Our core purpose is to help members achieve their best financial position in retirement, and that’s why AustralianSuper aims to enhance member returns.
Members first
With over 3.5 million members and over $385 billion in member assets managed1 , AustralianSuper is the country’s largest super fund2 . We’re also an industry super fund, so profits go back into the Fund to benefit members.
With investment teams in Australia, London, Beijing and New York, we uncover world-wide
1. As at 30 June 2025.
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investment opportunities to help grow your super. And with our local and international investment strategy, AustralianSuper is one of the top 20 largest pension funds globally3 . It’s Australian. It’s super. And it’s yours.
2. APRA Quarterly fund-level superannuation statistics March 2025. Released 26 June 2025.
3. Thinking Ahead Institute, Global top 300 pension funds, September 2024. Sponsored by AustralianSuper. This may include general financial advice which doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision consider if the information is right for you and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, available at australiansuper.com/pds or by calling 1300 300 273. A Target Market Determination (TMD) is a document that outlines the target market a product has been designed for. Find the TMDs at australiansuper.com/tmd . AustralianSuper Pty Ltd ABN 94 006 457 987, AFSL 233788, Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714 394 898. You work hard for your money – and that includes your super too. So, you want to make sure it’s working to help deliver your best future.
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ASI STATE OFFICES
New South Wales and ACT
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Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia
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Western Australia
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STEEL AUSTRALIA CONTACTS
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While every effort has been made and all reasonable care taken to ensure the accuracy of the material contained herein, the Publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in this publication, or from the use of the information contained herein, and the Publisher makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to any of the material contained herein.
COPYRIGHT
Reproduction of the material is permitted only with the express permission of the Publisher and due acknowledgment of Steel Australia
ABOUT THE ASI
Steel Australia is published by the Australian Steel Institute (ASI)—the peak national body of the steel industry.
The ASI works to increase the awareness of the benefits of steel and promote Australian made steel as the material of choice. Increasing the competitiveness of the Australian steel industry and its member companies is central to that vision. The organisation conducts engineering seminars and disseminates relevant, timely and detailed information. Expert technical advice, a library and a resource centre are available to all members, along with a range of other member benefits. For information, visit: steel.org.au
Cover image
Brisbane’s Bradbury Park Playscape. Taken from the feature, ASI awards showcase sustainable steel solutions. Story starts on page 16.
The ASI is committed to sustainability At the ASI, we are committed to publishing responsibly and promoting a sustainable future. Therefore, we are dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint by printing this publication using paper made with a mixture of responsibly sourced materials.
FROM THE CHAIR
constructors, fabricators, and all throughout the steel supply chain, are responding to these structural shifts by increasing the rate of technology adoptions – leveraging artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and emerging technologies to lift productivity, improve cost structures and to delight customers.
With our annual Steel Convention recently held in Sydney, the key themes of Participate Innovate Evolve warrant amplification in this edition of Steel Australia.
Green steel and the pathway to decarbonisation for our industry remains a key focus for the ASI in terms of demystifying the roadmap to net-zero emissions and advocating for that pathway to be sensible, achievable, and practicable for all industry participants. As an Australian steel community, we are all aware of the expectations of society in having a future that is less carbon intense than our past, and we are aware of what that means in terms of changing expectations of carbon intensity, and reusability of components, within built structures.
Similarly, as we look to the carbon intensity of our industry energy supplies of the future, society is becoming frustrated with the implementation of viable renewable energy sources not keeping pace with the published plans of governments in terms of when fossil fuelled power will be turned down as a percentage of total power generation. This mismatch between current experience and intended aspiration is the stability and affordability of power for our steel industry. We advocate for long-term energy stability such that we can navigate the intersection of energy transition and efficiency improvements.
In the five short years since COVID-19 disrupted societies across the world, we, like many other industries have encountered rapid changes in labour availability, skills retention, cost escalation, and profound changes in the way work is done. Across the world manufacturers, designers,
We are all now walking a pathway that is paved with digital technologies. This pathway is moving fast and will get faster. This pathway is challenging for some, and a breeze for others. This pathway is unwinding far into the future where the lessons learned today provide us ability to foresee tomorrow and to plan our forward journey. The ASI is focussed on how our industry adapt and evolve itself in a rapidly changing world.
From an international trade perspective, we continue to work extensively on how we can support our local fabrication industry respond to the continued growth of low-priced imported fabricated steel which has escalated to a level where the viability of many local firms has been compromised. The ASI website provides regular updates on this matter, and I take this opportunity to assure members that the ASI management, and your ASI Board, see this as a critical priority.
We have moved on far past advocating for the needs of industry and have assembled a dedicated team of internal and external experts to develop the requisite formal submissions for Federal Government agencies to assess the damage to local businesses from imported goods which we will assert as being unfairly traded. We understand that some affected fabricators do not believe we are acting fast enough to bring attention to this situation. I seek the industry’s collective understanding that we are moving as quickly as we can, through a range of formal processes that cannot be ignored, to ensure we present a robust and acceptable argument to government.
The four examples I have outlined all have relevance to the themes of Participate Innovate and Evolve . Global conditions require us to Evolve as an industry to be competitive and relevant for the future. Both factors require us all to Innovate to do better tomorrow than what we do today. As an Australian industry we are not acting in isolation of one another and our Participation in solutions that strengthen our industry for the future are paramount.
Tony Schreiber Chair, ASI
READ THE ARTICLE ONLINE
POSITIVE RETURNS IN A CHALLENGING YEAR
AustralianSuper delivered positive investment returns for members for the financial year ending 30 June 2025, despite the year being filled with economic uncertainty. The Balanced option, which is where most members are invested, returned 9.52% for super accounts and 10.41% for Choice Income (pension) accounts. The High Growth option returned 10.61% for super and 11.56% for Choice Income accounts.
AustralianSuper has a team of investment specialists who actively manage each investment option through market ups and downs. The fund has a focus on diversification (spreading investments across different types of assets) and this can help protect members’ retirement savings when the market is volatile.
A year of global uncertainty
Investment markets last year were very unpredictable. Some of the causes included conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine, and a lack of clarity about US tariff policies. Between February and April, global share markets dropped sharply due to concerns about US trade policies and their impact on the economy. The market recovery in late April and into May 2025 was a reminder that it’s important to maintain a long-term view when it comes to your super.
The fund has a focus on diversification (spreading investments across different types of assets) and this can help protect members’ retirement savings when the market is volatile. Unlisted assets like infrastructure and private credit played a big role in FY25, offering some protection during market downturns.
Staying calm through market ups and downs
It can be unsettling when markets are volatile, but it’s good to remember that super is a long-term investment and ups
and downs are normal. If you make decisions based on short-term considerations, you may end up worse off in the long run. When the market fell, members who switched into defensive investment options like Cash risked missing out on the most substantial returns of the year.
As a long-term investor, AustralianSuper reviews and adjusts the portfolio to respond to the changing economic and market outlook. The investment team actively manages each investment option through market ups and downs.
The outlook for the year ahead
In the short term, AustralianSuper expects the markets to stay unstable and unpredictable, due to uncertainty around US government decisions and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Many different outcomes are possible when it comes to trade and tariff policies, global geopolitics and conflict, and how governments respond with fiscal and monetary policies.
AustralianSuper’s investment team keeps a close eye on the economy and market conditions with the aim to best position the fund for members over the long term. This includes tracking the outlook for growth, employment rates and inflation, watching how new technology like AI affects productivity and earnings, and monitoring how geopolitical issues affect global markets.
Sponsored by AustralianSuper Pty Ltd, ABN 94 006 457 987, AFSL 233788, Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714 394 898.
Any general advice provided in this article is provided under the AFSL held by AustralianSuper, it does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision, consider if the information is right for you and refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, available at australiansuper.com/PDS or by calling 1300 300 273. A Target Market Determination (TMD) is a document that outlines the target market a product has been designed for. Find the TMDs at australiansuper.com/TMD. Investment returns aren’t guaranteed. Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future returns.
FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
ASI fights for a fair go
With our local steel industry currently in severe financial distress due to a surge in very low-priced imported fabricated steelwork, it is vital the oversight of all trade measures in Australia is in line with other comparable countries.
It was pleasing, then, to hear on August 28 that responsibility for Safeguard actions - which protect Australian industry from sudden surges in imports by applying temporary restrictions (such as tariffs or quotas) on imported products - will move from the Federal Government’s Productivity Commission to the AntiDumping Commission.
The move will bring Australian protections and systems in line with trading partners who have successfully mounted Safeguard actions.
This is particularly important with the ASI in the final stages of mounting its own Safeguard action to protect Australian fabricators from cheap imports.
Some will argue that use of imported steel in the Australian market has been a fact of life for many years. But the extreme nature of the recent surge makes it different and deserving a Safeguard action.
Price undercutting of between 15% and 50% is being witnessed, with importers targeting projects as small as 150 tonnes. There is also widespread evidence that local fabricators are often not invited to quote on projects unless they can offer an ‘import price’ option.
The ASI has been very vocal in pursuing numerous initiatives to resolve the problem, aimed primarily at governments to bring this issue to light and help protect local industry.
Our initial initiatives centred around:
Working closely with state and federal governments on various local content and “buy Australian” strategies and policies
Advocating for greater compliance with Australian Standards and quality assurance.
Certification to ensure competitive tenders for fabricated steelwork are assessed on a like-for-like quality basis— offering clear quality benchmarks across fabrication practices.
Seeking support for international trade measures, including anti-dumping and countervailing (anti-subsidy).
Whilst a lot of effort is being put into these initiatives, their impact so far has been limited.
Consequently, after extensive consultation with members the ASI has determined that a Safeguard action is the preferred option. A team of expert international consultants is advising us on the drafting of the application.
In the meantime, the ASI is continuing to advocate to governments for other trade measures.
The ASI, via its membership of the International Trade Remedies Forum (ITRF), has taken the opportunity to call for greater protection for the local industry at two workshops being run by the Anti-Dumping Commission.
At the Improving Access to the Anti-Dumping System for SMEs workshop, the ASI called for more timely findings and faster outcomes from trade actions. At the Data Sharing and Early Warning System workshop, the ASI made recommendations on how to anticipate likely trade distortions that have historically led to subsidy and dumping behaviour by importers.
The ASI also mounted a case for improved protection for the local steel industry at the recent Minerals and Metals Processing Roundtable called by the Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres.
These recommendations aim to achieve quicker outcomes, combined with a reduced administrative burden on SME businesses that are being damaged by unfair trade. We welcome your support and continued input to the campaign.
Members wanting to find out more about the campaign should go to https://steel.org.au/what-we-do/advocacy/asi-campaign-onimported-fabricated-steelwork/
Australia’s steel sector has always demonstrated resilience and capability. ASI will continue to push for the trade measures and policy settings necessary to ensure our industry’s longterm viability and to secure a fair and level playing field for our members.
2025 Australian Steel Convention
The 2025 Australian Steel Convention was held from 15 to 17 September at the Manly Pacific Sydney.
With the theme of Participate Innovate Evolve, the convention offered a comprehensive view of pivotal areas such as sustainability, technological advancement, global market dynamics, and infrastructure development—each critical to driving long-term resilience and growth in the sector.
The convention was an opportunity to come together as a community, to share insights, spark innovation, and form the partnerships that will carry our industry forward. Attendees heard from leaders inside and outside our sector, saw case studies of steel in action, and engaged in critical conversations on trade, infrastructure, decarbonisation, and energy transition.
On behalf of the Australian Steel Institute, I extend my sincere thanks to our sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible. In particular, I would like to thank our major sponsors BlueScope, Visy Logistics, InfraBuild, Combilift, ACRS and all of our exhibitors and supporters. I also thank our speakers and program contributors for bringing their expertise to this convention. For further details, see the article on page 8.
Mark Cain Chief executive, ASI
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ASI’s SAFEGUARD ACTION
READ THE ARTICLE ONLINE
2025 ASI AUSTRALIAN STEEL CONVENTION
A record 281 delegates descended on Sydney’s northern beaches in September for the Australian Steel Institute’s annual Steel Convention, the premier gathering of leaders from across the nation’s steel supply chain. Held from 15 to 17 September 2025 at the Manly Pacific, the convention showcased the industry’s unity and strength under the theme Participate Innovate Evolve.
The 2025 Steel Convention kicked off in style on Monday evening, 15 September, with a Combilift-sponsored welcome reception at the Steyne Rooftop Bar overlooking iconic Manly Beach. Against a spectacular sunset, delegates mingled with colleagues and reconnected over canapés and drinks, setting the tone for an inspiring and well-attended program ahead.
Day one: big ideas, industry insight
The convention officially opened on Tuesday morning, with MC Paul Swain welcoming delegates and ASI Chair Tony Schrieber outlining the themes of participation, innovation and evolution that would define the two-day program.
A recorded message from Federal Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres reaffirmed the government’s support for a strong domestic steel sector. Ayres acknowledged the importance of local steel to Australia’s future. But he conceded the cost of
The convention welcome reception
Chris Littlewood, Combilift’s Australian country manager
energy, in particular natural gas, was a hurdle in the local steel industry’s push to a more sustainable future. “We (the Federal Government) will look at current settings,’” he told the convention.
The ASI on behalf of the industry has called for an East Coast gas reservation similar to WA to ensure gas and energy more broadly is affordable and competitive for domestic manufacturers. Access to competitive gas supplies will also be critical to advancing the steel industry’s decarbonisation ambitions, with natural gas based direct reduced iron (DRI) production having the potential to deliver a 60% reduction in emissions.
Acknowledging the important role the ASI and its chief executive Mark Cain were playing on Federal Government committees investigating sustainability, Ayres said a strong local steel industry was vital for the Australian economy. He said government support for the local
steel industry included $2.4b in funding (with the SA Government) for the Whyalla steelworks and $500m for the green iron investment fund.
Referring to the ASI’s Safeguard action to protect local fabricators from a surge in imported fabricated steel, Ayres said the government’s decision to shift responsibility for Safeguard from the Productivity Commission to the AntiDumping Commission reflected its desire to ensure a level playing field for the local industry. Safeguard actions temporarily protect local businesses from a surge in overseas imports.
The ASI’s call for an East Coast gas reservation, including an effective price mechanism, was strongly backed by BlueScope Chief Executive Australian Steel Products Tania Archibald. In her address to the convention, Tania said Australia was “awash with natural gas and should form a clear natural advantage for our manufacturers”.
David Latina
Francisco Irazusta
Andrew Johnson
Tania Archibald
Tony Schreiber
Decarbonisation in practice panel
In his presentation to the convention, AntiDumping Commissioner David Latina said he recognised the strong concern in the local steel industry over the surge in low-priced imported fabricated steelwork into Australia, and the important role being played by the ASI in bringing that concern to the attention of the government. Latina noted of the 60 existing anti-dumping actions in Australia, 45 were from the steel industry. In regard to the ASI’s Safeguard action, he said the Anti-Dumping Commissioner would always support local businesses “where the evidence is there”.
Latina welcomed the Anti-Dumping Commission taking over responsibility for Safeguard, saying it would make Australia’s trade remedies system more effective and align Australia with overseas countries.
Decarbonisation and energy transition
Sustainability was front and centre as InfraBuild CEO Francisco Irazusta explored how decarbonisation and the energy transition are reshaping steelmaking. This was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring Michael Dawson (ASI), Wendy Merz (Trinity Consultants), Angela Clarke (Northmore Gordon), Will Richards (Pollination Law) and Philippa Stone (BlueScope), who unpacked lifecycle assessment, data standards and funding opportunities across the steel value chain.
Case
studies, policy and excellence
After lunch, Arup’s Andrew Johnson showcased the Ken Rosewall Arena redevelopment; an engineering case study in sustainable structural design. Daniel
The convention dinner
Layne Beachley
Sean Adams
Rodney Glocer
Paul Swain
Daniel Martinez
Pablo Santos
Martinez (Alvarez & Marsal) outlined government incentives available to steel companies, while Anti-Dumping Commissioner David Latina addressed the challenges of maintaining fair trade in an evolving global market.
Sean Adams from CSF Industries shared his family business’s journey toward smarter, more sustainable fabrication practices. The afternoon continued with Steel Mains’ Rodney Glocer presenting on the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline, followed by an inspiring leadership keynote from seven-time World Surfing Champion Layne Beachley, who encouraged attendees to embrace purpose and resilience both personally and professionally.
Fabricators forum and dinner
Running alongside the afternoon sessions, the Fabricator Forum delved into the critical issue of imported fabricated steel. With ASI CEO Mark Cain and NSW State Manager David Varcoe providing updates on the Safeguard application, the forum offered clarity and strategic direction at a time when local content and capability remain under pressure.
As night fell, delegates donned their best for the BlueScope-sponsored dinner in the Manly Pacific Ballroom, where Mahalia Barnes delivered a powerhouse live performance. The evening celebrated the industry’s achievements, partnerships and shared commitment to Australia’s steel future.
Day two: energy, optimisation and optimism
Wednesday’s sessions began with an electrifying keynote from Red Bull Air Race World Champion Matt Hall, whose “Big Dreams, Small Margins” address translated precision, discipline and highperformance mindsets from the air to the boardroom. Alfabs’ Henry Thompson followed with an engineering case study on the Sydney Gateway Bridge Nose Launch Project, while GridBeyond’s Chris O’Brien demonstrated how AI-powered platforms can optimise energy use across steel operations.
Innovation in action
The 2025 Convention also introduced a new and popular element: technical tours. Delegates had the chance to go behind the scenes at InfraBuild’s Sydney steel mill, BlueScope’s Port Kembla Steelworks, Rollco, Chess Engineering, Rondo, and the BlueScope Western Sydney Paint Line, gaining firsthand insight into advanced manufacturing, sustainability and innovation in action.
Looking ahead
Across three days, the 2025 Australian Steel Convention proved why it is the industry’s most anticipated annual event. With record attendance, highcalibre speakers, and meaningful discussion on sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness, it reaffirmed the Australian steel industry’s determination to evolve — together.
Technical tour
Henry Thompson
Matt Hall
2025 SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS
The Australian Steel Institute would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors and exhibitors, without which the 2025 Australian Steel Convention would not have been possible.
ACRS
steelcertification.com
ACRS is the independent, third party certification authority for construction steels supplied to Australian, New Zealand, and other applicable Standards, certifying the majority of reinforcing, prestressing and structural steels. ACRS certificates provide a common, simple, and credible means of confirming fitness for purpose of materials and processes, replacing variable, complex site-based acceptance regimes.
AUSTRALIANSUPER
australiansuper.com
BLUESCOPE
bluescope.com
BlueScope’s Australian business, Australian Steel Products (ASP) employs around 7,000 employees at approximately 100 sites, being a mix of large manufacturing plants, rollforming facilities and distribution centres across Australia. The segment specialises in flat steel products, including hot rolled coil, cold rolled coil, plate and value-added metallic coated and painted steel solutions. BlueScope brands include COLORBOND® steel, TRUECORE® steel, ZINCALUME® steel, XLERPLATE® steel, and REDCOR® steel.
BREMICK
AustralianSuper is Australia’s largest super fund, managing more than $385 billion in assets on behalf of over 3.5 million members as at 30 June 2025. Over 480,000 businesses contribute super for their employees to AustralianSuper, and over 4,100 advisers have registered with AustralianSuper to support their clients who are members. AustralianSupers goal is to help members reach their best possible financial position in retirement. Read the PDS and TMD at AustralianSuper. com. Sponsored by AustralianSuper. AustralianSuper Pty Ltd ABN 94 006 457 987 AFSL 233788, Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714 394 898.
BARRACK INSURANCE BROKERS
barrack.com.au
Barrack Broking is a boutique insurance broker, specialising in complex insurance placements and industry-based insurance programs. We service Australian Steel Institute members nationally from our offices in Sydney, Brisbane, and Sunshine Coast.
BAUMANN
baumann-sideloaders.com.au
Baumann is a world-class manufacturer of sideloaders from three to 60 tonnes capacity with a reputation for consistent innovation, and the highest level of design and productivity. Based in Cavaion in Italy, the family-owned company has led the sector for over 50 years, and now sells its products worldwide through 106 dealers in 76 countries. Today, our qualified sales and service network provides professional support to customers across the globe.
bremick.com.au
Bremick has been an integral part of the construction fastener industry for 60 years. Quality isn’t just a goal at Bremick; it’s the cornerstone of everything we do. We employ strict processes and procedures throughout every stage of production and supply to guarantee consistency and compliance with industry standards. Central to our commitment to quality is our state-of-the-art NATA accredited test lab. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by a team of highly skilled professionals, our lab allows us to conduct rigorous testing and analysis, ensuring products meet the most stringent quality and safety standards.
BUILDINGPOINT
sketchupaustralia.com.au
BuildingPoint Australia is a leading provider of innovative construction technology solutions, empowering the Australian building and construction industry to achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and profitability. As an authorised distributor of Trimble solutions, BuildingPoint Australia offers a comprehensive suite of hardware and software, including advanced surveying equipment, 3D laser scanners, and Building Information Modelling (BIM) software.
CHOICE ENERGY
choiceenergy.com.au
As an Australian-owned consultancy with over 13,000 business customers, Choice Energy advocates for a predictable, fair, and low-cost energy future. So far in 2025, they have helped over 1,500 businesses save more than $10 million through: Complimentary energy bill health checks (electricity and natural gas); Commercial energy broking and procurement; Quality commercial solar solutions with strong warranties and performance guarantees. With operational costs across the board increasing, it’s crucial that you take control of costs and to stop paying more than you have to on power.
COMBILIFT
combilift.com.au
Combilift are the worlds largest manufacturer of multidirectional and sideloading forklifts Globally as well as being leaders in straddle carrier, mobile gantry and slip sheet design. Innovation, Flexibility and Service is the ethos on which Combilift’s success is built and has seen us become the world’s fastest-growing forklift manufacturer, exporting to more than 85 countries and with more than 100,000 trucks in use worldwide. No other manufacturer in the world can deliver the same level of customisation and adaptability, or cater so effectively to the diverse needs of every individual customer, whether their enterprise is large or small.
DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY, SCIENCE & RESOURCES
industry.gov.au
The department’s vision is to enable growth and productivity for globally competitive industries by supporting innovation, science and commercialisation; growing business investment and improving business capability; streamlining regulations; and building a high performance organisation.
DURAGAL® PROFILES
infrabuild.com/products/duragal
The advanced zinc coating provides superior corrosion resistance through the inclusion of 3% magnesium and 2.5% aluminium and the unique property of self-healing on exposed and cut edges. This premium coating provides consistent and uniform quality during processing and provides an attractive, spangle free surface finish that removes the need for secondary galvanising operations. Backed by exceptional service, reliable performance and flexible solutions, DuraGal® Profiles consistently outperform imported alternatives. That’s the DuraGal® Difference.
EXCISION
excision.com.au
Excision is a manufacturer of premium quality industrial cutting solutions. With over 32 years of experience, Excision ensures their clients have confidence in every cut. They specialise in a complete solution for steel processing including machinery and consumables. Excision’s product range extends from sawing and drilling machines to blades, tooling, lubricants, and release agents. They have recently added another 50,000 products specialising in a total solution of cutting tools. With their Australian Made material handling manufacturing, Excision also offers custom solutions for steel companies wanting to automate and increase efficiency. If you cut or process steel, contact Excision.
FICEP
ficepgroup.com
Headquartered in Italy, FICEP is the leading manufacturer of machine tools for the steel construction fabrication industry with customers in nearly 90 countries globally. The company provides the world’s widest range of machines for both the structural steel and the forging industries. FICEP was founded by the family of the present owners in 1930. Over the years the company has grown from being a manufacturer of manual machines to be the global leader in manufacturing the most advanced CNC machines and automatic systems for the steel construction and forging industry.
GRIDBEYOND gridbeyond.com
At GridBeyond, we’re bridging the gap between real-time markets and energy assets, we help businesses thrive in dynamic markets while accelerating the energy transition for a net zero future. GridBeyond provides a powerful combination of technological excellence, a consultative approach and unrivalled expertise that enables its partners and clients have future-proof access to energy services. Our solutions include Virtual Power Plant and Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems to enhance flexibility, resilience, and revenue generation. By connecting Front-of-the-Meter assets like renewable energy and battery storage with Behind-the-Meter operations, we provide advanced forecasting, control, and energy trading capabilities.
GS1
gs1au.org
Supporting the steel industry with the foundational building blocks to achieve supply chain digitisation has been a long-term commitment that GS1 Australia has made to the industry over many years and continues to work with key stakeholders as new supply chain frontiers are faced. GS1 standards— making it possible for traceability systems to talk. Implement GS1 global data standards to: boost logistics efficiency; meet customer demand for transparency; support sustainable practices; help fight counterfeiting; protect brand integrity; manage certifications; perform effective recalls; comply with regulatory requirements; and manage warranty claims.
HOBSON ENGINEERING
hobson.com.au
Established in 1935, Hobson Engineering is a family owned and operated business that has grown to become Australia’s leading wholesale supplier of quality fasteners, bolts, nuts, allthread rod, screws, and anchors to the mining, construction, oil, and manufacturing industries. Hobson Engineering offers the highest quality fasteners, along with a commitment to large stock holdings and excellence in customer service. With over 85 years of experience in providing fastening solutions and the most comprehensive product testing program in Australia, Hobson continues to build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and industry groups to promote the best installation practices and supply of the highest quality fasteners.
HUBTEX AUSTRALIA
hubtex.com.au
Hubtex Australia specialises in space-saving, highefficiency materials handling solutions, offering the complete range of HUBTEX Multidirectional Forklifts and Bendi Articulated Forklifts. Our world-class HUBTEX Sideloaders, Multidirectional Forklifts, and custom-built special-purpose vehicles are designed to handle long, heavy, and bulky loads with ease—even in the tightest aisles. Looking to maximize your warehouse space? Our innovative Bendi Narrow Aisle Forklifts can increase your storage capacity by up to 50%—helping you save space, time, and money without the need to expand your premises.
2025 SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS
The Australian Steel Institute would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors and exhibitors, without which the 2025 Australian Steel Convention would not have been possible.
IMPACT MACHINERY
impactmachinery.com.au
Impact Machinery supplies advanced structural steel fabrication machineryfrom leading North American and European manufacturers. Serving small workshops through to large-scale operations, we specialise in providing tailored equipment solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. With a strong focus on performance, reliability, and support, we also offer comprehensive parts and field service across Australia.
INFRABUILD
infrabuild.com
InfraBuild is Australia’s largest processor and distributor of steel long products, including reinforcing bar, reinforcing mesh, tubular and hollow sections, merchant bar and wire products. It is Australia’s largest vertically integrated, electric arc furnace-based long steel manufacturer with more than 4,700 employees across more than 150 locations nationwide.InfraBuild recycles approximately 1.4 million tonnes of scrap metal annually through our 26 scrap metal recycling sites across Australia and our global sites in Poland, USA and Hong Kong. InfraBuild operates two steel long product producing electric arc furnaces located in Rooty Hill, Sydney; and Laverton, Melbourne. It also has a manufacturing facility in Dalian, China. InfraBuild also operates a network of 113 retail and processing sites across Australia, including our steel in concrete distribution businesses InfraBuild Reinforcing and the Australian Reinforcing Company.
INTEGRATED STEEL SOLUTIONS
integratedsteelsolutions.com
Integrated Steel Solutions proudly supports STRUMIS, bocad and Fabstation locally through sales, training and after sales support. STRUMIS connects, streamlines, and simplifies all your steel fabrication projects and resources reducing errors and increasing efficiency by providing complete project traceability. Bocad offers a complete solution for the modelling and fabrication of all types of steel structures. A modern user interface offers a logical workflow allowing users to design and model projects quickly and accurately, and deliverables required for fabrication and construction always reflect the model and are high quality.
KRAFTECH
kraftech.com.au
At KRAFTECH, we build more than machines, we shape the future of structural steel processing. As one of Australia’s leading innovators in robotic structural steel processing, we set new benchmarks in precision, power, and efficiency. Our cutting-edge technology, including the world’s first robotic coping equipment for both laser and plasma cutting, highperformance fiber lasers, and versatile robotic welders, redefines metal processing standards. While integrating the latest technological advancements, our heavy-duty equipment is engineered for the toughest environments, providing long-lasting performance, delivering unmatched strength and reliability for the most demanding fabrication needs. More than just a manufacturer, we’re a partner, offering comprehensive support, service, and training to drive efficiency.
LICENCES 4 WORK
licences4workmelbourne.com.au
Licences 4 Work, a branch of Just Careers Training Pty Ltd (RTO No. 91413), is a trusted provider of Vocational Education & Training (VET) specialising in workplace licences and tickets. We deliver accredited courses including Forklift, EWP, Scaffolding, Traffic Control, White Card, Food Safety, Community Pharmacy (S2–S3), and First Aid. With two modern training centres in Bankstown and Blacktown, experienced trainers, flexible options, and a best-price guarantee, we are committed to delivering high-quality, accessible training that keeps individuals and workplaces safe and compliant.
METROLL - DC+ ENGINEERING
metroll.com.au
One of Australia’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of steel building products including roofing, cladding, rainwater, structural and fencing products. As a manufacturing business with 30 sites across the country we take safety seriously and are committed to continuous improvement on our journey towards achieving our goal of zero harm. We are proud to partner with trusted equipment supplier DC Plus Engineering to develop the integrated ramp safety switch. The solution improves safety by providing a low-cost retrofittable safety switch that can be installed to the end of a rollformer’s run out table thus providing for a safer work environment.
MOBICON SYSTEMS
mobiconsystems.com
Established in 1994, Mobicon Systems is an Australian-owned business company headquartered in Brendale, Queensland. Mobicon has spent many years developing the very best in container handling machinery, providing their clients with a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective straddle carriers. All Mobicon light-weight straddle carriers are assembled using the highest quality materials and parts. The commitment to quality means that Mobicon products are designed for performance and longevity, reducing operational costs, and increasing safety, productivity, and profitability. Mobicon light-weight straddle carriers are trusted by clients across the logistics industry, as well as importers, exporters, manufacturers, steel producers, and border protection agencies.
RADARO
radaro.com.au
SOUTHERN STEEL GROUP
southernsteelgroup.com.au
Established in 1947, Southern Steel Group remains proudly family-owned and fiercely independent, steadily growing into one of Australia’s leading steel distribution and processing companies. Today, our network includes 26 subsidiary businesses, offering a comprehensive range of steel products—from structural steel, merchant bar, and tube & pipe to plate, sheet, and coil. Our businesses advanced processing facilities deliver precision rolling, bevelling, brake pressing, profiling, section curving, and CNC machining services. Whether you need galvanised, hot-rolled, or cold-rolled sheet and coil, we’ve got you covered nationwide. With a presence in every Australian state, Southern Steel Group combines extensive reach with unmatched expertise, ensuring steel solutions wherever your project takes you.
Radaro is a lastl-mile delivery management platform for steel and building materials suppliers with owned fleets or contractor networks. It digitises the outbound delivery process, eliminating paperwork and manual admin while improving speed and accuracy. Radaro helps you: Provide real-time ETAs and customer tracking; Capture PODs with photos, time stamps, and signatures; Reduce damage claims and “where’s my order” calls; Gain full delivery visibility and site-level performance insights.; Communicate directly with delivery recipients or site contacts. Used by Atlas Steels, CSR Building Products, Ventora Group, Dynamic Steel, Oxworks, Hume Doors and Knauf.
STEELWORK COMPLIANCE
AUSTRALIA (SCA)
scacompliance.com.au
Steelwork Compliance Australia (SCA) is the independent auditing and certification authority for structural steelwork that serves two roles: To provide an auditing capability to the range of construction categories defined in the Australian Standards AS 4100 and AS/NZS 5131 and that, on a project level, the engineer has chosen and specified; To provide an auditing capability to Parts 2, 3 and 4 of AS/NZS ISO 3834 as required within the specification for a project. The SCA operates to ISO 17065 as a certification body for compliance capability to AS/NZS 5131 for the fabrication and erection of structural steelwork AND AS/NZS ISO 3834 for the quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials. The SCA is an open scheme to all Australian and overseas fabricators.
SKYCIV
skyciv.com
SkyCiv is an Australian-owned structural engineering software company that helps engineers work faster and more accurately. Our cloud-based platform offers a comprehensive suite of analysis and design tools, allowing engineers to model structures, run design checks, and generate detailed reports based on a wide range of global standards. We also partner with companies to build custom calculation tools, integrate APIs, and provide third-party QA for internal systems. Whether you’re improving internal workflows or delivering engineering services to clients, SkyCiv offers powerful features, an intuitive interface, and flexible pricing to fit your needs.
STRAMIT
stramit.com.au
Stramit is shaping the future of building through smarter steel solutions, backed by decades of trust and quality. As one of Australia’s leading vertically integrated steel manufacturers, they deliver durable, high-performing steel building products that support construction across the country. With advanced technologies and dynamic operations, Stramit responds quickly to industry needs, while its passionate team ensures every solution reflects a clear purpose: improving the world through smart thinking, simply delivered. With a strong focus on customer care and long-term partnerships, Stramit continues to drive quality and innovation in Australian building—today and into the future.
UNITED STEEL unitedsteel.com.au
The United Steel team works closely with customers, supplying a comprehensive range of steel products, valued added processing, and steel supply chain options for projects across Australia. They are a customer-focused, steel supply partner that services many industries. Their team has the depth of industry experience, providing personalised service, surety through stockholdings, and delivery options to suit our customers' requirements. United Steel operates in WA, SA, VIC, TAS and NSW, and with our United Steel group of businesses including GAM Steel and Calibre Steel, they make it easy for customers to source their steel Australia-wide.
VISY LOGISTICS
visy.com
Visy Logistics Australia is a leading supply chain partner delivering sustainable, digitally enabled logistics solutions across the Industrial, Beverage, and Consumer Goods sectors. Backed by Visy’s global scale and manufacturing expertise, we reimagine logistics from the ground up— solving challenges and adding value across every link in the chain. With a footprint of over 55 Australian sites and a global network, our services span freight forwarding, intermodal, warehousing, linehaul, and bulk logistics. We’re more than a provider—we’re a partner, driven by innovation, understanding, and a commitment to reshape logistics for a better, more connected future.
ASI AWARDS SHOWCASE SUSTAINABLE STEEL SOLUTIONS
From circular project offices to smarter fabrication and rail renewals, this year’s Australian Steel Institute (ASI) Steel Sustainability Awards highlighted practical, repeatable ways the sector is shrinking carbon, tightening governance and lifting social outcomes. Across projects, companies and people, the common thread was credible measurement and design choices that make reuse and traceability business-as-usual.
Chief executive of the ASI Mark Cain said the awards provide the perfect platform to inspire companies in the sector to adopt more sustainable steel practices. “The awards reflect the growing importance of environmental stewardship and responsible business practices. The ASI congratulates all the winners, highly commended teams, nominees and members who are making strides when it comes to maintaining corporate social responsibility and achieving environmental excellence.”
Peterkin Street
Celebrating projects of all sizes
Sydney Metro’s St Marys Integrated Project Office (IPO) won the Large Projects (over $10 million) category. It demonstrates how a “temporary” building can be low-carbon, demountable and built to last. The $16 million, four-level hub pairs a bolted steel frame with standardised beams, columns and connections so the whole structure can be dismantled and reassembled on future projects over a 50-year life.
Brisbane’s Bradbury Park Playscape took out the small projects (under $10 million category). It proves that community infrastructure can be both joyful and judicious. Completed in 2023 at Kedron in Brisbane, the sculptural tower leveraged a certified Australian steel supply chain and design-for-deconstruction principles, backed by digital coordination and local delivery. It’s a replicable template for councils seeking durable, low-impact public spaces.
A highly commended was awarded in the small projects category to Queensland Rail’s Stage 2 Bridge Program, which refurbished and re-installed 21 historic steel girders across South East Queensland, avoiding the emissions and resource draw of new manufacture while lifting network resilience. The team stripped coatings, undertook Magnetic Particle Testing, re-strengthened and re-braced members, then applied protective systems for return to service—clear, circular logic the judges applauded.
Companies achieving sustainability innovation
There were joint winners in the company achievements (small) categories: BridgeFab and Structural Challenge. Brisbane fabricator BridgeFab showed how a 33-person business can land sustained, verifiable impact. Consecutive SSA Level 3 certification—the only small fabricator at that level in Queensland—anchor their governance; solarled decarbonisation and a paperless, model-to-machine workflow cut waste, risk and turnaround times.
Structural Challenge’s sustainability program combines certified inputs and digital traceability with tangible environmental and social gains. In the last two years, the company has diverted over 226 tonne of steel scrap and broadened recycling streams, reached SSA Level 3 certification, and bolstered workforce wellbeing and inclusion—all while treating every job like a Green Star project to raise the baseline.
Leadership in steel sustainability
Spaceframe Buildings’ chief design engineer Justin Mendiolea won the leadership in steel sustainability innovation category for turning pragmatic engineering into systemic carbon wins. His method starts at concept, quantifying tonnage and embodied carbon, running option studies on frames and bay spacing, and designing for fabrication to reduce steel and welds. The approach carries through to governance and local provenance, with projects set up for solar and water reuse.
ASI would like to thank our judging panel, which included Nicole Sullivan (Impact director at thinkstep-anz), Matt Eastman (General manager of construction Queensland and Northern Territory at Lendlease), Philippa Stone (Sustainability manager at BlueScope), David Bell (Manager of sustainability and insight at InfraBuild), Joe Pirrello (Director of sports, entertainment and aviation, clients and delivery at Aurecon) and Elham Haddo (General manager of Chess Engineering).
ASI would like to thank to our sponsors, including BlueScope Distribution, Calibre Steel, CoilSteels, GAM Steel Service, InfraBuild, Orrcon Steel Distribution, Southern Steel, UnitedSteel and Vulcan.
St Mary’s Integrated Project Office
Bradbury Park Playscape
Queensland Rail Bridge Refurbishment
ST MARYS INTEGRATED PROJECT OFFICE
The St Marys Integrated Project Office (IPO) was named the ASI’s 2025 Sustainability Awards winner for Large Projects—and with good reason. Built as a temporary 200-workstation design and operations hub for Sydney Metro’s six new stations linking St Marys to the future Western Sydney Aerotropolis, the $16 million facility proves that “temporary” can still mean low-carbon, high-quality and built to last.
A hybrid structure engineered for reuse
Delivered by Robert Bird Group (RBG) with Built, the IPO pairs a bolted steel frame with cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor panels. The four-level commercial building features a glazed curtain wall, internal stairs, a lift and an outdoor terrace. Crucially, every element—beams, columns, CLT panels and bolted connections—was standardised to enable full disassembly and reassembly. The brief targeted a 50-year design life with planned relocation roughly every 10 years, turning a site office into an asset that can serve multiple metro projects.
Speed, safety and material efficiency
The superstructure—steel and CLT—went up in just 25 working days. A full-height lift core, fabricated as a structural steel truss mast, was erected and installed in four hours, acting as the structural spine during erection, in-service use and future dismantling. Early coordination aligned building grids to standard steel stock lengths, saving about
10 tonnes of steel—an 11% reduction compared to the original grid—and streamlining fabrication and traceability. CLT panels were fire-engineered to avoid passive fire protection, cutting materials and program time. Prefabrication and uniformly bolted connections minimised temporary works and reduced onsite risk.
Measured carbon and a multi-life dividend
This approach not only reduced material wastage but also exemplified how temporary structures can be designed with long-term sustainability in mind for relocation and reuse. The cradle-to-gate carbon (Modules A1A3) of the superstructure was measured to be 563 TCO2-e. Assuming five lifecycles for the building, this design saved 2,252 TCO2-e on the cradleto-gate carbon compared to a series of standard single-use temporary like-for-like structures using prime materials. Material optimisation alone delivered a 33.5 tCO2-e reduction in steel emissions. Digital modelling in Autodesk Revit underpinned precise quantity take-offs and carbon accounting, verified through RBG’s internal quality assurance procedures.
Governance, provenance and responsible supply
Proline Steel, the structural steel fabricator, held Steel Sustainability Australia (SSA) Certification L1, and provided stock lengths that informed the redesign for minimal waste. All procurement and testing quality assurance documentation was reviewed to confirm sustainable sourcing from Australian mills, alignment with project specifications and compliance with relevant Australian Standards and the Building Code of Australia. XLAM supplied PEFC-certified CLT, ‘Declare Red List Free’, with full chain-ofcustody, supporting a clean material palette that suits future disassembly, reuse and recycling.
Better places for people, not just projects
Beyond its numbers, the IPO lifts workplace quality compared with typical demountables: abundant daylight through glazed façades, robust insulation and climate control, and generous collaborative spaces. Accessibility is built-in via lift and internal stairs, while the terrace and meeting zones foster team cohesion.
A replicable model for emerging precincts
Believed to be the first fully demountable, relocatable building of its kind for major project offices, the IPO sets a new benchmark for circular, steelled delivery. With anticipated reuse on future sites such as Bradfield City Centre, it demonstrates how a hybrid steel-CLT system—standardised, bolted and digitised—can cut carbon, accelerate programmes and improve onsite amenity. In short: design once, reuse many times, and keep the benefits compounding.
PROJECT TEAM
Client: Sydney Metro
Contractor: Built
Structural Engineer: Robert Bird Group (RBG)
Architect: Place Studio
CLT Supplier: XLAM
CLT Installer: Savcon
Steel Fabricator: Proline Steel
BRADBURY PARK PLAYSCAPE
Bradbury Park Playscape in Kedron, Brisbane is proof that community infrastructure can be both joyful and judicious. Crowned winner of the ASI’s 2025 Sustainability Awards (Small Projects), the sculptural ‘architecturemeets-play’ tower was completed in 2023 and has since collected a sweep of design honours, including Greater Brisbane People’s Choice Award, the John Dalton Award for Building of the Year, and the Queensland Architecture Medallion.
A certified Australian steel supply chain
Designed by Alcorn Middleton Architecture and engineered by Bligh Tanner, the playscape was fabricated and assembled by BridgeFab, with local government funding. The steelwork used tube from Austube Mills (Acacia Ridge), with raw steel produced by BlueScope at Port Kembla and purchased via Vulcan Steel—delivering 100% Australian manufacture and full traceability to AS/NZS 1163:2016 C450L0. BridgeFab held AS/NZS 5131 CC2 during construction and has since achieved CC3 plus Steel Sustainability Australia (SSA) Level 3 certification for two consecutive years, underpinning governance, ethical sourcing and quality assurance. BlueScope’s third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) supported transparent carbon accounting across inputs.
Cutting carbon by design
Steel was chosen to realise the architect’s organic, tower-based form while keeping the structural footprint lean. Bligh Tanner optimised the frame, specifying higher-strength GR450 in place of GR350 to reduce overall tonnage without compromising performance. BlueScope products incorporated 23.3% recycled content, lowering embodied emissions per tonne, and local manufacture helped trim transport impacts. The team used recognised EPD data to measure upfront carbon and guide decisions, aligning the project with contemporary carbon-management practice.
Built for circularity and longevity
Sustainability is engineered into the connections. The playscape’s steel is modular and bolted—no site welding—so components can be disassembled for reuse or, at minimum, separated cleanly for highvalue recycling at end-of-life. Fabrication offcuts were tracked and recycled via BridgeFab’s SSA Level 3 systems.
The entire structure is hot-dip galvanized, delivering long-term corrosion resistance, eliminating on-site painting (and associated VOCs) and improving whole-of-life outcomes. Digital traceability ran end-to-end: BridgeFab’s paperless management system linked 3D models to robotic coping and cutting, reducing manual handling, cutting rework and steel waste by approximately 10%.
Safer construction, better community outcomes
Prefabrication and bolted assembly reduced temporary works and onsite risk, supported by AS/NZS 5131 CC3 quality assurance processes. The open-air tower promotes natural ventilation and daylight, with clear sightlines and accessible pathways to encourage active, inclusive play, particularly for 10 to 15-year-olds.
Project delivery relied on a local Queensland workforce and apprenticeships, strengthening skills and regional capability while minimising disruption through modular pre-assembly. Collaboration across Alcorn Middleton, Bligh Tanner, BridgeFab and builder Epoca Constructions—from early connection design to Trimble-enabled coordination—kept the program tight despite site challenges, and amplified sustainability benefits.
The upshot: Bradbury Park Playscape shows how a certified Australian steel supply chain, digital traceability and design-for-deconstruction can produce a durable, low-impact landmark that communities love. It’s a replicable template for councils seeking playful public spaces with measurable sustainability built in.
PROJECT TEAM
Architect: Alcorn Middleton
Engineer: Bligh Tanner
Head Contractor: Epoca Constructions
Steel Fabricator: BridgeFab
SMALL PROJECTS (UNDER $10 MILLION) HIGHLY COMMENDED
QUEENSLAND RAIL BRIDGE REFURBISHMENT
Highly Commended in the ASI’s 2025 Steel Sustainability Awards in the Small Projects category, the Queensland Rail Bridge Refurbishment shows how circular economy thinking can be applied to core transport assets—not just buildings. Completed in July 2023 across multiple South East Queensland sites, the program recovered, upgraded and returned historic steel girders to active rail duty, avoiding the impacts of new manufacture while improving network resilience.
The Queensland Rail Bridge Refurbishment – Stage 2 shows how smart reuse can deliver fast, verifiable wins for carbon, cost and continuity of service. The program refurbished 21 steel bridge girders for re-installation across South East Queensland, proving that century-old steel can meet today’s standards when governance and workmanship are rigorous
Circularity in action
Rather than specifying new girders, the team removed 100-year-old members, stripped coatings, conducted Magnetic Particle Testing to identify fatigue or stress cracking, then re-strengthened and re-braced the girders before applying protective coatings and returning them to service. By retaining the original steel, Queensland Rail avoided the emissions and resource draw associated with virgin production and heavy logistics, aligning the works program with circular economy principles while extending the useful life of existing assets.
Measurable carbon logic
The production of new steel from iron ore typically emits 1.8 to 2.0tCO2₂ per tonne; direct reuse of existing girders avoided those upfront emissions almost entirely, with only inspection, repair and coating required. The team estimated energy savings of up to 75% compared with fabricating new members, alongside reductions in mining, transport and manufacturing impacts—benefits that can be tracked and reported. The carbon rationale is clear and conservative, and sets a repeatable precedent for future rail renewals.
Governance and traceability
Fabrication and processing were delivered by Sun Engineering at its Carole Park facility under AS/NZS 5131 CC3 certification, backed by ISO 9001 and Transport and Main Raods approval—assurances that matter on safety-critical rail infrastructure. Material certificates were logged in Sun Engineering’s integrated management system; heat numbers and part numbers were tied to weld registers and welding procedure specification records, creating end-to-end traceability of who welded what, and to which procedure. A client-approved inspection and test plan governed hold and witness points to MRTS78, with non-compliance reports managed through workflows to close the loop.
Environmental and social dividends
Keeping steel in service is waste avoidance at its most effective: no melting, minimal reprocessing, and a clean path to further reuse when future refurbishments are due. The approach also engages local fabrication and coating supply chains, and supports jobs in deconstruction, testing, transport and re-installation. For a public owner, the outcome strengthens social licence, with visible sustainability in assets communities rely on every day.
Collaboration across the lifecycle
The program demanded tight coordination: engineers and inspectors to assess reclaimed steel; fabricators to adapt and strengthen members to today’s codes; and construction teams to plan storage, handling and safe sequencing back into service. That collaboration builds capability for design-for-disassembly and circular procurement, nudging the broader market toward traceable reuse rather than default replacement.
Queensland Rail’s bridge girder refurbishments demonstrate a pragmatic template for public infrastructure—auditably governed, circular by default, and eminently repeatable. When foundations like AS/NZS 5131 CC3 and ISO 9001 are in place, old steel can deliver new value—faster, cleaner and at lower risk—while keeping capital and carbon budgets on track.
PROJECT TEAM
Architect: Queensland Rail
Engineer: Queensland Rail
Steel Fabricator: Sun Engineering
Coatings: Fero Group
READ THE ARTICLE ONLINE
BRIDGEFAB
BridgeFab was the joint winner of the ASI’s 2025 Steel Sustainability Award in the Company Achievement (Small) category, demonstrating how a 33-person fabricator in Brisbane’s Acacia Ridge can punch well above its weight on governance, decarbonisation and industry leadership. Central to the win is BridgeFab’s sustained top-tier performance under the Steel Sustainability Australia (SSA) scheme. BridgeFab has achieved Level 3 SSA certification in two consecutive years and is Queensland’s only small fabricator at that level.
BridgeFab is a premier provider of steel fabrication services, specialising in the design, procurement, manufacturing, and installation of structural steel products. Founded in 2007, the company started as a small family run operation and has since grown significantly. Specialising in projects under 100 tonnes, BridgeFab uses innovative robotics and automation to help deliver their top quality products. The company offers an array of services, including precise 3D detailing and scanning, meticulous steel processing, and expert assembly. From the early stages of drafting right through to the final stages of a project BridgeFab ensures every detail meets the highest standards of quality and precision.
Measured carbon cuts, powered by renewables BridgeFab’s decarbonisation program is delivering tangible, year-on-year reductions. Annual solar upgrades underwrite a 12% drop in emissions in 2024 versus 2023, alongside a 10% increase in on-site solar capacity. The firm projects a further 20% cut over the next three years as the rollout continues. Internal dashboards track performance, with the provided data series showing emissions intensity trending down across 2020–2024.
Waste, resources and circularity by default
A comprehensive waste-tracking system, introduced in 2023, now quantifies steel offcuts, general waste, chemicals and packaging across operations. The insight has already translated into action, with packaging waste down by 10% through redesign and reuse initiatives, while improved controls are lifting recycling rates and compliance.
Bradbury Park Playscape
Digital-first governance and traceability
BridgeFab has moved procedural and project documentation to a fully paperless platform with real-time access, version control and automated workflows. Beyond cutting paper, the system tightens quality assurance, speeds up approvals and strengthens auditability for third-party reviews and sustainability assessments.
As a result, there are fewer errors, less rework and clearer endto-end traceability. On projects, this digital backbone extends to model-to-machine integration, linking 3D models to robotic processing to reduce waste and manual handling.
Ethical supply chains and people outcomes
The company has elevated supplier governance through a modern slavery auditing program that requires, and then actively reviews, comprehensive statements from key vendors, strengthening ethical sourcing across its chain.
Internally, BridgeFab is broadening recruitment channels to build a more diverse local workforce, with increased female participation across office and workshop roles, and structured training supporting retention and progression. Monthly sustainability meetings keep the agenda live across the business, while collaboration with the ASI helps align practices with current standards and innovation.
Smarter logistics, fewer kilometres
BridgeFab has implemented a range of transport optimisation measures through their online system to enhance the efficiency of their delivery operations. Through strategic planning, the company has developed loading and scheduling systems that reduce the number of deliveries and trips required for transporting goods. This has allowed for better planning of delivery routes, optimised vehicle loads, and aligned delivery schedules with operational demands. These efforts help reduce the overall number of journeys, contributing to fewer vehicle miles travelled and thus lowering the associated greenhouse gas emissions from transport activities.
Scale is no barrier to impact
In an industry where many sustainability stories stop at a single project, BridgeFab’s program is enterprise-wide, metrics-driven and repeatable. SSA Level 3, achieved consecutively, anchors the governance; solar-led decarbonisation delivers measurable cuts; digital traceability reduces waste and risk; and ethical procurement plus workforce development lift the social baseline. It’s a blueprint other small fabricators can adopt—proof that scale is no barrier to sustained, verifiable impact.
The sky is the limit when it comes to the fabrication possibilities for the team of BridgeFab, who are continually growing their showcase of projects and adding to their accreditations and achievements. Focusing on approaching their work with attention to detail and sustainability as a factor, they continue to deliver high class steel solutions in the South East Queensland region. READ THE ARTICLE
Archerfield Wetlands Disctrict Park
Anchor cage at Goyder Wind Farm
Archerfield Wetlands Disctrict Park
Bradbury Park Playscape
STRUCTURAL CHALLENGE
Structural Challenge was named joint winner of the 2025 ASI Steel Sustainability Awards in the Company Achievement (Small) category.
Based in the Melbourne suburb of Dandenong South, the team at Structural Challenge has lifted environmental performance, strengthened social impact, and tightened governance across its operation, underpinned by Steel Sustainability Australia (SSA) certification.
Structural Challenge is a client-focused, serviceoriented structural steel fabricator. With services extending right through to design, detailing and erection, Structural Challenge works across the commercial, health, education and infrastructure sectors.
Measurable cuts to energy and waste
Structural Challenge has turned sustainability into muscle memory— energy trimmed where it counts, waste tracked and recovered, and provenance built into every piece of steel.
Energy is where the workshop wins stack up. Upgraded welding equipment has cut power use by around 15% year-onyear; a full LED changeover has removed roughly 20,000kWh from annual consumption.
Rooftop solar generated 102.29MWh in 2023 and 105.33MWh in 2024, further reducing grid reliance and emissions. Taken together,
these moves are the kind of cumulative, quietly compounding efficiency the steel sector needs.
Materials are managed with the same intent. All steel is sourced from ACRS-certified mills, with a preference for suppliers aligned to Green Building Council of Australia criteria—practices that lift supply-chain transparency even when projects don’t mandate it.
Structural Challenge has recycling programs in place, aligning with their Reduce, Reuse, Recycle policy. In the yard, any offcuts that have the potential to be used (anything over 1.8m in length) is stored and added to their inventory and stock list with the material certificate for traceability purposes.
Structural Challenge has also introduced Strumis Software to track the inventory and material certificates to enhance their planning for future projects. As a result, across the last two years, more than 226 tonnes of steel scrap has
been diverted from landfill. The recycling ledger doesn’t stop at steel offcuts. In the last two years, Structural Challenge has recycled 15.5kg of batteries and 14.82kg of toner cartridges, and returned 1,066 plastic containers. They also recently down-cycled all their damaged and unused wooden pallets into garden mulch.
Governance, traceability and Green Star thinking
The company treats every job as a de-facto Green Star project—whether or not the client mandates it— baking in higher baselines for procurement, waste minimisation and reporting.
All steel is sourced from ACRS-certified mills; preferred suppliers align with Green Building Council of Australia criteria. Digital traceability spans barcodebased inventory, pieceby-piece tracking on CC3 projects (and available on others).
An environmental management plan is
prepared for each project, while assessments keep modern slavery risk in the “low” category. Policies covering inclusion, community engagement and conduct round out a robust governance framework.
Investing in people and community Sustainability is cultural as much as technical. Structural Challenge runs confidential Mental Health One-on-One sessions facilitated by trained staff, supporting employee wellbeing and helping reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. The company conducts a variety of events through out the year as per their Health and Wellbeing Plan, and celebrates cultural diversity days.
The business sponsors local causes—from Bentleigh Greens SC to the Steel Club of Victoria—and fundraises for Pancare and the National Breast Cancer Foundation (including a recent $3,500 effort).
On skills, Structural Challenge engages with local TAFE and universities, offering site tours and careers days, and is growing pathways with apprentices (including women in the workshop).
The Managing Director’s “Steel Chicks” social enterprise further champions gender inclusion across the sector with events and training.
Certified and continuous improvement
Structural Challenge achieved SSA Level 3 in November 2023 and maintains certification through to 1 April 2026, validating its systems for responsible sourcing, data integrity and continuous improvement.
For small fabricators, the blueprint is pragmatic— upgrade the energy users that count; generate your own power; measure and recover materials; insist on certified inputs; digitise traceability; and invest in people. Structural Challenge shows that when these levers move together, sustainability becomes business-as-usual, and awardwinning.
Structural Challenge down-cycled wooden pallets into garden mulch
Recycled material inventory
PEOPLE: LEADERSHIP IN STEEL SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION WINNER
JUSTIN MENDIOLEA
Spaceframe Buildings’ chief design engineer Justin Mendiolea has won the Australian Steel Institute’s Leadership in Steel Sustainability Innovation award for turning pragmatic engineering into systemic carbon wins.
Backed by over 10 years of consulting experience, Justin has delivered structural and civil engineering solutions across a broad range of sectors (including commercial, industrial, education, local government, and residential aged care) throughout Queensland and abroad in the United Kingdom. In his role as chief design engineer and design manager at Spaceframe Buildings, Justin has been guiding the structural and design teams since 2021, driving excellence across a diverse project portfolio. He brings both technical expertise and local knowledge to every project. A strong advocate for sustainable design, he is a key player in Spaceframe’s sustainability efforts, working on numerous Green Star Accredited projects.
From concept to shop floor, with carbon in view
Justin’s approach starts early, when the biggest carbon and cost decisions are still malleable. He and the Spaceframe team model tonnage and embodied carbon at concept stage, then challenge the brief and run option studies across framing typologies, bay spacings and support layouts. That means portal frames and connections are tuned not just for performance but for less steel, fewer welds and easier erection.
On recent projects, including L’Oréal, Peterkin Street and Value-Add Kilcoy, this method delivered leaner frames and smarter details. Fabrication know-how flows straight back into design to minimise weld lengths and difficulty, while detailing aligns with stock and delivery lengths to reduce offcuts. Design choices such as non-typical lapped purlins, unpropped Condeck (avoiding propping-heavy concrete solutions) and steel-fibre reinforced slabs and footings cut embodied carbon further and speed construction.
Governance you can build on
Because Spaceframe controls design and fabrication, traceability is practical, not theoretical. Justin standardises member sizes and connection families, and ties detailing to stock lengths so the shop team can fabricate with fewer variations and less waste—an engineering choice with real supply-chain echoes. All three showcase projects were designed to accommodate rooftop solar and capture roof water for reuse, and the steelwork was fabricated in Australia at Sencova Steel Fabricators, reinforcing local provenance.
Lifting industry baselines
Justin’s remit reaches beyond structural steel. He certifies civil components, serves as Green Star Accredited Professional on industrial builds targeting 5- and 6-Star ratings, and sits on the ASI’s Queensland committee, sharing methods, mentoring students from the University of Queensland, and pushing for better, earlier carbon decision-making across the sector. He’s also deepening the academic side, undertaking a Master’s in Sustainability and Environmental Management focused on climate and embodied carbon.
Why the judges took notice
What distinguishes Justin is not a single hero metric, but a repeatable system: measure early, iterate relentlessly, design for fabrication, and treat sustainability as a constraint, not a wish list.
Justin Mendiolea is showing how a disciplined, wholeof-business design process can shrink embodied carbon without sacrificing program or performance, and how leadership in steel sustainability is as much about governance and repeatability as it is about innovative details.
Justin Mendiolea
Value-Add Kilcoy
Peterkin Street
BISALLOY STEELS: Strength forged in resilience and innovation
As Australia’s only manufacturer of high-strength and wear-resistant quenched and tempered steel plate, Bisalloy Steels has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s industrial capability. With a proud history of supplying critical sectors from mining and energy to defence and infrastructure, the company continues to demonstrate why it remains one of the country’s most trusted names in specialty steel.
The past financial year has been no exception, proving that Bisalloy’s strength lies not only in its products, but in its ability to adapt, diversify and deliver in the face of shifting market conditions.
Navigating a challenging market
In FY25, Bisalloy’s Australian operations encountered a mixed trading environment. Production and sales of wear and structural steel declined compared to the previous year, driven largely by weaker global iron ore demand and the suspension of BHP’s nickel operations in Western Australia. These headwinds were felt most sharply in Western Australia, where reduced mining activity dampened consumption.
Yet, despite these challenges, Bisalloy delivered another solid performance. The company’s agility in targeting growth segments helped to offset losses. Strong activity in the gold sector buoyed demand, while orders for protection plate grew steadily. Notably, the ramp-up of AUKUS-related deliveries provided a significant boost, underscoring Bisalloy’s growing importance in Australia’s defence supply chain.
Outside Western Australia, sales across the rest of the country remained broadly stable, a reflection of Bisalloy’s diverse customer base and its reputation for consistent quality.
Innovation in the product portfolio
A key feature of the year has been Bisalloy’s ongoing expansion and refinement of its product portfolio. Beyond incremental improvements in chemistry and manufacturing processes, the company has introduced new grades of steel through its joint venture partnerships.
The thermo-mechanically controlled process (TMCP) highstrength steel launched last year is progressing well, with growing adoption primarily in the transport industry. This addition demonstrates how Bisalloy continues to align product development with evolving customer needs, delivering materials that enhance performance and efficiency in demanding environments.
Defence progress: AUKUS and beyond
One of the standout stories of FY25 has been Bisalloy’s role in advancing the AUKUS alliance. The company achieved significant milestones in the steel prequalification process, culminating in the delivery of substantial volumes of specialised material during the second half of the year.
This achievement cements Bisalloy’s reputation as a trusted defence supplier and positions the company at the heart of a multi-decade national security program. The work not only strengthened Bisalloy’s order book but highlights the broader strategic importance of maintaining sovereign manufacturing capability in advanced materials.
Looking ahead: FY26 outlook
As Bisalloy enters FY26, the company does so with momentum and a clear roadmap for growth built around three strategic pillars.
First is expansion in China and Southeast Asia through its established Chinese joint venture—an important play in capturing demand in high-growth economies. Second is
global growth in the armour and protection steel segment, backed by both new business development and process improvements. Third is the commercialisation of OptiWear, a cutting-edge digital sensor technology designed to monitor wear performance in real time, giving customers data-driven insights that extend product life, reduce downtime, and optimise productivity.
While management acknowledges that results in FY26 may be softer without the one-time gains of AUKUS deliveries, Bisalloy remains confident in its ability to deliver steady performance. Continued defence spending, a strong safety culture, and disciplined operational execution provide a solid foundation for the future.
A trusted partner for industry
From mining to construction, defence to energy, and now digital products, Bisalloy’s contribution to Australian industry is both practical and strategic. Its wear-resistant and structural steels underpin productivity in some of the harshest operating conditions, while its armour plate is relied upon to protect lives in military and security applications worldwide.
As FY25 has shown, resilience and innovation remain at the core of Bisalloy’s success. By investing in new products, advancing digital technologies, and playing a central role in defence capability, the company is forging a future every bit as strong as the steel it produces.
UNITED STEEL: Australia’s independent steel partner
In the fast-paced world of construction, infrastructure, and heavy industry, one name has become synonymous with reliability, agility, and service: United Steel. As one of Australia’s largest independent steel distributors and suppliers, United Steel continues to stand apart by doing things differently, focusing not only on the product but also on the people, processes, and partnerships that make projects successful.
A distinctly independent approach
United Steel wears its independence as a badge of honour. the business is built on responsiveness and dedication to customer service. Customers don’t deal with faceless processes; they work directly with real people who are enthusiastic, collaborative, and empowered to make things happen.
“We have a strong customer-centric approach driving our every move; we’re not just transforming our image; we’re improving the way steel distribution is perceived and experienced. We’re unashamedly elevating industry standards. We are providing significant investment and confidence back into the Australian steel industry to keep it strong and resilient for the foreseeable future”, said Andrew Dickson, executive general manager of United Steel.
This ethos reflects United Steel’s core values: responsiveness, dedication, empowerment, integrity, and growth. Far from
being corporate buzzwords, these principles are lived every day across the company’s national footprint. They guide how teams engage with customers, how projects are delivered, and how the United Steel group of businesses continues to expand its capabilities.
Value-added services and solutions
Steel supply is no longer just about product. It’s about solutions. United Steel has positioned itself as a true supply chain partner, offering processing and value-added services that make life easier for customers
Capabilities include long product and plate processing, estimating and programming, and project management support. The company also provides tailored delivery schedules, consignment stock options, custom stockholding, and supply chain forecasting.
This holistic approach gives customers confidence that their projects will run smoothly from specification to delivery, with traceability and certification embedded in the process.
Innovation underpins excellence
According to United Steel’s national marketing manager, Lauren Baxter, “We strive to be the supplier of choice at United Steel; it’s our purpose. We thrive on pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and working hard at making the difficult easy.”
“Our commitment to innovation isn’t limited to steel processing capability or our diverse supply chain; it’s about finding unique solutions for our customers’ most pressing challenges, whether it is anticipating their needs before they even arise, or moving fast to make things happen when unexpected requirements arise. Our goal is to consistently exceed expectations. And that’s what we do best.”
“Innovation means nothing without the foundation of customercentricity. We exist because our customers exist. From inception to execution, customers can count on us for reliability and assurance in every steel delivery.”
“Our entire existence revolves around asking, “Have we met our customer’s needs, and how can we serve our customers better?” Whether it’s surety of supply, tailored solutions, processing services, or sourcing expert technical advice, we’re committed to putting our customers first. After all, championing their success is our success,” said Baxter.
A national network with local knowledge
United Steel’s extensive footprint makes it one of the most accessible distributors in the country. Sites in Adelaide, Perth, Kalgoorlie, two in Sydney, Somerset, Hobart, Launceston, and Melbourne (through GAM Steel) give the company nationwide reach. Each site is staffed by experienced professionals who understand the nuances of local markets, ensuring service is not only efficient but also tailored.
This localised service model allows United Steel to forge strong relationships across industries and regions. Customers know they can rely on United Steel teams to respond quickly, think creatively, and deliver consistently.
People at the core
Behind every delivery truck and processing line is a team of dedicated people who embody United Steel’s values. From the sales desk to the warehouse floor, United Steel invests heavily in its people, recognising that knowledge, expertise, and customer service are what truly differentiate the company in a competitive market.
Staff are empowered to take initiative, to collaborate with customers, and to find solutions—not just fill orders. This personal, people-first approach helps United Steel stand out in an industry where relationships matter just as much as product quality.
Proven capability on major projects
United Steel’s experience extends to some of Australia’s largest and most complex steel projects. By providing end-to-end supply chain solutions (spanning procurement, processing, logistics, and certification) the company has become a trusted partner for contractors and fabricators working on high-profile infrastructure and industrial developments.
Its deep project management expertise ensures customers benefit from reduced risks, streamlined operations, and confidence that steel supply will never be the weak link in their delivery chain.
Looking forward
As the steel industry navigates a future shaped by global supply challenges, infrastructure growth, and the rise of renewable energy, United Steel is well positioned to lead. Its independence allows it to remain agile, adapting quickly to customer needs and market changes. Ongoing investment in stockholdings, processing technologies, and digital
tools ensures the business continues to deliver value well beyond the steel itself.
At the heart of this momentum is United Steel’s unwavering commitment to building long-term relationships. By listening closely to customers, collaborating openly, and delivering consistently, the company has earned its reputation as Australia’s independent steel partner of choice.
United Steel is more than just a distributor. It is a solutions provider, a project partner, and a team of people passionate about steel. Its national network, comprehensive product range, and deep service capabilities give customers the confidence to take on projects of any scale.
For industries that demand strength, consistency, and reliability, United Steel delivers. And as the company continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to make the experience of sourcing steel seamless, satisfying, and built on trust.
