A message from Lorna Rechichi

I’m incredibly proud to celebrate and share recent achievements of the team this month for their outstanding dedication and hard work, which is reflected in the awards we’ve recently earned and the initiatives we have been involved in driving and collaborating in. We continue to drive innovation, diversity and challenge ourselves to find better and safer ways to operate. 

Our commitment to innovation was highlighted at the EC Leadership Conference, where the 2024 EC Innovation Awards were announced. The top prize went to the HL team for developing the IVMS Franna Safety Override Function Alerts. Congratulations to Luke Thompson, Joseph Wong, Travis Gaspar, Marlon Baars, John Castel, and Ryan Wood for their outstanding work in advancing safety in our operations. Additionally, this innovation earned us a finalist position in the WHS Foundation Awards in the Innovation and Technology category, which we attended on Saturday night, further recognising its impact on improving safety standards. 

The Alevro team also celebrated a double victory at the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) Awards in Adelaide, taking home both the Innovation Award and the People's Choice Award for Innovation, voted by industry peers. The winning entry was a bespoke synchronous jacking system for the Pluto Train 2 project, which set a new benchmark in control and precision. 

Our Crane Operations Pathway Traineeship Program continues to earn national recognition, having been named as a finalist in the Outstanding Company Initiative category at the BHP Women in Resources National Awards (WIRNA) 2024. This acknowledgment is a testament to our ongoing efforts to foster growth and development within the business, and to create pathways for women in the industry.  

We are equally proud of our Buddy Program, which continues to play a vital role in supporting gender diversity and inclusion within our workplace. By connecting new female employees with experienced staff members, the program provides new starters with valuable guidance and a reliable contact from day one, helping them navigate both practical and social aspects of their roles.  

The team has been busy across Fortescue sites, successfully delivering major shutdowns and project work at Kings Valley, Firetail, Eliwana, Stockyards, and Brad’s Tailing Project. Despite tight schedules and challenges, our teams delivered the shutdowns and fixed-scope works without delays, working closely with clients to ensure seamless planning and execution for the road ahead. 

Community engagement remains a priority for us, and we were thrilled to support the Spinifex Spree Carnival once again this year. This long-standing community event in Port Hedland is a cornerstone of the local calendar, and our involvement reflects our commitment to investing in the places where we live and work. 

In this edition, we also feature an interview with Jess McCaskie, our Heavy Lift Senior Supervisor. Jess’s career journey is an inspiring story of growth and discovery, starting as a rigging trade assistant and eventually finding her place in our Heavy Lift team. Her story is a reminder of the incredible career paths available within our business and the supportive environment we strive to create. 

Until next time, stay safe.