Queensland Excellence Awards Winners 2009 

Announcement of the NECA Queensland Excellence Award winners for 2009 was made on 18 September.

We would also like to acknowledge the sponsors of our event - NHP, Haymans Electrical & Data Suppliers, Clipsal and Schneider Electric - without whose support the Awards would not be possible. We urge members to remember this support when making their purchasing decisions.

Congratulations to all our winners in this year's event.

Voice/Data - Small Project
Winner: Stowe Australia for Maroochydore Police Station upgrade, Maroochydore

Reliable communications are a critical tool in police operations, and when the Maroochydore Police Station wanted to upgrade its communications systems, Stowe Australia was awarded the contract.

The scope included supply, installation and commissioning of a structured communications cabling system to ensure reliable transfer of data between source and destination. This also included upgrading components to 'Class C' for the security of networks, backbone, voice and LAN cabling.

Most of the works had to be done in existing ceilings and duct-work. Once cut-over was completed, considerable care was required to ensure no additional problems were caused by the removal of the redundant cabling.

The challenge was to complete the installation in a fully operational 24/7 police station without causing any disruption to the triple 0 emergency service. The end result is a credit to Stowe Australia's coordination skills, as its teams worked seamlessly to produce a result that was delivered on time and on budget.

Voice/Data - Large Project
Winner: Fredon QLD for Central Plaza 3

Fredon Queensland won the tender for voice and data works in Brisbane's new Central Plaza 3. The initial contract required the installation and commissioning of base building communications services. However, during the contract Fredon then secured the works to provide services for 13 of the 14 tenant floors. This fit-out also included a complex data centre for one of the tenants.

The most challenging aspect of the project was to balance the requirements for the base building works with the requirements and time frames needed to complete works for the tenant fit-out. Fredon managed this challenge efficiently by skilful project monitoring and coordination. Rather than just increase the original team, the project was split over three separate teams, in order to ensure concurrent delivery of all aspects of the project. Fredon was then able to complete all works within the original construction schedule.

Industrial Project
Winner: Stowe Australia for Sunstate Cement New Mill 4

Stowe Australia's ability to provide a 'one stop shop' incorporating electrical design, engineering and construction was a critical factor in winning the contract for Sunstate Cement. The scope required a comprehensive electrical control and communication solution for Sunstate's New Mill 4 project.

This was a complex industrial project requiring Stowe to supply a wide range of skills and expertise including HV and MV works, substation installation, power distribution, motor control, hazardous installation works and CCTV design.

The solution to such a technically challenging and complex industrial project required an innovative approach and skilful project management. Stowe Australia was successful in this, with all critical activities, milestones and practical completion dates being met, resulting in an excellent outcome and a delighted client.

Commercial - Small Project
Winner: Rutledge Engineering for the Bond University Gallery Refurbishment

Bond University is a state-of-the-art educational facility on the Gold Coast. It is committed to providing an innovative learning environment for students from all over the world.

Rutledge Engineering won the contract to install the integrated audio visual systems for the University's gallery refurbishment project. The spacious gallery incorporates different areas where students can study individually or in groups. Its technical sophistication was purpose-designed to encourage students to further develop their interactive capabilities.

Rutledge installed a comprehensive range of audio visual facilities for the futuristic Skills Room, Lecture Theatre, Study Booths and Collaborative Learning Room including complex wireless access points, video displays, electronic white boards, image display facilities and 'room view' ambient LED lighting. The whole area was designed to be centrally controlled from one location. The project was a huge success for all involved.

Commercial - Medium Project
Winner: Blue Star Pacific for ICB Queensland Health Fit Out

Blue Star Pacific won the contract for the electrical supply and installation fit-out in Queensland Health's newly developed ICB Central. The fit-out, over four large floors of the building, included reception areas, conference facilities, communications room, offices, work stations, family rooms and state health emergency coordination facilities. It also required uninterruptible power.

The scope called for a wide range of technical requirements including lighting, power distribution, duress systems, emergency lighting, telecommunications, CCTV, audio visual interfacing, Emergency Warning Intercommunications System, UPS, standby generation and lightning protection.

Positive leadership matched with a committed and skilled team led to a successful project completed within the scheduled time frame. The end result is one that far exceeds the operational and functional fit-out requirements originally specified … much to the delight of the client.

Commercial - Large Project
Winner: Stowe Australia for Rafter Arena, Queensland Tennis Centre

The Queensland Tennis Centre is an impressive tennis stadium consisting of 23 internal, external and international show courts, function rooms, media facilities, restaurants and bars. The showpiece is its spectacular centre court, aptly named Rafter Arena with a seating capacity of 5,500 people.

Stowe Australia won the contract for installation of integrated services covering all power, electrical, voice and data, instrument, process control and automation, general lighting and sports lighting in this impressive facility.

The lighting installed is equal to that of Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, with light intensity in excess of 3,000 Lux, ensuring accurate TV coverage and nil strobing on fast moving objects.

Challenges included working at heights ranging from 10m to 21m and having to commission the stadium while external areas were still under construction.

The project completion date was not negotiable and required skilful project management and regular communication with all trades to ensure delivery. This was achieved and the project handed over to the client on time and defect free.

Commercial - Large Project
Highly Commended: Blue Star Pacific for North Lakes Health Precinct

The North Lakes Health Precinct has been developed in the style of an innovative 'health hub' facility. One of the first in Queensland, it will provide a range of health care services including primary health care, child health care and chronic disease care. The hub will specialise in reducing the need for hospital care by managing conditions through early intervention.

Blue Star Pacific was commissioned for all the electrical works including main switchboards, power distribution, UPS installation, distribution boards, lighting control, lighting, audio visual cabling, emergency lighting, data infrastructure, lightning protection, nurse call system, security and fire protection. In 'body protected' and 'cardiac protected' areas all equipment and materials had to comply with AS3000 and AS3003.

The experience has now earned Blue Star Pacific an enviable reputation within the health sector. Despite numerous variations, the project was completed eight weeks ahead of time and with no defects, a credit to the entire team at Blue Star Pacific.

OH&S
Winner: David Miller, Individual Nomination, Stowe Australia Project Manager

The ongoing development and maintaining of safe work systems is essential, given the dynamic nature of the electrical contracting industry. Implementing procedures is a complex task. Enormous skill is required in managing the requirements of customers and principal contractors within legislative obligations.

Stowe Australia Project Manager David Miller pioneered the concept and initial development of the Stowe Safe Work Methods Statements Database, a system that applies proven safe work practices at the work site, and has the flexibility to easily incorporate ongoing changes and improvement.

David's commitment to Stowe Australia's business operations and the improvement of systems for health and safety procedures means site teams now have greater control and confidence in how they manage various tasks.

Stowe Australia is proud to recommend David Miller for this category, given his commitment and contribution to ensuring the company maintains the highest level of health and safety for all.