Dowdens Pumping Latest News

3/7/2008- Congratulations Andrew for your MAIN Apprentice of the Year 2008!
(By: Peter Primrose Saftey and Training Co-Ordinator(Dowdens Pumping), Fiona Munro care of MAIN)

Andrews Award.

Andrew Whibley started his employment with Dowdens Mackay in January 2004 as a trades assistant. In June 2006 Andrew started an adult apprenticeship as a fitter & turner in the industrial and domestic workshops. Andrew had a keen interest in learning his trade as well as the specialised field which comes with working in the pumping industry. Through his commitment and interest Andrew has gained the respect of other apprentices and tradesmen and has an excellent manner and attitude when dealing directly with the public. This did not go without notice.

Because of Andrew’s attributes, a nomination for apprentice of the year was submitted to the Main Cooperative’s Annual Awards Committee. This nomination was placed by the Workshop Manager. The nomination is a good indication of Andrew. The nomination text was as follows.

As written by Ayril Paton (Workshop Manager, Dowdens Pumping) "Andrew is very open to training and wants to learn. It is a pleasure to show Andrew something new as he shows enthusiasm and interest. Andrew is also very committed to his job and will always do his best to complete a project and ensure that a customer is happy. Overall if I had more people like Andrew I would probably have more hair on my head."

Main Cooperative’s Annual Awards recognize training excellence and achievements of apprentices and trainees in the Mackay area. The awards are presented annually as official recognition of merit and excellence in this demanding and dynamic industry.

The awards aim to recognize individuals for their efforts and achievements and encourage them to realize their potential and build their careers. They also aim to raise the profile of skills and reward businesses and organizations for innovative approaches to training that help to develop our industries and workforce.

On the 6th March 2008 Andrew, along with a few company representatives, attended the Main Apprentice of the Year awards night where Andrew took out the top prize, Apprentice of the Year.

The entire Dowden’s workforce are extremely proud to be a part of Andrew’s career highlight, and agree that Andrew deserves the accolades he receives. It is a recognition of Dowdens commitment not only to employ apprentices but to build relationships within their staff, to continue with training plans and to help not only apprentices but all staff to be the very best they can. As stated in our Company Philosophy -

This award for Andrew has also shown his fellow workmates that a committed effort by an individual, although not always noted, does draw attention from customers and management alike. Andrew through doing his job to the best of his ability has lifted the rest of his workmates to a standard that any employer would be proud to have. There can only be one winner who receives a trophy, but it takes a team effort to get him there.

Andrew Whibley and his award.

8/11/2006 - Annual Woodchop at Mt Perry a success!
(By: Chris Rose)

The Annual Woodchop at Mt Perry on the weekend was a very successful event yet again.

Australian Champion, Peter Dingle did us proud wearing the Dowdens / Philmac shirt and was in the spotlight the entire day with Peter winning several events including anchoring Queensland to a stirring victory in the State of Origin teams chop against the Blues. (Dusted them again !!!)

Equigold (Mt Rawdon Gold) management and staff were on hand to witness the great day and thanks to Peter and all of the other well known identities that came from far and wide to be at the event recognised the support given by us and of course the other sponsors.

Rugby League Former Origin Greats (FOGS) were on hand to celebrate the day and they enjoyed every minute of it. Greg Oliphant and Trevor Gillmeister wore Dowdens caps all day and they really got into the spirit of things as always.

Gary Belcher, Trevor Gillmeister, Greg Oliphant, Greg Conescu and Peter Dingle signed shirts and presented them to me to give to Trevor Dowden and Dave Collins for their show of support for the day.

A big thanks to Bob Hughes (Hughes Drilling) who is an integral part of this event climbing to the heights that it has, and he assisted me with accommodation, a few cold ones and certainly made sure that the day ran smoothly.

Australian Champ, Peter Dingle	Greg Oliphant, Chris Rose and Trevor Gillmeister	The winning Queensland team
Queensland winning	Peter Dingle