EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD
April 6, 2024CORE Awards, Employee of the Year
Following a year of outstanding nominations and winners in the monthly PYBAR CORE Awards, our PYBAR Employee of the Year winner and runners up for 2023 were announced in December.
Congratulations to our winner, Chris Clement, runner-up, Korshyn Takawe, and second runner-up, Dave Ogilvie.
The winner! Congratulations, Chris Clement
Recently relocating from PYBAR’s Maxwell project in NSW, Chris is continuing to expand his experience and knowledge with a move to our new Savage River project in Tasmania, which kicked off in January.
Q&A with Chris, Leading Hand Fitter
Tell us about your life so far. What type of roles have you had in the past?
I grew up in Goulburn. We moved there from Sydney when Dad got a job at Woodlawn Mine when it first started in the late 70’s. When I finished school, I had a bit of a gap year doing various jobs, not really knowing what I wanted to do. The next year I was lucky enough to win an apprenticeship at Woodlawn and have been a fitter ever since. I’ve worked for hard rock mining contractors, owner miners, coal mining, tunnelling and mining equipment suppliers.
Over the years, I’ve been a shift fitter, leading hand, foreman and done a little bit of project management.
I met my wife, Karen, when I was a third year apprentice. Twenty something years, four kids and six towns later, we are still together.
What would you be doing now if you could have any job in the world?
Honestly, I’m happy with what I do. I love the challenge of working out a problem with a piece of equipment. As a leading hand, I enjoy building a team and getting the best out of that team. I also enjoy having an apprentice “under my wing” and helping them get started on their journey.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Spending time with my family, camping, going to the beach and a bit of travel when we can manage it. We are also doing some house renovations and getting our little cattle farm up and going.
Who or what has had an influence on your life?
I don’t think I can nail it down to one or two people. As far as work goes, lots of people I’ve worked with have helped me shape my values and attitudes, from supervisors to apprentices. Even some miners have helped me along the way.
What do you enjoy about working for PYBAR and your role?
Being able to live where I live and work anywhere in Australia. Being able to lead a small team and achieve goals.
Which PYBAR value means the most to you and why?
All four are equally important to me.
SAFETY: I don’t need to see another workmate hurt, or worse. I’ve got enough war stories thanks.
SERVICE: If you say you’re going to do something, then do it!
RESPECT: Respect is earned, not granted!
RESULTS: Follow the three above and results will follow.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Not sure if people will be surprised, but I do enjoy cooking for people. Especially a barbeque with a few beers.
What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
Work wise: turning a problem crew of fitters into a functioning team that kicked goals.
Outside of work: my wife and I managing to bring up four kids while I did FIFO. During this time, my wife also managed to complete her degree to become a high school science teacher. I think Karen is the achiever to be honest.
In second place, our runner-up Korshyn Takawe!
Although relatively new to PYBAR and the Rosebery project, Korshyn has quickly earned the well-deserved respect of his workmates, management and our client.
Q&A with Korshyn Takawe, Shotcreter
Tell us about your life so far. What type of roles have you had in the past?
I’ve been a site supervisor, sprayer and apprentice fitter/machinist.
What would you be doing now if you could have any job in the world?
Piloting aircraft.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Fishing, camping and spending time with family and friends.
Who or what has had an influence on your life?
My parents and grandparents.
What do you enjoy about working for PYBAR and your role?
PYBAR being open to suggestions and change to further improve.
Which PYBAR value means the most to you and why?
RESULTS! Striving to achieve and exceed the set target, safely.
What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
My daughter.
Congratulations to our second runner-up, Dave Ogilvie!
A long-serving and dedicated employee, who demonstrates and expects the highest standards, Dave is a highly valued member of the PYBAR team.
Q&A with Dave Ogilvie, Shift Supervisor
Tell us about your life so far. What type of roles have you had in the past?
I started my mining career as a nipper at Mount Isa Mines in 1981, then went on to air leg mine for seven years.
Following this, I specialised in development, progressing to three boom jumbo. I worked for Eltin Contractors at Northparkes in 1995, then at Osborne with Peabody in 1996. I started at Eloise in 1998, performing jumbo work and fill in shift bossing. In 2001, I had the opportunity to work on the Snowy Mountains Scheme, rehabbing the tunnels between Jindabyne and Khancoban. Following this project, I travelled abroad to Ok Tedi Mine in New Guinea with Eroc, developing a drainage tunnel for the open pit, utilising a tunnel boring machine.
Later, I transferred to Queenstown, Tasmania, to help start up the underground operations for Redpath at Mount Lyell. Then to Ernest Henry, making the transition from Redpath to Barminco to begin shift bossing for development and production. I then made the decision in 2011 to transfer to PYBAR Mining Services at Lady Loretta as shift supervisor until 2013, where at end of contract I began work at Osborne until the 2015 completion of contract.
In 2016, I was fortunate enough to head over to the Didipio mine in the Philippines, PYBAR’s first overseas project, as shift supervisor to speed develop the decline until the completion of this contract. In 2018, I commenced work at Mungana in North Queensland until this contract ended, then transferred here to Black Rock sub level cave project, operating as shift boss right up to the present day.
What would you be doing now if you could have any job in the world?
I could see myself charter boat fishing, running tours and motor bike tours in the North Queensland tablelands.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love to spend time with my wife, going out for dinners, as well as fishing and motorbike rides from Cairns to Port Douglas. Also, watching my favourite rugby team, THE ALL BLACKS!
Who or what has had an influence on your life?
I would say my father had the biggest impact on my life. He was a great worker, working past retirement, and inspired me with his drive and leadership skills.
What do you enjoy about working for PYBAR and your role?
I enjoy working with the team and crew that operate here at Black Rock. Acting as shift boss where I obtain job satisfaction from working with such a productive and safe team, meeting our goals and interacting with the other shift bosses.
Which PYBAR value means the most to you and why?
SAFETY to me is the most important value, as everyone should be able to do their job and return home to their family.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I used to play Rugby Union when I moved to Brisbane from New Zealand in 1979 with Radcliff (A grade). Also, I have a Saw Doctors degree in Sawmilling.
What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
Being named a finalist in the PYBAR CORE Awards.
