How long have you been working in the pipeline industry for?

I started work in the pipeline industry 22 years ago as a labourer on the stringing crew on the Roma to Gladstone Pipeline in Queensland with Saipem.

What has been your favourite project to work on and why?

My favourite project would have to be the Roma to Gladstone Pipeline. It was an eye-opener for me as I was new to the industry and it taught me you can do almost anything with the right people and enough machinery.

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Can you outline a typical day in the field?

I’m currently working on the onshore pipelines, cables and tubes contract for Chevron’s Gorgon LNG Development on Barrow Island, located offshore Western Australia. A typical day on this project starts with a bus ride to the right-of-way followed by a pre-start meeting. The day’s work plans are given to us each morning and, on the ‘boom, I go and string and bend pipe until we finish at 5:00 pm.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?

People I look up to and respect in the industry are the experienced people who take the time to help the new guys get started. It wasn’t easy to get into the industry back in the early days but I was fortunate to be helped along and guided by some experienced leaders.

Do you have any advice for other workers?

This is a great industry with big opportunities in the foreseeable future. Attitude to work has changed, moving more towards working safer and smarter, rather than harder. I believe this is a change for the better.