Recapping our end-of-year Northerly Connection: A tribute to teamwork and triumph in 2023
Our 2023 end-of-year Northerly Connection event was a celebration of our achievements and a roadmap for the future. Featuring presentations, awards and celebration, it highlighted our dedication to excellence and safety, paving the way for 2024.
Part I of event opened with a formal but engaging seminar in the Concert Hall at The Concourse in Chatswood.
NDT’s Area Delivery Manager, Mary Gardner and Executive Operations Manager, David Marsh presented a recap of the year's successes and a sneak peek into the ambitious plans for 2024.
“Our journey this year has been nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the dedication and resilience of our team." Mary shared.
David emphasised, "It was heartening to share what we’ve worked hard for and achieved in 2023. Looking to the future, we are excited for what 2024 holds for us."
Following the executive update, leads from across the NDT showcased highlights from the year that was.
Justin Cowan, Centralised Services Team Lead and Andrew Skelton, Regional Maintenance Interface Lead led with an informative update on the Maintenance team's endeavours, followed by Program Lead, Bernie Thorn and Principal Project Manager, Nimmi Nirmalarajan who delved into the complexities of Major Networks & Linear Assets.
North Head’s Maintenance Supervisor Darren Williams offered an immersive experience with a video walkthrough of the North Head Water Resource Recovery Facility, while Program Lead David Neville and Principal Project Manager Ian Blair provided a comprehensive overview of the Purified Recycled Water Discovery Centre at Quakers Hill.
The series of presentations culminated with Regional Engagement Lead, Luis Magsanoc, Community Engagement Advisor, Callan McNeilage, and Project Engineer, Pam Pilinatalawwe highlighting the critical role of Community Engagement in service delivery.
David remarked, “The diversity in presentation styles not only kept the audience captivated but also underscored the versatility and creativity within the team.”
“It was enlightening to see how community engagement and keeping the customer at the heart are interwoven through all our activities,” Mary added.
To conclude Part I , Mary Gardner, David Marsh, and Program Delivery Director Tom Burns presented a compelling message about the importance of Safety and Health, Above all Else. Each commenting that there was nothing more important in front of us.
Tom Burns shared, “We wanted to finish with the most important theme, safety. And the best way to do that is to remind people ‘Why’ safety needs to always be our top priority.” His statement underscored the significance of safety in the workplace.
Echoing this sentiment, Mary Gardner explained, “Whether it’s for our families at home, our colleagues, or ourselves, we wanted our people to personally connect with why we need to put safety and health above all else.”
The team took a quick lunch break, then made their way upstairs for Part II - our employee awards, MCed by HSEQ (Health Safety Environment & Quality), People & Community Director, Candice Mesecke.
The innovation themed Better Ways Award saw Senior Facilities Management Supervisor Rhys Hollstein emerge victorious for his automation innovation, with Mary commending his "forward-thinking approach that's paving the way for efficiency."
The Values in Action Awards celebrate individuals who exemplify our NDT Values at work and lives our Culture of Care. Maintenance Operating Manager David Dennehy, Principal Project Manager Ian Blair, Superintendent PJ Thomas, Talent Acquisition Business Partner Samantha Littlefield, and Program Lead Adrian Turner were lauded for their exceptional contributions.
The NDT Estimating Team, led by Dhammika Heenpellage, received the Values in Action Team Award, recognised for their exceptional teamwork and success.
David Marsh highlighted, "Their efforts resonate with our Values and inspire us all."
Mary applauded, "Their collaborative and meticulous approach is one of the many ways the North is a formidable force in the water industry."
The Delivery Partner of the Year award honours a subcontractor who lives our Values and Culture of Care in their work ethic. EnviroPacific was presented the award this year, celebrating their outstanding project execution and commitment to safety.
Left to right: David Marsh Executive Operations Manager, Martin Treloar Project Manager EnviroPacific, Mary Gardner Area Delivery Manager.
The Rising Star Award spotlights a rising talent with less than five years in the water industry who demonstrates our values and shows great potential. This year the award was presented to Graduate Electrical Engineer, Daniel Hose, recognising his valuable contribution to the business as a new member to the water industry.
Left to right: David Marsh Executive Operations Manager, Daniel Hose Graduate Electrical Engineer, Mary Gardner Area Delivery Manager.
Finally, new award Legend of the Year, which recognises an employee who goes above and beyond and gives their best was fittingly bestowed upon Environment & Sustainability Business Partner Emma Hale, a true exemplar of NDT’s values.
Left to right: David Marsh Executive Operations Manager, Emma Hale Environment & Sustainability Business Partner, Mary Gardner Area Delivery Manager.
"Each of our award winners embodies the spirit of innovation, dedication, and hard work. Their contributions have not only enriched our projects but have also inspired their colleagues,” Candice said.
“A huge congratulations to each one of our award nominees and recipients, for setting such high standards for our business and for their remarkable contributions,” Mary said.
The awards concluded on a light-hearted and comedic note with the judging of a Movember moustache growing competition.
Senior Project Engineer David Pinto, Electrician Rob Nutter, Site Works Supervisor Nick Hansen and Maintenance Supervisor Rohan Smith took to the stage, with Rob Nutter taking the prize (a best moustache trophy and keyring) for the best moustache.
"Our moustache competition participants brought not just style but smiles to our event. It is delightful to see such participation and enthusiasm, particularly when it is for a worthy cause like Men’s health,” Candice said.
The North Delivery Team would like to thank HSEQ, People & Community Director Candice Mesecke, Senior Administrator Philippa Grieves, Marketing & Communications Business Partner Lily Cardis, Project Administrator Sara Akhtar, the broader P&C Team, and all the helpers who worked to make the day possible.
“This Northerly Connection was not just a celebration, but a recognition of every individual’s contribution to our collective success,” Mary said.
David added, "Each person here plays a pivotal role in our journey, and we’re proud to be part of this remarkable team.”