Skill, quality, and professionalism were in the spotlight as the winners of Weld Australia’s 2024 Queensland and Northern Territory Welding Excellence Awards were announced in Brisbane.
The event, hosted at Waters Edge in Hamilton, celebrated the achievements of the region’s leading welders, fabricators, and educators, honouring their contributions to the industry’s growth.
Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, hailed the significance of the awards. “The 2024 Welding Excellence Awards showcase the exceptional talent of welders and fabricators across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
“We are excited to honour individuals and businesses driving advancements in welding through their commitment to quality, safety, and innovation,” he said.
The prestigious Company of the Year Award – Fabrication went to Russel Mineral Equipment (RME), renowned for its world-leading mill relining technologies.
Their innovative systems enhance safety by reducing manual labour, while minimising downtime. “RME’s relining system improves safety and reduces costs, demonstrating how innovation in welding can lead to operational efficiency,” added Crittenden.
Rockpress took home the Project of the Year Award for their work on the LAND 907 Phase 2 project, which developed an advanced simulation system for the Australian Defence Force.
Their efforts in producing the M1A2 Immersive Tactical Trainer Mission System earned them this recognition.
“Rockpress’ role was crucial in the development and delivery of the M1A2 Immersive Tactical Trainer (ITT) Mission and Support System, creating a synthetic combined arms training environment that mirrors real-world combat situations,” Weld Australia reported.
In the Health and Safety in Welding Award category, Monadelphous was recognised for their outstanding safety standards, offering industry-leading health monitoring and protective equipment.
Their proactive approach ensures the safety of their workforce in high-risk environments.
The Company of the Year Award – Supplier went to Aitken Welding Supplies, a family-owned company with nearly four decades of experience.
Aitken is known for its exceptional customer service and commitment to meeting growing industry demands across Queensland.
Education and training also took centre stage, with CQ University winning the Training and Education – Organisation Award for their comprehensive welding programs and commitment to supporting female students through initiatives like the Women Who Weld program.
Three professionals were celebrated in the Welding Professional of the Year categories: Joseph Genrich (Welding Coordinator), Andrew Martin (Welding Inspector), and Mark Sullivan (Welding Supervisor).
The Young Trades Person of the Year award went to Brylie Jones from Stanwell Corporation, a boilermaker apprentice who has become a role model for women in the industry.
In a special tribute, Greg Martin from TAFE Queensland North received the Training and Education – Individual Teacher Award for his work in enhancing welding education across the state, fostering a standardised approach to teaching.
Finally, DGH and Industrial Quality Solutions (IQ) were joint winners of the CEO’s Award for their services to the Australian welding industry.
Both companies have demonstrated a strong commitment to quality, safety, and innovation. DGH, in particular, was praised for its long-standing ISO3834.2 certification, marking a decade of excellence in the field.
Crittenden concluded, “The winners this year embody the pursuit of cutting-edge, sustainable solutions that enhance project outcomes while reducing risks.”
“They are setting new standards for the welding industry, ensuring a bright future for Queensland and the Northern Territory,” he concluded.
