A SENIOR mining executive from central Queensland has been awarded Thiess’ highest leadership award at a ceremony held in Brisbane last night.
Danny McCarthy, operations manager of Curragh North and South Walker Creek mines was awarded the $20,000 Murray Fox Leadership Award for his contribution to mining safety.
The award was created in memory of Murray Fox, a former executive general manager of Thiess Qld, and encourages and rewards Thiess employees to develop and achieve their career aspirations.
McCarthy who constantly asks himself “is this all we can do?” is described as “ever striving to exceed company and personal goals and objectives”.
Thiess managing director David Saxelby said the continued success of a company requires strong and effective leaders at all levels.
“Thiess prides itself on values based leadership and the Murray Fox Leadership Award enables us to develop future leaders,” he said. “It is important to support and ensure that our future leaders are given the opportunity to develop their skills and realise their aspirations.”
A highlight of McCarthy’s career was a world class safety performance at South Walker Creek mine where the state was recognised with BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance’s highest Safety Award – the ‘Platinum’ Award in 2007.
McCarthy began his career as an electrical apprentice in the navy and quickly moved through the ranks in positions ranging from coal preparation plant shift co-ordinator at South Walker Creek mine to project manager at Collinsville Coal Mine and finally, operations manager for South Walker Creek and the Curragh North Coal Mine.
Last year’s winner, Mike Zambelli of the Trackstar Alliance project used his award to attend the Mount Eliza business school and the Australian Graduate School of Management.
Sarah Kulman
Thiess Pty Ltd
skulman@thiess.com.au