The Family Tradition

His family has a rich history. His great-grandfather, James ‘Jasper’ Spiers, was a Scotsman who joined the early settlers from Victoria, crossing the Nullarbor with the bullock train to WA. James was not only a landowner and jockey who won the prestigious Perth Cup, but he also ran for Parliament. He contributed significantly to the transport and infrastructure sectors, building roads and serving as the first president of the Wanneroo Shire. Don’s grandfather and father followed in the transporting footsteps, both becoming truck drivers, with Don continuing this family tradition.

Life growing up was not easy for Don. Post-war, his family struggled. His mother, Beryl, worked tirelessly as a cook at Maris Brothers College to ensure there was always food on the table. The family had little, with their house almost bare of furniture. Although his father became a successful truck driver, sadly his drinking habits often left the family without financial security. When his father’s drinking spiralled, his mum would wrap Don in a blanket and they would leave their house and sleep in a public telephone box.

Unbreakable Spirit

Don’s life was marked by resilience and determination. He left school at 14, taking on an apprenticeship as a spray painter at Wark and Wainwright in Leederville. His love for running began here, where he would run from his home in Dover Road, Scarborough to work and back every day. After a stint in the army, where he broke the 3000-meter record, he came back to Perth and won numerous races including the City to Surf and Fremantle Fun Run. Keen to keep his love of running in the family, Don also trained his sons in the art of racing. One year at Whitford’s Fun Run Don, Stephen, Damon and Clayton dominated the day, each gaining first place in their respective age category. The event organisers were so taken-aback by the Spiers formidable winning capabilities, that they were banned from entering the following year!

Don was on target to become a professional athlete until his ambitions were cruelly taken away from him when he was hit by a car while training. Through his passion, he didn’t give up and became the Senior Athletics Middle-Distance Coach at the prestigious Trinity College, where he imparted his knowledge and motivation on hundreds of young athletes to help them reach their potentials.

Building WA’s Infrastructure

Don’s career as a truck driver was equally impressive. He helped build the Narrows Bridge for Clough (driving a Leyland Hippo-Truck) and one of the biggest projects he worked on was for Bell Brothers, where he took the first locomotive off the wharf in Port Hedland for Hamersley Iron in the 70’s. He also used the famous salt-mines for training, running up and down the mounds to keep fit.

Having never touched a drop of liquor himself, when working in Port Hedland Don noticed that the men worked hard, but drank harder. One of the few pleasures they had after a long days yakka was the boxing nights at local pubs. Don had learnt to box at Scarborough Police Boy’s Club and (perhaps less intentionally) on the beachfront in the era of the Bodgies and Widgies. Ready to unleash this hidden skill, Don cunningly waited for the fellow competitors boozing to progress in to the night. Completely sober, he would then step in to the ring, knowing that putting money on himself would the safest bet to an easy win!

Father and Mentor

Clayton fondly recalls the road trips up north with his dad. “He was a dedicated marathon runner,” Clayton said, “but he needed a way to keep in training while hitting transport deadlines.”

So, what was the 1980s solution? Simple! He put six-year-old Clayton behind the wheel of his triple-road train. As he was unable to reach the pedals, his dad used the hand throttle to keep the truck at a steady 12kms ph, so Clayton could keep the truck rolling while his dad ran in front. A bit of old-school ingenuity at its finest!

Don’s work ethic was unmatched, often working 16-hour days without lunch breaks. He set up his own successful trucking business, purchasing his own F10 Volvo single-axle prime-mover. In 1995, Damon and Clayton joined the business as low-loader drivers and Spiers & Sons was born, later inspiring the brothers to build KEE Group in 2008. “What we learnt from our dad was his persistence,” said Clayton and Damon. “Never give up, never give in and never make anyone do anything you wouldn’t be prepared to do yourself. This has stayed with us throughout our lives and business”.

Throughout his life the gym remained an essential part of Don’s routine. Even up until his sudden death, he spent up to three hours a day training in a gym he had created in his garage. His commitment to fitness was admirable.

The Unbreakable Bond

Most importantly, his love for wife Cheryl was unwavering. Cheryl was 18 and Don 21 when they first met, reaching nearly 60 years together. They were in love with each other and true soul mates, not leaving each other’s sides. They built a beautiful house in Wanneroo and they lived with a menagerie of animals including pet kangaroos, dogs, ducks, chooks, bandicoots, bin-chickens and a favourite cat called Scruffy. “I miss Bob terribly,” says Cheryl, “he would wrap his arms around me and tell me he loved me every single day. He was an incredible man, a one-of-a-kind and will be sorely missed.”

KEE Group was built on the work ethic instilled by Clayton and Damon’s dad and his forefathers, and we’re proud to carry that legacy forward in serving the great state of WA.

Words and pictures by Katharyn Quinn

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Growing up in the UK, the eldest of three siblings, Daniel experienced a childhood filled with outdoor adventures and the occasional scrape. “As a kid, I spent most of my time outdoors, always getting into trouble and exploring places I shouldn’t have been. I would head out as soon as the sun was up and only return home after it set; I’ve broken bones, had tetanus shots, and been chased by guard dogs (to name a few things). I had a normal childhood; we lived in a small house, and my bedroom was barely larger than a single bed, which is why I preferred to be outside. In 1998, Daniel’s childhood took a significant turn when his family relocated to Australia. This move was influenced by a health incident within the family that led his mother to realise the potential for a better life in WA.

Daniel’s first industry role was at PLE, a well-known computer retailer. He spent several years there before helping to launch PLE Corporate, a subdivision providing IT services to small businesses. At one point they had three Daniel’s working in the same section and assisting the clients with their issues. “Trying to determine which Daniel the client had been talking to on the phone was sometimes a challenge, so we resorted to nicknames: “og Dan” (me), “Daniel” and “baby Dan” (the newest), and to great amusement these nicknames ended up being yelled across the office or when speaking to clients saying things like “Oh, you were talking with baby Dan!”

Daniel’s professional evolution continued as he transitioned to larger Managed Service Providers (MSPs), where he concentrated on delivering comprehensive IT solutions. His tenure at KEE commenced in August 2017, and he was immediately struck by the company’s familial and inviting atmosphere. Unlike previous workplaces, KEE’s Directors were notably approachable and actively engaged in day-to-day operations, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

When asked about whether our industry should embrace or worry for the AI revolution he said, “AI is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance our day-to-day lives.” However he also believes it comes with challenges, including ethical concerns, job displacement, and the need for more advanced security measures. “As AI continues to evolve, it will become more advanced, capable, and accessible. The key will be to harness its potential while addressing its challenges, ensuring that its development continues to benefit society. This future could feature self-driving cars that completely revolutionise the transportation industry.”

Beyond the professional sphere, Daniel enjoys drone photography, often capturing breathtaking aerial vistas during his travels with his wife and two young children. “My favourite shot would be of the Pink Lake in Kalbarri, my wife chose a perfect time to visit; resulting in the lake turning into a mirror.”

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TPMS are integrated units within vehicles designed to notify drivers of fluctuations in tyre pressure. More advanced systems go beyond this, monitoring both tyre pressures and internal temperatures, delivering specific warnings to drivers.

Mandurah Estuary Bridge Construction

The Mandurah Estuary Bridge duplication project (pictured) has reached a crucial juncture, as Georgiou Group Pty Ltd secures the contract to design and execute the initiative. The primary focus of this project is the construction of a second, two-lane bridge on the south side of the existing bridge. This expansion aims to address congestion issues faced by the over 33,000 daily users of the bridge. We are happy to reveal that KEE Bundu will be supplying the fuel for the project and is set to work on further operations with Georgiou in the new year. Construction is expected to commence early 2024.

Tonkin Highway Extension Plans

The extension of Tonkin Highway to South Western Highway progresses with the release of an Expression of Interest for contractors to bid on the $1 billion project. Spanning 14 kilometers south to South Western Highway, the investment includes upgrades to Thomas Road, funded by $768 million from the Australian Government and $315 million from Western Australia. Grade-separated interchanges at Thomas Road and Bishop Road, roundabouts at Orton Road, Mundijong Road, and South Western Highway, underpasses at Abernethy Road and Shanley Road, and a bridge over Wright Road will enhance connectivity. Cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders will benefit from designated paths and underpasses. The project is expected to generate approximately 2,020 jobs during construction.

Well done to Everyone Involved!

The New Fitzroy River Bridge surpassed the initial schedule by completing six months earlier than expected. Well done to everyone involved!

Sources: HVIA, WA Gov, Roads and Infrastructure Magazine, Peritas

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“My mum always told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent, be strong! And that I am,” says Carole. “She was a very capable and selfless woman, and she instilled her values in me, she was my inspiration.” Carole had many cousins, aunts & uncles and holidays and Christmas’s were spent in her uncle’s motorhome with fond memories of Gibraltar, Spain, France, New Forest and Butlins. “We always had lots of fun and I remember getting up to things we shouldn’t have (like apple scrumping and going onto local farmers land to catch fish). Reminds me of the movie Cheaper by the Dozen!”

Carole’s career journey began in hospitality. She managed to secure an apprenticeship with Bass Taverns, and by the exceptionally young age of 21, she was running her own pub called The Fox & Hound in Fleet. Carole met her husband (an Ozzie) in the UK, when she was 22. “It was a bit of a knight in shining armour scenario,” she said, “I was ‘removing’ someone from the pub as Glenn was coming in for a drink and he asked if I needed help!”

Four years later, the couple travelled to Australia and spent eight months exploring the vast continent with only $500, a car, and a two-man tent! “This was the best life experience. This was when I fell in love with this beautiful country,” she said. They moved to Perth in 2002. Glenn had tragically been diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and wanted to return to Australia for treatment. He had a DBL Lung and Heart Valve transplant in 2006. However, he sadly passed away in 2010. “I lost my soulmate, the best husband, and the best father to our children. I was very lucky to have had him in my life.”

Carole now shares her life with her kids, partner, and two cats. “I am blessed with two children Aliesha, 24 and Kyle 19, a stepdaughter Georgia, 25 and my partner David and I feel privileged I get to call WA my home every day.”

KEE’s CEO David Cox says “Carole stands out with her upbeat personality, infectious humour, and unwavering dedication. Carole’s self-motivation and patience creates a caring, positive and productive work environment. Her outstanding work makes her invaluable to KEE.” Having worked mainly in corporate structured companies and after spending an admirable 18 years with her previous employer, Carole found KEE to be a nice change.

“The difference with KEE is that it is family oriented. There is a good work/life balance and the management are more approachable. The connection to family values typically leads to strong company culture.”

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 Who are the Buyers and Suppliers?

• Buyers are the larger contractors currently engaged across the Portfolio agencies, carrying out existing works.
• Suppliers are the Aboriginal businesses and labour hire agencies who are seeking to engage with the larger contractors.

The event will be held on Tuesday 14 November, from 9am to 2pm.

For more information, go to:

https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/about-main-roads/news-media/meet-the-buyer-and-supplier-forum-2023/

source:  Main Roads

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Moreover, it fosters a sense of unity and purpose among our staff. It strengthens team bonds, boosts morale, and instills a shared sense of pride in working for an organization that cares about more than just its bottom line. Through charity initiatives, we showcase our collective compassion, empathy, and willingness to step up and help those in need. Ultimately, our efforts go beyond financial contributions; they symbolise our dedication to making a meaningful difference in the world.

KEE Hire’s Natalie Martin Hosts Biggest Morning Tea for Cancer Council

KEE Hire’s Natalie Martin organised this year’s Biggest Morning Tea at the KEE offices, to raise money for the cancer Council.

“Just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone for their support for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea,” said Nat. “A massive thanks to Rily for all the behind the scenes work he did. I am pleased to advise we have raised a total of $1685.25 for the Cancer Council which is a huge effort so thank you very much! Well done to all the lucky raffle winners, I hope you all enjoy your winnings.” 

KEE Fuel’s Vaughn Steenkamp Walks for Suicide Prevention in Memory of His Sister

Vaughn Steenkamp took part in the ‘Out of the Shadows’ walk on World Suicide Prevention Day at the weekend to raise money for Lifeline.

Vaughn said, “I wanted to do the walk in honour of my sister Kristie who tragically lost her life to suicide. If you could please support those in crisis by donating to the link below, I would love and appreciate it so much!”

Family and friends walked nine kilometres to represent the nine people who are lost to suicide every day. “Over fifty people turned up for the walk at Neil Hawkins Park in Joondalup on Sunday and there was six of us and three kids all walking for Kristie,” Vaughn said.

Lifeline provide suicide prevention services and support for Australians in need. To help Vaughn raise money for Lifeline. If you would like to donate, please click the link below:

CLICK HERE 

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed or struggling, please reach out and speak to someone. It’s okay to not be okay and it’s not weak to speak.

Lifeline if available 24 hours / 7 days a week
Lifeline call: 13 11 14
Lifeline text: 0447131114

Tragically, every year over 65,000 Australians attempt to take their own life and over 3,000 Australians die by suicide. Lifeline receives over 1 million contacts from people in crisis each year.

Suicide has a devastating impact on friends and loved ones. Together, we can ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone.

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KEE may be a family-owned company, but our family extends beyond blood ties to encompass the extraordinary people who work alongside us. We are proud to announce that we now have ten team members who are part of KEE’s prestigious “Ten Year’s of Service Club.”

This milestone not only underscores their excellence in their roles but also speaks volumes about their genuine enjoyment of being a part of the KEE family.

To gain deeper insights into what makes KEE such a special place to work, we’ve asked some of our ‘ten at ten‘ to share their thoughts. KEE is not just a workplace, but a community where careers flourish and bonds endure.

From Anita King, Surfacing Administration Manager, who joined KEE in 2012: 

“I love the people, it’s a happy place to work and I get job satisfaction. We all come to work to get paid, but if you feel like you are contributing to something and you are appreciated for doing that, it makes for a nice day at work.”

From On-Hire Manager Natalie Martin, who joined us in 2013:

“I have stayed with KEE because they are now my family away from my actual family. Coming to work isn’t a chore because you are not treated as just a number. Everyones input is valid and the owners and execs listen. Given what I went through personally two years ago, I am forever in debt to KEE with their genuine care for their employees.”

From Michael Middleton, KEE Paver Operator, who joined in 2012:

“I have stayed at KEE for this long because no one else will employ me, na only joking 🤣  …I have been at KEE this long because it’s a good company to work for and also the boys in the crew are a good bunch of blokes and girl to work with.”
 

And from our longest serving member James ‘Coadie’ Coad who (it seems) really is married to his job…

“I, Coadie, take you, KEE Surfacing for my lawful employment to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part or I WIN LOTTO (no notice given) I will love and honour you all the days of my life!”                        

Can we just say, the love is mutual!

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Record-breaking Sales and Job Creation in WA’s Mining Industry

Western Australia’s mining industry set records in job creation and sales, reaffirming its position as a driving force in the national economy. The industry generated a record $246 billion in sales, a $15 billion increase from the previous year. Employment reached a peak of 117,970 full-time equivalent jobs. Key highlights include historically strong sales of iron ore at $126 billion, spodumene concentrate sales reaching $16.3 billion, and record LNG production valued at $51 billion. Gold, nickel, and alumina also achieved significant sales. Exploration expenditure amounted to a record-breaking $2.54 billion, with a focus on critical minerals such as nickel-cobalt, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements.

Western Australia’s World Dominance

Western Australia remained the top destination for exploration investment, accounting for 63% of the national spend. The mining and petroleum sector saw continuous investment growth, with approximately $26 billion invested in the state in 2022. Ongoing construction and committed projects had an estimated capital cost of $60 billion.

Source: DMIRS, The Fraser Report, WA Gov

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In the world of finance, where numbers rule and precision is paramount, Bevis Muller stands out as a unique and fascinating individual. At 55 years of age and with a wealth of experience under his belt, Bevis’s journey has been far from ordinary. 

Early Years in Zimbabwe: A Life Marked by Turmoil and Resilience

Born in 1968 in Mutare, Zimbabwe (then known as Umtali, Rhodesia), Bevis spent his early years in a tiny town on the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It was a tumultuous time, marked by mortar attacks during the independence war from 1975 to 1980. As a young boy, Bevis and his family would take shelter in the passages, away from the windows, seeking safety amid the chaos.

Growing up, Bevis was greatly influenced by his father, a school teacher who he says embodied true Christian values. “He lived a life of great integrity, and gave his opinion only if you asked him,” says Bevis. His father’s unwavering faith left a lasting impression on Bevis and it was his father’s example that instilled in him the importance of humility and honesty.

From Rebellious Teenager to a Life-Altering Wake-Up Call

“Although I grew up in a loving, Christian home, I was a loud-mouthed, rebellious teenager,” he confesses. “At 17, I rolled my friend’s car three times, racing another car in Harare. It was completely dangerous and reckless.” Miraculously, Bevis was thrown out of the car and emerged unharmed, while his friend ended up in hospital. This life-altering experience helped to redirect his path. “I was careless as a teenager and I think the car incident served as a bit of a wake-up call,” says Bevis, reflecting on what could have been. “The incident helped to sober my rebellious streak, and shortly after that I became a Christian.”

Fast-forward a few years and Bevis began his professional path, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1992. “It wasn’t a straightforward office job,” he says. “I was often sent to do audits in Mozambique; for example of the main fuel pipeline from Beira to Mutare.” However, due to the ongoing civil war, they had to drive across Mozambique with an armed escort sitting on the back of the ute! While that was a rather extreme way to get to work, he says the audit partner, of course, would refuse to risk travel by car. “He would instead fly in on a chartered plane!”

Auditing Amidst Civil War and Economic Instability

Bevis then worked as a Finance Manager for a steel trading division before rising to the position of Group Financial Controller. His expertise and dedication were recognised, but it was the economic instability in Zimbabwe that ultimately drove Bevis to emigrate. “Although I had a good job, by the time we left in December 2007, the inflation rate was well over 1000% per annum – more than 100% per month,” he recalls. “We had daily power cuts and water outages, and the unemployment rate was measured at 86%, so crime rates were inevitably on the rise, through sheer desperation.”

To give an idea of the worsening economy, in 2005 Bevis and his wife Gabby borrowed Z$600 million to buy a house (1.5 acres, including a cottage for his parents). “Within 18 months of the loan,” he says, “I could have repaid it with a single bank note from my wallet.”

But while inflation erased their debt, at the same time it exponentially destroyed people’s savings and pension balances. “I believe the highest bank note ever recorded was the Z$100 trillion note!” he says.

Bevis’s older sister now lives in the UK, after her family had to leave their farm when it was invaded by Mr Mugabe’s war veterans. His younger brother still lives in Zimbabwe. He stayed there after their parents died; his Shona (the local dialect) is as good as his English.

A Life-Changing Move to Perth: From Hardships to a New Start

In 2007, Bevis and his family made the life-changing move to Perth, leaving behind the hardships of Southern Africa. Despite starting his first job for a transport company in a windowless container, Bevis found joy in being near the ocean. “I could not believe how beautiful and clean the city of Perth was when we arrived. We had jumped from one of the bottom ten cities in the world to one of the top ten. We felt truly blessed.”

Bevis says his life is enriched by his family. His wife has been by his side for over three decades, supporting him through thick and thin. Together, they have two sons, Matt (28) and Luke (24), and a grandson named Ezekiel (3). In 1997, the couple tragically lost their second son a day after he was born. A year later, Gabby gave birth to Luke, bringing new hope.

However, tragedy almost struck a second time. The family were visiting a neighbour’s house one day, and Luke, then four, was playing with the other children in the garden. The neighbour had recently installed a swimming pool, and as they were still filling it, the shallow end was dry and the deep end was only partially filled. Bevis recalled, “I went outside to check on them and found Luke lying on the bottom of the pool, looking up. It was horrifying,” he says. “By God’s grace, it must have just happened that exact minute as I pulled him out and he was shaken, but fine.” Understandably, the ordeal profoundly shaped Bevis as a person. “I think it has made me very protective of my sons, and now of my grandson.”

His life story is a reminder that amidst the numbers and spreadsheets, there is a human being with a rich tapestry of experiences and a strong love for his family. “My favourite place to be is wherever my grandson is! I love to be around my family, and Margaret River is one of my favourite places to holiday.”

The post Employee Profile: Bevis Muller, A Man You Can Count On appeared first on KEE Group.

Multinational mining company Anglo American has unveiled a prototype of the world’s largest hydrogen-powered mine haul truck. Launched in South Africa at the Mogalakwena PGMs mine, the 2MW hydrogen-battery hybrid truck (pictured) is capable of carrying a 290-tonne payload. Incredibly, the hydrogen powered truck generates more power than its diesel predecessor. The prototype is part of Anglo American’s nuGen Zero Emission Haulage Solution (ZEHS).

Tesla to purchase mining company

Elon Musk has suggested he may have to buy his own mining company to produce his own supply of electric vehicle metals, amid fears that the supply of lithium, copper, nickel and other metals could not match demand. “It’s not out of the question,” Musk told the FT Future of the Car conference.

Funding for Aboriginal opportunities

$14.6 million has been promised by The WA Government to ensure developments in the state’s resources industry deliver improved outcomes for Aboriginal people. The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has committed to establish an Aboriginal Empowerment Unit to develop and implement its Aboriginal Empowerment Initiative (AEI) program. This program will improve information access for related activities on their lands and will ensure mining and resources projects and policies are developed in a culturally respectful way.

Bumper contributions from WA mining and resources sector

Australia’s gold industry contributed $23 billion to the economy in 2021, furthering the nation’s economic prosperity. Australia has 82 operating gold projects accounting for 9 per cent of global mine production. WA has 11 of the largest gold mines in the world, making it the country’s major gold producer, and accounting for almost 70 per cent of Australia’s total gold production.

Sources: www.australianmining.com.au, www.firstmode.com

photo credit: Firstmode

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