1CONNECTIONSA REAL-WORLD

EXPERIENCE

Experiencing a new culture through the

Thiess Hochtief Annual Exchange Program.

PAgE 42

Regional Rail Link: Building our rail expertise

CONstRuCtION PAgE 16

Thiess launches social responsibility program

FEAtuRE PAgE 8

Bruce Kenny retires

FEAtuRE PAgE 6

AutumN 2012

3

Message from Bruce Munro

INSIDE ISSUE

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18

24

30

Next Gen ThiessICT upgrades to improve access and streamline processes

16 Construction 48 Our People

Delivering RNSHGood communication and positive morale make all the difference

Gold lifestyle New contract results in positive roster changes

Services marks 25 years Thiess Services today boasts a 2,000 strong workforce 40

Leadership program presents new insightsTechnical Services Manager Ben Willey shares his experience after completing the Leading ourThiess program

this

30 Services24 Mining 38 Training & Development

Ladies and gentlemen It’s been a mixed start to the year. Despite the further write-downs on our two major projects, Airport Link and the Victorian Desalination Project, which is disappointing, we have secured more than $2 billion of key contracts across Australia. This has contributed to record work-in-hand of $23.8 billion and an 88 per cent secured order book for 2012.

On the back of these significant wins, we also celebrate the 25th anniversary of Thiess Services. From humble beginnings in waste, the business has grown to become a dynamic services provider with a diverse portfolio. Its ongoing success can be attributed to the dedication and hard work of the team. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their contribution.

Beyond delivering performance on our projects, our priorities this year include taking safety to another level, fostering stronger client relationships, better engaging our people and supporting our communities.

In safety, reinforcing ‘everyone safe everyday’ continues to be a key focus. At the end of March, we will facilitate a Thiess Safety Summit for over 150 leaders across the business. The summit will help drive a necessary step-change in our performance.

To build our client relationships, increase the level of repeat business and become a preferred partner, we

must develop greater trust with our clients. We will do this by:

» building mutually-beneficial relationships

» engaging openly and proactively with key clients

» delivering excellence in our performance

» driving innovative solutions, and » delivering greater value.

To better engage our people and to ensure we’re a great place to work, we are investing in:

» managing skills shortages with innovative recruitment campaigns

» improving our diversity agenda » implementing a new people

and performance system, and » developing a national recognition

and awards program.

To leverage the generosity of Thiess’ giving-back culture, we are launching our social responsibility program

– Care. The program provides simple guidelines to ensure that our communities continue to get long-lasting value from our contributions. I encourage you to get involved and support the Care program.

In the year of the dragon, 2012 represents a great opportunity for Thiess. This means having the drive to shape our future, the confidence to take the lead and the energy to see it through.

Enjoy this autumn edition of the new-look Connections staff magazine. It’s a great way for you to connect with people and to learn about our business. I also encourage you to contribute your stories, which you can send to connections@thiess.com.au

CONtACtConnections - c/o Strategic Communication 179 Grey Street, South Bank QLD 4101

FEEDbACk & CONtRIbutIONsSend your feedback and story ideas to connections@thiess.com.au

Connections is a Thiess staff publication produced quarterly by Strategic Communication. Connections is published with due care and attention to accuracy. If you do find information that is inaccurate or incomplete please contact us.

THIESS ONLINE Stay informed with the latest news available on the Thiess intranet.

$325 million QGC contract awarded

Coal seam gas explorer and producer QGC has awarded Thiess a $325 million contract to construct gas processing facilities for one of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects. The six field compression stations and one central processing plant, to be built north-west of Dalby in southern Queensland, represent some of the upstream facilities being developed by QGC for its Queensland Curtis LNG Project (QCLNG).

Thiess Managing DirecTor Bruce Munro anD alexanDer nairn, senior Vice PresiDenT Qclng

Central Queensland earthworks contract

We have been awarded a $180 million civil earthworks contract with BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) for the development of the Caval Ridge Mine Project in central Queensland. BMA’s Caval Ridge open cut coal mine is expected to produce up to 5.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) and process an additional 2.5Mtpa from BMA’s adjacent Peak Downs mine.

Project Director appointed for NBN

project Chris Browne has been appointed project director for the National Broadband Network (NBN) Fibre Network Project. He will oversee the Thiess Services/Silcar joint venture, which will deliver 40 per cent of NBN’s national construction activity.

Fundraising for worthy causes at Christmas

We donated more than $11,000 to various charities, including the Mater Foundation Children’s Hospital and Salvation Army, as part of the staff D&C A Christmas tree competition. Our client Christmas e-campaign raised $20,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Our new image library will make sourcing photographs of our projects and people simpler and quicker.

The library, which replaces the existing Bluefish system, contains thousands of photos, is more user-friendly and includes features such as browsing by project folders and the ability to refine searches using keywords. The download function is also much easier than the current system.

To ensure the system is as comprehensive as possible staff

are encouraged to send images, particularly recent and professional photographs, to Digital Asset Coordinator Wendy Orme at worme@thiess.com.au

Further information is available on the intranet.

If you are a budding photographer see the back cover for information about our photo competition.

Excellence award for Lavarack Barracks

The Lavarack Barracks project has won an Australian National Construction Major Project Review (ANCR) Construction Excellence 2011 Award. The Award recognises the North Queensland defence project as one of the best examples of major construction featured in the ANCR.

Wheatstone LNG tanks project for joint venture

A joint venture between Thiess and EV LNG Australia (EVT) has won a $500 million contract to build LNG storage and condensate tanks for the Chevron-operated Wheatstone Project, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) and domestic gas project in Western Australia. This latest win comes on the back of the $60 million, 1.2 kilometre long tunnelled shore crossing project.

$1 BILLION mining contract for

OZ Minerals We were recently awarded a six-year mining contract to extend mining operations at OZ Minerals’ Prominent Hill copper and gold mine in South Australia.

see Prominent Hill story on

Page 24 For more Details

aBoUt tHis ProJeCt

CONNECTIONSSINCE LAST TIME4 5

MULTIMEDIA CENTRAL

Photo Library receives major overhaul

Thiess legend and plant guru Bruce Kenny is hanging up his spanners after an extraordinary

33 years with the company.

BLUE BLOOD BIDS

FAREWELL

Bruce is a true ‘blue blood’ who began his career with Thiess in 1979 as a mechanic on the Narbalek Uranium Mine rehabilitation job in the Northern Territory’s Alligator Rivers region.

He has worked in some of the most remote regions of Australia and Fiji in various roles including maintenance supervisor and plant superintendent, and has been involved in Thiess projects in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

Bruce became Group Plant Manager in 1994 prior to his appointment as EGM Plant in 2008.

He was responsible for pioneering the great relationship we have with key suppliers Caterpillar and Liebherr.

He was instrumental in introducing the 793 dump trucks and Liebherr R996 excavators at Mt Owen and Burton in 1996, and helped us become the first contractor worldwide to use the 797 dump trucks.

BRUCE BUILT UP QUITE A

COLLECTION OF BIG GEAR AND

THE FLEET NOW HAS A BOOk vALUE

OF MORE THAN $1.2 BILLION.

“Those were the definite highlights – the R996 is now the mainstay of our mining fleet,” Bruce said.

“It was a challenging experience that we both learnt from and this led to the development of the R9800 which is now working very well.”

Bruce had always planned to transition from full-time work at the age of 55. Aside from managing some of his investments and potential overseas travel, he doesn’t have much planned when he leaves on 4 May.

“I was 16 when I started work as an apprentice so I’ve been working for a long time,” he said.

“Thiess has been a large part of my life – I love the industry and will miss it.”

His priority after leaving Thiess will be to attend MINExpo INTERNATIONAL in Las Vegas in September which showcases

the latest in mining equipment, products and services – it seems plant and equipment is part of his DNA.

Bruce said he’d like to stay in touch and be involved with Thiess in the future. This is definitely on the cards and Managing Director Bruce Munro, who’s worked with Bruce for more than 25 years, plans to entice him back in an advisory role, with a particular focus on new technologies.

My focus has always been on plant and equipment, that’s what I enjoy and I’ve certainly enjoyed being involved in growing the business and building relationships with suppliers to support that growth.

CONNECTIONS FEATURE6 7

The program provides an overarching framework that focuses and guides our community investments and initiatives across three key focus areas – environment, education and health, and includes six key programs.

Strategic Communication Executive General Manager Mary-Jane Bellotti says the program will enhance our efforts and offer great initiatives, such as workplace giving and volunteer leave.

We have selected key charities and have entered into long-term partnerships where our contribution can make a meaningful difference and, in turn, we benefit from the relationship - the Royal

Flying Doctor Service (health), International RiverFoundation (environment) and The Engineering Link Group (education).

“We’re also introducing a volunteer leave scheme so staff can take a day off every year to volunteer at a community organisation of their choice,” Mary-Jane says.

“They can either take a day to work at a charity that has special meaning to them or join their workmates to provide support to a local organisation.”

Mary-Jane says the workplace giving program allows staff to donate to a charity of their choice from their pre-tax pay.

“Thiess will then match these contributions dollar-for-dollar,” she says.

“It is another way that the organisation can support and encourage staff to give back. Ultimately, Care is about maximising our efforts and providing

everyone with the opportunity to participate and make a difference.”

Check out the intranet for

more information about

the program and learn

more about how you

can make a difference.

TAkING CARE TO A NEW LEvEL

CONNECTIONS FEATURE8 9

We have selected key charities and have entered into long-term partnerships where our contribution can make a meaningful difference.

Our company has a long history of supporting and engaging with our local communities.

To build on this already generous culture of giving back, we are pleased to launch a company-wide

social responsibility program called Care.

TOWNSvILLE BENEFITS

FROM FUNDING

The program was trialled in Townsville late last year and attracted more than 50 applications.

Our judging panel – a mix of staff and community representatives – granted funding to seven organisations, who shared more than $34,000.

One of the aims of the program is to support our project teams and the good work they are doing within their local communities. In Townsville this includes completing the Townsville Hospital Redevelopment project, delivering a long-term contract for Ergon Energy and the upcoming works on the NBN network.

Thiess Regional Manager (Townsville) Carmelo Di Bella said the grants funding program was an

opportunity to give back to local communities.

“We have been in Townsville for more than 40 years including more than a decade working on redevelopment projects at Lavarack Barracks,” Carmelo said. “Our employees live and work in Townsville so this was a great way to support those organisations that are providing essential services for the region.”

ACT for Kids Regional Director North Queensland Renee McAllister (pictured below, third from the left) said the $5,000 they received would help them buy equipment such as art therapy supplies, educational resources and special items for play therapy.

“It will support our work to treat and prevent child

abuse and neglect, enhance the therapy experience for our clients, and ultimately can provide even better services for the Townsville community,” Renee said.

Thiess Services Contract Manager (NQ) Eric Accornero, whose services team has a long-term contract with Ergon Energy, said there were many not-for-profit organisations providing essential services in the region, and financing those services was often a challenge.

“Our program has allowed some of these groups to tap into another source of funding and therefore provide more services in the area,” Eric said.

The grants program is part of our company-wide social responsibility framework

- Care (see page 8).

A special day for mothers of children with cancer and a vacation care program for teens with cerebral palsy were just two of the initiatives funded through

our inaugural Community Grants program.

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Project teams from Thiess Services and Queensland Construction, which included the Townsville Hospital Redevelopment project, partnered on a pilot Community Grants program. The program supported not-for-profit organisations including ACT for Kids.

CONNECTIONS FEATURE12

Categorised as a Level 2 ‘full deployment’ emergency, ‘Bravo’ was a multi-level crisis exercise incorporating Meandu Mine, Australian Mining, Tarong Power Station, our client Stanwell, the Thiess Crisis Management Team and Leighton Holdings.

The exercise also involved emergency services such as police, paramedics and firefighters. The Queensland Department of Employment, Economic

Development and Innovation (DEEDI) and AIG Community Rescue helicopter also took part.

Michael Wright, Executive General Manager Australian Mining, played the role of Crisis Management Team Leader and said: “The exercise was an invaluable opportunity to work with our client, emergency services, Leighton Holdings and site employees to test the plans and systems we have in place.”

The main aims of Bravo were to test our initial response and management of an incident, improve our preparedness and test and improve coordination with key stakeholders including media, family and friends.

The most extensive crisis management exercise ever undertaken at Thiess was executed late

last year at Meandu Mine, Tarong in South East Queensland. “Exercise Bravo” was the first practical

field test of the updated Crisis Management Plan.

BRAvO FOR CRISIS ExERCISE

Managing security threats, extortion, kidnapping and fatalities were once part of a day’s work for our Group Crisis Specialist Troy Edward.

Having spent most of his 20-year career with major airlines, Troy has extensive experience in operational risk management. He has consulted on strategic crisis management to major mining companies in South Africa, the Philippines, South America and Australia. Nowadays, in his role at Thiess, Troy spends his time educating and preparing the company to respond to, and recover from, incidents and threats.

Troy instigated Exercise Bravo and describes the exercise as one of the most rewarding he has coordinated in many years. Bravo was an invaluable learning exercise, which exposed a number of important areas that need improvement.

The comprehensive nature of the simulated disaster reflects our renewed focus on the safety and wellbeing of our people.

“The nature of our business means we are closely tied with risk. As Thiess matures in its management of risk, our crisis management capability also needs to develop to an acceptable level of organisational preparedness,” Troy said.

Our crisis strategy is designed to develop Thiess’ crisis management capability and is built on four key areas. They focus on the identification of threats and risks; supporting materials and systems; specialised resources and infrastructure; and ongoing training.

The strategy is a collaborative approach which links our media, safety, risk management and legal teams, as well as Leighton Holdings.

This year, we’re aiming to conduct four major crisis exercises across the Thiess Group, involving construction, mining and services locally and in Indonesia. The nature of these exercises will focus on different threats and incidents specific to each location.

“Validating our crisis plans is important in order to assess how effective they are in a real-life scenario. Most importantly, this helps us to ensure we are best equipped to safeguard our people in every context in which they work,” Troy said.

THIESS BUILDSCRISIS CAPABILITy

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Chief Information Officer Brett Milton says the company is increasingly embracing technology – from mobile data collection in construction, to expanded automation in mining, to enabling platforms like Maximo in services.

“We have to keep pace with our industries but tailor our technology take-up to what’s right for us,” Brett says.

Recent key upgrades to the email and phone systems delivered bigger mailboxes, faster archive searches, phone integration with desktop apps and new collaboration capabilities, alongside a raft of other ICT initiatives.

Several major ICT projects are currently being undertaken across Thiess, including an intranet overhaul; a new people management system; upgrades to JDE hardware and software; new safety and environmental management systems; and improvements to the accounts payable document workflow.

The intranet overhaul is one of our largest company- wide projects and is due for release later this year. The new intranet solution will create a dramatically-improved space for knowledge sharing, collaboration and communication. The project team has undertaken detailed consultation with user groups, which will ensure

the new solution is more functional, dynamic and user-friendly with the flexibility and scalability to support our diverse business.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach – ICT’s role is to support the needs of each of the business units,” Brett says.

The ICT team, in conjunction with the Business Systems Steering Committee (BSSC), has also done a lot of work around improving ICT governance, risk management and controls.

“We work with the business units to understand their objectives and to develop implementation roadmaps. The BSSC’s role is to then determine the

priorities and work through funding,” Brett says.

Other ICT initiatives include an expanded focus on mobile device management, given the growth in the use of mobiles and tablet devices for business processes, as well as supporting the integration of new solutions.

“We are continually trialling new technologies and can give people confidence by shoring up existing and new systems to deliver the results they need.

“It’s definitely a very challenging and exciting year ahead – it’s a terrific time to be involved in the IT space, both in the broader industry and at Thiess,” Brett says.

TECHNOLOGy SHAPES NExT-GEN

THIESS

CONNECTIONSCORPORATE 1514

Major upgrades to our Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platforms over the past year are expected to improve access and streamline processes across the Group.

In an alliance with construction partners Balfour Beatty and design partners Parsons Brinckerhoff and Sinclair Knight Merz, we will deliver the $835 million contract for works on the Footscray to Deer Park section of the Regional Rail Link Project.

The project, which is jointly funded by the Australian

and Victorian governments, is considered a critical component of Melbourne’s rail network, separating regional trains from metropolitan trains for the first time, and increasing capacity and reliability.

The contract is a significant endorsement of Thiess’ extensive rail expertise gained on major projects

across the country, from MetWest in Melbourne to the TrackStar alliance in Brisbane.

General Manager Vic/SA/Tas/ NZ Rod Heale says the alliance delivery model will provide the client with an optimal solution, drawing on the skills and expertise of local and worldwide rail specialists.

“We have worked closely with our alliance partners through the selection process to develop a program of works that addresses the engineering challenges and community expectations that will be experienced on a complex project like this,” Rod says.

We have been awarded a contract to design and construct a key section of the first major new rail line for metropolitan Melbourne in 80 years.

17CONNECTIONSCONSTRUCTION16

REGIONAL RAIL LINk TO BENEFIT MELBOURNE

kEy FEATURES » 7.5 kilometres of

new regional track

» New rail bridges

» Two road/rail separations at level crossings

» One new station at West Footscray and three station upgrades/improvements

» Design and construction of train control systems (TCS) for the metropolitan lines

The helipad on Level 11 of the new Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) boasts one of the best views of the Sydney skyline and its famous harbour.

Although the view may be impressive, the real achievement has been meeting the challenge of delivering a new acute hospital building in the middle of an existing hospital precinct.

Construction of the hospital, which is due for completion at the end of the year, is in addition to the eight-level Community Health Facility that was handed over in 2011.

The man overseeing this complex undertaking,

Project Director Jim Tragotsalos has been involved in the $721 million (approximately) project since the tender stage six years ago.

“It has been one of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on,” Jim said. “Working on social infrastructure really motivates me as it’s a place that you or any member of your family may need to use one day.”

He believes that good communication between his team and hospital representatives has helped to identify and mitigate the potential issues of building within a hospital campus.

“There are sick people in beds in the existing hospital, which is just across the road, so we have to be very aware of dust, noise and vibrations, and are very conscious that we might be doing something that affects them,” Jim said.

Good communication is also essential in engaging the workforce, which peaked at more than 800.

“I think giving everyone knowledge about what’s going on in the whole project, as well as the detail they need for their section, makes a big difference,” he said.

The team also has been very active in fundraising, which Jim attributes

to helping build the positive morale on site.

It has raised more than $240,000 for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation which provides vital medical equipment for hospitals – and has twice been named ‘best site collection’ for the Property Industry Funds’ National Hard Hat Day.

“These fundraisers are a good way for the team to feel part of something greater and feel good about their contribution,” Jim said.

19CONNECTIONSCONSTRUCTION18

It has been one of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on.PROjECt DIRECtOR jIm tRAgOtsALOs

Andy says nearby villagers were consulted and the elders and fishermen confirmed there had been crocodile attacks on bathers in the past, and some of the reptiles had been trapped and caught.

“They agreed to assist us with their intimate knowledge of the lake and its dangers. They also assisted with the recruitment of local divers who knew how these crocodiles behaved,” he says.

“The pipeline work method statement we developed included strict controls on the time of day, where and how the divers entered the water; the use of local boats and teams for patrolling while the divers were in the water; and the presence of emergency support throughout the dive operations.

Crocodiles were certainly in the area – there were plenty of sightings and the occasional fresh claw prints found in the morning by the rather edgy security guards were a reminder against complacency.

The works were completed without incident thanks to a team effort, thorough planning and strong support of the local community.

Tasmania’s Brighton Bypass Project team achieved an Australian first.

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The team used an innovative method of bridge construction to place the first of four 220-tonne steel box girders required for the Jordan River Bridge.

At 165 metres the bridge includes a 70-metre main span.The launch method was adopted after ancient buried artefacts were discovered in late 2008 and the Jordan River Levee was identified as a significant Aboriginal heritage site.

Making it the longest single

bridge span ever launched in Australia.

The pumping station, for client PT Vale Indonesia TBK’s nickel plant, was being built on the banks of a lake when the team became aware of the menacing problem.

TCI Construction Manager Andy Thomas says part of the works included sinking 200-metre-long pipelines and anchors to the bottom of the lake and strapping them down.

“We were told the lake was well known for its population of large crocodiles that periodically have threatened both livestock and children at the water’s edge,” Andy says.

“Early in the project, the site team reported sightings of one particularly large crocodile that casually drifted past the site at the same time each day – around 300 metres offshore. We immediately launched additional precautions for the pump house works.”

CROC-INFESTED WATERS PRESENT UNUSUAL CHALLENGE

Working in a crocodile-infested lake was just one of the many challenges our Indonesian team overcame to successfully complete construction of a pumping station.

CONNECTIONSCONSTRUCTION

23CONNECTIONSCONSTRUCTION22

Taking project design to a new dimension

The use of 3D modelling technology on the Victorian Desalination Plant (VDP) project has saved time, money and prevented construction clashes says Daniel Kalnins (pictured right).

The VDP Project Engineer found the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology beneficial on a number of fronts.

“One of the biggest benefits was the chance to review the BIM model with the designers and identify clashes early on, which ultimately saves time and money,” Daniel says.

“We also could go through the model with the workers, which gave them a good idea of what they needed to do and how it would look.”

BIM is used to create virtual 3D models from the hard engineering data behind every aspect of a design.

Thiess has teamed with leading Perth-based BIM specialists PDC Consultants to develop the iConstruct technology, which enables disparate models and data

packages to be brought together in the one virtual model.

“On a huge project like VDP where designs from different external consultants were integrated into in-house designs, the use of BIM really helped to streamline the process of developing models based on information from various contributors,” Daniel says.

BIM Manager Andrew Miller says the technology provides more than just a visual representation of the project.

“Embedded in the model is the hard data required by the various disciplines – it’s a full project manual,” he says.

“We not only have the three dimensional visual representation of a project, we also have the fourth dimension which is time and the fifth dimension which is cost.”

iConstruct BIM Development Manager Rob Lawson says Thiess is a leader in the use of the technology.

“Companies such as Thiess are really at the forefront of this and making it profitable and feasible to bring all these technologies together,” he says.

Thiess is really at the forefront of 3D modelling technology and making it profitable and feasible to bring together.

For more information about BIM view the website video at www.thiess.com.au/news/2011/thiess-takes-design-to-a-new-dimension

A new lifestyle roster at Prominent Hill allows Mark Holman to spend more time with his family and to escape to ‘man land’ (aka his shed) to indulge his hobby of restoring motorbikes.

Mark, who started as a trainee at the remote Prominent Hill copper and gold mine in South Australia more than four years ago, has worked his way up to leading hand.

Last December he transferred to the new lifestyle roster – working eight day shifts, going home to Adelaide for a six-day break then returning to site for seven night shifts followed by seven days at home.

It replaces the previous roster of 14 days/nights followed by seven days off, and means that our

people work 47 days less each year and get every second weekend at home.

“It’s absolutely awesome,” Mark says. “We get 25 weekends a year which means you’re at home a lot more and can spend that time with your family and catch up with friends.”

As a motorbike enthusiast he recently went with friends to the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island, a trip he would have found more difficult to organise under the previous roster.

Project General Manager Hugh Trivett says the new lifestyle roster has been 18 months in the making and formed part of the recent contract renegotiation with client OZ Minerals, resulting in a six-year extension.

“The lifestyle roster obviously presents a greater cost for both OZ Minerals and Thiess but we want to keep the good people we have,” Hugh says. “Providing a better work/life balance is certainly something that appeals to our workers. Ultimately we want Prominent Hill to be a place where people love to work and are proud to recommend to family, friends and acquaintances.”

Hugh believes the lifestyle roster will result in improved performance.

“With more regular breaks between shifts we envisage that there will be an increase in the overall performance of the site to deliver on the client’s expectations,” he said.

25CONNECTIONSMINING24

LIFESTyLE ROSTER STRIkES

GOLD Executive General Manager Mining Michael Wright with OZ Minerals’ CEO and Managing Director Terry Burgess after Thiess was awarded a six-year mining contract to extend mining operations at OZ Minerals’ Prominent Hill Copper and Gold Mine. The lifestyle roster was negotiated as part of the new contract.

The Solomon Mine team has welcomed three Indigenous trainees who recently graduated from Fortescue Metals Group’s (FMG) Vocational Training Employment Centre in Western Australia.

In addition to the FMG training, Thiess sponsored Kerin Stevens, Travis Mills and Kamarl Daublin to

complete a Certificate III in Haul Truck Operation.

The three men now work as trainee operators at the Solomon Mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

Kerin, who was working casually before the traineeship, says it is good to have a permanent job that offers lots of opportunities.

“I’d like to learn how to operate all the different machines on site,” Kieran says of his future ambitions.

Executive Manager (Western Region) Jarrod Seymour welcomes the new trainees to the Solomon team.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the returns that this

initiative will bring to each of them and their respective communities,” Jarrod says.

On-site Indigenous trainer and mentor David Peacock has ensured a smooth transition to life working on a mine site.

Trainees trucking towards job security

27CONNECTIONSMINING26

Tuning in keeps teams connectedCommunity radio stations at four mining sites in Indonesia are keeping workers informed and entertained.

The Melak, Sangatta, Senakin and Satui mines have their own radio stations, complete with on-site announcers, which are proving popular with workers as well as local residents who can tune into the broadcasts.

The stations broadcast work-relevant segments such as safety and health

messages, as well as music including listener requests.

Senakin FM Coordinator Albani Soeleman says the radio stations are a great way to communicate with workers, particularly those who don’t have access to email or the intranet.

“Since we started broadcasting more

than a year ago, the HR department has used the radio to promote recruitment opportunities,” Albani says. “It is very well accepted by Senakin society.”

An audio production room has been set up in the Jakarta head office to record content to support the on-site broadcasts.

The team at the Pakri Barwadih coal mining project in India has launched a Community Health Centre on site, offering free health services for all ages.

General Manager Dilip Kunar says working with villagers will be critical to establishing a positive foundation for the project.

“Where there has been resistance to projects like Pakri in the past, we have made vital inroads by being transparent about our work and providing

practical support to the community,” he says.

The Community Health Centre has two doctors, midwives, a 24-hour ambulance service, and a pathological lab, supported by medical camps held in local villages.

More than 1,085 patients have already benefited from the program. Our team has also partnered with Jharkraft, a Government of Jharkhand program, to develop the rural cottage industry to deliver micro enterprise training. The funding supports women through two months of handicrafts’ training.

“Arhara was the first village we went to and the response has been very positive – 35 participants have gone through the training in that village alone,” Dilip says.

“It empowers women in a male-dominated community to create new income sources for their families.”

The Pakri Barwadih project involves the development and operation of a greenfield coal mine for NTPC Ltd, a Government of India enterprise and the nation’s largest electricity generator.

Site preparation and mine infrastructure construction works have now started at the project site.

29

Health centres to create healthy communities

Site preparation and mine infrastructure construction works have now started at the Pakri Barwadih coal mining project site.

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Richard Kelleway, the fourth and current Executive General Manager, says there’s a great future ahead for the business.

“We’ve gone from zero to $1 billion through sustainable, constructive growth and now we’re ready to change gear again,” Richard says.

“The world’s moving fast and we’ve got to move with it. A big part of this is anticipating new market opportunities. Our future is focused on becoming a true whole-of-life services provider.”

From a team of two at the start, Services today boasts a 2,000-strong workforce.

“With so many long-serving team members, the company has benefited from the flexibility that comes with knowledge sharing, mentoring and more,” Richard says.

“There’s a real can-do culture which drives proactive client relationships and sets the foundation for our exciting future.”

This year, the Services team is celebrating its 25th anniversary. A remarkable success story.

CONNECTIONSSERvICES30

From a team of two at the start, Services today boasts a 2,000 strong workforce.

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We’re more innovative – a smarter real-time company.mIChAEL ALvARO

A STORy OF REINvENTION

CONNECTIONSSERvICES

Long-time employee Michael Alvaro started as an apprentice plant mechanic in 1984, working on various Thiess projects including the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. In 1994, he moved to Services’ North Head Biosolids Facility where he was appointed Project Manager.

“The training and support from the business enabled me to successfully transition into my management role,” Michael says.

Today, he is Senior Asset Manager, Remediation and Infrastructure division, including implementing an Asset Management system for Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH).

“The RNSH project is very exciting and challenging because we’re implementing new solutions to deliver the project,” he says.

“The 25-year milestone is the result of our people and our ability to adapt as Thiess Services grows.

“Every project gives us the opportunity to reinvent ourselves; I‘m so grateful to have experienced the changes both personally and professionally.

“Thiess Services has enabled me to pursue my goals and ambitions. It’s been great being part of this team. It’s up to you what you achieve.”

Share your Story

25 yEARS OF CHANGE

Noel Horton, Manager Administration, Waste Management Division NSW/ACT, joined in 1987 when the business made the visionary move to acquire Wastehawk.

He says there’s great pride in having so many people stay with the company for so long.

“This has been a fabulous company to work with and a job that’s been ever more challenging and interesting because of its diversity; I can’t fault it,” Noel says.

His career started in a team that had two IBM computers, calculators and two-way radios.

“The change in technology has been pretty stunning,” he says.

“The world’s a whole lot faster and the market more competitive. Our equipment alone is far more sophisticated.

“We’ve always had a culture of expansion

and venturing into new projects.

“We’re here today because of the innovativeness of our leaders and the willingness to embrace new technology and move to fields where the market is going.”

the 25th anniversary will be

celebrated through team events

and a commemorative book.

stories and photos from the

team can be sent to

25years@thiess-services.com.au

NOEL hORtON

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BALANCING THE WORk / FAMILy SCALES

Juggling young children, a legal career and the demands of everyday life requires good organisational skills and flexibility according to Fiona McDougall and Zoe Bennett.

Services’ senior lawyers Fiona and Zoe have flexible working arrangements – Fiona works a four-day, school-hours week and Zoe works on a casual basis for at least two days a week.

Working flexibly has allowed them to maintain

an interesting career and spend valuable time with their families.

Mother-of-two Fiona says the support of her boss, Thiess Services General Counsel Tom Sansom, and her colleagues has helped her manage her work, which can mean finalising the intricacies of a complex legal contract while still managing the 3pm school pick-up.

“I have never worked for a more accommodating company,” she says. “I communicated what my needs were and we came to an arrangement that works for everyone. To find a part-time role that is both challenging and interesting is very rare.”

Fellow senior lawyer Zoe – mother of three children aged eight, two and one – works two days a week but during busy periods will often extend this to three or four days.

“The flexibility of the job really does foster loyalty and dedication,” she says.

“Often part-time legal roles tend to be at the lower level of transactional work but this is still really high- level work.”

Tom, who also has two young children, and a wife who works part-time, is very conscious of the demands on working parents.

“Our team is mostly parents of young kids so there’s a real

understanding of the need to balance work and family, and we support each other in doing that,” he says.

Alexandra Johnstone, another senior lawyer in Tom’s Commercial and Legal team, also works part-time in the Parramatta office.

“Fiona, Al and Zoe are all excellent lawyers but they have different strengths and areas of specialisation,” he says.

“The business really benefits from that extra diversity and capability, at a much lower cost than out-sourcing work or employing more full-time staff. And their dedication to the job and company is second to none.”

35CONNECTIONSSERvICES34

I have never worked for a more accommodating company.

FIONA mCDOugALL (FRONt) AND zOE bENNEtt

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The miracle, as described by ACE Works Coordinator Stewart Richardson, took the form of a ‘Backyard Blitz’.

Abbotsford Convent, a non-profit, community-run centre and thriving cultural hub, sits on a sprawling 6.8 hectares near the Yarra River.

The convent was the worthy recipient of the blitz, which included tree felling, tiling, painting, carpentry, paving, concrete repairs and irrigation.

The group was broken into teams to carry out work projects around the convent.

Each team was then scored on its efforts and the overall winners awarded prizes.

The winning team was responsible for reshaping a 100-year-old hedge and tidying up a number of garden beds in the same area.

Team captain Crispin Eames was thrilled with the win. “We aced it,” he says.

The initiative was part of an annual ACE One Team Day and proved a great opportunity for the team to get together and reconnect, celebrate their achievements during the past year and, most

importantly, give back to the local community.

Contract Manager Andrew Lawrie says a remarkable amount of work was carried out in a short space of time.

“It’s a testament to the passion and commitment of the people from the ACE Alliance,” he says.

Abbotsford Convent Chief Executive Officer Maggie Maguire agrees that it was a fantastic job.

“There is much evidence of the colossal amount of work that was achieved,” she says.

“The team was ready to roll up their sleeves and that says great things about

the alliance, its people and their willingness to put themselves to the task at hand.”

The team was ready to roll up their sleeves and that says great things about the alliance.

About 170 members of the ACE Alliance – a Thiess Services and Melbourne Water partnership – recently performed a small ‘miracle’ at the Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne.

Team bonding transforms convent

“How you behave sets the tone for the whole team,” Jim says.

“I also think it’s about understanding people, knowing what they’re good at and putting them in the right roles.”

Jim, who has been with the company for eight years, has recently taken on the role of Senior Project Manager with the Thiess Sedgman joint venture, for the Boggabri Coal Expansion in north- west NSW.

His leadership skills have been honed on a number of complex projects, most

notably the Hunter River Remediation Project for BHP Billiton on which he was the project director.

Jim says he was humbled by the reaction to his award win, which was announced at the Brisbane staff Christmas party in December.

“When the award was announced I received phone calls and emails from people across the company,” he says.

“I had no expectations of winning so it was a nice surprise and the positive reaction from others has been great.”

People, Safety and Environment EGM Peter Olsen was among those who congratulated Jim on his win.

“The Murray Fox award is an opportunity for our aspiring leaders to grow their capability and skills, and Jim is a worthy recipient,” Peter says.

Thiess Services Western Australia General Manager Bob Brownlee also has praise for Jim’s leadership style.

“He is a great manager who gains respect from all who deal with him, at whatever level,” Bob says.

“He lives the Thiess values and his commitment to the organisation’s success is a credit to his individual contribution and effort.”

The Murray Fox Leadership Award, now in its fifth year, encourages staff to develop their potential as leaders by providing $20,000 for professional development.

The award was named after former Executive General Manager Qld/NT/Pacific Murray Fox, who was passionate about his people and committed to maximising opportunities for their personal development.

JIM LEADS THE WAy

According to this year’s Murray Fox award winner Jim Maniord, the key is leading by example.

What makes a good leader?

39CONNECTIONS TRAINING & DEvELOPMENT38

LEADERSHIP BEyOND THE PROJECT

Jim’s leadership skills go beyond his project management roles.

While working on the Lednez remediation project at Rhodes in Sydney, Jim and his team took time out to

spend time with a 14-year-old boy involved in wheelchair basketball.

They played wheelchair basketball with the young boy and raised funds for the NSW Wheelchair Association.

For Ben Willey, one of the main advantages of completing the Leading ourThiess program was the opportunity to step outside his day-to-day role and take a strategic view of the organisation.

The Technical Services Manager for Australian Mining says the leadership training course – which is run over a six-month period – gave him the chance to work with a team of other managers on a big-picture issue facing the company, in his case the impacts of the carbon tax.

“I worked with people from Australian Mining as well as Thiess Services,” Ben says.

“The Services team has different drivers so it was good to understand it from their perspective.”

He says the program also helped him review his leadership style.

“As a manager you just do things and never critically assess why,” he says. “The course allowed me to step back and look at the way I worked and how I worked with my team.”

Ben, along with 14 other participants, completed the six-month program late last year.

Queensland Business Unit Project Development Manager Ron Thomas was a fellow graduate.He also benefited from working with people from other parts of the business, as well as spending time with senior leaders.

“It was a good opportunity to work on the business, rather than just in it,” Ron says.

The program is run with the support and guidance of the University of Queensland Business School, and Ron says exposure to theoretical views on leadership was helpful.

The program culminated in group presentations to the senior executive group. Other presentation topics included improving client engagement and new technologies in construction. Managing Director Bruce Munro says he was impressed by the presentations.

“This program reinforces the number of great people we have and the innovative ideas out there in the business,” he says.

Leadership program presents new insights

41CONNECTIONS TRAINING & DEvELOPMENT40

The program reinforced the need to be mindful in decision-making. It is crucial to consider the impacts of the decisions you make and the outcomes in the long term.

bEN WILLEy (LEFt) WIth EvANDRI WANCIk AND sARAh bLIgh

Just days after completing his Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree, Christoph arrived in Australia – the first country he’s visited outside of Europe and the furthest from his home town of Dortmund, near Cologne.

“I didn’t know anyone in Australia, but fortunately everyone has been friendly. It was quite easy to get to know people and make friends,” he says.

Christoph spent one month with the Professional Services Group (Controls and Planning), before completing two months at the Goodna Sewage Treatment Plant Infrastructure project and two months at Airport Link. He describes the work experience component of the exchange program as invaluable.

“It’s great to connect what we learn at university with how things are done in the workplace,” he says.

Having now completed his work experience, Christoph will undertake a semester with the

Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) before he returns to Germany to complete his Master of Engineering (civil).

Aside from some challenges in tackling a foreign language and enduring a hot Christmas, Christoph has revelled in his time here, citing trips to Fraser Island, the Gold Coast and Sydney as real highlights of his trip.

“It’s a really good opportunity,” says Christoph. “It’s not an easy step – but once you’re here it’s no problem. It’s good to live away from home and to really see what you are able to do.”

Human Resources Manager Tamara O’Sullivan, who was involved in managing the Australian side of the program, says, “This is an excellent opportunity for an individual to work for a leading Australian contractor, experience our culture and also to learn and to undertake further study in their chosen field.”

The opportunity to experience a new culture while working has proved invaluable for German exchange student Christoph Launhardt, who recently completed five months work experience with us as part of the Thiess Hochtief Annual Exchange Program.

The Thiess Hochtief Annual Exchange Program is a reciprocal arrangement between business and university, which gives a civil engineering student from RWTH Aachen University, Germany, the opportunity to study at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and to work with Thiess in Brisbane.

The students complete about five months of work experience (September to January), have one month off to travel, then complete a semester at QUT (February to June).

This is the second time Thiess has hosted a student from Germany.

Thiess also has the opportunity to send a student to work with Hochtief in Germany and to study at RWTH Aachen University.

For more information contact

Corporate human Resources

manager bryan mcCartney

on 07 3002 9568.

MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE PROGRAM

A REAL-WORLDExPERIENCE

43CONNECTIONS TRAINING & DEvELOPMENT42

ChRIstOPh LAuNhARDt (LEFt) AND

buILDINg mANAgER AIRPORt LINk ChRIs kORtykA

45

Fun and games kick-start our grad program

New apprentices start their Thiess career

Our new intake of graduates recently spent two days getting to know each other, learning about the organisation and having a bit of fun along the way.

In February we welcomed a group of 53 new apprentices – the biggest intake of first-year apprentices plant has ever had – into the Thiess Plant Apprenticeship Program.

The program attracted the interest of more than 1,000 applicants wanting to complete a range of trades. The induction covered a range of topics including safety, our values and expectations, as well as team-building activities.

CONNECTIONS TRAINING & DEvELOPMENT44

This year is the largest intake - 111 graduates spent two days in Brisbane completing the first of the four modules they will undertake during their two-year program.

Mine experiencebrings text book learnings to life

CONNECTIONS TRAINING & DEvELOPMENT46

During the final year of his civil engineering degree, Omid took part in Griffith University’s Industry Affiliates Program, which places students with industry to gain on-the-job experience.

His placement with Thiess saw him relocated to a mine site near Emerald in central Queensland to work on a civil construction project for BHP Billiton, an

experience that taught him more than he could ever learn in a text book.

“It was amazing – it gave me the chance to put everything I’d learnt into practice,” Omid says.

The placement led to him being employed as a graduate engineer on the Airport Link project and he will soon transfer to the recently-awarded Caval Ridge project in central Queensland.

Learning from experienced engineers was a benefit of his university placement and continues into his full-time role.

“I’m working with engineers who have 20 to 30 years experience and you just learn so much from them,” he says. “Every day you do something different

– it’s so interesting to see it in real life.”

Airport Link QA Manager Jaime Espinoza describes Omid as a valuable addition to the team.

“He was always willing to take up a challenge to improve the work,” Jaime says.

For more information about placing a final-year student in your project or business unit, visit www.griffith.edu.au/industry-affiliates-program

Working on a civil engineering project at a central Queensland mine was in stark contrast to sitting in a Gold Coast lecture theatre, yet it proved to be a great career move for Omid Partopour.

Indigenous Pre-Employment program attracts interest

Development Week’ was held at the Salvation Army Riverview Farm where teams took part in a number of activities including a hike, ropes courses and ‘Master Chef’ challenge.

The Thiess Indigenous Pre-Employment Program is underway for a third consecutive year with 12 participants from around Australia. The 20-week program is part of our commitment to help ‘close the gap’ between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

47

WhEN DID yOu jOIN thIEss

AND IN WhAt ROLE? After working for eight years at Leighton Contractors, I moved to Thiess two years ago as General Manager Finance and Commercial for Australian Operations

WhEN I’m NOt WORkINg

I’m… Spending time with my family, staying at our apartment at the beach (not often enough) and trying to be active (walking, cycling)

WhAt WAs yOuR FIRst

jOb? I helped out in an accounting firm during the uni holidays

IF thEy mADE A mOvIE

OF yOuR LIFE, WhICh

ACtOR WOuLD PLAy

yOu, AND Why? Cate Blanchett - she’s Australian, four of her five Oscar nominations have been for her portrayal of real people and I admire her passion for the environment

WhICh FIvE PEOPLE WOuLD yOu INvItE tO yOuR

‘uLtImAtE DINNER PARty’ AND Why?

For my ultimate dinner party I chose a theme of musicals because I love watching them so my guest list would be:

If they made a movie of my life, John Belushi (from Blues Brothers) would play me.

My perfect holiday would be active and close to nature – holidays like snow skiing in Europe.

Meet our Directors

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

49CONNECTIONSOUR PEOPLE48

WhEN DID yOu jOIN thIEss

AND IN WhAt ROLE?

February 10, 1986 (this year will be 26 years) – Project Manager, Redcliffe Bridge, Perth, WA

WhEN I’m NOt WORkINg

I’m... Thinking about gardening

WhAt WAs yOuR FIRst jOb?

First job was farm boy and first engineering job was for the Department of Main Roads, Yennora, Sydney, NSW

WhAt WAs yOuR NICkNAmE

At sChOOL/ gROWINg

uP? I didn’t have one

WhICh FIvE PEOPLE WOuLD

yOu INvItE tO yOuR ‘uLtImAtE

DINNER PARty’ AND Why? My seven kids – I know at least five of them will turn up!

WhAt WOuLD bE yOuR

PERFECt hOLIDAy?

A month in Bali with no distractions, sitting by the pool and reading my gardening books

Sue PalmerChief Financial Officer

Bruce MunroManaging Director

2Julie Andrews

4Hugh Jackman

5Andrew Lloyd

Webber

1Michael Crawford

3Elton John

Victoria Client Function

Supporting International Women’s Day

Increasing our profile at careers events

Meet Sue Jordan

On the right track at AusRAIL

PERsONAL AssIstANt buILDINg

& tuNNELLINg NsW/ACt

Sue attended the Estimating Conference in Brisbane.

Her role involves supporting Tunnelling General Manager Glen Ashton and Building Manager Steve Holden.

Sue enjoys the challenges of her role, which involves a great deal of variety.

She recently completed a huge personal achievement by hiking to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko with a group of 100 women and raising over $43,000 for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.

Sue says the best part of working at Thiess is the values and the people – especially the long-standing relationship she has with her two managers and colleagues.

“I couldn’t achieve my goals without them – I have made some lifelong friendships during my 16-year journey at Thiess.”

Bruce Munro joined the Thiess Pace Setters – a team of more than 200 Thiess employees, friends and families who competed in an International Women’s Day fun run in Brisbane. Donning pink hats and Thiess-branded shirts, the group joined more than 7,000 competitors which raised money for breast cancer charity Chicks in Pink. We took out the Corporate Team Challenge category for the greatest number of Thiess participants.

Thiess attended AusRAIL Plus, Australia’s flagship rail conference and exhibition, for the first time. The show was a great success with more than 1,000 delegates attending.

The event was supported by experts from across the business including Michael Sgarbossa, Robert Tapsall, Saori Peguicha, Glenn Mcilroy, Nathan Gambin, Steven Farrance, Peter Bodetti, Andy Hunter and Robert Groves.

Throughout March and April, Thiess was involved in more than 27 graduate careers fairs across Australia. These events are a great opportunity to promote our graduate program and Thiess as a future employer of choice. Bruce Munro attended the Big Meet in Brisbane, Australia’s Biggest Careers Expo, which attracted over 1,500 students. We had eight Thiess representatives on hand, including three graduates, two recruitment managers and two HR managers.

CONNECTIONSOUR PEOPLE50

In early February, Victoria hosted its flagship client event for the year. The cocktail-style function was a great success and was attended by our most important clients.

UPCOMING EvENTS

27 APRILThiess Hear and Say Golf Day, Brisbane

1-3 mAyWaste 2012

30 APRILThiess Golf Day, Melbourne

8-10 mAyOzwater 2012

Estimating conference a success The Thiess Estimating Conference was held in Brisbane in February and attracted about 100 estimators,

personal assistants and proposals coordinators from across Australia, India and Indonesia.

Engineering and Estimating Executive Manager Andrew Day said there was a strong focus on risk management and

lessons learnt from recent projects.

The two-day event culminated with a site visit to Airport Link where the group was treated to a drive through the tunnel.

« sEE IF yOu CAN FIND mE?

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