Where are you from and how did you become involved in the pipeline industry?
I studied mechanical engineering at the University of Melbourne (Bachelor of Engineering Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Honours) and am originally from Melbourne’s inner west.
My experience varies through three main industries; petrochemical, steel manufacturing and gas pipelines. Having graduated from the University of Melbourne and building on my earlier experience in the petrochemical arena I pursued a career in the gas industry.
I have been involved throughout varied areas of the field, including asset management of distribution and transmission networks, management of maintenance contracts and capital project delivery for transmission pipelines and facilities.
What is involved in your current role?
I am the Manager of the Pipelines and Facilities Department at Zinfra, a utility and gas pipeline design and construction contractor.
The team delivers facility (compressor, metering and regulating stations) and transmission pipeline design and construction works for the Zinfra group in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia as a part of the Australia-wide Zinfra Pipelines team.
My role focuses on the development of our team’s capabilities and enhancement of our delivery services to the gas sector. The team includes pipeline engineers, project managers, project engineers, coating, civil and mechanical field personnel.
What pipeline projects have you been involved with?
Personally I have been involved in Jemena’s Wilton pipelines and metering stations, EPIC Energy’s Moomba to Adelaide Pipeline system (via LogiCamms), Pelican Point Northern Haul 80 connection and various facility projects from compressor stations to pressure regulating site construction and upgrades.
How long have you been involved in the YPF?
I have been involved in the YPF for over five years, with my first involvement being a speaker presenting on pressure regulation to the YPF in Victoria.
In 2011 I joined the Victorian YPF committee and in 2015 I became the committee chair.
Why is the YPF an important part of the Australian pipeline industry?
The YPF is an extremely important part of the Australian pipeline industry.
The collective that assembles in the Australian and New Zealand states allows development of the future of the industry.
Pooling personnel from all sectors of the industry – designers, asset owners, construction contractors and environmental/land liaisons – at regular events and forums allows the industry to continue knowledge growth at a grass roots level.
I have found this profoundly important for my own personnel growth and believe it to be a key in the industries positive culture and sustainability.
What role does the YPF play for young people in the industry?
The YPF enables our future leaders of the industry to experience the varied specialist areas of the sector which they might not necessarily be involved in through their current roles.
This expands their understanding of the industry and encourages collaboration between individuals and businesses.
The YPF also allows new entrants into the industry to quickly develop a support base of professionals interested in gas pipelines, building stronger ties between organisations and individuals.
Do you have any advice for people just now entering the industry?
We are seeing a tougher market than in previous years; however, I would not discourage young professionals from entering the industry.
The gas industry is an extremely engaging and rewarding arena which is increasingly promoting and developing its younger members and it is definitely an industry that I would recommend entering to graduates and young professionals.
What value do pipeline companies get from being involved in the YPF?
Through the YPF, organisations have the ability to expand their brand and market their capabilities to the future of the gas industry.
Year on year we have seen steady support from key organisations for YPF events and site visits and these companies have gained an extremely positive reputation with YPF members.
Further, through sponsorship or exposure of projects, these organisations, are able to have a real impact on young gas professionals’ knowledge of the industry, improving the future of our workforce in the sector for years to come.
If you’re under 40 and not yet involved in your state’s YPF chapter, visit the APGA website www.apga.org.au to sign up and start meeting your fellow young pipeliners.
