Started as a grad, now we’re here

A fishing trip that nearly swallowed a new LandCruiser and “a couple of weeks” on site that turned into a year. That is just part of the story behind Pedrag’s 30 years at Monadelphous.

Pedrag joined the business in 1996 as Monos’ very first Graduate Engineer, starting on the Yandi II project. At the time, the company was a fraction of the size it is today. Now, with more than 8,000 people and operations spanning industries and continents, he has seen just about every chapter of that transformation.

“It’s quite different to what I do now,” Pedrag said.

“Back then, we were focused mainly on mechanical work. These days I’m working in Wangara on the transition of High Energy Service, which is centred on high voltage scopes.”

Over three decades, Pedrag has built a career spanning engineering, operations, and leadership. His roles have included Project Engineer across onshore and offshore operations in Western Australia, Fabrication Manager, Project Manager on major works, and Business and Project Development Manager supporting new ventures and acquisitions.

He has also held senior leadership roles across operations and business services, most recently supporting the integration of High Energy Service.

Along the way, there have been milestones that helped shape both his career and the business. Early in his time, Pedrag contributed to Monadelphous’s first car dumper and rotary kiln installation and played a role in expanding fabrication capability through international supply partnerships.

One standout achievement came during the Port Hedland Inner Harbour Project, where a long and complex negotiation process with the customer ultimately led to a successful outcome.

“It took a two-year battle, but we got all our claims over the line,” Pedrag said.

Like many long careers, it has not been without its memorable moments. One that stands out for him involved a fishing trip in Queenstown, Tasmania.

“We drove into what looked like a shallow puddle, which turned out to be much deeper than expected. We nearly lost a brand new LandCruiser and caught no fish,” Pedrag said.

Other than avoiding small puddles, his advice to his younger self reflects the realities of project life when he first started in the industry, though things have come a long way since.

“Never believe it when they say it’s only a couple of weeks away on site. It can quickly turn into nearly a year,” Pedrag joked.

“It’s been a big 30 years. There are too many people to thank individually, but I appreciate many of those I’ve worked with along the way.”