Nevertheless, what is truly valuable to this industry is the support and the achievements of those experienced pipeliners who have dedicated their careers to the industry; whether it be in operation and maintenance, research, management, investment, training, construction and all other sectors that strengthen the industry.

I was about to start naming the people who have made such a contribution – both before my time and those who have helped since I joined the industry four years ago. But such an endeavour is fraught – what if I miss someone out? There are so many people – you know who you are – who are at the end of the telephone whenever I call and who have always taken the time to answer any and every question that I have asked. Thank you to all of you.

Also, there are those who, over decades, have dedicated part of their working life to training young people and sharing their knowledge. There are those who have worked on economic regulation, having to deal with politicians and officials who struggle to understand the industry. There are those who have dedicated much time and effort to the development of an Australian Standard – AS2885 – that is respected internationally and ensures the infrastructure is safe and reliable. In turn, these individuals are respected internationally. There are those who started the Association many decades ago and who have ensured that the atmosphere of mixing fun and business continues. Also, those in the service industries deserve a mention for continuing their commitment to this industry.

Always, the people in this industry have been – and still are – committed to providing a high-quality product: long-distance, high-pressure transmission pipelines that are safe, efficient and built to last well beyond their notated life. And, as always, the APIA Board has set aside sector differences to provide cohesive guidance to the secretariat.

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This industry is lucky because the participants are dedicated; often demonstrating that dedication by working in their own time, unpaid, for the long term benefit of the industry. And Australia benefits from this. Unfortunately, most Australians don’t know about this quiet but successful work. Nevertheless, we know the amount of work involved, and more and more people are beginning to understand the value of this out-of-sight and out-of-mind critical infrastructure.

This industry is also lucky because those committed participants also know how to have fun and have ensured that the APIA Annual Convention is one that amazes other industry associations.

The YPF group has been successful and some of their events have been incorporated into the official APIA program so that we can meet the requests of the many members who have indicated a desire to provide sponsorship for YPF events. Nevertheless, many of the YPF functions will continue to be smaller networking events, with minor contributions such as subsidised drinks and food.

YPF tours of members’ facilities continue to be popular with Perth and Victoria planning events. The visit to Wollongong is to be staged again, this time catering for 40 participants, double the number of participants from last year’s event. In addition, the participants will have the option of attending the Pipeline Operators Group seminar in Sydney on 16 April, before meeting up for the ‘Gong’ tour, which starts with the APIA dinner at the Novotel, Brighton-le-Sands. There is also a trip to Moomba proposed for later in the year – thanks to Santos. Unfortunately, this visit will be limited to 15 lucky young people. Details will be released in coming months.

Clearly, the pipeline industry encourages all and is well placed for the future.

Cheryl Cartwright

Chief Executive