THE
DRILL ISSUE 1, 2018 Diona National Update
Charlie Haire, Executive General Manager
The year that was The years ahead 2017 was a dynamic and exciting year of sustainable growth for It is always good to reflect on our achievements and set some the Diona team, having almost doubled our turnover and team goals for the year ahead. Be mindful these goals can be either numbers. As always, the development, diversity and readiness personal or work-related. Please also take the time in 2018 for of our people are the key focus for the business. thinking, fun and rest. Without a doubt, 2017 was my most memorable year at Diona Diona’s three business goals for FY18/19 are as follows: and we should all reflect on the year that was and celebrate it • Total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR) less than five for the following reasons: (5) – ‘Safety is good business’; • Everyone made it home to their families after a safe day’s • Increase revenue by 20% – key people to invest time in work – and we exceeded all our targets; ‘new clients’ and ‘startups’; and • The Victorian business is successfully delivering gas • Develop and align as a team – get to know each other projects in Melbourne for APA and Multinet; better and clearly communicate our destiny. • We topped the Sydney Water KPI league table and In my new role, I am getting out and about a lot more both delivered $70 million of challenging projects; to Diona sites/offices and meeting more clients. I am enjoying • We allowed our people to develop and grow through meeting new people and getting a better understanding of our training, promotion and succession planning. ‘Recruit your growth challenges. To maintain our success, we cannot rely on replacement (good people, attract good people) and take ‘business as usual’ and instead, have to look at new markets the next step in your career’; and and geographical regions. • We kept our culture of respect, openness, positivity and most importantly, being an enjoyable place to work. I would ask you all to think about the following questions and after you have taken some time to reflect, please contact your manager or myself to ensure we support you with your growth. 1. What was the most rewarding aspect of your job in 2017? How can you do more of this? 2. What value do you provide to your team and the organisation? 3. What is something new and challenging you will commit to in 2018? 2017 was not without its challenges, but as always, the tenacious Diona team overcame these tests. When we struggled to get the right people to ease the pressure on resources, the Diona Downunder campaign was implemented solving this problem. When our safety reporting and lead/lag indicators required improvement, FORMworker saved the day with real-time reporting to track progress. We have also taken a step forward in promoting diversity in the workplace with an improved ratio of women in the business. After a frenetic start to 2017, we have steadied and are on course for an equally successful and enjoyable 2018. I really hope you all enjoyed our challenges and celebrations as much as I did. Very well done 2017.
Cover photo: Cutting head for a Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) rig, taken by Joshua Maltese, Engineer.
2 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 “Everything is created twice, first in the mind and then in reality.” ROBIN S. SHARMA
Todd Barr, Site Supervisor and Sarah Hafez, Senior Community Relations Advisor at the Badgerys Creek site works for TransGrid on the Line39 Project.
I am particularly pleased with the progress of our business in Victoria (25-30 people) and enjoy regular visits. We cannot The Winners always rely on NSW and need to ‘seed’ Victoria and New • Best editorial demonstrating teamwork and Zealand with our capable people in order to develop these collaboration or innovation at Diona ($1,000) areas. This year our key challenge is ‘higher hanging fruit’ we Richard (page 22) will require clear direction in ‘strategy and growth’ to succeed. Willis • Best non-project article ($250) (page 36) As you can see from the graph on the left the future looks Micah Dawson bright for Diona in infrastructure works. • Best written article ($250) Joshua Maltese (pages 7 and 11) • NSW – Works will peak in 2019 and remain steady for the next 5-10 years; • Best photo displaying Diona’s technical ability ($250) • VIC – Works are now starting to ramp up and should peak Philip Stranger (crew pulling cable – page 17) in 2023-24 – mainly rail and road; • Runner-up of Best photo displaying Diona’s technical • QLD – Set to peak after NSW in 2022-23 – again mainly in ability ($150) Enda Gannon (aerial shot of Badgerys rail and roads; Creek – page 12) • SA – Steady with the addition of SA Water to our growing • Best overall photo ($250) Joshua Maltese (front cover) list of clients; and • Runner-up of Best overall photo ($150) • NZ – Infrastructure growth expected to peak in 2020, we Jose Da Silva (Asher Gizotti Silva helping dad at work – page 25) are tendering projects and intend to start this year. I am very excited about the year ahead and the opportunities we have to mature and grow as a business. With everything we We want to hear from you! do, we should aim to perform consistently and be mindful of others and our environment. We are always looking for news, updates, stories and photos to share in our monthly newsletter Drill Bits, Our success is based on listening to our client’s problems and The Drill magazine and our other communication channels. working collaboratively to solve them. We are only limited by our minds and time to think. Send to: [email protected]
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 3 New South Wales Operations Update
Tim Kelly, NSW General Manager
The year that was 2017 was a busy year for the teams in New South Wales. Notable Other notable highlights include: projects for the year included, Powells Creek rehabilitation • Exceeding our yearly revenue target of $117 million by ($12 million), Woolloomooloo Sewer separation ($31 million) $5 million; and Canterbury Town Centre ($6 million) for Sydney Water, Meadowbank stormwater installation ($6 million) for Holdmark, • Three Project Managers have now progressed to Senior University of Sydney Health Precinct improvement works ($3.3 Project Managers; million) for Lendlease and ongoing work on the Westconnex • Sean O’Donovan our Senior Project Engineer at project for CPB. Diona has also performed much of the utility Woolloomooloo won the CCF award for Engineer of the Year; relocation work on the Sydney Light Rail project for Acciona • Two team building days were held at Penrith White-water with works to date of approximately $30 million with ongoing Stadium that saw teams compete and work together to work in 2018. make it over the finish line; With the increased volume of projects, we had to hire • The intern swap programme with Calibre gave our more staff which was a struggle due to the number of large undergrads an opportunity to experience the different infrastructure projects in NSW depleting the industry of facets of engineering that each company offers. This suitably qualified personnel. Tadhg Stack and and Hayley programme will begin again in April 2018; Urriola (Manager –Talent & Acquisition), went to Ireland in • Went from one female engineer in our project delivery team December 2017 and the ‘Diona Downunder’ campaign was a in 2016 to now having nine; and great success with new employees starting in February 2018. • Reaching the top of the league table for Sydney Water KPIs The quality of the candidates has been excellent and we are in November. in the best position we have been in terms of engineering resources for a long time. The year ahead Our new digital platform FORMworker, hosting our various company forms, was launched in May 2017. All of our sites 2018 looks set to be another good one. We have started on the went paperless in October 2017 with users embracing the new relocation of the of the transmission lines at the new Western programme which makes reporting more efficient and cost- Sydney Airport site at Badgerys Creek. This $30 million high- effective. It has also played a part in our site staff achieving profile project has drawn media attention with a Ministerial visit their safety lead indicator targets since October. at the start of the works in January. The Supervisor Quarterly Workshops were a resounding Upcoming projects currently in our sights include, Parramatta success. Based on the ‘Go/No Go’ principle, it encouraged the Light Rail, Liverpool Town Centre for Sydney Water, Eastern thinking ‘if something isn’t right, pause, Take 5 and reassess CBD transmission wok for Ausgrid, Fire main installation in the the situation’. NorthConnex, possible NBN work with Downer and Easing Sydney’s Congestion project with the RMS.
4 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 The NSW team exceeded our 2017 revenue target by $5 million.
NSW General Manager, Tim Kelly and Site Supervisor, Todd Barr at the Badgerys Creek site works for TransGrid on the Line39 Project.
NSW Awards
Paul Lyndon (right), National Safety Manager was recognised for his dedication and support receiving the SafeWork NSW – Leadership in Safety Award.
Sean O’Donovan (left) took home this year’s Engineer of the Year (Projects >$2 million) award at the CCF NSW President’s dinner at Sydney Town Hall on Friday, 10 November 2017. Other Diona Category finalists at this year’s Awards were, Brendan O’Donnell and Barry McGee (Engineer over $2 million), Barry Finn (Engineer under $2 million), Stephen Lyons and Paul Collins (Supervisor over $2 million), Kevin Wall (Site Hand), Gavin O’Reilly and Derek O’Connell (Operator), Emma Fogarty (Women in Civil Contracting), Shelley Smith (Administration Support) and Steve Crockett (Safety).
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 5 Upskilling Australia’s Future Workforce Enda Gannon, Senior Project Manager
In late 2017, Diona partnered with Productivity Force to build precast joint bays for our Ausgrid projects. This project allowed Productivity Force to demonstrate their model of increasing productivity by introducing more Apprentices and Trainees into the industry.
Through their sister company, Productivity Bootcamp, young people are armed with the skills and attitude to be productive employees. The program uses a unique style of training that combines all practical, hands-on training outdoors with psychology techniques and strategies to change and shape the way young people view work. “Productivity Bootcamp provides
real-life work experience to participants The group of young apprentices with Productivity Force founder Paul Breen. giving them a taste of a real day’s work, showcasing the importance of safety and injury prevention, along with inspiring them to start a trade.” PAUL BREEN, FOUNDER OF PRODUCTIVITY BOOTCAMP At the beginning of this project, three trade qualified personnel and two apprentices were engaged, but the repetitive nature of the project provided the perfect opportunity for training the apprentices and quickly increasing their knowledge and skills. By the commencement of the third project, we were operating with a single tradesperson and four apprentices with the same productivity levels. This project gave the apprentices the opportunity to gain experience in formwork, concreting, steel-fixing and welding– skills that will later transfer across when they enter larger projects. Project Manager, Enda Gannon said that supporting young people entering the workforce is something that Diona is proud The completed precast joint bays. to be a part of. “Diona is pleased to be able to provide an environment where young people can gain practical, on-the-job work experience and see a project through to completion, which is very rewarding both for the individual and Diona. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Productivity Force,” he said. Thankful for Diona’s support, Mr Breen stated, “This has been a great project for all involved. We welcome this type of repetitive, entry-level work such as pits, culverts and retaining walls, which offers a perfect environment for training Australia’s future workforce.” Following the success of this partnership on the Ausgrid project, Diona is engaging Productivity Force to build similar joint bays on a TransGrid project. Precast joint bays in progress.
6 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 Powering ‘The Cloud’ Joshua Maltese, Engineer
M4 HDD Underbore pipe pulling works.
The future of file sharing and storage is ‘The Cloud’ – a world of online internet data storage.
To hold this information, the largest data storage centre in the southern hemisphere is in Huntingwood, NSW. Housing billions of data files created on laptops, mobiles and other devices across Australia every day, ‘The Cloud’ will use as much power as the city of Wollongong each year. To accommodate this huge consumption of power, Diona played a key role in delivering twin circuits of 132 kilovolt (kV) feeders connecting the existing overhead network in Eastern Creek, through underground transmission running below the Western Motorway to a newly constructed Endeavour Energy substation, powering the data centre. Pre-cast concrete 132kV joint bay installation. Diona’s role in powering ‘The Cloud’ involved: • Installation of 1.8 kilometres of trenching and 132kV twin circuit conduit installation; • Twin 230 metre Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) bores under the M4 Western Motorway at depths of up to 12 metres – connecting the Eastern Creek and Huntingwood electricity supply; • Installation of pre-cast joint bays and link box pits; • Installation of 6.6 kilometres of 132kV high-voltage cable linking the overhead transmission to the new substation; and • Installation of 2.2 kilometres of fibre optic cable. Successfully delivering a major asset for Wilken Services and Endeavour Energy to power the largest data centre in the southern hemisphere, couldn’t have been put together without the work of Aiden Galvin and his Memba Civil crew, S&R Pace HDD Drilling, Barry McGee and Joshua Maltese – special 132kV high voltage cable pulling works. thanks for all the hard teamwork.
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 7 Desalination pipe repair modifications Hugh Daly, Project Manager
In 2017, Diona was contracted by Sydney Challenges overcome Desalination to repair their 1,800 millimetre The following challenges were faced and overcome on this diameter steel water pipeline in Alexandria. project: During the tender process, additional time 1. One of the scour locations did not have a sewer discharge was spent on developing a cost-effective and point locally and was situated in a heavily trafficked container yard. We investigated a number of private sewer innovative safety approach for the project pump systems which we negotiated with owners to use which was appealing to the client and assisted and also amended hosing types to withstand the heavy in the award of the project. traffic. This provided a cost-effective solution for the client. 2. The pipe repair was located in an area which had A drilling contractor had drilled a 75 millimetre hole through the approximately 10 metres head of water (i.e. water pressure water pipe which was 12 metres underground in water charged outside of the pipe) which made welding difficult. We trialled ground conditions. The scope required the dewatering of 3.5 different plug options and changed the welding process to kilometres of pipeline which had been inactive for several years enable the repair weld to be completed successfully. A valve and exceeded discharge criteria for stormwater. Access to system was also set up to manage the water pressures and the pipeline was via a vertical shaft and the repair crew had to enable external grouting to be completed. transit 200 metres up the pipeline to conduct the repair which 3. An automated water sprayer was set up for the seven-day had to be done from inside the pipe. concrete curing period, as per the specification, which eliminated the need for personnel to perform a confined Innovations space entry each day and this was monitored with the CCTV system. Diona’s innovation included the manufacture of a man box which could be used to lower and lift personnel and equipment down the 850 millimetre diameter access shaft. Additionally, Success leads to ongoing work Diona set up CCTV within the pipe which enabled the spotter The repair was completed successfully which enabled Diona to to keep visual contact with people working within the pipe secure additional work on the pipeline, namely the WestConnex where radio or verbal communication was not possible, M5 motorway project. This next phase of the project requires providing the ability for immediate response should an the relocation of an air valve and scour line on the pipeline incident occur. which is 14 metres deep in sandy water charged ground. The scope includes removing a section of the pipeline and installing a new tee branch. The existing air valve riser and scour branch is to be capped from within the pipe and new scour and air valve lines installed. Work commenced mid-January with the cutting of the 2.5 metre jacking pipe, which combined with grout layer and water main, was 380 millimetres thick. Wall sawing and wire cutting was utilised to cut the section of pipe to enable final excavation works to be completed. Work will continue in February on the project.
8 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 Cutting of pipe section within excavated shaft. Access via man cage and gantry 12 metres underground.
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 9 2.5 metre diameter pipe cut. Putting Safety First on Reticulation Package 29 Jesse Minchio, Project Engineer
Sydney Water engaged Diona to renew 2,400 metres of Always maintain minimum two levels of controls potable water-mains around various Sydney suburbs from the 1. 500 volt (min) electrically insulated gloves – used to protect Blue Mountains to Wollongong. workers from the touch potential/electric shock whilst undertaking works on metallic pipework. Safety initiative – assessing risk of electrocution 2. Bridging conductors – used to effectively transfer any whilst working on metallic watermains potential currents running through the metallic pipework around the work area. The metallic watermains that will be worked on for this project have historically been used as a means for earthing the Note: Plumb Guard is only a monitoring device and will NOT electrical supply system. Therefore, every electrical system save your life. from houses in the vicinity of the metallic pipe could provide a source of electrical energy that could render the metallic pipes Australia Day BBQ live and dangerous. On Thursday, 25 January, Project Engineer Jesse Minchio Diona developed a new ‘Working on Metallic Pipes’ work showed appreciation for the hard work of his subbies with an instruction reducing the risk of electrocution whilst working on Australia Day long-weekend breakfast BBQ. metallic pipes. The project team delivered training on these new The BBQ was followed by toolbox that discussed mateship work instructions to the site crews prior to works taking place. and looking out for one another, site security over the long Key outcomes in the new work instruction: weekend, and school recommencing at the end of January, emphasising the importance of maintaining a safe and well- presented site in the public eye.
10 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 The light at the end of the tunnel Joshua Maltese, Engineer
With only a year to go before completion, Diona has delivered the necessary assets to bring ‘light to the end of the tunnel’ for the twin 5.5 kilometre M4 East WestConnex tunnels.
To power the new WestConnex tunnels, connecting Homebush to Haberfield, an uninterrupted high voltage electrical supply was required. Diona ‘Connex’ power to a new substation on Ismay Ave with twin 33 kilovolt (kV) supply, linking WestConnex with Ausgrid’s supply from the Homebush substation. Practically and conditionally challenging, the project successfully delivered and included: • Approximately 700 metres of trenching and conduit 33kV Cable Pulling – Ausgrid Homebush STS Substation. installation along a major RMS roadway; • Cable pulling 1.4 kilometres of three-core 33kV high voltage cable; • Intricate cable pull works through the existing live substation basements and constructions; • Challenging excavations around numerous high voltage assets, high-pressure gas and sewer mains through major intersections, within restricted time frames and compact substation boundaries; and • Excavation and conduit installation under retaining walls and culverts along-side the newly constructed WestConnex tunnel. Diona’s project team and crews worked particularly well within the strict community and environmental regulations. Challenging Underwood Rd & Pomeroy Street Intersection crossing conduit installation. Detailed planning of works within busy WestConnex tunnelling sites, along with the timely execution of the project was the key to the successful delivery.
Special thanks to the team behind this project; Barry McGee, Joshua Maltese, Brian McGuiness, Declan Foley, Gerry McVeigh, Mark McVeigh, Anthony McVeigh, Mick O’Connell, Brian Tomwey, James Cassidy, and many others.
Intricate cable pulling through substation basement.
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 11 Diona’s team effort and collaboration came to the fore throughout the tender submission process as the individual departments rallied to produce an attractive submission.
12 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 Diona turns the sod on Western Sydney Airport Site Enda Gannon, Senior Project Manager
After years of debate, the Australian • Relocation of Line 39. Government confirmed that Commonwealth • Construction and installation of two 3.7 kilometre-long transmission circuits; 22.2 kilometres of 330kV transmission owned land at Badgerys Creek will be the cable; 11.1 kilometres of DTS fibre and 14.8 kilometres of site for the new Western Sydney Airport with microduct. This is located primarily along the perimeter of construction works expected to commence the airport site and still on the Commonwealth owned land. from late 2018 on the large 1,800 hectare site. • Dewatering and demolition of two water dams. • Construction of four causeways across water-filled dams. • Construction of 7.5 kilometres of access tracks and roads. Line 39 Diversion project The TransGrid-owned 330 kilovolt (kV) high voltage transmission Challenges that lie ahead line between Sydney West and Bannaby (known as Line 39) currently crosses the airport site on overhead structures at This type of work is Diona’s ‘bread and butter’ having the location of the first runway. To enable construction of the completed several similar scale projects. However, as with any airport, it was necessary to relocate a 3.2 kilometre section of project, there are always challenges to be overcome, some of the transmission line re-routing it outside the perimeter fence of these include: the airport and installing the cable underground. • Trenching through water dams – the largest of which contain an estimated 56,000,000 litres of water. Once An all-around team effort dewatered, it is a case of dealing with the unknown as to how much unsuitable material will be found on the Tendering for this major relocation project commenced mid- bed of the dam. With the first dam demolition on site, we 2017 and it was all hands to the pump at Diona headquarters had to excavate to a depth approximately five metres to in Rouse Hill. Once again, Diona’s team effort and collaboration find suitable ground which was a surprise to all involved. came to the fore throughout the tender submission process, Thankfully, we quickly identified a solution that the client as the individual departments rallied to produce an attractive was satisfied with. submission. • Community and stakeholder relationship management – the Long-term client TransGrid, made it known from the get-go that new airport has received mixed reactions and the project a Joint Venture offer was their preference. With this in mind, we has gained increased attention from opposition groups, teamed up with our trusted Japanese JV partners Sumitomo local residents and the media. There will be emphasis on and together we produced a successful winning bid. ensuring our works are completed with minimal impact to I would like to thank the tender, design, contract administration the community and we are working closely with TransGrid to and bid management teams as a lot of behind the scenes work ensure any issues are dealt with promptly, if/when they arise. went into this bid which sometimes goes un-noticed after the • Supply of Thermally Stabilised Bedding (TSB) – hard contract has been signed. to imagine, but given the current demand for concrete in Sydney and the large quantities we require (at peak Diona’s scope of works trenching periods approximately 400 cubic metres of TSB per day), this is a significant risk for the project. Some Diona is carrying out design and construction works for this suppliers have refused to quote stating they simply couldn’t project which includes: keep up with the demand. • Construction of two new transition sites, one at either end of As always, no matter the challenge, Diona will continue to use the trenching works, where the overhead transmission line our tenacious culture to find a solution. meets the new underground cable. Two new transition towers The next phase of construction works are set to begin late this and switching stations will be built on the transition sites. year with the airport expected to open in 2026.
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 13 Sandstone blocks, boulders and king tides Sarah Hafez, Senior Community Relations Advisor and David Michael, Project Manager
Powells Creek Naturalisation project is the commitment to going above and beyond by working extended hours, sometimes into the night where required, to ensure we second of its kind for Sydney Water and meet the client’s expectations and remain on schedule. Diona have been engaged to undertake detailed design and construction works to Working with the community deliver the transformed waterway for the With the project situated in the close vicinity of residential community to enjoy. housing, Diona is working very closely with the community to ensure they are kept informed and up to date as the works Located in Sydney’s inner west, this project will transform progress. approximately 750 metres of Powells Creek from Saleyard Cycling as a sport or social activity is growing and shared Creek (Northern end), to Pomeroy Street, North Strathfield walking and cycling paths are now the most common form of (Southern end). Works include: off-road cycling facilities in Australia. • Removal of the existing concrete-lined banks and replacing For Diona to access the concrete banks, a number of shared with sandstone boulders; paths needed to be closed. However, to allow the community • Significant natural landscaping works including planting to still have access to Victoria Avenue, Bicentennial Park and of indigenous riparian groundcover and over 40,000 new Concord West, a detour was built and some sections widened. plants; “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders including • Minor earthworks to modify banks and reduce bank slope; and Sydney Water, Transport NSW, the RMS, local councils and • Construction of new pedestrian walkways/cycleways, Bicycle NSW, we have minimised the impact of our works by timber boardwalks and public seating and viewing areas. offering alternative routes so the community could continue By the end of 2017, Diona had: utilising the pathways during the project,” said Sarah Hafez, Senior Community Relations Advisor • Placed 6,482 tonnes of sandstone boulders as replacement creek walls; As part of this project, Diona will build over 150 metres of timber boardwalk, 570 metres of asphalt pathways and 500 metres of • Laid 200 tonnes of soil ready for 10,000 native plants; concrete shared paths. • Recycled 1,400 tonnes of concrete for reuse on site; and • Started work on the new shared paths and boardwalks. On track for on-time delivery Riding the tides After a productive 2017, Diona kicked off the new year with continued work on replacing the old concrete banks with new Powells Creek flows from Strathfield before emptying into sandstone blocks and boulders. Homebush Bay on the Parramatta River and is part of the city’s Project Manager, David Michael said, “We have another busy stormwater network. year ahead, but thanks to the hard-work of this team, we are Being a tidal creek has meant that planned works have often on track to deliver the revitalised Powells Creek on behalf of been deferred. However, our crews have demonstrated their Sydney Water by mid-2018.”
14 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 Our meticulous work replacing the old concrete banks with sandstone blocks Timber boardwalks for the community to enjoy the Mason Park wetlands. looks great when finished.
Working alongside the Powells Creek tennis courts THE DRILLand are committed– ISSUE 1,to ensuring2018 15we impact the community as little as possible. Ministerial visits at Diona worksites Enda Gannon, Senior Project Manger and Sarah Hafez, Senior Community Relations Advisor
Due to their locations and the nature of the projects Diona is involved in, we often host high- profile government and client representatives on our sites. Such was the case recently, with two of our sites visited by Ministers in January.
Badgerys Creek In late January, the Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities, The Honourable Paul Fletcher MP visited Diona’s Badgerys Creek site to hold a press conference announcing the commencement of construction for the new Western Sydney Airport. The Honourable Paul Fletcher MP addresses the media at a recent press Also present at the press conference were Michael Gatt, conference. Executive General Manager of Works Delivery for TransGrid and Paul O’Sullivan, Chairman of Western Sydney Airport (WSA Co) and Graham Millett, Executive General Manager of Airport Infrastructure at WSA Co. The media were also in plentiful supply as Sky news, 7 news, 9 news and 10 news all attended the Diona site on the day to get the latest update on the Western Sydney Airport development. “It was a great demonstration of Diona’s professional approach and teamwork to assist TransGrid and the Customer.”
Diona received very encouraging feedback for the manner in Enda Gannon, Senior Project Manager; The Hon. Paul Fletcher MP and Tim which the event was run as it was a significant milestone for Kelly, NSW General Manager. the project. In particular, TransGrid Project Manager, Ross Alston thanked the Diona team for their support stating, “It was a great demonstration of Diona’s professional approach and teamwork to assist TransGrid and the Customer. Please pass on my thanks to the site team.”
Powells Creek This project has attracted considerable community and government interest, and Diona has hosted various high-profile visitors such as Sydney Water Managing Director, Kevin Young and Canada Bay Council staff. On his second visit to Powells Creek, the Minister for Resources, Minister for Energy and Utilities The Honourable Don Harwin The Minister outside our site compound after visiting our work at Powells Creek. LtoR: Sarah Hafez (Community Relations), Barry Crossey (Snr Project MLC attended the site on Tuesday, 30 January as part of his Manager), The Hon. Don Harwin (Minister for Energy and Utilities), David tour of projects in the region. Michael (Project Manager), Jarrod Smith (Site Supervisor).
16 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 Another successful shutdown on Epping to Chatswood rail line Philip Stranger, Project Engineer
Diona recently completed another successful shutdown in the Epping to Chatswood Rail Line (ECRL) tunnel.
With a very short window of 40 hours, an incredible effort was put in by 80 of Diona’s finest to install almost 5,000 metres of cable, an OLX cable support structure and over 2,000 metres of cleats and straps, along with approximately 200 metres of cable tray replaced. Awarded to Diona back in 2016 by Northwest Rapid Transit (NRT), this project is part of Sydney Metro Northwest, (the first stage of Sydney Metro) Australia’s largest public transport project and a priority infrastructure investment for the NSW Government. Due to open in 2019, the Sydney Metro Northwest will connect Rouse Hill to Chatswood via high-speed rail. The works delivered by Diona are integral to converting the existing 13 kilometres of railway line between Epping and Chatswood to metro status. To date, we have installed more than 47 kilometres of cable in the ECRL tunnel, with only 5 kilometres remaining.
Challenges overcome As is the case with any large-scale shutdown, the key to Crew pulling cable. success is planning. With 80 workers and two large convoys of hi-rail plant from Diona alone, every move made inside the tunnel needed to be carefully considered, with any potential knock-on effects fully assessed. Utilising the innovative techniques and equipment developed by Diona, the crews completed four difficult OLX cable pulls along with three straight runs. These OLX cable pulls – which involve pulling cable up along the walls and across the ceiling of the tunnel – are necessary for transferring the cable across the tunnel crossovers. Under harsh conditions and with a tight schedule, Diona’s highly skilled cable pulling crews led by Stephen Lyons, Bryan Forde, Pat Keating and Bobby O’Reilly took on the challenge and delivered in both a timely and safe manner. This shutdown was a perfect example of the ‘true grit’ possessed by Diona’s staff and subcontractors. With the next ECRL possession at the end of February and another in March, the project team will have a busy few weeks Crew lifting OLX cable into top tray. ahead. Completion of the ECRL project is expected later this year.
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 17 Innovative design solutions for Emerald Hills pump station Matt Lyon, Delivery Manager
The Emerald Hills pump station is new piece of critical infrastructure being constructed to meet the water supply needs for the South West of Sydney.
The pump station was initially earmarked to follow designs that have been used previously on several pump stations throughout Sydney. Following a review of the design, Diona saw numerous areas for improvement and with the assistance of the Sydney Water project team, new design initiatives have been put in place that will see the Emerald Hills Pump Station the first of its type in Sydney.
One of the key design initiatives used on the pump station Joe Tomlinson, Excavator Operator and John Hennigan, Pipelayer standing in includes the use of precast sandwich panels in lieu of the front of the Emerald Hills Pump station building. standard double brick. The use of these precast sandwich panels not only expedites the construction process by upwards of six weeks, but it also utilises passive thermal properties to keep the building cool in summer and warm in winter. In fact, it performs so well that air-conditioning is no longer required. In addition to this, the building will be utilising a paint on epoxy based stain that eliminates the need for repainting in the future. This will be the first time Sydney Water has used a paint system of this nature. Another of the initiatives is in substituting large cumbersome fire rated vehicle access doors with fire rated roller doors. This eliminates the health and safety issues related to opening large heavy hinged doors weighing more than 250 kilograms in windy conditions. This will be the first time fire rated roller doors have been used on a Sydney Water pump station.
130 tonne crane lifting the precast sandwich panels into place.
18 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 Supporting the Rescue Training efforts of NSW Emergency Services Ciaran McAleer, HSEQ Advisor
For more than four years, Diona has supported NSW Emergency Services with rescue training involving deep excavations, trenches and confined spaces.
Recently, the Diona Refresh Woolloomooloo project invited NSW Fire and Rescue Services at the Darlinghurst fire station to undertake rescue training on our site. “Fire and Rescue NSW provide a valuable service to our community every day and are on hand to help should an emergency arise. Diona conducts high-risk work in deep excavations and confined spaces on most of our sites. So, it stands to reason that the more training our emergency service personnel can have in real-life situations the better placed Safety first, Diona HSEQ Advisor, Ciaran McAleer delivers a site pre-start they will be to help companies such as ours in the event of an briefing to Darlinghurst Firefighters. emergency on site,” said Diona HSEQ Advisor, Ciaran McAleer. Making use of a 10.5 metre deep bore receival shaft, the Fire and Rescue team enacted the scenario of rescuing a worker (using a test dummy) that had collapsed at the bottom of the excavation. Two different rescue methodologies were devised and tested. First, they attempted the rescue using the existing equipment on the site – a davit arm and harness set up. After some training on the safe use of a davit arm, the rescue went smoothly. Although it was a quick retrieval of the test dummy from the shaft, the firefighters noted that if there was no immediate danger to the injured person, this would not be their preferred method of rescue as there was no back up in case the davit arm failed halfway up. The second attempt involved the use of a combination of on site equipment and their own excavator, fire engine, ropes, Darlinghurst Firefighters discussing undertaking rescue training. pulleys and stretcher. The firefighters hooked up two rescue lines to a pulley system that was attached to the excavator above the shaft. Once the test dummy was securely placed into the rescue stretcher, it was lifted out using manpower (with the help of Diona personnel). On completion of the rescue drills, the firefighters held a de- briefing session to identify and discuss what did and didn’t go to plan – a very important aspect of any rescue drill. All in attendance from Fire and Rescue NSW were thankful to Diona for the unique and valuable opportunity to conduct this training. “The Diona project team at Woolloomooloo were pleased to assist the fire service with rescue training and helping to familiarise themselves with the set-up, conditions and equipment surrounding a deep-excavation environment. We hope never to need their services on a Diona site,” said Tommy Kelly, Project Manager for Diona. Darlinghurst Firefighters discussing undertaking rescue training.
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 19 Queensland Operations Update
John Paul O’Connor, QLD Construction Manager
2017 in a nutshell The year ahead Last year was a very busy period for Diona in Queensland, with 2018 looks busier again as we continue to grow and diversify a steady increase in work load from existing and new clients into new areas of business. across the board. Opportunities are growing in the water and sewer market, We have gone from strength-to-strength in our delivery of with our current contract with QUU renewed into 2019 and water, sewer, gas and electrical infrastructure in South East numerous opportunities available with SEQ Water, Unity QLD and Northern NSW. Water and City of Gold Coast. Some of our key highlights for the year have included: Similarly, our relationship with APA continues to grow with many new projects on the tender board, and an increase in • Major microtunnel works for Logan Water Infrastructure Alliance; available works through our new mains and services contract. • Diversification into NBN works for Lend Lease; This month we have diversified into mains to metre work for • Major sewer and water works for Port of Brisbane; APA, which will see us establish up to five crews completing • Increased capacity to deliver Burst Main Renewals for new metre installations and mains extensions. Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU); The electrical market is still idle in QLD, but should start to • Pipeline rehabilitation works on the Roma to Brisbane pick up again with the recent renewal of our panel contract Pipeline for APA Group (APA); with Energex, and hopefully the resumption of backlogged • Major water main renewals in Brisbane CBD for QUU; projects. • Installation of 24 kilometres of Gas Pipelines in Flagstone In other areas of business, we are actively tendering works for APA; with Tier One clients such as CPB, Seymour White and Fulton • Pump Station construction for Ballina Shire Council; Hogan, and are also focusing on numerous local council departments such as Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast. • Major gas relocation works on Kingsford Smith Drive for APA; • Design and Construction of Flow Metre Pits for City of Gold The future is bright and our team is the strongest it has Coast; and ever been. We are looking forward to a strong finish to this financial year (2017/18). • Major water and sewer works for CPB on the Logan Motorway Upgrade.
Queensland crew, cutting asbestos mains utilising a specialised cutting machine for critical watermain works to City of Gold Coast.
The future is bright and the Queensland team is the strongest it has ever been.
20 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 She’s Pumping! Another pump station for a happy client Charles Esterhuysen, Project Engineer
Diona was engaged in June 2016 to provide the procurement, construction and commissioning services for Ballina Shire’s new pump station in Lennox Head (northern NSW) including:
• Relocation and removal of approximately 30 metres of DN225 AC water main; • Construction of new DN1500 and DN1200 manholes, both approximately 4 metres deep; • Management of all sewage bypass pumping; • Design, procurement, installation and commissioning of a new switchboard; Moments before switching on the new station. • Commissioning of pumps, switchboard and electrical components, and completion of all cut-overs; and • Decommissioning and demolition of the existing station. As the Main Work Contractor, Diona engaged three • Subcontractor Management – numerous subcontractors, subcontractors for the works, with Diona crews completing often working together on site, at the same time; most of the remainder. The major subcontractors were: • Community – with the site being next door to a service station, generally sharing the use of a driveway and on a 1. Hallco Engineering for the wet-well component; main road in full view of curious locals; and 2. Maralex Electrical for the switchboard and commissioning; • Environmental – strict environmental requirements, as the and site was adjacent to a significant state protected wetland. 3. ENV Solutions for the dewatering and water treatment gear. After significant delays by the local energy provider to relocate Delivery and benefits to client, community services, Diona mobilised in May 2017 with a five-and-a-half- and Diona month construction period. On 15 December, after a number of Council instructed variations and EOTs, the new station was turned on, and the Risks and challenges old station turned off, approximately 60 days before contract The project had significant known risks and was regarded as practical completion (PC) date. complex upon award. Some of the challenges faced on the job, Ballina Shire Council often stated that the old pump station over and above normal construction activities included: was ‘on its last legs’, and had completely ceased any routine • Limited space – measuring roughly 1,500m² this was a very maintenance. The old pump station was also receiving most tight workspace so proactive management of stockpiles, of Lennox Heads’ sewage and was considered at capacity. work-fronts, laydowns and deliveries was imperative; The new pump station will allow for approximately twice the • Soil conditions – including four metres of organic, highly current flow. clayey sand, over the top of indurated sand (coffee rock) all The project recorded no lost item injuries and will also make a deep excavations encountered flowing sand. Acid Sulphate return well above the tendered margin, primarily driven by the soils were found at all depths and required treatment before early completion date. moving from the site; Special thanks to Charles Ochse (Oosh) Esterhuysen for being • Water – water table at approximately 1.5 metres below the man on the ground and Paudie Whelan and crew for their ground level (with contract conditions stipulating all endless optimism in the face of challenges delivering in some dewatering is entirely at the Contractors’ risk); very trying circumstances.
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 21 Moving from contractor to partner with QUU Richard Willis, Senior Project Manager
In September 2016, Diona was awarded a Working together batch of reticulation water main upgrades in On Tuesday, 18 July, a water main burst on the corner of Albert Queensland on behalf of Queensland Urban and Elizabeth Streets in Brisbane’s CBD disrupting traffic, Utilities (QUU). The procurement strategy pedestrians and businesses during the morning rush hour. focused on rewarding good performance It turned out that the burst was in a section of the Albert street works which the Diona team were scheduled to complete with more work, measured by key the following week. Seizing the opportunity this presented to performance indicators (KPIs) based around minimise disruption, Diona and QUU service crews set about creativity, customers and community, value, completing both the repair and replacement works on the accountability, participation and safety. main at the same time – all within an extremely tight three- hour window. This ‘two-birds-with-one-stone’ effort meant that critical commercial customers, including the Myer Centre, only Since the award, Diona has committed to maturing our experienced one water outage, rather than two outages in as partnership with QUU by providing a service which is in line with many weeks. their key values. Although on paper, this works appears simple, it is constantly challenging, and we owe our high-performance QUU Commercial Relationship Manager, Bronwyn Batch was of late to the hard work of our people, both management and on site and witnessed the crews in action. “I witnessed first- crews on the ground. hand the professional dynamic of the Diona and QUU crews working together,” she said. Key achievements in 2017: “The result of this work is an enormous credit to Diona’s crews. • Successfully awarded five batches based on KPI scores; They were professional, extremely proficient and pivotal in • Grown the Diona QUU team and tailored to the client’s needs; getting our commercial customers’ water restored within the • Successfully awarded 21 kilometres of mains replacement specified timeframe. Well done and thank you,” said Bronwyn. ranging from DN100 – DN300; This was a great example of Diona’s innovative thinking and • 90 streets replaced of which nine were in Brisbane’s CBD; and ability to use an unfortunate situation to the advantage of both • Moved from ‘contractor’ to ‘partner’ with our biggest client Diona, QUU and most importantly, the community. in QLD. The Burst Main Replacement (BMR) has become the backbone Consistently exceeding expectations of the Diona QLD operations and a major contributor to our The KPI system has been a useful tool to track performance and recent growth. it is rewarding to see the entire team growing and exceeding expectations. Brisbane CBD batch Special mention must go to the design team for delivering clever Since the last edition of The Drill, Diona successfully completed and constructible designs; Curtis Hur, Chris McDonald and our biggest challenge in this space to date. The CBD Batch Brian Judge for their outstanding organisation and commitment (contract C785) focused on upgrading the water services in to ensuring the crews work safely; Caitriona Ledgewood and the heart of Brisbane’s CBD and was one of QUU’s most high- Leona McGowan for managing the community; and our subbie profile projects. Some of the challenges faced included: crews (K&J, Henno and Fallon) for delivering works to the Diona standard. • Community and stakeholder management; • Pedestrian and traffic management; The next few years offer many opportunities for growth with QUU and for providing similar services to other utilities owners • Working near numerous critical services; and such as Unity Water and SEQ Water. Watch this space … • Managing temporary water supply to various QUU critical customers.
22 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 QUU KPI Scores 2017
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0% JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Creativity Participation
Customers and community Safety
Deliver value Target
Accountability High performance target
Successful pipe bursting in Albert Street Brisbane CBD.
Works on Charlotte Street, profiler to THE DRILL remove– ISSUE deep 1, lift2018 asphalt 23 followed by trenching crew. Diona in Photos
“The gift-wrapped George Street was the most photographed streetscape in Sydney last Christmas. The atmosphere was incredible and the ability to walk down George Street prior to Sydney Light Rail (SLR) project for Fee Zone 6/7 felt like an ephemeral moment. The streetscape showcased Diona’s work on Acciona Fee Zone 6 – so proud to be a member of the team,” says Lynne Clancy, Contracts Administrator.
Crew installing24 fire THE hydrant DRILL at Second – ISSUE Release 1, 2018 Precincts Water Infrastructure project for Diona hosts Canada Bay Council members at the Powells Creek project site in Sydney Water. Photo: Michael Camilleri, Engineer. November 2017. Tim Kelly flying his Piper Archer II PA-28 with his wife and son and the view below of Sydney Harbour.
Asher Gizotti Silva (1 year old) helping dad Jose Da Silva at work. Photo: Jose Da Silva.
Pouring road pavement utilising concrete boom pump at Oran Park Sewage Pumping Station for Sydney Water. Photo: Ibrahim eid, Project Engineer.
Jointbays being installed at Canterbury Sub-transmission-substation to Summer Hill ZS for Transgrid.
Sydney Water SMT join Diona team members at Wooloomaloo site.
Joshua Maltese presented with a cheque for winning the Project Summary submission prize for the new Diona website with his submission for Stockland – Marsden Park Installation of main water pipe at the LoganTHE EnhancementDRILL – ISSUE Project 1, (LEP) 2018 for CPB.25 Photo: Sewer Projects. Dermot Hogan. Snake Awareness Training Tracey McEvoy, HSEQ Co-ordinator
It’s that time of year again when our slithery friends come out to bake in the hot summer sun, but unfortunately for our workers out on the ground, it’s not such a welcoming sight.
Fear of the unknown and a lack of knowledge can leave workers feeling uncomfortable when one of these reptiles appears on our sites. On one of our sites in Walloon, west of Ipswich, we had various reports of snake sightings and it prompted us give our workers some additional awareness and education training about snakes and their habits. With that, the QLD HSEQ department engaged Martin from Geckoes Wildlife whom we had used in the past with rave reviews. L-R: Red-bellied black, Spotted black snake, Death adder, Taipan – all venomous. Geckoes Wildlife has been operational for over 15 years with approximately 50 reptiles and six presenters for educational and awareness training. First aid demonstrations were conducted and all scenarios explained and discussed. Then each employee was given Martin started the training by showing some of the species pocket-sized booklets with detailed information about each local to the area, which immediately grabbed everyone’s snake species and first aid responses. We also explored some attention. We all waited in anticipation, myself included, to see mobile phone applications. In particular, the group found the what Martin had locked in a large brown box. It was none other free mobile app Australian Bites & Stings (also covering spiders than Martin’s ‘pet’ 13-year-old carpet python (non-venomous) and aquatic animals) very useful as it provides extensive details, which took a liking to the boys ... but something tells me I don’t images and diagrams about venomous snakes, their locations, think the feeling was mutual! signs and symptoms of snake bites and first aid applications. Martin’s detailed knowledge of each species and their When asked at the start of the training who knew what to do behaviours gave the workers a great insight and understanding if someone was bitten, two people raised their hands, but by of what to do and how to react if faced with one either at work the end of the training, everyone said they felt more confident or home, including the importance of taking into account their that they would be able to handle a situation and apply first aid. surroundings, fellow workers, children, pets and so on. There They also realised how important it is to have a basic first aid were plenty of questions asked which he was very capable of kit/snake kit at work AND at home or in their vehicle. answering and ensured each question was closed out in full before moving onto the next one. Any training which receives such a positive reaction is priceless!
26 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 As the saying goes “DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME”.
QLD Awards
Energex presented the Diona QLD Team with a Safety Award for achieving one year without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) and also recognised the QLD Team for achieving seven years without an LTI since the introduction of their Contractor Safety Recognition Scheme.
John Paul O’Connor, QLD Construction Manager accepts award from Pat McAuliffe, Contract Delivery Manager for Energex QLD.
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 27 In 2017, Diona introduced the ‘HandSafe’ initiative to raise awareness and get everyone to focus on looking after their hands.
28 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 HandSafe 2017 Cindy James, National HSEQ Manager Before you put your hand out to take that risk remember to PINCH yourself:
Prepare and Plan your task • Stop and think – what could happen, could something move, slip or loosen placing your hands in danger? • Visualisation – visualise the task and mentally prepare before beginning. • Before beginning a task: ~~ Eliminate – remove jewellery, be aware of loose clothing; ~~ Substitute – power tools instead of hand tools and In 2017, we recorded no less than 15 hand use appropriate tools, not fingers as levers; injuries accounting for almost 50% of our total ~~ Engineering – use ergonomic hand tools, isolate, and where possible mechanise the task; and injuries for the year. That means we managed ~~ Housekeeping – tidy work area, slips/trips and falls to lacerate, burn, strain or sprain, cut, pinch, can cause hand injuries. squash or graze the hands or fingers of 15 of our team members – frankly, not acceptable! Implement / Include the correct tools and equipment for the job So, in October 2017, we introduced the ‘HandSafe’ program • Use the correct tools and equipment. to raise awareness and get everyone to focus on looking • after their hands. A Toolbox Talk awareness package and a Use an appropriate glove ensuring they are the new task observation tool was developed and successfully correct size. But always remember, PPE is the last line rolled out across Diona. In addition, our sister company, G&S of defence, CONTORL the hazard first. Engineering, has also rolled-out a similar program to their sites. Note where your hands are Handsafe Program • When you cannot see your hands, you are less co- ordinated and more likely to suffer an injury to your Our hands are complex tools, and one of the key messages hands. There will be tasks where you can’t see your of the program was ‘the greater the complexity of the hands (e.g. mechanical fitters) so you need to take all instrument, the greater the degree of difficulty in putting other precautions. all the pieces back in the right place to restore 100% functionality again.’ By reminding everyone that our hands are irreplaceable tools, it was apparent to all that the number Communication of work-related hand injuries were both unacceptable and • Let your workmates know what you are working on. imminently avoidable. • Assess for pinch points and talk about these before Through the training, our groups were given an overview of you start. Hand Anatomy 101 followed by visually impacting images of • Use co-ordinated team lifts – e.g. “On 3 we lift”. the results of dislocation, deformity, lacerations, crush injury, Designate who is putting what down first. degloving and cumulative injury. • Ask, are everyone’s hands clear and out of the way? They were then asked to consider the broader impact a hand injury would have on their own lives by answering various questions. ave a break What daily tasks would they have difficulty doing? How would H it impact their enjoyment of life? Could they dress themselves? • Minimise the potential for frustration and fatigue Brush their teeth? Mow the lawn? Go fishing? Play with their by stopping to Take 5, re-assess the situation and children? Seemingly simple tasks made significantly more difficult, consider your options. if not impossible with a hand injury. • Pacing and stretching can help minimise the potential for repetitive strain. We all need to value our hands, and not under estimate their importance. Let’s all continue to be hand aware and stay • Flexion, extension and making fists with your hands is HandSafe throughout 2018. also a good way to give your hand some ‘time-out’.
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 29 ‘Leading’ the way in Safety Cindy James, National HSEQ Manager
In the Health and Safety space, what generally Whilst it is unlikely these traditional safety metrics will ever disappear, more progressive and maturing organisations – like happens when you focus on ‘Lead’ indicators, us – are placing greater emphasis on Lead Indicators and on is that the ‘Lag’ indicators often take care of ‘Doing Safety Differently’. themselves. In other words, when you shine some light on what you are doing about your Achieving our targets Lead Indicators, you start to see gradual and One of the HSEQ Milestones in our StrategyMap 2017-2022 often sustained improvement in your Lag challenges us to achieve 100% compliance for Lead Indicators over a rolling six month period, before the end of FY 17/18 (June Indicators with fewer at-risk behaviours or 2018). It also includes a short-term target to achieve 100% bad choices made, the overall safety culture compliance for Lead Indicators over three consecutive months, improves. by December 2017. Well, we did it! What are Lead and Lag Indicators? We achieved 100% compliance during October, November and December 2017. We are also well on our way to achieving the Lead Indicators are the procedures we put in place and tools six month target, kicking 2018 off to a great start by exceeding we use to help eliminate or reduce the potential for incidents all five Lead Indicator targets in January. Well done everyone, it to occur. Common Lead Indicators we measure every month really is a team effort. include: There is an old saying, ‘what gets measured, gets done,’ and • Workplace Inspections; so it is with Lead Indicators! • Task Observations; The challenge is now to achieve and exceed our Lead Indicator • ToolBox Talks on topical and trending issues; targets, every month. • Take 5s, which encourage us to stop and consider the impact of changes in the work environment; and
• Senior Management Team site visits, which in addition Lead Indicator Reporting to providing a ‘fresh set of eyes on the job’, also sends a October 2017 / November 2017 / December 2017 / January 2018 positive message to our crews that getting the job done safely is our priority at Diona. 200 180 Other Lead Indicators you may not know about are the number 160 of inductions and re-inductions completed, participants at 140 training programs, refresher programs undertaken and internal and external audits completed including any actions arising 120 from these. 100 80
Lag indicators are the more traditional safety metrics that 60 measure incidents and injuries after they have happened. You 40 may be familiar with First Aid, Restricted Work, Medical and Lost 20
Time Injuries, Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rates (TRIFR), 0 Workplace Task Toolbox Take 5 Senior Severity Rates (SR), Injury Frequency Rates (IFR), Workers Comp Inspection Management Observations Talks costs, Days Lost etc – these are all Lag Indicators. Reports Team Visits
30 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 John Hennigan, Pipelayer at the Emerald Hills Pump Station project.
100% compliance on Safety Lead Indicator targets four months in a row!
Take 5s – when do you do yours? Cindy James, National HSEQ Manager
Take 5s are one of the Lead Indicators we Some crews also discuss a selection If you have questions about Take 5s talk track each month at Diona. of Take 5s at the next day’s Pre- to your Supervisor or local HSEQ Advisor. Start Meeting. This is a great way to What is Take 5? communicate observations and keep Take 5’s are a Hazard Identification and everyone abreast of changes to worksite Risk Assessment tool widely used in the conditions. construction industry. How do I complete a Take 5? You will see them mentioned in both At Diona, Take 5s can be recorded the Diona company induction, your site/ electronically into FORMworker using project specific inductions, and you are a laptop or mobile device, or in limited likely to see Take 5 posters at our sites as circumstances where internet is unavailable, a reminder. they can be completed and submitted in When should I complete a Take 5? paper form using our Take 5 booklets. Take 5s can be completed at any time When do you do your Take 5s? during your shift, but it is a good idea to STOP and Take 5: Have you done your Take 5 today? 1. Before starting a new task; Why don’t you do one now? 2. When working conditions change; and We need everyone to STOP, Take 5, be in 3. If you feel unsure about whether it is the moment and be aware of their work safe to continue a task or not. surroundings, hazards and any changed conditions!
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 31 Restart & Refocus 2018 Cindy James, National HSEQ Manager
“It was great to get team members from a couple of crews together early in the new year so we could refresh and review some of the key With the start of another year, there was no safety messages and better way to get everyone back on the same page and focussed on the year ahead, than Life Saver Rules.” to complete the annual Diona re-induction, ‘Restart & Refocus’.
During January and into early February, all employees and “There was open engagement with all employees and contractors participated in the two-part re-induction program. subcontractors,” said Paul Stewart, Senior HSEQ Advisor. Part 1, was the new online induction, rolled out to all employees At Rouse Hill, NSW, office and engineering team members also and contractors via an email link. Part 2, was Re-Induction had a chance to complete Part 2 as a group. 2018 ‘Restart & Refocus’, in the form of a ToolBox Talk that was delivered by Project Managers and Project Engineers (with “The Rouse Hill office stopped work to participate. It was great the support of the HSEQ team) in January. The topics included to be involved and learn more about what the common issues revision of requirements about contractor management, Life are on site and what to look out for when we have an opportunity Saver Rules, environmental commitments, non-conformance to visit site. I also thought it was great that the office staff were reports (NCRs) and Quality. given a ‘Setting up your Workstation’ checklist, which has been a good reminder,” said Shelley Smith, Procurement Lead. In South Australia, corporate staff and operations came together as one group for a ‘Big Breakfast’ with sections of In Victoria, members of our newest team got together for a the Part 2 program delivered by different Project Managers, re-induction breakfast at the Fulham Road, Alphington office Engineers and Supervisors. The inclusive approach proved to and depot. be very engaging for the whole team. Project Manager, Micah Dawson said, “It was great to get team Eleni Zachopoulos, SA Business Administrator said, “The re- members from a couple of crews together early in the new induction was very successful with all staff and contractors year so we could refresh and review some of the key safety attending. Everyone was engaged and really took on board the messages and Life Saver Rules. We are looking forward to a key messages. By the end of the presentation, everyone left big year in Victoria!” keen to ‘Restart and Refocus’ for 2018.” The re-induction 2018 has been a great success. Despite a few In Queensland, the HSEQ Team assisted the Project Managers ‘teething’ issues with the online induction early on, completion and Engineers to deliver the re-inductions throughout January rates and participation in Part 2 have been excellent, and ensuring a consistent message was conveyed across the overall feedback very positive. Queensland operations. Let’s make 2018 a year to remember for all the right reasons!
32 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 Putting the spotlight on SAFETY!
R C O N F I N E D S P A C E
A E N V I R O N M E N T S D
T A F S A F E D R I V I N G
B A W O R K P E R M I T S E
T O K D C O N T R A C T O R
I O O E R U T L U C O W N A
G W L T 5 E S L D O R E G T
L I F E S A V E R R U L E R
A E I P A Y T A O P O L X I
S N A C P R S D O V E B C F
S N R D A E N T E O H E A R
E S I T E T S S E A P I V A
S H S E Q R G G A M I N A W
N E K ! D R A Z A H S G T I
R M O B I L E P L A N T E R
Refocus Restart Life Saver Rule Leader Wellbeing Contractor
Mobile Plant Work Permits Environments Hear Safe Driving Confined Space
Excavate Gloves Glasses Systems Edge Risk
Hazard Lag Lead Boots Site Culture
TRIFR WIR RAT COR EAP PPE (Personal (Total Recordable (Workplace (Risk Assessment (Chain of (Employee Protective Injury Frequency Inspection Report) Team) Responsibility) Assistance Equipment) Rate) Program)
Learn Stop Take 5 HSEQ
26 letters left over – what do they spell out?
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 33 Focus on Life Saver Rules Cindy James, National HSEQ Manager
In the last edition of The Drill, we focussed on two Life Saver Rules (LSR), LSR 1 Excavation and Trenching and LSR 6 Confined Space Entry. While things have improved, there is still room for increased understanding and elimination of at-risk behaviours.
In this edition, we will focus on two more high profile Life Saver Rules, LSR 5 – Mobile Plant and LSR 8 – Work Permits.
LSR 5 – LSR 8 – Mobile Plant Work Permits
Working in and around mobile plant such as5 excavators and Permits to work are a formal management system tool used to trucks, is part of what we do on a daily basis at Diona. But control high-risk activities. They enable an assessment8 of risks it can be very hazardous. At times we seem to lose sight of to be made and specify control measures which must be in the fact that mobile plant is big, heavy and very unforgiving place to minimise these risks. equipment, and it will always win. Life Saver Rule Work Permits says we must: Life Saver Rule Mobile Plant says we must: Always ensure you have a valid Work Permit. At Diona Work Always ensure operators are licenced/competent and Permits are required for: authorised: • Excavation and pot holing; • Every operator, on any given day, must have the correct • Confined space works; Licence/Statement of Attainment to operate the plant or • Hot works; machinery, and a current Verification of Competency (VOC). • Working at heights; and Always establish exclusion zones and ensure they are • Dewatering. communicated: Always ensure the Work Permit is: • Fence off the area in which the mobile plant is operating, and restrict access; • Applicable to the task and relates to the job … not a job or • Before you approach an item of mobile plant, get the section a few hundred metres up the road; operators attention and have them drop the arm and bucket/ • Completed in full before work commences and all stop the machine before you pass or enter the area; and information must be current and correct; • Discuss the exclusion zones, their position and purpose • Valid and up-to-date – some Work Permits are only valid for with your crew each day at your Pre-Start. specific periods of time i.e. Hot Work Permits may be valid for 12 hours only and geotechnical reports may be valid for Always use a Spotter when vision is restricted: a 24-hour period; and • A Spotter’s job is to be your eyes, stopping people from • Available on site at all times during the works. entering the mobile plant operating zone and indicating when the plant may be too close to other objects. Please note: All persons involved in the works associated with the Permit, must sign onto the Work Permit and be familiar with the task to be undertaken (ie. you have included, discussed and recorded it at the HAC/Pre-Start).
34 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 South Australia Operations Update
Dirk Fuhrmann, State Manager South Australia
APA Mains Replacement Programme anticipated to complete in October 2018. With more work in the Adelaide CBD on the horizon, it is an opportunity to Diona in South Australia continues to enhance its reputation showcase what we can do on a complex MRP project and as a preferred contractor to APA Group on the National Mains further enhance our reputation in the local market. Replacement Programme (MRP). Having successfully renewed and installed more than 77 kilometres of gas mains as part of the MRP in 2017, Diona has been awarded a further 40 Civil Works kilometres of HDPE mains renewal work for the first half of Diona SA continues to expand and develop in the Tier 1 2018. APA is also preparing to release additional HDPE mains infrastructure market with the ongoing delivery of water and replacement tender packages early this year for construction wastewater reticulation and augmentation works as part of during the latter part of 2018. Adelaide’s South Road Corridor upgrade projects. We are well positioned to continue our successful growth in SA The South Australia team is beginning to establish our position with the Mains Replacement Programme playing an essential in the market as a diverse and multifaceted services provider role in our growth strategy. Resourcing is key to this, and we which is seeing our customers engage our services for longer have expanded our direct labour workforce so that we now than our initial contracts. Our team has been fortunate to have two Diona crews currently operating with the challenge to deliver works for additional new customers recently. Our get a third Diona crew on the ground in 2018. To achieve this, growing portfolio of infrastructure works will hopefully continue it will require significant recruitment and training investment in to pave the way to becoming a direct contractor to the water our leading hands and site personnel to develop the skills and infrastructure owner, SA Water. knowledge necessary to deliver the work. Our partnerships with our current subcontractors Henno, Deerpark, Porsun and We will soon be undertaking our first large (5 kilometres of 600 MH&O will provide a further four experienced mains renewal millimetre GRP pipeline) SA Water project back to back with crews to deliver the programme. Guidera O’Connor, a local renowned mechanical infrastructure contractor, to which the successful delivery will improve our Notably, we will be commencing mains renewal works in the position in the South Australian market. Adelaide CBD Area G during March 2018, with the project
SA Awards
Diona’s South Australia team secured the Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) Category 1 (project value up to $1 million) Award for our contribution to the Seaford-Aldinga Transmission Main project.
Left to right: Thomas Blight, Aaron Castle, John Murtagh, Paul Mathews (bottom), Dirk Fuhrmann (top), Jim Hennessey, David England.
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 35 The Diona Crew working on the Drummond Street, Carlton North, APA National Mains Melbourne Operations Replacement Contract. Ramping Up Micah Dawson, Project Manager
In early February 2017, Diona began operations Upcoming works and challenges in Melbourne, Victoria, to commence gas With our Carlton package closing in on 80% complete, and the renewal works for APA Group (APA). Fitzroy package steadily moving ahead, Diona has two more packages to deliver in Richmond and West Melbourne for APA. Twelve months on, and after overcoming many difficulties, We also have upcoming works in Dandenong for our new client operations are ramping up to deliver new packages of works Multinet Gas. coming through from Multinet Gas and existing packages We will require two additional crews experienced in the gas from APA. mains renewal space to deliver works on these new packages. Resourcing is currently a challenge in the busy Melbourne The Crews market and we are working hard to find suitably qualified people to join our team. • Diona – Led by Jonathon Grey, Diona has been delivering approximately 5,500 metres of gas mains renewals in Diona also sits on the Yarra Valley sewer panel and we are Carlton North for APA. We have built consistency and currently tendering on several significant packages of work in trust with the client over these 12 months and our crew the city’s north. Tenders have also recently been submitted for is achieving good production rates. We now have 30 a solar installation joint venture with Spanish consultant Prodiel. personnel in our team. All signs point to a positive 2018 for the Diona Melbourne team • BSP Boring – A husband and wife team, Steve and Dianna and we look forward to continuing to grow and expand our McLardy, lead the traffic control team. The crew has client base. extensive experience working for Multinet Gas and now APA, currently carrying out gas renewal works in Carlton North. • Linbeck – The newest crew completing gas renewal works for Diona, Linebeck is led by Paul Lynch Junior. See their story on page 37. The crew now well established in Melbourne, has delivered approximately 2,000 metres of gas mains renewals on the Fitzroy package of works.
36 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 The team at work on the Drummond Street, Carlton North, APA National Mains Replacement Contract.
Paul Lynch with wife Elisa and two daughters Indie (two years) and Lulu (six months). Melbourne – the most The BSP Boring Crew L-R: Mark Gerritsen, Mick Sidawi, Joel Cross, Bill Mathews, liveable city in the world! Steven McLardy, Hanene Elzaibak, Hanna Elzaibak and Ryan Van Ruth. Linbeck Contractors is a family owned and operated civil construction company from Sydney with a focus on water and gas infrastructure. Following a downturn of work in Sydney, they began looking for alternate works when Diona offered them the opportunity to work on the APA mains renewal program in Melbourne. After coming to Melbourne in October, Paul Lynch said, “After working away from my family for the first few months we decided we would all make the change and relocate to Melbourne. We have brought my mother and father-in-law down with us which has helped make the relocation and transition easier.” Not knowing the geography very well they did what most Sydney siders do and gravitated towards the The BSP Boring Crew led by husband and wife team, Steve and Dianna McLardy. water. Despite living a more rural life in Sydney, they are currently living in an apartment in Docklands which is close to the city and the work in Fitzroy. “We have found that the surrounding areas have plenty of activities for us and the kids to do. My eldest daughter Indie who is two, is enrolled in Gymbaroo in Williamstown and we take my youngest Lulu, who is six months old to story time at the library up the road,” said Paul. “We spend our free time exploring the city and surrounding areas and are starting to appreciate what Melbourne has to offer. One thing I must mention is that the food choices are amazing, we love walking out our front door to eat at the numerous restaurants on our doorstep, despite the lack of Toohey’s New to wash it down!”
The Linebeck Crew. Top row L-R: Declan Doherty, Matthew Cochrane, Paul Lynch, Lance Hunter, James Grant. Front: Tom Chapman Our Partnership with batyr Retha Wessels, Executive Assistant
Diona began our partnership with batyr – an organisation which focuses on preventative education in the area of youth mental health – pledging to raise $1m over five years for the organisation. Due to our pledge of support, Diona has been involved in organising and sponsoring numerous events over the past three years.
Darkness into light walk During 2016 and 2017, Diona sponsored Sydney’s Darkness into Light Walk at Bondi Beach. The Pieta House flagship fundraiser proved to be an enormous success, with hundreds of people from all walks of life keen to share the light in such spectacular surroundings. The events commenced with the opening ceremony at Bondi Beach led by David O’Connor on the custom-made Darkness into Light stage and concluded with entertainment and a sausage sizzle. These events were a resounding success raising funds for Pieta House, Preventing Suicide and Self Harm, and batyr. A powerful community-led initiative, Darkness into Light represents hope and solidarity and is symbolic of the work that batyr and Pieta House do to ‘bring people from the darkness of despair into the light of hope’. Its events like these that play such a pivotal role in raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
Light Balls in Sydney Diona was a major sponsor for the ‘Light Balls’ event in 2016 and 2017, and were instrumental in securing batyr as a recipient of the funds from these balls, with funds divided equally between Pieta House, Preventing Suicide and Self Harm and batyr. Diona also sponsored the inaugural Light Ball Melbourne at the renowned San Remo Ball Room in Carlton on Saturday, 24 February 2018. This event followed in the footsteps of the Sydney and Dublin Light Balls and was a great evening packed full of entertainment and five-star dining.
Giving a voice to the elephant in the room batyr aims to destigmatise mental health and encourage young people to reach out for help when they need it. batyr provides programs that train young people to speak about their personal experience with mental ill health and start a conversation in their community. batyr takes these speakers into schools, universities and corporate arenas to continue this conversation around mental health. The programs engage, educate and empower the audience to learn from the experiences of others and to reach out to the great services around them. Find out more at batyr.com.au
38 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 Holiday snaps from Tasmania Maria Ryan, HSEQ Administrator
Revelling in isolation, Tasmania you didn’t disappoint us. A place of wild, unique and stunning landscapes, friendly people on a beautiful relaxed island. We experienced wonderful food and wine, discovered some of Tasmania’s haunting history and completed some demanding but exhilarating walks. No matter where we went, what adventure we embarked on, we were delighted with our Tassie adventure. Mother Nature at its best!
NEW EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Diona’s new Employee Assistance Program and marital problems, grief, eating disorders, (EAP) provider is Converge International. financial issues, and alcohol or drug-related problems. WHAT IS AN EAP? Converge International also provides a Manager EAP is a program that assists employees Assist Program – an advisory service for team with personal or work-related problems that leaders, supervisors and managers to discuss may impact their health and mental/emotional and identify solutions for difficult or complex wellbeing. The EAP service offers confidential situations as well assisting them with supporting assessments, short-term counselling, referrals, their team’s health and wellbeing. and follow-up services for employees and We encourage all employees to use this free and members of their immediate family. It is funded confidential EAP service to discuss any issue – by Diona and can be accessed at no cost to big or small – affecting you at work or at home. individual employees.
WHAT CAN I CONTACT OUR EAP ABOUT? HOW DO I CONTACT THE EAP? Converge International’s experienced Phone 1300 687 327 (Australia) consultants can assist with anything from 0800 666 367 (New Zealand) work-related issues, stress management and Search www.convergeinternational.com.au coping skills to depression and anxiety, family for support information.
Install the ‘EAP Connect’ mobile app available in the itunes and Google Play app stores.
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 39 Women in Civil Melissa Lowry, Marketing & Communications Advisor – Construction & Maintenance
Civil construction and engineering has historically been viewed When asked where she would like to go with Diona in the as a male-dominated industry. With a goal of curbing this future Monica replied, “With all going well, I hope to eventually perception, NSW General Manager, Tim Kelly says Diona is become one of Diona’s Project Managers.” committed to encouraging more women to enter the industry. “Diona and Calibre have a strong focus on gender diversity, so “Two years ago, Diona only had one female engineer. We are I don’t see why any female cannot succeed in this company,” proud to now have nine employed in NSW alone. They are an she said. excellent addition to our teams, as they bring new skills and Also new to Diona, Project Engineer, Kate Partridge has been new ways of thinking which is invaluable to our business and in the business for a few weeks and is working on the Dudley the wider industry,” he said. Street Noise Wall in Balgowlah. Kate says that working at Diona “We need to continue helping women see that working in this will present new opportunities for her to grow professionally, industry is both engaging and rewarding. I hope that by sharing take on new challenges and ownership of delivering successful the success stories from the female engineers we already projects from start to finish. have in our business, others can be inspired to follow in their “I want to develop the experience and skills to become a project footsteps,” said Tim. manager that is capable of managing diverse and complex infrastructure projects and leading successful high performing Meet our Women in Civil teams,” said Kate. Tasfia Shikdar began working at Diona as a Student Design Engineering Intern, Tiffany Cao, is a fourth-year student at UTS Engineer in 2016 and felt that the on-the-job experience Diona majoring in Civil Engineering. Tiffany has been working with the provided was a good way to transition from study to work. Diona design team for five months on the Line 39 Deviation Now a Site Engineer working on the Refresh Woolloomooloo Works for TransGrid as part of the new Western Sydney Airport project in Sydney Tasfia says, “I appreciated being asked to be project. a part of this project as I felt it was a good opportunity to grow “It has been a great experience for me as I have had the my skills. There are many challenges on this project, so I am opportunity to work with a professional team and be a part of learning a lot and the project team is amazing and happy to complex, challenging projects,” said Tiffany. assist me with whatever I need.” Tiffany says the internship at Diona has helped her develop the “I look forward to staying at Diona as I believe I can learn plenty technical skills and work ethic she will need once she leaves more and pass my knowledge onto the younger engineers,” university. “If the opportunity arises after my graduation, I said Tasfia. would love to continue to work at Diona and be a part of more In her second week with our business working on the Redbank amazing projects,” she said. project at North Richmond, Senior Project Engineer, Monica Anna Andersons joined Diona in early 2018 and has been Tanyous says that the people at Diona are helpful, respectful working on the Refresh Woolloomooloo project as a Contracts and understanding of her learning process in the new role. “I Administrator. think the buddy program Diona has is great and helps new employees feel like they have support and the freedom to ask “I enjoy being part of a high performing team that works questions throughout their transition period into the company,” cooperatively to find solutions and achieve the best results for she said. the client and the community,” says Anna.
40 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 The Ladies were able to spend a day together on Monday, 19 February to get to know each other a little more and take a tour of the Powells Creek site. Left to right: Laura Henao, Francy Betancourt, Emma Fogarty, Anna Andersons, Pam Pilimatalawwe, Monica Tanyous, Tiffany Cao, Kate Partridge (Tasfia Shikdar was unavailable).
Although only new to Diona, Anna already feels like part of Championing Women in the team. “I particularly enjoy the work culture and values that Diona promotes,” she said. Civil Program Anna looks forward to her continued development and In 2017, the Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) NSW exposure to a wide variety of projects and opportunities. launched the ‘CCF NSW Women in Civil Program’. After joining Diona as an intern at the end of 2017, Pam “Diona is proud to be a part of the new CCF NSW Pilimatalawwe was given a full-time Engineer position from Women in Civil Program aimed at encouraging more the start of 2018. women to join the civil construction and maintenance industry,” said Executive General Manager, Charlie Now working on the Powells Creek Naturalisation project, Pam Haire. says she has been thoroughly enjoying being a part of this project team. “I have learnt a great deal about what it takes to To demonstrate our dedication to the program, in be an engineering professional. I also believe I have positively December 2017, Diona joined other Civil industry contributed to the team at Powells Creek,” she said. employers, New South Wales Minister for Women, the Hon. Tanya Davies MP, and CCF NSW CEO, Pam says she is looking forward to building a vibrant engineering David Castledine to sign a commitment statement at career and getting involved with many more projects at Diona. a 'Championing Women in Civil' function at Doltone Student, Laura Henao has been working with Diona as a Site House in Sydney. Engineer on the Sydney Water Reticulation Package 29 since mid-December 2017. “Ever since I started working here I’ve felt very welcomed, there is a great support network for new starters,” said Laura. After her six month working experience is complete, Laura says she would like to remain at Diona. “I’d love to continue in the company so that I can grow as an engineer and gain industry experience, whilst I finish my degree,” she said. As part of her internship program at University, Francy Betancourt began working with Diona in May 2017. “It is a very supportive team and they are willing to help me in my path from a student to a professional engineer,” said Francy. Francy is currently a Site Engineer on one of Diona’s largest and most challenging projects, the stormwater development at Shepherds Bay in Meadowbank. “It has been a unique experience, every day is different, and there are many situations to tackle and tons to learn,” she said. Reflecting on her time with Diona so far, Francy stated, “I will always be grateful for the opportunity Diona has given me, and Employer of Choice I hope I can continue growing and contributing to Diona and Calibre success.” Award 2017 Emma Fogarty began her career with Diona in November 2016 and has quickly progressed from a Site Engineer role to Diona was recognised as an Employer of Choice now a Project Engineer. (EOC) in the Australian Business Awards 2017. The EOC accolade recognises organisations which have “Diona is a great place to work, and as a company, are developed leading workplaces that maximise the committed to diversity in the workplace,” says Emma. full potential of their workforce through practices Emma is currently working on the Northern Beaches B-Line that demonstrate effective employee recruitment, Program and the Northern Beaches Hospital Connectivity and engagement and retention. To view the full news Network Enhancement Project. article, visit our website. “I enjoy working with the Client to understand their needs, challenges and goals. I appreciate the importance of resolving any difficulties that arise quickly and efficiently with a positive outcome for everyone concerned,” she said. Motivated to continue expanding her career with Diona, Emma said, “I wish to continue to develop my skills, take on more interesting projects and continue to work with people I can learn from. Ultimately, I’d like to assume more management responsibilities and I know Diona will support me in achieving this goal.” Celebrating 20 years at Diona
Charlie with Rajesh Shukla ringing the A huge Liverpool fan, with his son Charlie and David on the Ride to Charlie, with hair, in his early 20s back tender bell after a big win, 2016. Ryan at a football game. Conquer Cancer half way through the in the UK. 200 kilometre journey, 2014.
Charlie Haire, from 1998 to 2018 and beyond. “I have learned a lot from people like John O’Connor and Paul Mathews who have had a big influence on both my professional Charlie Haire’s journey at Diona began 20 years ago, following career and my personal development. I particular, they taught an unlikely conversation with a homeless man in Kings Cross, me three valuable lessons; you always have more time than New South Wales that led him to explore construction sites you think and you work a lot harder than you perceive yourself around Sydney in search of work. Famously, Charlie was to; whatever is on your mind, get it out before you go to bed by offered four jobs in one day. either writing it down, documenting it with clients or having the “It was 1998 when I arrived in Australia after backpacking for conversations you need to put the stress to bed; and always six months through Asia and New Zealand with my girlfriend listen, let people know you’re listening and have reflected on who is now my wife. I was pretty dejected that day at Kings their words and ideas before making a decision.” Cross but it turned out for the best. Of the four offers, one Having grown with the Diona business during his career’s was from then Managing Director of Diona John O’Connor who progression, starting a family and meeting and managing new remains a good friend to this day – and within a week of work, people regularly, Charlie embodies the mission and vision I knew I’d found the right fit. I really liked the people and they of Diona’s business culture by being open, honest and hard seemed to like me back.” working. Prior to Charlie’s journey with Diona, he was at university when “One of the highlights of my 20 years at Diona is the Sydney he began working for an engineering company in the UK. His Water project, which began in 2013 and incorporated natural affinity for people management meant that he had collaborative framework agreements that helped Diona become the highest paid engineer at age 19, managing a team progress from a small contractor to a key player in the business. of 50. It is the most trusting relationship I’ve experienced in a business “I’ve always been curious and able to solve complex problems partner, and I feel that the collaboration is highly rewarding. because I liked to know how things worked, even as a kid. The “Diona has given me the room I need to grow myself, my team guys I used to work with called me a dog with a bone; I had a and individual leaders within the business by entrusting me reputation for getting the job done and that allowed me to add to lead my own way. The business culture is very open and value to my team, and grow the team.” honest, and I’ve had it brought to my attention several times Throughout his career, Charlie found that growing people into by subcontractors and fellow employees that the respect and their own leaders, sharing his knowledge and successfully support from Diona almost comes as a surprise in this industry, mentoring them resulted in achieving not only project goals, and fosters relationships and collaboration that allows us to be but also the respect and admiration of his peers. innovative in our work.” “My main focus in my current role is on our people, helping and supporting their growth and development. I thoroughly enjoy From all of us at Diona, mentoring and sharing knowledge and ideas with my teams. congratulations on 20 years Charlie! As a creative thinker, there is nothing I like better than taking an idea and helping to turn it into something exciting.
42 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 Fraser Island 2005 on the fishing boat ‘Gael Force’ same boat that Charlie fell overboard on. LTR Evan Wood, Paul Mathews, John McQuaid and Charlie Haire.
Fun facts about Charlie • Born and raised in Fermanagh Ireland – rural area with lots of culture. Family has a farm that he visits each year; • Married to Johanna and has three children, Ryan (15), Zara (13) and Joel (7); • Mad Liverpool football (soccer) team fan; • Loves fishing, hiking, travelling, playing football (soccer) and cooking with a flair for curries; • Is an identical twin – his brother Richie lives in Ireland; “You just have to get on with it!” • He has two different coloured eyes; Paul Mathews, Operations Manager, has some great • Once had a full head of hair; memories from working with Charlie over the past 19 years. • He fell over-board 20 miles east of Fraser Island when “Charlie was the one who interviewed me for an engineering Gael Force (fishing boat) was hit by a rogue wave; and job in 1999, which started my career with Diona. The • The biggest fish he ever caught was an 80kg marlin business was very different then – Charlie, Angus Ryan and off Port Stephens (circa 2003). He fought it for two I were the sum of the engineering team, but the culture was hours. the same as it is today,” said Paul. Paul has always admired Charlie’s passion, energy and go- getter attitude. “At work, home or with friends, he seems to get twice as much done as everyone else in the same 20 years – the proof is in the pudding amount of time. Whether it is squeezing in another tender response, racing to get the first hook in the water, dancing David O’Connor remembers first meeting Charlie as around a pool-table, or feeding 20 people at a barbecue he a teenager working for the family business. “I cleaned just gets it done, no matter the obstacles. This has been an Charlie’s first company vehicle just after he started…. All inspiration to me and helped me to see that you can achieve the polish in the world and it was still a wreck, but it was anything if you put your mind to it. To quote Charlie, you ‘just all we could afford,” said David. have to get on with it!'” says Paul. “I remember Dad talking about how confident and cheeky Some of Paul’s fondest memories of Charlie include: Charlie was as a young engineer, like when he put his feet up on Dad’s desk at work during a meeting one day. I am • Getting suited up for a five-day workshop with much surprised he survived that, but Dad loved the ‘get up and older and wiser people, to negotiate (and win) the go’, and as is our culture today, you don’t have to fit inside Transgrid Cable 42 tender in 2000; any boundaries to succeed, you just need to try your best • Agreeing with him and Ginger at his 40th birthday, that I for the business with your own brand of leadership.” go and run the first project in Adelaide; What makes Charlie Haire: • Spotting a fishing rod in the back of his ute in 1999 – the conversation that followed led to a 20-year fishing rivalry, • Selflessness – Charlie often puts the business and still alive and well today; its people before himself; • The one that got away (kind of) – when a huge Wahoo • Competitiveness – When Charlie values a goal, got eaten by sharks before he could get it on the boat at consider it done; Fraser Island; and • Speaks his mind – First timers beware, but once you • Our annual catch-up to fish for trout on his family farm in know him well enough, you’ll appreciate it; and Ireland. • Sees himself in others – He gets involved in everything because he cares and wants to see the next generation of leaders supported through the challenges. Reflecting on the last 20 years, David says that Charlie, Paul, his brother John Paul and himself all grew into the people they are today because of Diona. “We have all learned and grown from our mistakes but also celebrated many triumphs. We all have been greatly influenced by my father John, and each other, it’s quite unique and very special to us,” he said.
2017 Crannog Ball in Sydney, Lynn Sullivan (Simple Recruitment UK), Johanna Haire, Charlie Haire, Brian McGuinness and Karl Gunter.
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 43 My Hobart to Sydney Yacht Race Rob Burroughs, Senior Estimator
On New Year’s Day, I set off on an adventure. “I’ve bought a one-way ticket to Hobart,” I told my friends, who gave me very strange looks. I planned to catch a ride home on one of the yachts from the Sydney to Hobart race, “you will definitely get a ride back, they are always short on crew for the return trip,” said a crew-hand I knew in Sydney. I arrived at my hotel, a block away from the Hobart harbour and set off to find a ride home. I asked all the Sydney crews, but much to my dismay, I was immediately met with “no, we don’t need any crew.” I asked the Clipper Round the World Race class if they needed crew and although they did, I had not been Clipper inducted, so again I was stuck. Beginning to doubt whether this was such a good idea, I bumped into one of the crew I had met earlier in the day who asked if I’d had any luck. When I replied no, they said to try the Melbourne boats as I was offered two spots, one leaving at 6am the next day. they had heard they were looking for crew. Success – I scored two rides. At 6am the next day, we set sail for Melbourne. Little did I know, it would be quite an experience.
Not long into the trip, we struck problems. After attempting to take a shortcut, we ended up on a sandbank with the tide going out. We were well and truly stuck and began to list badly when a powered catamaran came to our rescue and was able to drag us off the sandbank via our mast rope. After that lucky escape, we were back on our way. We sailed around the Southern Cape of Tasmania and around the east coast. A Tasman weather front hit us and we were blown around the cape and up the coast in four metre seas. Great for surfing a yacht, not so great for the occasional bout of seasickness! Dolphins followed the boat most of the time. We sailed for four days straight on three-hour rosters following a string of islands and rocky outcrops in a strong headwind that slowed our progress to seven knots. Apart from narrowly missing a shallow reef in the Bass Straight because the skipper wasn’t wearing his glasses and battling nausea, we finally made it safely to Melbourne having sailed about 430 nautical miles or approximately 800 kilometres in layman’s terms. After having my first shower in four days and treating myself to a delicious seafood lunch at the Yacht Club in Melbourne, I booked the next flight home to Sydney. Would I do it again? Yes, Lord Howe Island next!
The Sea Shepherd in Melbourne Docks.
44 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 Resilience and the Safety Mindset Paul Lyndon, National Safety Manager
In October 2017, Paul Lyndon was the keynote speaker for the 7th Annual Safety Psychology Conference held in Sydney on the topic – ‘Resilience and the Safety Mindset’. As a champion of change management and safety practices, Paul’s presentation explored the link between resilience and the safety mindset of our teams. As in life, a sound mindset is paramount to the safety of ourselves and others. Paul touched on the comparison of working through life’s challenges and the safety mindset of those in the workplace. Dealing with life’s challenges in a mature, adult-like manner enables teams to provide appropriate solutions. Paul also provided the audience with practical strategies for confronting challenges, both at work and home, as well as being mindful ‘in the present’ when at work. The seven factors of Paul has a saying, “I see it, I feel it, I hear it, however, I don’t absorb it. Don’t Safety Mindset. become part of the problem. Support and provide alternative solutions.” The talk was well received with excellent feedback from peers. The audience leaving better equipped with the next challenge in life.
We Admire your Tenacity!
At Diona, we recognise, applaud and reward employees who show Tenacity Hall of Fame Tenacity in their work! Each month the Senior Management Team review a strong field of award nominees and select an employee who epitomises the Diona value of showing Tenacity. To be tenacious at Diona means you not only stick at it when the August 2017 September 2017 October 2017 going gets tough, but you overcome Waseem Boota & Liam McGill Ross Kirwin Noeleen obstacles by being resourceful, Acciona (K&J Civil) Fitzmaurice innovative, and using sound business sense. Tenacious people are also those who are resolute in adopting Do you know someone who and adhering to best process and resembles these remarks? practices there your work. Send your nominations to Let’s shine the spotlight on recent [email protected] winners of the Tenacity Award. and tell us why your nominee November 2017 December 2017 is tenacious! Peter Penfold Sean Moriarty
THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 45 Reaching the Crannog Retha Wessels, Executive Assistant
A few years ago, Diona set some very ambitious targets that had to be achieved by 30 June 2017. We aptly named these targets the ‘Crannog’ to represent the hard work and dedication it would require to achieve our targets.
What is a Crannog? Crannog is a Gaelic term for a fortified man-made island constructed in a lake, shaped a lot like a target. Crannogs were often difficult to get to, and so was a place of refuge and safety for a family or small village.
Reaching the Crannog In true Diona fashion, our teams rallied together and used their tenacity to not just reach our targets, but exceeded them making FY16/17 the most successful in Diona’s history. To celebrate ‘Reaching the Crannog,’ Diona held three Crannog Balls in November 2017. Dressed in our finest black-tie evening wear, Diona staff, contractors, clients and special guests were treated to an evening of socialising and entertainment. In Brisbane, 200 guests were awed by a spectacular firework display at the Casino themed evening, 400 guests enjoyed a sunset cruise on the harbour in Sydney and in Adelaide, 100 people celebrated at the magnificent Heritage State Library. A truly moving speech was given by David O’Connor, one that won’t be forgotten. “I was particularly moved by your speech as you really opened up. This demonstrated not only your honesty but the trust that you have in your colleagues who in many ways are treated like family,” was a comment from one guest. As part of Diona’s partnership with batyr, the evenings also focused on raising awareness and funds for mental health. Through ticket sales, raffles and donations from our most valued customers approximately $75,000 were raised – a great result
46 THE DRILL – ISSUE 1, 2018 Through ticket sales, raffles and donations from our most valued customers approximately $75,000 was raised for batyr – a great result! Diona Pty Ltd
New South Wales Head Office Unit 5, 322 Annangrove Rd Rouse Hill NSW 2155 P: 02 8867 8000 F: 02 8867 8088
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