The annual NECA WA Excellence and Apprentice Awards were held at the Crown Perth Resort on 1 September to recognise the achievements of top performing individuals and contractor businesses.

Presented by Clipsal and Schneider Electric, the event was attended by 600 industry representatives, including contractors, suppliers, educators and government representatives.

NECA WA president Jack Grego expressed his admiration for the achievements of the winners and finalists, and was delighted with surpassing last year’s attendance number.

“We have again beaten our previous record number of attendees at the Excellence Awards, it was fantastic to see close to 600 people in the room tonight,” says Jack.

“While we acknowledge our nominees and apprentices, I think as NECA members, we can all be proud of the innovation and excellence we bring to our industry.”

2017 NECA WA Excellence Awards Winners

Commendation – Commercial Medium Project

Westwide Electrical Services – Ningaloo Centre

Commendation – Commercial Large Project

Nilsen (WA) – Perth Children’s Hospital

Commendation for Work Health Safety Company

Consolidated Electrical Solutions

2017 NECA WA Apprentice Awards Winners

Finalists – 1^st Year

• Connor Edwards, Electrical Group Training – EGT hosted by: Barry Allen Electrical Services
• Samantha Aitken, Electrical Group Training – EGT hosted by: Electek

Finalists – 2^nd Year

• Kelly Bailey, Electrical Group Training – EGT hosted by: Electek
• Robert Monterosso, Electrical Group Training – EGT Hosted by: Mizco
• Dale Patton, Electrical Group Training – EGT hosted by: Programmed Electrical Technologies
• Ian Herold, DCS WA – Hosted by: DCS WA

Finalists – 3^rd ear

• Hamish Watson, Electrical Group Training – EGT hosted by: Downer EDI Engineering Power
• Brandon Williams, Electrical Group Training – EGT hosted by: Electek

Finalists – 4^th Year Commercial / Domestic

• Kirk  Lam, PWA Electrical Services – Hosted by: PWA Electrical Services
• Luke Bursey, Electrical Group Training – EGT hosted by: Team Electrical Services

Finalists – 4^th Year Industrial

• Jacob Prendergast, Electrical Group Training – EGT hosted by: Auto Control Systems
• Morgan Goddard, Electrical Group Training – EGT hosted by: Southern Mining Electrical Contractors

 Finalists – 4^th Year Communications Finalist

• Rory Lewis, Programmed Electrical Technologies – Hosted by: Programmed Electrical Technologies
• Jonathon D’Souza, Electrical Group Training – EGT hosted by: Positive Electrical

Winning Projects

Brendan Sheehan Electrical Services – Button Residence

Domestic Residence

Designed to cater to all the children in the family, including one with special medical needs, this high end house integrates standard housing elements with hospital type features. Working closely with the home owner, Brendan Sheehan Electrical Services were able to contribute to the creation of a very special home.

Needing to integrate hospital features into a domestic residence, this project involved a significant amount of interaction with the homeowner to create a high end home that caters for a diverse range of needs.

Everett-Smith & Co – Crown Towers

Energy Efficiency

As the electrical contractor for the Crown Towers project, Everett-Smith redesigned elements of the LV distribution network; the power management and control systems; the emergency generation system; and the architecture of the HV network. The completed systems operate beyond the original scope, meeting the operational needs of this large and diverse property.

By redesigning the high voltage architecture, making changes to the generation and earthing systems, and combining the proposed power management and control systems, Everett-Smith has achieved a range of efficiencies on this major project.

Consolidated Electrical Solutions

Small Contracting Business

Consolidated Electrical Solutions offers specialist commercial petroleum, hazardous areas, and instrumentation services to the industrial, commercial and mining sector. The Directors were 25 years old when they started the business in their garages. Two and a half years later, they have a staff of six and clients ranging from BP to Rio Tinto.

Implementing strong quality, safety, and business systems in a young business, has been a large undertaking. But it is the key to CES building its reputation for undertaking electrical work in hazardous zones in the fuel and mining industries.

Insight Electrical Technology

Work Health Safety Company

By using the resources of NECA and the HSEQ system, Insight has developed a dynamic WHS system that has engaged its employees in the program, while still providing the information needed by management. The system has provided significant improvements in its WHS performance, and the overall operation of the business.

IET recognised some years ago that a strong, efficient WHS system integrated with its IMS and business systems, would help achieve a safer workplace – and open up new commercial opportunities while saving time and money.

RCR Water and Water Corporation – Leonora Station Creek Telemetry Upgrade

Industrial Small Project

This project addressed an issue with the Station Creek tank overflowing due to the inability to automatically stop the pumps at the 12 feed in bores when the tank was full. RCR Water designed and constructed in-house, a control system using high data rate IP radio solution and solar power, based on the Water Corporation’s Scope.

This innovative new system, created in a joint venture between RCR Water and the Water Corporation, uses solar power and high bandwidth digital radio communication to control generators and water pumps at remote sites.

DESA Australia – Perth Children’s Hospital

Voice / Data Communications & Audio Visual

The large and complex communications works for the New Perth Children’s Hospital is DESA’s largest project to date. A unique feature is the 18 screen, interactive AV wall in the foyer, which displays graphics and pictures drawn by children, which move in sync with people captured by the installed camera.

The New Perth Children’s Hospital is the most complex communications project DESA has undertaken, working over 200,000 man hours in a two and a half year period to deliver an innovative communications solution.

Electek – The Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation (CERI)

Commercial – Small Project

Electek found itself in the unusual position of being involved in the complete redesign of this 1960’s building. Internally, much of the electrical work remained exposed, becoming part of the building’s architectural finish. Externally, an eye catching façade design with programmed lighting scenes reflects the progressive nature of the business.

Although unusual for an electrical contractor, Electek were part of the design team for the refurbishment of this 1960’s building, allowing them to deliver a project that perfectly met the client’s specific requirements and vision.

Downer – Aubin Grove Train Station

Commercial – Medium Project

Downer completed the successful delivery of the Electrical, Communications, SCADA and Fire Services of the new Aubin Grove Railway Station. Certain portions of the construction were carried out over live rail operations; in the adjacent freeway median; and under live Western Power 330kV transmission lines; requiring precise planning and scheduling to efficiently execute the works.

Working in close proximity to high voltage overhead lines, above a major freeway, and over operating rail lines, made this a challenging project for Downer – requiring high levels of coordination to deliver the new station safely, and on time.

Everett-Smith & Co – Crown Towers Perth

Commercial – Large Project

The Crown Towers project comprised a 500 room luxury hotel – with extensive function rooms and outdoor resort facilities. Everett-Smith completed the electrical and associated services scope – including the redesign and rationalisation of the HV ring main; standby generation; LV distribution to major load centres; and specialised internal and external lighting, control, and communication services.