The National YPF committee and state-based organising committees soon demonstrated their “˜control’ by deciding to change the name from Young People’s Forum to Young Pipeliners Forum – in spite of my protestations! While this was a small step and, I confess, I did resist briefly, I was absolutely delighted to see them take ownership and also take a strong stand.
While anything new takes a little while to get going, the many activities demonstrate not only the enthusiasm, but also the determination to make the YPF work. For example, in South Australia, YPF events have brought in experienced members and people from outside the industry as well as young people in their first jobs after university. The Melbourne group tends to get together at the traditional Chloe’s drinks at Young and Jackson’s and I’m informed that they sometimes kick on afterwards. Queensland has held functions and so have the other states. Even the Northern Territory has joined with a separate YPF committee, with the promise of an event when members visit the NT!
Recently, 20 YPFers visited members’ facilities at Wollongong (see report on page 12) and six younger members were funded to attend the international Joint Technical Meeting held in Canberra in April. Also underway are plans for a library/data collection system, an “˜expert’ list of experienced pipeliners to answer difficult questions, promotional activities, opportunities for education and training, and more functions. An increasing number of younger members are attending APIA lunches and dinners and we have a
35 per cent discount for members under 35 attending the Annual Convention for the first time.
From my perspective, it has been more than rewarding to see the enthusiasm for the idea and it is another reason why working with this industry is such a delight.
The next challenge I want to take up is further raising awareness of the industry. The work of APIA member companies and the commitment, dedication and professionalism of the committees should not continue unheralded by an ungrateful nation!
It is important for people outside the industry to understand the work involved in building and maintaining the nation’s vital infrastructure. While there is increased awareness of the industry at the political level, we have attracted some media attention and we have had successes on the policy front – both technical and economic – we can do more! I also want to spend more time with members, and all committees, but in order to do that we need someone to assist with the research and policy writing at the Secretariat.
I am pleased that the APIA Board is very supportive of this initiative so we can further strengthen our input at the top level – with politicians – right through to the depths of the bureaucracy where policies are formulated and also further raise the general awareness of the industry through the media. There are many issues that impact on the industry, which can benefit members, but input to these requires time and determination. Soon we will advertise for a position of Policy Adviser and I have no doubt that this initiative will make a real difference. It can only be of benefit to all members for APIA to strengthen its influence on technical regulation, economic regulation and the development of relevant policies by governments.
We will be looking for someone to: assist with the development of ideas for new policies; liaise with policy advisers in related associations; research and develop policies on a range of issues (e.g. environmental matters; water issues; economic issues); draft articles for magazines and newspapers; monitor developments in relevant issues and prepare responses; attend policy briefings and working groups; and, draft submissions to government.
APIA’s main focus is, and always will be, working for our members and I plan to further enhance this focus as well as increase our influence on the national scene, which of course also benefits members. APIA is becoming a genuine force in the development of national policies that affect the industry and this is something we can build on. It’s something I’m committed to – for the benefit of the members.
I trust members will support this initiative the way they have supported the YPF initiative. Long live the dynamism in this industry and long live the preparedness to make changes and seek challenges for the benefit of the industry and APIA’s members.
Cheryl Cartwright
Chief Executive