RIN Awards 2022: Resources sector’s best recognised

An 80-year-old industry veteran, a leadership program helping students transition to high school and the Hulk, meet the resources industry heavyweights whose innovation is leading the way. See the photos

A flawless project execution amassing 18,000 hours and no first aid kit needed for workers has earned a resources industry heavyweight a prestigious award.

DGH Engineering, a company whose commitment to its workers’ physical and mental safety is as impressive as its engineering feats, was tonight awarded the Safety Foremost Award at the annual Resources Industry Network 2022 gala dinner.

In accepting the award, DGH Engineering general manager Dave Hackett said safety underpinned every element of its operations in Mackay, Emerald and Townsville – not just onsite, but in each community.

“We have incorporated physical and mental wellbeing into our organisation which has been a strong focus for us for quite some time,” he said.

Howard Nielson and Dave Hackett from DGH Engineering. RIN Awards 2022. Picture: Tristan Mariano

“We provide educational programs for all staff and employees to ensure that mental health issues that affect individuals are addressed with empathy and compassion, and ensures there is appropriate support every step of the way.”

The RIN Awards celebrate the people, innovation and success stories of the region’s resources services sector.

Moranbah-based training company Onsite Training Australia’s Leading Our Lives program won the Connecting in the Community Award for its program targeting year 6 Moranbah students facing the daunting transition to high school.

Having recognised the impact the transition could have on students, business owner Nathan Corbett developed a leadership program for them to learn about self-awareness, understanding, and relating to others.

The awards judges noted how the program helped students effectively plan for the future, and deal with different types of change.

Mainetec’s sustained research into its ‘Hulk’ bucket design – which could be perceived as “just another bucket” – impressed the judges, particularly the company’s Mainetrack technology, and data and client engagement, as they developed the project.

LAUNCH: Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson and Mainetec managing director Brett Hampson unveil the Hulk excavator bucket

The Hulk project won the Out of the Box Award.

The C-Res and Local Buying Foundation’s trading Tracks business program won the Striving for Diversity Award for driving sustainable local Indigenous business for the future.

Despite being in its early stages, the program’s potential impressed the judging panel, mainly its endeavour to help businesses wanting to diversify.

VIEW GALLERY

A man’s ability to work with anyone, with patience and leadership, was also honoured in DGH Engineering’s Howard Nielson, whose emotional acceptance speech moved the 300-strong crowd of industry leaders and innovators.

Mr Nielson, 80, took out the Standing Out from the Crowd award for his inspirational contributions to the workplace.

The judges said Mr Nielson worked with integrity, leadership, patience, and co-operation, as well as having the natural ability to work with anyone he met.

Resource Industry Network general manager Dean Kirkwood said this year’s awards celebrated the people, the innovation, and the success stories of the resources services sector.

“The awards recognise excellence in business and the significant contribution that those businesses make to the regional economy and community,” he said.

“This year’s RIN Awards was a special night and it’s always great to gather as a sector and collectively applaud the businesses doing great things.

The evening was made even more entertaining with keynote speaker and ANZ chief economist Richard Yetsenga presenting wonderful insights into the economic strengths of our region.