The Queensland Coal Seam Gas industry came together earlier this month to celebrate the 5th anniversary of our collaboration on safety, through Safer Together. Since its inception in early 2014 Safer Together has delivered, through the relentless commitment of its growing membership, a range of safety improvements through its specifications, tools and initiatives.
The Industry Safety Forum dinner on 10th December saw over 200 member representatives celebrate this milestone at the Royal Brisbane Showgrounds. Michelle Zaunbrecher opened the event with a personal reflection linked to her life-changing experience with cancer, encouraging all assembled to be “not just Good Safety Leaders, but Great Safety Leaders” (you can make a donation to support Michelle’s Breast Cancer Awareness fundraising efforts by clicking here).
John Smith, Safety Leaders Group Co-Chair (Contractors) reflected on the progress of the Association and acknowledged the original SLG members - the “founding fathers” of Safer Together - who stepped up five years ago to build the guiding coalition that became Safer Together and instill the collective ambition of achieving better safety outcomes in our industry. John thanked in particular those individuals from the original SLG who were able to join us for the evening - Warwick King, Steve Ciccone and Trevor Brown - together with two of the HSE Managers who have played a key support role for the SLG since the beginning – Steve Pearson and Michelle Zaunbrecher.
Jody Rowe spoke of the importance of Safer Together and her time as a Working Group, Safety Leaders Group and Board member. She reminded the audience about the inclusive nature of the Association and that the contractors do have a voice at the table, and she challenged them to use it effectively and drive safety improvements for all.
We also celebrated those who have gone the extra mile this year with our annual Best and Fairest awards. This year Craig Hunter was recognised for his contribution to the Land Transport Working Group, along with Blair Hart from the Rig Site Safety Working Group for his tireless efforts on Assist & Assure, and Bruce Baldwin for his work on two projects in the Competence and Behaviour Working Group. Ciarán Hallinan was recognised for his efforts in working with the Safety Leadership Working Groups in Qld and WA/NT on the Safety Culture Survey, along with Kim Pullon who continues to be an example to us all with her unwavering commitment to improving process safety awareness in our industry. Finally, Dennis Murphy was acknowledged for his contribution to the Medical Assessment Guidelines.
Congratulations to all our Best and Fairest award winners. Well played and thank you.
Photo: Mark Schubert presents Kim Pullon with her award
Photo: Tim Phelan presents Dennis Murphy with his award
In closing John Smith acknowledged the efforts of the support team and the wider membership for their roles in maintaining a healthy and diverse Association.
View the gallery here.
Next Forum (Q2 2020)
Our next Forum event in Queensland will be held in Gladstone in June 2020 (date and venue to be advised). Keep an eye out for more details.
For more information about Safer Together click here.
To find out how your company can become a member of Safer Together click here or address your query to [email protected].