Our recycling team builds national alignment at inaugural Operations & Maintenance Conference

Our recycling team recently brought together State Operations and Maintenance Managers from across the country for the first Operations & Maintenance Conference.

Held over two days at Hexham in New South Wales, the conference focused on strengthening national alignment, building deeper connections and turning strategy into action.

From the outset, there was a shared determination to move the business forward. What stood out most was the quality of discussion and the level of trust built across states and across operational and maintenance functions.

Breaking down barriers, building foundations

For many in the room, the opportunity to connect face to face was invaluable.

Scott Reisenleiter, State Operations Manager NSW, described it simply as, “Breaking down barriers whilst building the foundation.”

Jimmy Conlon, State Maintenance Manager QLD, said the energy in the room was clear.

“It was a fantastic opportunity provided by the company to get state ops and maintenance teams together. We all have common goals and are excited to put the new plans into action.”

Across the two days, conversations were open, practical and focused on outcomes.

Luke McArthur, Operations Manager Hexham, said the engagement was evident.

“The conversation was engaging, ideas flowed openly, and there was a strong sense of collaboration throughout. It was great to see such clear alignment and momentum coming out of the discussion.”

Turning strategy into action

The conference was not just about discussion. It was about clarity and commitment.

Ray Agius, State Maintenance Manager VIC, said the quality of discussion and relationships built over the event has positioned the team well.

“The Hexham Operations & Maintenance meeting demonstrated the power of national collaboration, with the quality of discussion and relationships built positioning us well to turn strategy into action.”

Chris McCall, State Operations Manager SA, reinforced that focus.

“We are building a team focused on turning strategy into action.”

For Danny Thomas, State Operations Manager NSW, the value was in working collectively on shared challenges.

“It was a great opportunity to meet the leadership teams across recycling and build a better understanding of common challenges and to work collectively to find an improved way forward, while building a clear and concise plan for action.”

Paul Smith, Operations Manager Hexham, highlighted the importance of connection across sites.

“It was great to connect on site with our interstate counterparts. There was really positive alignment and shared understanding of the operation and future business improvement strategy.”

Aligning to our values and bigger picture

This inaugural conference marked an important step in building stronger national alignment, clearer priorities and more connected leadership across Operations and Maintenance.

For a business that plays a critical role in supporting Australia’s circular steel industry, national collaboration matters. When our recycling team works as one, we strengthen reliability, improve safety and performance, and create a more consistent experience for our customers and partners.

The relationships built, the trust formed and the clarity achieved now provide a solid foundation for action.

As David Bowden, National Project Operations Manager, said:

“This inaugural conference was an important step toward building stronger national alignment, clearer priorities and more connected leadership across Operations and Maintenance. The momentum, relationships and shared clarity built over the two days will now translate into committed actions as teams progress the agreed plans and continue working together toward our long term goals.”

By investing in connection, capability and shared purpose, our recycling team continues to live our values and strengthen the foundations of a more sustainable, nationally aligned business.