Company

Pickles Auctions

P (08) 7087 0777 | Pickles.com.au

Pirtek (Adelaide) Pty Ltd

Priority Plumbing

Roc's Towing Services

Royal Wolf

SA Lift & Loader

Shore Hire

Sitech Construction Systems

Tin Bin Australia

Total Tools

Trafquip

Tutt Bryant Equipment

Warrin Mining & Construction Equipment Pty Ltd

WIM Technologies

Bowhill Engineering

Engineering Surveys Pty Ltd

Engeo Australia

Fyfe

Tmk Consulting Engineers

Tonkin Consulting Engineering

HYDI Pty Ltd

Sea Gas Valvoline

Recharge

Clarke Hemmerling Lawyers

Fair Work Lawyers

FBR Law

Fenwick Elliott Grace

HWL Ebsworth Lawyers

Thomson Geer Lawyers Industrial Relations & Legal Advice

Ocean Protect

Plastec Australia

Reinforced Concrete Pipes Australia (SA) Pty Ltd

Reece (Civil) Pty Ltd

Spel Environmental Pty Ltd

Hallett Resources

Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd

Holcim Sa Aggregates

Humes

Pocock Quarries

Resourceco

Santos

Schleins Quarries Pty Ltd

Silvercrete Concrete Products

Victor Harbor Quarries

Flexable

MK2

Workpac

Zancott Recruitment Pty Ltd

Join us to celebrate and recognise excellence in Civil Construction in South Australia

The 2025 CCF SA Earth Awards, an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, innovation, and dedication within the civil construction industry. This prestigious event is a testament to the remarkable achievements and relentless commitment of our members, whose efforts continue to shape the landscape of South Australia.

The Earth Awards hold a special place in our industry, recognising the projects and organisations that exemplify the highest standards of project delivery including quality, sustainability, and ingenuity. Winning an Earth Award is not just an acknowledgment of superior performance; it is a symbol of setting benchmarks, pushing boundaries, and leading by example. Each accolade represents the culmination of hard work, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence.

VENUE: Hilton Adelaide | DATE: Friday 22 August, 2025

ARRIVE: 6:30 pm arrival 7:00 pm start | DRESS CODE: Evening/Formal Wear

TICKETS: CCF SA Member: $165 +GST | Non-members: $250 +GST

Earth Awards nominations close on June 6 via Award Force. Click here to Nominate: ccfsa.awardsplatform.com/ Tickets will be available soon on Event-Brite.

Major Sponsor Photobooth Sponsor Dessert Sponsor