In 2005, back when she was a Project Engineer at GasNet (now APA Group), Ms Carey was asked by Gasco’s Leigh Norgate to organise drinks at the Phoenix Bar in Melbourne. This was to be her first involvement in the YPF in its informal beginnings.
“The Phoenix Bar was located directly across the road on Flinders Street from what was once the site of Victoria’s Department of Gas and Fuels “˜twin towers’, so it seemed like a fitting site. There were only a handful of attendees at the first gathering but with the support of APIA Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright, who was enthusiastic about the concept from the start, and experienced industry members, the idea of a youth network developed towards the first Young Pipeliners Forum in Canberra – the official beginning!”
The first forum received an overwhelming response and support from companies nationwide, with the open forum discussion at the close of the event standing out in Ms Carey’s memory.
“This open forum discussion was held in an auditorium with all young attendees invited to comment, offer suggestions and discuss the shared experiences of our industry’s youth based around a guided series of topics,” says Ms Carey.
“The influx of ideas and suggestions from the young attendees, the exchange of experiences and the willingness to volunteer their time and support towards the formation of state committees was incredible. My memory is of a room alive with the energy of youth and an enthusiasm for our industry.”
The benefits that the YPF offers Ms Carey continue to this day.
“My involvement with the YPF has provided opportunities to meet and make new contacts, to travel to the United States on an industry scholarship to gain further understanding of our industry’s place in the global market and, most importantly, to engage with and contribute something to the Australian pipeline industry,” she says.
Ms Carey says that the biggest strength of the YPF is the enthusiasm of its members, and believes that the initiative has achieved the initial goals defined through the 2006 Forum. It has achieved an obvious presence in the industry, which has now been acknowledged as a formal APIA committee; it has successfully set up state committees that regularly organise events appropriate to their state’s needs; and it has significantly raised the participation and involvement of young industry members in APIA events.
Ms Carey hopes to see the YPF achieve even more in the coming years.
“I would like to see the strong networking and event culture continue, but perhaps expand to play a role in the future innovation of the industry, be it in trialling new communications technologies, assisting in progressing career development of our up-and-coming workforce, or other initiatives that would benefit the companies who employ our youth,” she says.
When asked if she has any advice for her fellow young pipeliners: “Get involved and take up the opportunities our industry has on offer in these dynamic times.”
For more information on the Young Pipeliners Forum or to be involved, contact APIA on (02) 6273 0577.
