Member Spotlight
CMPA celebrated 25 years at the Annual Dinner 2025
The 2025 Annual Dinner marked a significant milestone for the CMPA, commemorating 25 years of dedicated service to the industry. CMPA Administration Officer, April Everitt, provides an overview of this outstanding event.
The night was celebrated with members past and present, partners, families, employees and industry affiliates. With over 350 CMPA members and guests in attendance at Centrepiece, Melbourne Park, the event provided an opportunity for sponsors and tradeshow participants to network, strengthen relationships, and engage with colleagues and friends across the industry.
The CMPA Annual General Meeting commenced at 5:00pm in the Grand Hall, with CMPA Chairperson, Jason Comben formally opening proceedings and addressing the assembly to reflect on key achievements and highlights during the past twelve months.
Motions were passed for acceptance of reports, including the Financial Report, presented by Treasure John Pititto. With a vacancy on the 25/26 Management Committee for a three-year term, all attendees and proxies were in favour of re-electing Andrew Burdett (Burdett Sands) as a
Committee Member.
The floor then opened to attendees with the following items:
- A decision on Workplace Exposure Limits for respirable crystalline silica by Safe Work Australia may have far reaching consequences for the extractive industry.
- The Mineral Resources Sustainable Development Act 1990 reform is of concern to the industry.
- The formation of the Quarry Rehabilitation Bonds Review Panel by the Victorian Government may yield relief from crippling rehabilitation bond increases.
Guest mingled while enjoying pre-dinner drinks and canapés, as well as taking the opportunity to socialise and network with tradeshow participants including:
- Coolfog
- (Access Environmental)
- Dk Sense
- FUCHS Lubricants
- Gordyn Palmer
- Liebherr
- Terex Jaques
- Ultra Dynamics
- CMV Truck and Bus (with MACK Truck lit upon display)
Magician Lucas Kogaki captivated the audience with his award winning sleight of hand performance, while cartoonists Adrian “Oz” Osborne and Gavin Bell entertained guests with their personalised illustrations.
Matt Vincent, CEO Resources Victoria, was a distinguished guest for the evening, connecting with members throughout pre-dinner and main dinner activities.
Guests were welcomed into an elegant dining setting accentuated by CMPA’s signature colours. Waiting at each seat were thoughtful gifts from Platinum Sponsors — an Ace Spades bottle opener and keyring from TSP Group of Companies, and a sleek pen from Ultra Dynamics.
To mark CMPA’s 25th Anniversary, guests were also presented with a commemorative book celebrating the Association’s history and achievements.
Returning as Master of Ceremonies for another year, Brihony Dawson opened the evening with her signature energy and professionalism. She welcomed guests to the celebration and expressed appreciation to the sponsors who helped make the celebration memorable.
Guests enjoyed a video celebrating the rich history of the CMPA and the many accomplishments of its members. CMPA Chairperson, Jason Comben, reflected on the Association’s 25-year journey and the many accomplishments of members, stating that they should be proud of all they have achieved.
Jason extended a warm welcome to Matt Vincent, CEO, Resources Victoria, who spoke about the great demand for extractive materials and the work Resources Victoria is doing to streamline application approval processes and reduce delays.
Matt Vincent, CEO, Resources Victoria, DEECA
Matt Vincent presented the Best Practice in Progressive Rehabilitation Awards for Large and Small Quarries, which was sponsored by Resources Victoria. The award acknowledged proactive planning and conduct of site rehabilitation throughout the full life cycle of resource projects, to achieve safe, stable and sustainable final landforms to protect people, land, infrastructure and the environment.
Matt Vincent presented John Mawson, EB Mawson & Sons Quarry, with Best Practice in Progressive Rehabilitation – Large Quarry.
Cameron Black, (for BCA Consutling) accepted the Best Practice in Rehabilitation award – Small Quarry on behalf of Baxters Concrete & Quarries. Conundrum Holdings received the Highly Commended Best Practice Rehabilitation Award, accepted by Brian Calovic.
For the first time at a CMPA Annual Dinner, there was a Q & A Panel consisting of founding members including:
- Ron Kerr, Managing Director, Conundrum Holdings
- Tim Bird, Managing Director, All Stone Quarries
- Peter Murphy, Managing Director, Alex Fraser Group
The panel discussed how the CMPA came to be established including regional Victoria needing clear government representation, a united voice for whole of industry and also improving industry standards.
Some of the key achievements of the CMPA:
- Resources and reference materials developed as a collective
- WorkSafe courses delivered by Box Hill Institute
- Government Submissions, workshops, training and education
Jason Comben presented the 25 Year Member Awards to:
- Alex Frawer Group
- All Stone Quarries
- Barro Group
- Burdett Sands
- Conundrum Holdings
- DE Quarry Solutions
- EB Mawsons & Sons
- Local Mix Quarries
- Neerim South Quarry
- K&RJ Matthews Quarries
- BCA Consulting
- C.K. Prowse & Associates
- CJ Ham & Murray
- Indeco Australia
- Komatsu Australia
- Orica Australia
- Terex Jaques
- William Adams
- Anthony Graham, recognising their longstanding dedication and invaluable contribution to the association.
25 Year recipients that were not present on the night included: Aggregate & Paving Industries, Cobden Lime, Cuthbertson Quarries, Glencoe Lime, Goulburn Valley Resources, Judd & Sons, K & J Bajer Cartage, Kennedy Haulage, Maryvale Sands & Trading Supply, Rigby Bros & Co, T & K Jarvis Sand Soil & Gravel, Thelma Gread, Voilet Town Quarries, Walsh Ballarat Quarries, Focus CDS Consulting, Nevett Ford and Quarry Crete.
Pyrenees Quarries donated and produced the CMPA 25 Year Awards.
Continuing the celebrations, Jason Comben had the pleasure of presenting Tej Panesar from TSP Group with a framed certificate recognising 15 years of membership. In addition, Gavin Moreira, who has served as the CMPA Member Services Manager, was presented with a plaque acknowledging 16 years of service in the extractive industry.
The 15-Year Membership recipients who were unable to attend included R. L. Blake, Advanced Engineering Group, Craig’s Drilling, Claypro, and Kerry Smith.
Mark Thompson (Oli Vibrators), Associate Chairperson was invited to speak on behalf of the CMPA and the Associate members. Mark thanked all members for their continual support of the CMPA and the extractive industry. He reflected how having 350 people in attendance at the Annual Dinner was testimony to how the CMPA has grown as a community.
Mark concluded his speech with an announcement that he was stepping down as Associate Chairperson due to work commitments; he introduced Tej Panesar as the interim Associate Chairperson.
Brihony Dawson took to the stage to announce the winners of the highly anticipated Door Prizes, sparking excitement across the room.
- CDJ Equipment generously donated a $1000 gift voucher for the luxurious Jackalope Hotel on the stunning Mornington Peninsula, which was proudly claimed by Matt Skidmore from City Circle Group.
- Coolfog kept the spirits high with a 15-year-old Glenlivet whiskey set, awarded to Jack Fahey from Mansfield Crushing.
- Adding a touch of motorsport flair, FUCHS Lubricants donated a signed full-size replica Dewalt racing helmet, with Brian Calovic taking home this coveted prize.
The night concluded on a high note as guests joined Brihony and her band, Midnight Mix, on the dance floor—rounding up an unforgettable evening with music, laughter, and a well-deserved celebration.
A big thank you to all sponsors, without their support, the night would not have been possible.
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