We were ‘over-booked’ for the function at 161 people and unfortunately had to turn a few last minute registrants away due to room capacity.

We started with a few pre-lunch drinks at noon as people arrived and sat down for lunch at 12.30 pm. Andy Pym, WA Chapter Committee Chairman, said a few words and introduced Cheryl Cartwright, APIA Chief Executive, and Ashley Kellett, new APIA President. Andy then introduced Matt Duxbury, the representative of our sole sponsor for the lunch, XPA – Extension Hill Pipeline Alliance. Matt outlined the exciting new project and the Alliance partners: Asia Iron Holdings, Pipeline Systems International (PSI), OSD, Enerflex and Nacap.

The XPA project is based on the Extension Hill Magnetite Project, which will transport between 5 and 10 Mt/a of magnetite through the Geraldton Port. The XPA project is based on a 280 km slurry pipeline to transport the magnetite from the mine to the Port, a 280 km return water pipeline and a 38 km fresh water pipeline. The XPA project is currently moving through detailed design and is scheduled to commence construction in late 2008 for operation in December 2009.

We then enjoyed entrees – and had twelve door prizes – followed by lunch, which was delicious.

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Lunch was followed by a quiz that requires everyone to stand up and answer multiple choice questions by raising your left or right hand depending on your choice of answer. After being assured there wasn’t too much cheating going on, it came down to a deciding question between Kelvin Andrijich and Chee Tan from Enerflex. Kelvin ended up the winner, but both went home with a lovely hamper from APIA.

A couple of the questions had many of us stumped, see how you go:

1. What is the name of the Welders Cap? Kromer Cap or Sparker cap. 2. Where are Red Wings Boots made? Minnesota USA or Kentucky USA.

The afternoon then progressed into the evening with a few stayers! Everyone got home safely, and all in all it was a lovely afternoon.