The Chairman’s Awards Dinner is HunterNet’s premier event for the year and has been held every year since 1992.
This event gives us the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of 2022.
It also gives us the opportunity to recognise the fantastic contributions of our members, as well as the hard work of our apprentices and trainees employed by HunterNet Career Connections.
We would like to congratulate the following winners and say thanks for our wonderful award sponsors.
CHECK OUT THE IMAGE GALLERY HERE THANKS TO 3L PHOTOGRAPHY. https://hunternet.com.au/gallery/hunternet-chairmans-awards-2023/
Click the link to see the HunterNet Event Review in the Newcastle Herald https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8139816/hunternet-salutes-year-of-achievements/?cs=34954
HunterNet Co-operative Award Winners 2022
Export Award Winner – Design and Industry
Sponsored by Hedweld Group of Companies
The Export Award Recognises a company for excellence in exporting. It could be said that the team at D+I are rock stars in the Industrial Design market. With 40% of revenue derived from exports, D+I contracts include ivy league medical research names familiar to many, HunterNet is proud to have D+I as a highly active member and we all look forward to learning more on the various innovative designs that D+I are performing for household names overseas.
Rod Murphy Innovation Award Winner – 3ME
Sponsored by R&R Murphy
This Award recognises a company for their innovative ideas/products that contribute to industry in the region.
Delivering breakthrough technologies in energy storage, 3ME is a recognised change agent in the way mining operations are navigating their way to sustainability. 3ME Technology’s Bladevolt® lithium-ion battery’s modular design, scalability, designed to meet the toughest safety standards for the mining sector, have elevated 3ME as the standout amongst 8 competing solutions around the world for the Charge On Innovation Challenge launched by BHP, Rio Tinto and Vale in 2021. 3ME is proving a real enabler for transition to a cleantech world, and this is why 3ME Technology is the 2023 winner of the Rod Murphy Innovation Award.
Chairman’s Business Award for Excellence in WHS Winner – Hammersley
Sponsored by AGL
The Chairman’s Business Award for Excellence in WHS recognises a company for excellence in safety & training.
Since 1972, Hammersley Products Australia has been expertly formulating specialty chemicals, purpose-built to achieve superior results for our clients. Proudly one of Australia’s longest-serving chemical manufacturers, Hammersley’s award-winning expertise is second to none. With strict criteria to deliver exceptional performance, efficiency and safety, they manufacture a comprehensive range of chemicals for a variety of industries that include, but are not limited to, Mining, Heavy Industry, Hospitals, Automotive, Transport, Agricultural, Engineering, Primary Industry, Food Processing, Institutions, Laundries, and Restaurants
Networking Award Winner – Frank Kraft
Sponsored by Chandler Macleod
The Networking Award recognises an individual for their active participation in HunterNet events throughout the year.
Frank has been a regular to our General Members Meetings as well as to many of our industry and business services forums. Many of you would recognize Frank for his curiosity and penchant to ask many questions. He has also on occasion sought to introduce people amongst the network that has potential to benefit existing members. Frank is generous of time and a highly engaged person with what is going on in the region and nationally. He is a worthy recipient of this year’s Networking Award.
Harvey Knox Award Winner – Merran Wiggins
Sponsored by Port Waratah Coal Services
The Harvey Knox Award recognises an individual who has shown ongoing support to HunterNet and has helped shape its continuing achievements.
Merran (Mez) is in a word our go to person for every thing events. She has been a stalwart and massive supporter of all things HunterNet for a long time. She has been the driving force for our key events and platforms including but not limited to the Hunter Defence Conference and the HunterNet Future Leaders Platform. In her spare time (lol) she also runs her Business focusing on other types of Event Management, Cruise Holidays, Family Travel and Corporate Travel. She is a key Member of our family and we are so proud to have her as the recipient of this award.
HunterNet Co- Operative’s Member of the Year Award Winner – Ampcontrol
Ampcontrol delivers integrated electrical, electronic and control solutions to improve safety and efficiency in mining, renewable, infrastructure and industrial applications. What sets them apart is their ability to engineer unique solutions that deliver on both performance and reliability. To achieve this, they work in partnership with customers, lending their electrical engineering expertise to their operational challenges. From the most complex electrical infrastructure to the most hazardous industrial environments, they engineer solutions which focus on whole of life optimisation. They provide massive support to HunterNet both in advocacy and attendance at events and have been one of the significant supporters of the Future Leaders Platform and we are proud of them and what they bring to our region.
HunterNet Career Connections Award Winners 2022
Outstanding Achiever Award: 1st Year Apprentice Winner – Tasmyn Fellows – IRS
Sponsored by by Verto
Tasmyn is a 1st year Mechanical Fitter Apprentice hosted by Integrated Reliability Solutions. She has been recognised as someone who will go the extra mile to complete jobs at a high standard.She has an incredible memory and is always on top of her work no matter how challenging.Tasmyn has a great work ethic and has really impressed the GM.
Congratulations Tasmyn!
Outstanding Achiever Award: 2nd Year Apprentice Winner – Jye Macpherson – DSI Underground
Sponsored by Hunter Defence
Jye is a 2nd year Electrical Apprentice hosted by DSI Underground. He has excelled in his learning and skills built over the past 2 years at DSI.His ability to adapt and retain technical knowledge across complex production lines has developed rapidly. Jye has a fantastic attitude and work ethic and has proved himself to be an ideal apprentice.
Congratulations Jye!
Outstanding Achiever Award: 3rd Year Apprentice Winner – Daisy Ford – BAE Systems
Sponsored by Newcastle Office Interiors
Daisy is a 3rd Year Aircraft Maintenance Engineer hosted at BAE Systems.She has displayed excellent resilience throughout her apprenticeship and continues to exceed expectations. She is well respected and trusted amongst her peers and continues to demonstrate the motivation to learn and develop her skills. Daisy is described as an inspiration to our upcoming female apprentices and completes tasks well beyond her trade level.
Congratulations Daisy, you have a bright future ahead!
Trainee of the Year Award – Dual Winners Logan Hodge – BlueZone Group and Tarnisha Winsor – Hedweld
Sponsored by Thales
Logan completed his Traineeship in Certificate III in Engineering – Technical hosted at BlueZone Group. Logan’s host have said that Logan participates in the daily stand-up meetings including the safety issues list. He completed all BlueZone Group reading and training in a timely manner. Logan has his sea legs and has supported sea trials. Logan was confident and well-spoken in the HunterNet traineeship videos.
Congratulations Logan!
Tarnisha is completing her Traineeship in Certificate IV in Business at Hedweld Group of Companies. Tarnisha’s host have said she has successfully built strong relationships with other departments to ensure that the customer needs are met in a timely manner. Her capabilities are end-to-end which is an asset to the whole team. Tarnisha is a conscientious, friendly and helpful person. She is easy to work with and contributes to team processes.
Congratulations Tarnisha!
Trainee/Apprentice Award for Excellence in Safety – Luke Wood – Berendsen Fluid Power
Sponsored by AON Apprentice
Luke Wood was nominated for the 1st Year Apprentice Award, so this award came as a surprise for. Luke is completing his Engineering – Mechanical Certificate III at Berendsen Fluid Power and is already showing very positive signs to becoming a high quality tradesman.Luke nomination from Berendsen Fluid Power was a stand-out in Safety with his committed attitude to Safety and completion of Take 5’s being outstanding.
It was noted on Luke’s nomination form that if there were more “Luke’s” on offer, Berendsen Fluid Power would take then all!
Congratulations Luke!
Women in Trade Award Winner – Nicole Clifton – Rexnord
Sponsored by Westrac
Nicole is completing her Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade hosted at Regal Rexnord Australia. Nicole’s host have said she has recently completed her very first and compete gearbox rebuild, including the clean and repair component as well. Nicole featured in the Hunternet Newsletter that week. Nicole could be described as patient and particular. She is multi skilled and brings a new and welcomed element to the business. The whole workshop vibe and culture has changed for the better having Nicole in there every day. Nicole has a tremendous thirst for knowledge and drive which pushes others to better themselves.
Congratulations Nicole!
Ivan Randon Award Winner – Mitchell Bird – Gencom
Sponsored by DSI Underground
Hunternet developed the apprentice employment service to support the Hunternet Co-Operative members in 1992 ensuring there was a pathway for skills to be generated in the region. Ivan Randon was the inaugural manager for the first 5 years, coming from a manufacturing background it was his passion that saw the business start. Supporting host companies along with apprentices was the focus of ensuring the apprentices could become successful, and this award category is name in his honor. Luckily, we are joined tonight by Ivan’s son Adam Randon to present this award, Adam was a Hunternet apprentice and understand the effort it takes to balance, training, work and life all at the same time, Adam was supported my Murray Christie and benefited from the support offered to him.
This award recognises fourth year apprentices who have exceled in their trade to become ambassador for vocational training.
Mitchell completed his Apprenticeship in Certificate III in Electronics and Communications hosted at Gencom. Mitchell’s host company have said Mitchell is a highly capable radio technician with a strong understanding of radio technology and an impressive set of technical skills. As a staff member, Mitchell brings attention to detail, safety focus, and communication skills. Mitchell was outstanding as an apprentice due to his enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment to learning. He approached his apprenticeship with a positive attitude, and a willingness to take on new challenges and responsibilities.
Congratulations Mitchell!
Host Company of the Year – DSI Underground
DSI have shown long standing commitment to ongoing intake of apprentices. DSI not only focus on apprentices, but also welcome Year 11 students to facilitate two-year school-based Trainees this year. They are a big supporter of our pre-apprenticeship programs and welcomed 15 students late last year onto their workplace floor to facilitate work experience and training, and that’s just what they did with Hunternet.DSI is committed to apprentice intake every year as they understand the importance and significance of the apprenticeship model for consistent production and long-term sustainability. In 2023 DSI has grown its apprenticeship base into another state, and HunterNet now support their workforce across 3 states. DSI have a continual commitment to safety, apprentices have discussed that their weekly GEMBA meetings have improved their confidence with sharing safety concerns. These meetings are an open forum for supervisors, managers, and apprentices to discuss site safety incidents, review safety hazard identification. Congratulations DSI!
