Leading New South Wales’ electrical and communications contractors were recognised at the annual electrical industry Excellence Awards hosted by peak Australian industry body the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

Eight companies received the top state award in front of over 500 industry representatives including contractors, educators and government representatives at the premier showcase event for the NSW electrical and communications industry at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour.

NECA New South Wales Executive Director Oliver Judd said the winning companies were chosen because of their commitment to excellence, significant engineering achievements and importantly finishing the complex jobs on time.

“The electrical and communications contracting firms that have won an award are simply outstanding for what they have achieved during each project,” Mr Judd said.

“NECA received a huge variety of nominations and it’s very encouraging to see the quality of work in projects ranging from the wiring of smart homes through to providing electrical and communications systems for a major hospital.

“The judging panel were privileged to view such high quality projects and as always, NECA members have played a critical role in some of the largest and most diverse construction jobs in the state.”

The winning companies and their projects are:

Category – Domestic Residence
A single residence project in the domestic sector where the applicant’s contract value is less than $1 million.

Winner: Automated Innovation

Project: The Royal Apartments, Newcastle

Why: This outstanding project has features well in excess of those normally applied to a domestic home. The result is a totally automated home from the finger print entry to five high definition audio visual zones including waterproof TVs and full ipad control. Automated Innovations Director Nathan Gill said, “To be recognised as the winner for this category shows the fantastic work Automated Innovation has achieved this year and continues to deliver to our clients.”

Category – Small Contracting Business
A small contractor, employing less than 10 technical employees, demonstrating a wide range of skills on a particular project.

Winner: Rakis Electrics

Project: The Fanale Residence

Why: This three level home incorporates the architect’s electrical design. As a result the home is completely automated to include the C-Bus network controlled via touch screens i-phones and ipads. Switch automation software provides greater flexibility to manage security, AV, air conditioning, pool equipment, intercoms and CCTV. Rakis Electrics Proprietor George Tsintarakis said, “When you embark on a challenging project, you certainly don’t think about awards. But when the outcome is a successful project, where there has been great collaboration with the owner, architects and builder, despite all the hardships, major delays and constant changes, it’s a great honour for that hard work to be recognised by your peers.”

Category – Industrial Project – Small
An industrial project which may include, but is not limited to, undertakings of a civil, mining, high voltage, manufacturing or process nature where the contract value is less than $2 million .

Winner: RIC Electrics

Project: Southern Cotton

Why: RIC Electrics were engaged by Southern Cotton for the electrical installation of Australia’s southern most Cotton Gin near Whitton, NSW. The works included the design of the main switch board, motor control centres and distribution boards as well as the on-site power and control cabling. RIC Electrics Director Andrew Dwyer said, “It’s a great honour that RIC Electrics, as a regional contactor, be recognised as an industry leader within NSW. This showcases our team’s dedication and commitment to the job at hand with an emphasis on quality and client satisfaction.”

Category – Industrial Project – Large
An industrial project which may include, but is not limited to, undertakings of a civil, mining, high voltage, manufacturing or process nature where the contract value is greater than $2 million .

Winner: Bass Electrical Engineering

Project: Viterra Malting Project, Minto

Why: The Viterra Malting Project is a new malting facility with an annual capacity of 110,000 tonnes, a grain packaging plant and associated infrastructure. Bass Electrical Engineering supplied and installed all low voltage electrical cabling, field devices, motor control centres, lighting and power equipment.  Bass Electrical Engineering’s Managing Director Brett Chambers said, “Bass is promoted as a company that provides high quality, on-time delivery and strong customer focus, with an uncompromising commitment to customer service at all levels of the organisation. Winning a NECA Excellence Award for this project confirms that Bass works to a high standard. Feedback from the client also reinforces the high standards of workmanship.”

Category – Voice/Data Project
A voice/data communications project of any contract value.

Winner: Fibre Optics Design and Construct

Project: Integra Mine Communications Network Upgrade

Why: Fibre Optics Design and Construct was awarded the contract to upgrade the fibre optic cabling network between Integra Mines’ open cut and underground mine sites. The project included a diverse range of installation methods, innovative products and applications of fibre optics technology giving the client increased efficiency and greatly reducing telecommunications costs. Fibre Optics Design and Construct’s General Manager Michael McKeogh said, “Winning this award is a great honour and highlights the dedication of our team in coming up with highly innovative applications of fibre optics technology in a range of environments including mines. This was a complex project delivered to a very tight deadline.”

Category – Commercial – Small Project
A commercial project where the applicant’s contract value is less than $500,000.

Winner: Colbros Electrical Contracting

Project: The New Brighton Hotel, Manly

Why: The New Brighton Hotel project involved the complete demolition and refurbishment of the existing hotel retaining only the front facade of the building. Together with a redesign of the lighting, installation of LED lights and C-Bus Energy management, the load was reduced from 600Amps to 270Amps meaning a substation was not required. Colbros Electrical Contracting’s Director Paul Cole said, “Our biggest accomplishment was the ability to provide a design that met budget and went beyond our client’s expectations and at the same time achieving the same results on the ground in delivering this project defect and accident free.”

Category – Commercial – Medium Project
A commercial project where the applicant’s contract value is more than $500,000 and less than $2 million

Winner: Kerfoot Electrics

Project: St Vincent’s Private Hospital Mental Health Unit

Why: The project involved relocation of the existing 24 hour manned call centre and creation of a 20 bed private hospital room with highly efficient control features including artificial lighting to mimic outside environments, nurse call facilities, staff duress assist systems, the latest cat 6a and fibre optic cabling network and critical back-up emergency supplies. Kerfoot Electric’s Project Manager Joshua Kerfoot said, “To be recognised as a winner highlights the commitment and outstanding work of our staff and their ability to embrace the challenges faced during what was a complex and varied electrical installation. I dedicate this award to our loyal and dedicated team”.

Category – Commercial – Large Project
A commercial project where the applicant’s contract value is greater than $2 million.

Winner: Stowe Australia Pty Ltd

Project: Data Facility Remediation Project

Why: The Data Facility is a 30 year old 11,000 sqm purpose built facility for a major banking client. The facility needed major upgrading of the electrical infrastructure to improve the resiliency and efficiency of the critical facilities infrastructure. The key objective being to double the capacity of the critical facilities (power and cooling) to support 3,000 kW of IT load and establish four additional new medium to high density computer rooms. Stowe Australia’s Business Development Manager Matt Parker said, “The greatest achievement for the team was to provide a complete infrastructure upgrade delivered with minimal disruption and impact to the client. The integrity of the fully operational Data Centre was maintained throughout the construction phase.”