However, thanks to some creative re-shuffling of the program by APIA, most attendees were able to make the event in time despite the ash cloud. Proudly sponsored by AJ Lucas and DBP, the seminar featured an excellent mix of speakers on a range of topics including subsea welding, flora and fauna issues, contracting strategies, and project updates.

The keynote speaker for the Seminar was the Hon. Ernie Bridge OAM CitWA JP. Mr Bridge was the first Aboriginal member of WA Parliament, and the first Aboriginal person to be appointed a Cabinet Minister in any Australian parliament. Mr Bridge was also awarded WA Citizen of the Year in 2004.

Mr Bridge spoke passionately about infrastructure in WA, and in particular the importance of water infrastructure. He outlined the important role of the pipeline industry in securing WA’s water supplies.

Mr Bridge said that water restrictions should be a thing of the past for all Australians, stating that the major river systems of northern Australia could be harnessed to provide a renewable water source. He said that a pipeline running from Lake Argyll to Perth could transport this water to consumers.

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Mr Bridge’s inspired presentation provided much interest from the attendees and the various potential opportunities for the pipeline industry in the future.

A challenging Dinner Dance

Following the Seminar, the APIA WA Chapter held its annual Dinner Dance. Once again, the dance had a theme, with this year’s being ‘APIA WA introduces The Amazing Race’.

The WA Chapter Committee members had again spent much of their weekends and evenings preparing for the dance, which showcased the various towns and cities in WA, and their resources and industry-related projects.

    There were three ‘activities’ set up, and the competition and rules were thoroughly overseen by the YPF volunteers. Activities included:

  • The removal of endangered spiders, which had three remote-controlled spiders all running on the same frequency;
  • The ore haulage challenge, which involved loading a remote-controlled dump truck with ore and crossing an obstacle course; and,
  • The pigging challenge, where participants had to load a pig, provide the correct valve sequence to pump the pig through a pipe with a foot pump, and recover the pig.

It was fantastic to see husbands and wives, managers and staff, and experienced pipeliners teaming up and trying to outdo each other.

The night was set to the music and entertainment provided by the WA performing arts groups, with a variety of entertainment through a tenor and pianist, soloist singer and jazz band.

The night was enjoyed by all who attended and those who weren’t quite ready to go home were able to enjoy additional networking time at the Globe Bar downstairs until 2:00 am. Thanks again to the WA Chapter and all the effort they put in to making it a fun night.