A new generation of indigenous Draftees
10 August 2010
As part of its Indigenous Employment Program, Calibre is seeking to broaden the technical skills of a new generation of indigenous Australians.
Calibre's Learning & Development Manager, Yiota Arima, said "the traineeship gives indigenous students the opportunity to apply skills learned through their studies to a real work environment."
"At Calibre we see the importance of supporting initiatives for Indigenous education and in return we see a mutually beneficial outcome for Indigenous people, ourselves and our clients", Arima said.
"We are ensuring that we develop the skills of our people from the moment they start working with Calibre, through their journey of growth and leadership with the company", Arima said.
Expansion and modification works with FMG
2 July 2010
Calibre is playing an integral part in the expansion and modification of key Fortescue Metal Group (FMG) resource infrastructure.
Calibre is undertaking modifications to the Cloudbreak ore processing facility and expansion of Christmas Creek.
"The Christmas Creek Expansion Project work consists of an ore processing plant, $115m stockyard and train loadout facility, power plant, 40km railway, fuel facility, roadworks, a communications network and extending an existing construction camp", said Calibre Projects General Manager Feliciano Sanchez. "As well as the concept, design and construction of these elements we are also working with FMG to plan for further expansion beyond the current approved projects', he added.
Calibre is engaged on a Bankable Feasibility Study for FMG's Solomon Project. The project is significant and could potentially deliver 60Mt/a per annum of iron ore by rail to the Port Hedland port facilities.
Calibre has been awarded the role of overall study manager overseeing all aspects of the study on behalf of FMG as well as significant portions of the infrastructure and materials handling scope. The study management will include the coordination of numerous parties for delivery of design and costs estimates.
Calibre's Rail team is working on a Bankable Feasibility Study for the rail line. The rail line is planned in three stages of development and in total, comprises of over 190km of a rail line extension.
Calibre break new ground with Alpha Coal Rail Project
10 June 2010
Calibre is undertaking the bankable feasibility study for the Alpha Coal Rail Project in Queensland.
"To work for Hancock Prospecting on this flagship project is truly an honour and a privilege", said Calibre Rail Chief Operating Officer, Garth Higgo.
"Our client is proposing a new 495km standard gauge railway from the Alpha mine in central Queensland to the Abbott Point port near Bowen in North Queensland. This is the largest private railway infrastructure project in Queensland for over 20 years", he said.
"We have extensive pit-to-port capability and have successfully demonstrated our capability on major rail infrastructure projects for clients including Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, FMG and Oakajee Port and Rail. Undertaking this project for Hancock Prospecting in Queensland will provide us with an opportunity not only to deliver project success for our client but also to demonstrate that we are highly capable in all facets of rail engineering and project delivery" he added.
Water and more for Gorgon Barrow Island Project
1 June 2010
Calibre is providing the engineering design for two reverse osmosis plants for the Gorgon project on Barrow Island. In addition to providing the design for a 1,000m3/day plant, Calibre is also designing a temporary diesel fuel facility, site office accommodation and tower foundations.
Additionally to the 2,400m3/day plant for Monadelphous the design also has to address the supply of the seawater and outfall requirements for a third 1,000m3/day reverse osmosis plant.
In the delivery of its services, Calibre is providing a design that complies with environmental considerations to operate in this sensitive Class A Reserve.
Once commissioned, these plants will supply potable water to the accommodation camps and water for the main construction activities that are to follow these early works.
The Gorgon project is one of the world's largest natural gas projects and the largest single resource natural gas project in Australia's history. It includes the construction of a 15 million tonne per annum (Mtp/a) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant on Barrow Island and a domestic gas plant with the capacity to provide 300 terajoules per day to supply gas to Western Australia
Calibre Attracts Strategic Investment in a Company Enhancing Deal
13 May 2010
The shareholders of leading Australian engineering and project delivery firm, Calibre Global, are pleased to advise that leading global private equity firm, First Reserve Corporation (First Reserve), has made a strategic investment in Calibre to acquire a majority interest in the Company. Under the same transaction, Brisbane-based investment firm, Connect Resource Services (CRS) has also invested in Calibre Global.
Executive Chairman and co-founder of Calibre, Ray Munro, retains a substantial shareholding in Calibre and remains as Executive Chairman of the Company. Calibre's current management team, under Managing Director Rod Baxter, will continue to lead the Company in pursuit of its growth objectives.
With the support of its new shareholders, Calibre will continue to build depth and breadth of experience within its project management and technical teams, in line with its corporate development objectives.
Greenwich based First Reserve is the world's leading private equity investor in the energy and natural resources sector. CRS is a privately owned investment and consulting firm specialising in business evaluation and the management of investments within the Australasian resources and associated services sectors.
The Calibre Board will be further strengthened with the addition of 5 new board members - two from First Reserve and three from CRS - joining current Board members, Executive Chairman Ray Munro and Managing Director Rod Baxter. Having sold down all of his interest in the Company, co-founder Dave Walker has resigned from the Board and will remain as a consultant to the Company.
Calibre Global Managing Director, Rod Baxter said "We are delighted to have attracted such strategic and supportive investors as First Reserve and Connect Resource Services. We see a very complementary and value accretive fit with this deal, which will enable us to pursue our growth and acquisition strategy while retaining our absolute commitment to excellence in project delivery. We also expect that it will increase career development opportunities for our people.
Both First Reserve and CRS are committed to supporting Calibre's current strategic focus of providing engineering and project management services to the bulk commodity sectors of iron ore and coal, in which we plan to extend our reach, along with rail infrastructure. With their support, we will continue to seek out new acquisition opportunities to underpin future growth, following our recent acquisition of the remaining 50% of the Calibre Engenium Rail Joint Venture".
Alex Krueger, Managing Director, First Reserve, said "Our investment in Calibre will help a strong and proven management team to successfully pursue the great opportunities that exist in the bulk commodities business and will offer opportunities to grow the business through acquisition. Together with the team at Connect Resource Services, who we know well, we can bring both capital and contacts to a business that is very well positioned to benefit from the long term growth fundamentals in the resources and infrastructure sector".
Andrew Boyd, Managing Director, Connect Resources Services, said: "We are backing Calibre's excellent management team to further enhance and grow the business to take advantage of the strong pipeline of mining and infrastructure related investment forecast for Australia in the coming years. We see Calibre as a business with great potential".
Executive Chairman, Ray Munro said: "This is a great outcome for our business - a company enhancing deal that will assist us to grow the Company and deliver greater value to our clients. Our new shareholders have recognised the opportunity to be involved in a very good business operating in a robust sector with a bright future".
Calibre achieves 7 million hours Lost Time Injury Free
17 March 2010
Calibre recently achieved another significant OHS performance milestone when it reached 7 million LTI free hours on the 26th February 2010.
This builds on Calibre’s ‘safety first’ culture where our people take ownership of their own safety and that of their colleagues. The achievement of this LTI-free milestone reflects Calibre’s commitment to keeping safety our number one priority.
Calibre appoints Chief Operating Officer - Rail
12 March 2010
Calibre Global Pty Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Garth Higgo to the role of Chief Operating Officer - Calibre Rail.
Garth joined Calibre in November 2009 as General Manager - Strategic Development and played an integral part in the recent rail joint venture acquisition.
Garth has extensive experience in the engineering and financial disciplines at executive management level, along with an in-depth knowledge of the mining industry. His career spans over 28 years including 8 years with Anglo American in senior roles in Corporate Finance and Business Development, and the management of large international Joint Ventures. His most recent tenures were Chief Operating Officer for Consolidated Minerals Ltd, Non-Executive Director for BC Iron Ltd and Chief Executive Officer of Firestone Energy Ltd. Garth is also a qualified Civil Engineer and has managed many large road and bridge construction projects.
In his new role as COO Calibre Rail, Garth will focus on growing the breadth and depth of the rail business, with focus on all of the rail work throughout Group, including growth on the East Coast of Australia.
Calibre acquires 100% of rail joint venture: creates fully integrated mine-to-port capability
3 February 2010
Calibre Global has strengthened its heavy haul rail delivery business by acquiring the remaining 50% of the Calibre Engenium Rail Joint Venture Pty Ltd from Engenium Pty Ltd.
Calibre will now own 100% of the rail engineering business which will be rebranded as Calibre Rail.
The Calibre Engenium Joint Venture, formed in 2005, is one of the largest heavy haul rail engineering companies in Australia. Since its inception, it has delivered most of the heavy rail infrastructure in Western Australia, predominantly for the State’s major resource projects in the North West.
Calibre Global Managing Director, Rod Baxter said “The Calibre Engenium JV has been a growth powerhouse in the Calibre stable and this acquisition is a key step in creating a fully integrated mine-to-port services capability for the resources sector. The financial performance of the rail engineering business has been outstanding, with a compound annual revenue growth rate of over 100% since its inception in 2005, with a record revenue result of $100 million in 2008/09”.
“In line with our broader growth plans, we considered that it was time to fully integrate rail into a single, unified business to better serve our clients”.
“In addition, we expect to see improvements and synergies realised across the areas of project delivery, quality assurance, financial and client management, as well as the direct contribution to Calibre’s bottom line position” Mr Baxter said.
Calibre Engenium JV Managing Director, Greg O’Rourke said “This is a historic milestone in the development of this business. There are undoubtedly many growth opportunities for Calibre Rail and I look forward to continuing to work with our fantastic team to deliver projects of state and national significance”.
Calibre Safety acquires remaining share of SRA
6th January 2010
Calibre Safety Services Pty Ltd, a majority shareholder of safety training specialist Safety and Rescue Australia Pty Ltd, has today acquired the remaining 25% share in Safety and Rescue Australia Pty Ltd (SRA).
The acquisition gives Calibre 100% ownership of SRA and was undertaken to create a fully integrated safety services capability with Calibre Safety Services.
“I see this as a very positive development for our clients, the employees of SRA and Calibre”, said Ken Nolan, General Manager Calibre Safety Services.
“We expect to realise improvements and synergies across the areas of service delivery, quality assurance, financial management and client management”, he added.
Together, both organisations share a wealth of experience in the field of Occupational Health and Safety and specialist training and consulting.
Safety and Rescue Australia has been providing specialist skills, emergency and rescue training, and consulting services to both the government and industry for over 20 years.
Calibre Safety Services has been delivering OHS consulting and training services to major resource and infrastructure projects for the last seven years and has amongst its team a group of highly experienced safety practitioners.
By both companies aligning their services and systems, clients will now have a complete solution for all their OHS and specialist training and consulting requirements.
SRA has two specialist training centres in Jandakot (Western Australia) and Thebarton (South Australia), serving the resources, energy and industrial sectors.
Calibre Graduate Engineer leading the way
4th January 2010
Calibre Graduate Systems Engineer Andrew Bhatia was recently appointed to the role of Communications Coordinator for Young Engineers Western Australia (YEWA) division. Andrew’s new role is one of seven executive roles making up the leadership team of YEWA. Included in Andrew’s responsibilities is liaising with Engineers Australia and the industry, as well as formulating promotional material for events.
In 2008, Andrew was awarded the prestigious ‘John Renner’ Medal by Engineers Australia for best academic achievement, qualities of leadership and interest in the institution.
Calibre team praised on approach to safety
20th December 2009
The Calibre Controls Coastal Operations team working at Cape Lambert were recently recognised for their hard work and commitment to safety. The team, working on Rio Tinto’s Remote Operating Centre (ROC) Site Enablement project, received a letter of appreciation from our client for their outstanding work and commitment to the project. The team also received positive feedback for their quality of work and safety of the contractors involved. Congratulations to our team on once again keeping ‘safety first’ and delivering value to our clients.
Garth Higgo appointed General Manager - Strategic Development
9 November 2009
Calibre Global Pty Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Garth Higgo to the role of General Manager - Strategic Development.
Garth has extensive experience in the engineering and financial disciplines at executive management level, along with an in-depth knowledge of the mining industry. His career spans over 25 years including 8 years with Anglo Platinum in senior roles in Corporate Finance and Business Development, and the management of large international Joint Ventures. His most recent tenures were Chief Operating Officer for Consolidated Minerals Ltd, Non-Executive Director for BC Iron Ltd and Chief Executive Officer of Firestone Energy Ltd.
“We are delighted to have attracted someone of Garth’s ability to the Executive Management of Calibre Global. Garth’s expertise in the field of commercial negotiations, business development, investment and financial analysis will be of great assistance to our strategy team who are pursuing corporate growth opportunities”, said Managing Director, Rod Baxter.
Calibre strengthens Board for growth
29 October 2009
Calibre Global Pty Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Edwards to the role of Non-Executive Director.
Previously a senior partner in the Perth office of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Mr Edwards' career with PwC spanned some 35 years in Perth, Auckland and Sydney, including 24 years as a partner, and 5 years as managing partner of the Perth Practice.
Calibre Global Executive Chairman, Ray Munro said, “The appointment of Andrew Edwards to the Board is a further step in strengthening the Calibre leadership team for the next phase of its growth, following the appointment of Rod Baxter as Managing Director in June this year”.
“We are delighted to have attracted someone of Andrew’s experience and skill set to the Board of Calibre Global. Andrew brings a wealth of experience in mergers and acquisitions, business valuation, and project due diligence as a senior partner with Pricewaterhouse Coopers. His appointment provides us with additional muscle to respond to and take advantage of organic and corporate opportunities that arise”, said Managing Director, Rod Baxter.
Fellow award for Calibre Safety General Manager
1 September 2009
Calibre Safety Services General Manager Ken Nolan was recently appointed as a Chartered Fellow of the Safety Institute of Australia (SIA) and a member of the College of Fellows. The membership grade of Fellow is regarded as the pinnacle of grading within the SIA, as it reflects leadership and expertise in OHS or related safety practice.
Ken has over 20 years experience in mining, smelting and refining with Rio Tinto and BHP as well as 12 years experience in emergency services. Ken leads both the Calibre Safety and Safety & Rescue Australia teams
Calibre awarded project to lift Cloudbreak output
16 July 2009
Calibre has been selected as the managing contractor by FMG for the Ore Processing Facility (OPF) Modifications Project at FMG’s Cloudbreak mine.
Calibre’s reputation for value engineering and project delivery of major iron ore projects was instrumental in the company securing the project with FMG.
“This is a strategic win for Calibre”, said Managing Director, Rod Baxter. “Our approach has always been to work in our client’s best interests and our teams are continuing to drive value and innovation on each project we undertake”, he added.
Calibre MD sets sights on growth
2 July 2009
Source: WA Business News, 2 July 2009, article by John Phaceas.
GOOD help, so the saying goes, is hard to find.
But Perth engineering group Calibre Global has bucked the odds to do just that, taking on high-profile mining chief Rod Baxter to capitalise on the opportunities thrown up by the global meltdown.
To some, the affable Aussie with a South African accent mining boss is a surprise choice as managing director of an engineering group.
As chief executive of Western Australian manganese and nickel miner Consolidated Minerals, Mr Baxter made his name locally by rebuilding the company's business reputation in 2007; a turnaround which culminated in a spectacular $1.1 billion cash takeover by Ukrainian billionaire Gennadiy Bogolyubov.
When Mr Baxter left ConsMin in early 2008, most observers expected him to quickly resurface at the helm of another listed miner keen to emulate ConsMin's performance.
Instead Mr Baxter says he spent the first few months "relaxing and getting to know the family again". That was followed by low-key return to public company life in January as a non-executive director of emerging Mid West iron ore miner and infrastructure group Murchison Metals, a role he remains strongly committed to.
However, Mr Baxter says his appointment to Calibre really shouldn't surprise anyone, not least because of Calibre's record as a "value engineer" and deliverer of major resources projects, especially in the bulk commodities sector that has dominated his career. Similarly, Calibre fits the bill perfectly for someone whose self-professed passion is for building and growing businesses for the benefit of their shareholders.
"Calibre is an entrepreneurial company that has grown remarkably fast in the last seven years and is ready for that next phase of evolution," Mr Baxter said.
"I looked at that, and then looked at the things I really enjoy, which is taking businesses, building them, growing them, modifying them and adding value for the shareholders, and this is just a great opportunity to do that."
Since it was formed in 2002, Calibre has completed or is completing resources and infrastructure projects worth $17 billion, including 11 major iron ore projects in the Pilbara, and 85 per cent of all Pilbara rail development since 2005.
Despite the downturn, the 2008-09 financial year has been a record (though the actual figures remain top secret) and Calibre expects to maintain its record of doubling revenue every two years.
Mr Baxter said Calibre's strength put it in a prime position to capitalise on the inevitable opportunities created as the resources and infrastructure markets rebounded.
"All the planets are aligned here," he said. "We've come through the global financial crisis; there will be a recovery, there's no doubt about it and I can see an opportunity to corporatise this business ... into something that will excite the market potentially in the future."
Mr Baxter's strategy is three pronged: optimise the existing business; capitalise on organic growth options within those businesses; and finally, pursue non-organic growth opportunities.
"We are exploring a number of opportunities including alliances and joint ventures, and at the same time, I'm also looking at strategic investors and acquisitions, focusing ultimately towards something where we could have a public face," he said.
That means a public listing, either directly or via the back-door, is likely down the track, though Mr Baxter stresses his approach will be careful and not dictated by any artificial timetable.
"I want to make sure I've got a really good solid story to bring to the market when I'm ready," he said.
More immediately, Mr Baxter said Calibre would focus on expanding its reach into allied industries, such as the east coast coal and civil infrastructure sectors.
For Calibre founder and executive chairman Ray Munro, Mr Baxter's appointment is a critical step on Calibre successfully moving to the next level.
"It's no secret that we are interested in increasing the size of Calibre Global and Rod's appointment will help us achieve that," Mr Munro said.
Mr Munro will remain executive chairman, while co-founder David Walker will also remain "closely engaged in the business". The two men jointly own more than 90 per cent of the company, in which Mr Baxter has also purchased a small equity stake as a sign of his commitment to the group.
Calibre sponsors CCI Construction Industry Dinner
22 June 2009
Calibre is proud to be a sponsor of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Construction Industry Dinner on the 26th June 2009. This annual event is the largest and most prestigious annual dinner event for the resources and construction sector.
Rod Baxter appointed Managing Director of Calibre Global
10 June 2009
Calibre Global Pty Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Rod Baxter to the role of Managing Director.
Formerly Managing Director of diversified miner Consolidated Minerals Ltd, and a senior executive with Anglo American, Mr Baxter has over 20 years experience in senior executive roles in the global resources industry across a range of bulk commodities, base and precious metals and professional services.
Calibre Global Chairman, Ray Munro said “We are delighted to have attracted a leader of Rod’s experience, skills and vision. We see this as essential to Calibre successfully moving to the next level and achieving its growth goals through increased industry and geographic diversification globally”.
“We are continuing to see significant change across the resources and infrastructure sectors with challenges and great opportunities emerging. We are confident Rod’s appointment will strengthen the Board and provide the skills needed to lead our company forward and take advantage of any organic and corporate opportunities that may arise”, Mr Munro said.
Mr Baxter said he was looking forward to the opportunity to lead Calibre. "Calibre is an exciting business. In a short space of time, the group has delivered and underway more than AUD$17B in resource and infrastructure projects. It has a proven track record of delivering large and complex projects in remote locations. The company is well placed to embark on the next phase of its growth and diversification strategy leveraging off its long-term client relationships, outstanding skills base, and leading technologies and systems", Mr Baxter said.
Calibre goes back-to-back in global MERIT competition
2 May 2009
The international MERIT competition is a computer simulation that provides the essentials for construction professionals to augment their technical knowledge with the managerial skills required to run a modern construction company.
MERIT is an acronym for Management, Enterprise, Risk, Innovation and Teamwork.
Participants learn how to manage their own fictional company by making decisions that affect the key functions of the business, such as marketing, tendering, finance, overheads, personnel and construction, and all in a 'safe', but realistic and competitive environment.
After putting in a massive effort every week, our team “Calibrate and Conquer” went into the finals holding the lead. It came down to a nail biting finish and they just missed out on first place by 40 points in the very last round.
Last year, Calibre’s team of “Stop, Calibrate and Listen” took line honours.
Congratulations to this year’s Calibre MERIT team of Benjamin Ng (team captain), Stuart Lim, Russell Porter, Maykel Gedeon, Jonathan Chiew and Luke Epstein on an outstanding performance.
Calibre assisting Local Government Councils with workplace hazard and risk assessment
3 April 2009
Calibre Safety Services is providing businesses with assistance in assessing specific workplace hazards and risks. Recently, Calibre Safety Services assisted Local Government (Councils) in NSW and WA with specialist advice on high risk operations including bridge reconstruction (working at heights); ride-on mower operation and the use of ‘Quad-bikes’ in both dune-care and urban inspection programs.
Calibre Safety Services has highly qualified OHS Specialists graded up to the ‘Fellow’ grading of the Safety Institute of Australia. Calibre Safety Services Staff include Registered Safety Professionals (RSP - Aust) under the SIA Charter. If you have high-risk tasks that need further professional assessment we can help you to determine the best control strategies to prevent personnel from being injured in the workplace.
Take Note: Federal Government releases draft version of new OHS Legislation
20 March 2009
The federal Government has released the first draft of the proposed new National OHS Legislative Framework. The Federal Government is committed to implementing uniform OHS Legislation in 2011 replacing the complex and varied State Legislation(s) currently in place throughout Australia. Calibre Safety Services is monitoring the changes and is working closely with existing stakeholders to keep them aware of the proposed changes.
Calibre take line honours at Nissan/ BRW Corporate Triathlon
8 March 2009
This year’s Perth Nissan/BRW Corporate Triathlon Series on Sunday 8th March, drew record attendance with over 2000 competitors participating in the event at Langley Park.
Calibre had its highest number of competitors registered with 69 Calibrarians donning green, white and black lycra. The Calibre uniforms were a standout and we were once again a finalist in the “Best Corporate Colours” competition.
The biggest news of the day was the incredible effort by “Calibre Team 1”, Sean O’Neill, Paul Zani and Matthew Callaghan for finishing the fastest in the male category, main race. These three Calibre champions completed the course in just over 2 hours.
Calibre Safety's FREE "Baseline Audit Program" proves an invaliable check on OHS compliance
5 March 2009
Calibre Safety Services provides a baseline audit program for businesses to determine if they meet their current legislative OHS requirements. Initial contact meetings and ‘spot’ assessments are conducted free of charge for Calibre Safety Services clients to determine their level of compliance.
Calibre Safety Services can also provide a comprehensive program to implement a custom designed Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) based on Australian Standard 4801. There is not a one-size-fits-all OHSMS and business owners need to determine what system best suits their operation.
Calibre Safety Services has recently been assisting WA based Transport and Engineering / Manufacturing companies to better understand their OHS obligations. This service has proven to be very effective in small to medium businesses of 20 – 100 employees where there may be no ‘dedicated’ OHS professional staff on the team. Can we help your organisation manage OHS?
Calibre sponsor at Global Iron Ore & Steel Conference 2009
20 February 2009
Calibre’s proud association with the Global Iron Ore & Steel Conference continues with renewed luncheon sponsorship at this year’s conference to be held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, 24th & 25th March 2009.
The event is the premier industry gathering on the global iron ore and steel calendar. Calibre Projects (WA) Manager, Feliciano Sanchez will be presenting a pre-luncheon address to all delegates on Day 1.
Calibre people give generously to Victorian Bush Fire Appeal
14 February 2009
With so many individuals and communities affected by devastating bushfires in Victoria,
several fundraising initiatives across various Calibre offices achieved some great results. On
Saturday 14th February, Calibre’s Brockman 4 site team held a fundraising appeal, which
includes a cupcake drive and raffle. An incredible $26,000 was raised from the event.
The crew at Calibre Engenium held a morning tea fundraiser, collecting $6000. Calibre
Engenium management matched the amount so a total of $12,000 was donated. Every
dollar and cent that was raised through the donations was passed directly to the Red Cross
Victorian Bush Fire Appeal, helping those who have lost so much.
Interactive HSE Induction Program takes shape
30 November 08
Calibre Safety Services has been working with Rio Tinto Iron Ore Expansion Projects (RTIOEP) to develop an interactive HSE Induction program. The RTIOEP HSE Induction is a pre-mobilisation course that outlines the HSE and site requirements for people going to work in remote mine sites and the associated construction sites for Rio Tinto Iron Ore. Calibre Safety Services has been working co-operatively with RTIOEP and other EPCMs to develop and implement a generic induction program. It is expected that Calibre Safety Services will commence the delivery of this course in February 2009.
SiD - Safety in Design (for Engineers and Designers)
30 November 08
Calibre Safety Services has commenced delivery of the SiD course from the Safety & Rescue Australia facility at Jandakot in WA. Following a ‘pilot’ program in early November the SiD program has been delivered to two groups in late November and December2008. The SiD program will re-commence in January 2009 with weekly workshops at Safety & Rescue Australia. Consideration is being given to running this training as a public course depending on the level of interest in the workshops. The course consists of two modules (4 hours each) delivered over two days.
Safety specialists align services for better customer service
5 November 08
Calibre Safety Services and Safety & Rescue Australia are to become more closely integrated in 2009. Ken Nolan will become General Manager for both Calibre Safety Services and Safety & Rescue Australia commencing in January 2009 progressively taking responsibility for the Registered Training Organisation functions during the year.
Specialist OHS and Safety training services for Government, Utilities and Transport sectors
30 October 08
Traditionally Calibre Safety Services and Safety Rescue Australia have provided specialist OHS; Working at Heights; Rope Rescue and Confined Space Entry / Rescue training to the mining; mining construction and manufacturing sectors. However, both organisations provide consultation and training to state and local government; power and water utilities and the transport sector throughout Australasia. Full details of services are available on the Calibre Safety Services and Safety Rescue Australia Websites.
The pursuit of excellence - training aligned to the Australian Training Quality Framework
1 October 08
Calibre Safety Services has commenced a full review and update of its extensive suite of OHS Training packages. Where appropriate the new packages will be aligned to the Australian Quality Training Framework (ATQF) providing further training excellence for participants and clients. The development will also see the delivery of previously ‘restricted’ courses being made available as ‘Public Courses’ delivered at the Perth and Jandakot facilities in Western Australia and at Thebarton in South Australia.
Calibre Safety Service is also delivering training at client facilities where requested. New Product Capability Statements will be launched on the Calibre Safety Services Website in early 2009.
Fundraising Fever Hits Brockman!
1 October 08
Our hard working folk at the Brockman 4 site in the Pilbara region of Western Australia pulled out all stops whilst raising money for the Red Cross recently. As well as money raised from the staff onsite, companies including Rio Tinto, NRW, CCR, Portacomm, Ausco and ESS all contributed to raise a final amount of a whopping $12,720 in the space of a few short hours. Infrastructure Engineer David Hudson, announced he would also lose his locks in return for donations to the Starlight Foundation. Within 30 minutes over $18,500 was raised and after further donations from other team members and companies, a grand total of over $23,500 was collected. Incredible effort! Whilst on a fundraising roll, a quiz night was also held on site where over $10,000 was raised for the Cancer Council.
5 million hours Lost Time Injury Free - Our safety success is no accident
30 September 08
The Calibre Global group of companies have achieved a significant milestone by reaching 5 million hours Lost Time Injury Free.
This milestone could not have been achieved without a culture of "safety first" and a team of people who look out for each other. Staff across Calibre celebrated this special occasion with a morning tea and received a commemorative guft. Safety continues to be our number one priority as we march towards 10 million hours LTI free.
Safety job opportunities at Mesa ‘A’
26 September 08
Calibre Safety Services is currently on a recruitment drive seeking a dedicated, specialist OHS team to support the existing site personnel at Rio Tinto’s Mesa ‘A’ construction project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The 800 person living quarters and facilities are nearing completion and major civil works and construction are underway. Calibre Safety Services and affiliate company Safety & Rescue Australia are always seeking expressions of interest from generalist and specialist OHS professionals and trainers. People wishing to submit their CV’s or obtain further information can do so through the Calibre Safety website or by contacting the Calibre Global Human Resources Team in Perth on HR@calibresafety.com.au or calling 08 9488 7200.
Doug Rogers appointed as Calibre Safety's Operations Manager
15 August 2008
Doug Rogers has recently been appointed to the role of Operations Manager for Calibre Safety Services (CSS). With over 30 year's experience, Doug is a well known and highly respected OHS professional. After five years as General Manager - Calibre Safety Services, Doug has decided to focus his attention on product development for CSS and rekindle his passion for auditing and inspections. Doug will spend a proportion of his time in the Pilbara visiting construction sites; acting as a mentor and guide for less experienced OHS professionals in the demanding resources sector.
New "Safety in Design" Course for Engineers
11 August 2008
Calibre Safety Services has developed a Safety in Design training package for engineering staff. The current boom in the mining and resources sector has seen major companies taking on an influx of both graduate engineers and more senior engineers lacking direct experience within the sector. The Safety in Design course outlines the Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental requirements that need to be implemented by design engineers based on 'whole of life' methodology for the plant and equipment. The course highlights engineering perspectives from design through to construction, operation, maintenance and subsequent decommissioning of plant. For more details on this unique course, please contact info@calibresafety.com.au.
Ken Nolan joins Calibre Safety as new General Manager
1 July 2008
Ken Nolan commenced in the position of General Manager for Calibre Safety Services and SRA (Safety & Rescue Australia) this month.
Ken Nolan has over 20 years experience in mining, smelting and refining with Rio Tinto and BHP as well as 12 years experience in emergency services. Ken leads both the Calibre Safety and SRA teams. Ken has formal qualifications in OHS and Auditing and is a Chartered Professional Member Safety Institute of Australia (CPMSIA).
Ken will take over from Doug Rogers who is standing aside to focus on product development and consulting services.
Calibre acquire new Brisbane office to cater for expansion
11 June 2008
Acquisition of the new premises at 545 Queen Street, Brisbane will enable Calibre to meet its expansion plans in response to the growing demand for our capabilities, particularly in Queensland.
"We considered a range of office premises in Brisbane and chose 545 Queen Street as we feel its modern "vibe" is a great fit to the Calibre culture. We are presently undergoing a rigorous recruitment drive in Brisbane, and we are sure both our present and future employees will enjoy the environment at 545 Queen Street", said Gerard Madam, Operation Manager (Queensland). "We are here for the long term. We have just signed a 10 year lease for new office premises of 2000m2 at 545 Queen St to accommodate approximately 200 personnel", he added.
In late 2006, Calibre established a presence in Queensland with the acquisition of our office at 444 Queen St.
Calibre sponsor Bulk Materials Handling Conference 2008
5 May 2008
Calibre is again proud to be silver sponsor at this year's Bulk Materials Handling Conference in Brisbane, 2 - 3 September 2008.
Bulk Materials Handling will showcase the major port and rail expansions driving the industry and the new technology and system designs supporting the growth. The event will cover the pressing issues facing the industry; including skill shortages, asset risk management, safety issues and community and environment issues.
New Safety & Rescue Training facility opened...
14 February 2008
Safety & Rescue Australia (SRA), a member of the Calibre Global group of companies, has recently opened it's new Jandakot training facility.
The Training Centre became operational at 7 Chullora bend Jandakot on February 11th when it ran its first public course at the new training facility. The 825sqm facility has been custom fitted for a range of training needs and is one of the largest specialist safety and rescue training facilities in the state.
4 million hours without Lost Time Injury achieved!
22 January 2008
With a strong tradition and culture of safety, Calibre is proud to announce that it has achieved a significant safety milestone, having recently surpassed 4 million hours without Lost Time Injury.
This achievement demonstrates a solid commitment to health and safety in the workplace and an ethos of "safety first" throughout all levels of the company.
Calibre hits 600 mark and rising
30 December 2007
Calibre recorded another significant milestone in its history with its 600th team member joining the group. In six years, Calibre has grown from a workforce of 15 to 600. This could not have been achieved without a "results-focused" group of people who share a common vision to provide outstanding professional services.
The Calibre Controls, a member of the Calibre Global group of companies has grown to over 60 personnel during the same period.
Calibre Safety in demand for safety personnel and consulting services
10 November 2007
Calibre Safety Services (CSS) are now providing safety personnel to Calibre Engenium for their rail projects and to Calibre Projects for all Rio Tinto Expansion Projects the respective company's are engaged in. CSS are also engaged in provision of personnel and consulting services for Jack Hills iron ore project and Worsley Alumina.
