SAFETY
AVKO is a responsible company which recognises the need for a continuing program of Health, Safety and Welfare to be applied to all employees. A comprehensive Safety Management Plan and Safety Handbook has been implemented by the company together with induction training. Reporting and self-auditing of all safety aspects is routinely undertaken. With the support and commitment of management combined with a positive and responsible attitude, the following issues are a constant priority:
- Practical, occupational and equipment focused training of all employees.
- Induction, instruction and effective communication of client based Safety Programs.
- Prompt reporting of accidents, incidents and unsafe conditions.
- Promotion of a healthy and safe work environment for all personnel.
PROFILE
AVKO was established in 1993 by its Managing Director, Paul Hurley. The organisation started as an airleg mining contractor, with airleg mining still being an important part of our business. This area of mining is often considered the most challenging and arguably the most rewarding area for an employee. If you ask any of our miners they will tell you that they love “swinging off a machine” all day.
AVKO provides a range of services to the mining industry, including:
- Underground Development
- Shaft Sinking
- Mechanical and Airleg Mining
- Machinery Hire
- Civil Drill and Blast
- Alimak Raise Mining
- Airleg and Shift Supervisor Labour Hire
The main focus of our experience and equipment capability is to provide one of two key services:
- In larger mines we offer a service catering to the more specialised parts of their business, occasional work if you will.
- Whole of mine contracts, whether it be on contract for a larger company or a tribute for smaller companies, we can manage and provide the equipment and personnel required for the mine.
AVKO has operated from premises in the West Kalgoorlie Industrial area since 2000. We currently have operations in Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales and have recently set up a new office in Brisbane, Queensland to support the organisation’s growth in the mining and civil industries across Australia.
OUR MISSION
AVKO aims for continual improvement in all facets of our business through improved risk management, innovation and operational excellence.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Do the best you can, do the right thing, show that you care.
Our vision as a service provider is to achieve excellence and to be a “world class” operation delivering outstanding outcomes across the diversity of our operations – Mining, Civil and Alimak.
In short we are striving towards the goal of being the most sought after specialist underground mining and civil contractor in Australia. To expand on that, we intend to position ourselves so that we are not only competitive price wise on any chosen tender, but we offer a service that is not only of higher quality than our competitors but is actually in excess of what the clients want. Our companies’ core values will provide a platform for ensuring achievement of this vision.
CORE VALUES
- Health and safety is a priority at all times and is not negotiable
- Development and maintenance of the highest levels of environmental management and care
- Integrity
- High Performance
- Win-Win Relationships
- The Courage to Lead Change - innovation
- Respect for Each Other
- Commitment to creating a great place for our employees to work, grow and prosper
- Respect and encouragement of our employees’ ideas, diversity and culture
CORPORATE MEMBERSHIPS
Recognising the importance of keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements, legislative changes and corporate progress, AVKO maintains a Corporate Membership with a number of industry bodies.
MEET THE MANAGEMENT
PAUL HURLEY – MANAGING DIRECTOR
AVKO was established, in 1993. Paul Hurley (Managing Director) had been working for other contracting companies for six years. He believed that a better service could be offered in terms of quality of work, safety and looking after employees. Also by developing a company focussed on the traditionally more difficult areas of a mining operation, he hoped that some mines would be interested in having the administration and supervision of such areas taken out of their hands. Paul believes that there are no problems, only solutions. With good communication, management and a positive outlook any achievement is possible.
STEVE DURKIN – GENERAL MANAGER
Steve Durkin is a qualified mining engineer with 10 years experience in open pit, underground mines and civil operations. Steve’s particular expertise is in contract negotiation and management. He has total commitment to quality and continuous improvement, coupled with strong leadership and communication skills. His knowledge of the mining industry makes him an integral part of the leadership team. Now based in Victoria, Steve has played a major role in the substantial, sustainable growth of operations nationally. In recent times, Steve has moved from an Operations Management role to General Manager and will concentrate on our business development.
COMPANY ACHIEVEMENTS
GOLDFIELDS BUSINESS AWARDS
2004 – Business of the Year
2004 – Business Person of the Year (Paul Hurley – Managing Director)
2004 – Best Business with 30+ Employees
TELSTRA BUSINESS AWARDS
2007 – Hudson Business Award (50 - 100 employees)
2007 – Western Australian Business of the Year
2007 – National Regional Award
The Telstra Business Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the achievements and innovation of small to medium businesses across Australia.
In 2007, AVKO were nominated for the Hudson Business Award on a State level, which is awarded to the best business within Western Australia with more than 50 and less than 100 employees. The criteria used for judgement of this award include the business, the customers, the people, planning, innovation and financials.
As a result of this nomination AVKO were also entered for the overall Western Australian Business of the Year Award and were absolutely ecstatic when we were awarded the Winner of both Awards on the same night.
Winners of the State competition are then entered into the National Competition in the same category, where they compete against the other State winners from throughout Australia. Regional businesses are also entered into the Regional Business of the Year Award where they compete against all other regional businesses present on the night (regardless of size).
The competition at the National level was really tough and AVKO were delighted to be named the 2007 Telstra Regional Award Winner over 36 other regional businesses on the night.
AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS
2005 & 2007 - Best Contract Miner of the Year
In 2007, part of the criteria for the nomination was to address how we, as contract miners, had improved productivity and/or safety using new technology, innovative processes or techniques. It was a tough competition with other nominees for the award including: Bilfinger Berger Services, Leighton Contractors, Downer EDI Mining and Swick Mining.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT / SPONSORSHIP
At AVKO we believe that we have obligations and responsibilities to the communities and the environment in which we work.
Our sponsorship and community programs are aimed at forming active and mutually-beneficial relationships with organisations and communities, not merely through financial support, but also through contributing/participating and transferring skills, expertise and knowledge.
As a result, a sponsorship policy has been implemented to ensure that correct and transparent processes are undertaken for the assessment, approval and management of sponsorship activities across the business.
If you would like to know more about sponsorship opportunities please go to our Sponsorship Policy and Application form
TO DATE AVKO HAVE BEEN THE PROUD SPONSORS OF:
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Ronald McDonald Charity Ball
Platinum Sponsors in 2007 & 2008
Each year the Ronald McDonald House Committee (RMHC) hosts a gala fundraising ball in each state to raise funds for local RMHC programs. All proceeds from the Ball benefit the community through the Ronald McDonald House, Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Kalgoorlie Hospital.
Kalgoorlie Business Awards
After winning the Goldfields Business of the Year Award in 2004, AVKO commissioned the design and purchase of a perpetual trophy for this category and it is now used each year for the winner of the overall Business of the Year in the Goldfields Business Awards.
WASM Wombats Mining Team, Kalgoorlie WA
2003, 2004, 2005 & 2007 – International Collegiate Mining Competition
The Annual International Collegiate Mining Games began in 1978 to honour fallen miners, preserve traditional mining techniques and allow universities within the minerals education field to compete against each other on an international level.
The Games incorporate team events using traditional and modern mining techniques such as hand steeling (hammer and tap), hand-bogging, swede sawing, gold panning (mucking), airleg drilling, surveying and trackstand.
The competition is the largest event of its kind in the world. In the past, universities and colleges from the United States of America, Mexico, Canada and Australia have all competed for the prize and the prestige that comes with being the international winners.
The WASM Wombats have been extremely successful in their campaigns since 1999 with twelve wins across the men’s, women’s and co-ed divisions.
Saint Barbara’s Festival, Kalgoorlie WA, 2004 & 2005
Saint Barbara’s Festival is one of the largest annual community events held in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The Festival commemorates Saint Barbara, the Patron Saint of Mining, and celebrates mining’s contribution to the community that we live in.
Three main events are the heart of the Festival:
- The Miners Memorial Service
- The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community Concert, and
- Saint Barbara’s Parade
The proceeds from the Festival benefit the community through an annual donation to the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM), a school within Curtin Universities Faculty of Science and Engineering that focuses specifically on training the future leaders within the mining industry.
Club 28/50 Physical Culture, Mudgee NSW, 2008
Club 28/50 is a not-for-profit organisation in Mudgee, NSW who run after school activities for girls and women and provide a medium for expression, competition and fun. Physical Culture is known as “Disciplined Movement to Music” and involves children from as young as three through to women of all ages.
The sponsorship funds that AVKO provides are used to purchase equipment, and subsidize uniforms for the competition teams.
Kalgoorlie Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS), Kalgoorlie WA, 2008
AVKO proudly supported the VFRS through providing funds for development of their heritage listed building to include a fully equipped gym for the use of all Volunteer Fire Fighters in Kalgoorlie.
Maldon & Beyond Twilight Festival, Maldon VIC 2008
Held in the main street of Maldon, a historic township in rural Victoria, this festival is about enjoying the local produce, romantic atmosphere and music provided by local artists. Over 1000 people attended this year and the sponsorship money from AVKO assisted with the funding of the event and a donation to the local CFA who volunteered their time to assist with the set up.
The Kalgoorlie Speedway Sprintcar Race, Kalgoorlie WA, 2006
St Josephs School, Kalgoorlie WA, March 2007
Loan of equipment for the car park refurbishment
King of the Cross, Southern Cross WA, 2005 & 2006
King of the Cross is an annual event held by the Southern Cross Motocross Club in WA.