The Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) preeminent 60th ‘Golden’ National Conference was held on October 4th to 6th, at the Empire Theatre, Toowoomba, Queensland. This year’s conference theme was focused on “Driving Australia across the Regions” with the aim to empower and self-renew its delegates. The conference aimed to ensure that “no matter where your business is in Australia, the program would address all customers career and business goals.”

As a Platinum Sponsor of the conference, Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia Pty Ltd (HCA) hosted the Welcome Cocktail Reception for 300+ delegates. Guests of the evening were entertained throughout the night with an acoustic performance which provided the perfect atmosphere for people to kick back, relax and catch up. Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce, was among the surprise guests during the evening and entertained the delegates with a passionate speech and emphasised the important role the Quarrying Industry will play in the building of the proposed Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail line, which includes upgrading of existing lines and approximately 500km of new line (the missing link).

HCA showcased the new Bell B45E Articulated Dump Truck (ADT), which along with its big brother the B60E crossover ADT, is being well received by both Australian and International operators. Bell Equipment GM Asia Pacific, Owen Kees, presented to delegates the innovated features of the new ADT E Series model, including many new safety inclusions, such as factory standard Inclinometer, greater operator comfort, improved fuel efficiency and significantly improved total cost per ton productivity.

Congratulations to the IQA Organising Committee for the success of this year’s event and also congratulations to all the Award nominees and winners.