The first award to be presented was the Young Achievement Award, which was bestowed upon Ben Cooper of AJ Lucas Group.

APIA immediate Past President Peter Cox said “Ben Cooper has been an outstanding and energetic supporter of APIA activities over recent years and is one of the people who represent the next generation of our industry.”

The APIA Safety Award was accepted by Matthew O’Connell on behalf of Nacap Australia, which won the award for its hydraulic pig catcher, a solution to dewatering after hydrostatic testing.

Mr Cox said the product was chosen because it has demonstrable safety outcomes, prevents possible accidents through a simple design, and is a low-cost solution to a significant safety problem.

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Stephen Dykes, who has been involved in the Australian pipeline industry for nearly 30 years, was the winner of the Outstanding Contribution Award.

Mr Cox said “Steve’s leadership contribution to the industry includes support of APIA and pipeline research through membership of the Research and Standards Committee, his willingness to present at APIA seminars to pass on his experience and learning to others, and his desire to ensure that the pipeline industry continues to develop in a sustainable manner.”