“Some mongrel has stolen my bloody mud crab!”

Celebrating 20 years of Duane

When Duane first walked into our Sleat Road office (our base before Victoria Park) as a Business Manager, no one could have predicted the laughs, adventures and success he’d bring over the next 20 years.

For those who know Duane, they know he is a man of many gears. Whether he’s at work, racing motorbikes or enjoying the great outdoors, he’s never been one to slow down.

Fun fact: Duane once went head-to-head with future Superbike World Champion Troy Bayliss, finishing 11th—a story he’s happy to retell any day, should you get the chance to ask him.

Another favourite Monadelphous story that Duane didn’t hesitate to share, was the mysterious case of the missing mud crab.

“On the way to a Christmas party we stopped off at a mud crabbing spot between Cape Lambert and Karratha and caught a couple of crabs,” he explained.

“I grabbed some mangrove leaves and shoved it in a bag in the car. Went to the party and left the crab in the car - even left the windows down so it stayed reasonably cool for it.  

“In the morning, I went down to the car and couldn't find the crab and thought, ‘some mongrel has stolen my bloody mud crab!’”

Turns out, the crab had made itself at home under the passenger seat. With a coat hanger and some quick thinking, Duane fished it out and managed to get it (and himself) back to Perth without any issues—even airport security didn’t blink an eye.

Aside from mud crab adventures, Duane has thoroughly enjoyed working alongside and sharing in the success of Monos’ and our people. To his fans, he gives just one piece of advice: “Do what you do today well and tomorrow will take care of itself.”

Before he made his way to becoming a general manager, Duane’s career kicked off as a graduate mechanical engineer in Paraburdoo. He then ventured around Australia for numerous opportunities where he crossed paths with many now Monos’ staff, including Doug MacIntyre.

After a phone call and a job offer from Doug to join Monos’ in 2005, Duane steadily climbed through the ranks, transitioning to operations manager and then general manager, overseeing the mining and minerals portfolio, which at the time included the Pilbara, Worsley, Kalgoorlie and Roxby Downs.

In 2012, he took on the role of General Manager – Maintenance and Industrial Services, Eastern Region and has continued to lead our East Coast M&IS operations since.

Thank you, Duane, for a memorable 20 years!