Engineering in the Hunter with Mel Sietsma

In this episode of the Engineering Success Podcast, Melinda Sietsma sits down with Peter McKinnon, the managing director of Omnia Wheel. Peter shares his fascinating career path, from co-founding a successful construction company, Mainbrace, to his current role leading Omnia Wheel. He introduces us to the Omni Wheel, an incredible invention that combines the best parts of a fixed wheel and a swivel caster. This means it offers the directional stability of a fixed wheel but can move in any direction, just like a swivel caster—without the typical swivel offset. This innovative design opens up a world of new design possibilities for products and makes things much easier to use, giving you superior directional control and load stability. Peter explains how Omnia Wheel's unique polymer design and manufacturing process truly set it apart from anything else out there.

Join us on the Engineering Success podcast as we sit down with David Leask, a project consultant at Novacom. David shares his fascinating journey from electronics apprentice to agricultural technology expert, offering insights into the world of Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture.

Discover how David's passion for electronics, sparked by childhood curiosity and nurtured by mentors like Bob Cowan, led him to a diverse career spanning trade work, education, and innovative agricultural projects. Learn about Novacom's groundbreaking mesh network technology for water monitoring on farms and how it's revolutionising resource management.

David discusses the importance of passion, persistence, and adaptability in building a successful career in electronics. He shares valuable advice for aspiring professionals and emphasises the significance of hands-on experience and community engagement in regional projects.

From Sydney to Hobart yacht races to commercial beekeeping, David's varied interests showcase the multifaceted nature of engineering professionals. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about the future of electronics, the role of AI in engineering, and the importance of bridging the gap between industry, education, and regional communities.

Tune in for an enlightening discussion on innovation, career development, and the exciting possibilities in the world of electronics and agricultural technology.

In this episode of Engineering Success, we sit down with Jess Hodge, co-founder and managing director of Resourceful Living, a revolutionary company transforming plastic waste into beautiful, durable products. Jess shares her inspiring journey from marketing to sustainability, sparked by a eye-opening honeymoon experience. Learn how Resourceful Living is tackling plastic pollution in the Hunter region, their innovative manufacturing process, and the challenges they've overcome, including a devastating fire. Discover the power of community support, the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship, and how education plays a crucial role in changing our relationship with plastic. Jess offers valuable insights for startups and discusses the future of recycled materials in manufacturing. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in sustainability, circular economy, and the potential of up-cycled plastic.

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Join us on the NewTechPeople Engineering Podcast as we sit down with Sonia James, a process engineer at InfraBuilder. In this engaging conversation, Sonia shares her inspiring journey from India to Australia, discussing her educational background, career path, and the challenges she faced along the way. She offers valuable insights into the manufacturing industry, particularly in the steel sector, and provides advice for aspiring engineers, especially women in the field. Sonia also touches on her experience winning the Rising Star award and how it impacted her career. We explore the history and current projects at InfraBuilder, including their innovative SEN 600 product. Additionally, Sonia discusses the importance of mental health initiatives in the workplace and shares her thoughts on the future of manufacturing. This episode is packed with personal anecdotes, career advice, and industry insights that will inspire and inform listeners interested in engineering and manufacturing. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Sonia James!

In this episode of the NTP's Engineering Success podcast, we sit down with James Coventry, the site manager at AGL's Liddell Power Station. James shares his journey from a boilermaker to his current role overseeing the closure and demolition of one of Australia's largest coal-fired power stations. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in transitioning the energy industry, the importance of recycling and environmental responsibility, and AGL's commitment to renewable energy. James provides insights into the complex process of decommissioning a power station, the skills required for the future energy sector, and the exciting developments in the Hunter region. He also touches on his personal experiences moving to Australia and his passion for exploring the country. This conversation offers a fascinating look at the changing landscape of the energy industry and the role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future.

Kari Armitage, Managing Director of Quarry Mining, shares her remarkable journey from civil engineering to leading a thriving manufacturing business in the mining industry. She discusses taking over the family business, growing it from just a few employees to over 100, and expanding into international markets. Kari provides a glimpse into Quarry Mining's innovative technologies, including 3D metal printing and lights-out machining. She reflects on the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and offers advice for those looking to enter the field. Kari also touches on work-life balance, sharing her passion for long-distance triathlons. This conversation offers valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and the evolving landscape of manufacturing and mining in the Newcastle region.

Join us for an insightful conversation with James Thorning, General Manager of Nepean Power, as he shares his journey from a small-town upbringing to leading a major engineering company. James discusses his career path, the challenges of rapid business growth, and the importance of fostering a strong company culture. He offers valuable advice for aspiring engineers and leaders, emphasizing the significance of being useful in one's role and continuously improving. James also provides an inside look at Nepean Power's operations, their innovative approach to manufacturing, and their vision for the future of the power industry in the Hunter region. This episode is packed with wisdom on leadership, career development, and the exciting opportunities in the engineering and renewable energy sectors. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, you'll find inspiration and practical insights in this engaging discussion.

In this episode, Mel Sietsma sits down with Luke Dawson, Managing Director of  Safe Guage. Luke shares his journey from plant mechanic to successful entrepreneur, detailing how he founded Safeguage in 2019 to create innovative safety solutions for the mining industry. 

Luke discusses the company's rapid growth, expanding from Australia to the United States, and their mission to eliminate live work and improve technician safety. He offers insights into fostering a culture of innovation, the advantages of starting a business in Newcastle, and the exciting new projects Safeguage is working on, including imaging technology for remote inspections.

The conversation also touches on industry trends, the challenges of maintaining work-life balance as a business owner, and Luke's personal experiences of relocating to Arizona. This episode provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and a fascinating look into the world of mining technology and safety innovations.

In this episode, we chat with James Mansell, Engineering Manager for Downer's Rail and Transit Systems team in Cardiff, NSW. James shares his career journey from intern to manager at Downer, and provides insights into the rich history and current operations of Downer's Cardiff facility. He discusses recent innovations like their new Electronic Test and Repair Centre, as well as ongoing projects like the bogey overhaul program. James offers his perspective on the advantages of working in rail manufacturing in Newcastle, market changes in the industry, and advice for those looking to enter the field. He also shares his thoughts on the future of rail, including trends towards local manufacturing, decarbonization, and improved use of data. This episode provides a fascinating look into the rail industry in Australia and the opportunities it presents for engineers and manufacturers.

We're excited to be launching Engineering Success, NTP's latest podcast series. Hosted by Melinda Sietsma, this podcast is a collaboration between NewyTechPeople and Hunter Manufacturing Awards. In this series, Mel will talk to key individuals across the Hunter region, sharing their career stories and the exciting projects and achievements of our local manufacturing businesses.