Diona

The McConnell Dowell Diona Joint Venture is thrilled to announce the extension of our contract with SA Water as part of the utility’s capital delivery program, which will see our partnership continue until 30 June 2028.

This extension will enhance our collaboration with SA Water as we engage further upstream in the program lifecycle, applying our knowledge and expertise to plan, create, and optimise the program, providing long-term value for SA Water and the South Australian community.

MDJV Framework Manager, Marc Doyle commented; “SA Water’s capital delivery program is integral to securing a sustainable and resilient water future for South Australian’s and MDJV is proud to be a trusted partner in delivering these essential services. We remain committed to driving value for money across the program through a focus on safety, innovation, environmental sustainability, and positive social and economic outcomes.”

With significant investment in water and wastewater infrastructure to support South Australia's growth over the next four years, we look forward to a busy period filled with opportunities for our team and the community to participate in challenging and transformative projects that will benefit South Australians for generations.

Thomas Melvin, Executive General Manager of Diona said; “We are excited to continue our partnership with SA Water. This extension allows us to leverage our extensive experience and innovative approaches to ensure the success of SA Water’s 2024-28 capital delivery program. Together, we will continue to make significant contributions to the sustainable development of South Australia’s water infrastructure, enabling communities to thrive.”

In recognition of NAIDOC Week, our Queensland team hosted a special morning tea featuring delicious native Australian ingredients from Fig Jam and Co, a local Indigenous-owned business. Emphasising the significance of artwork in Aboriginal culture for storytelling and knowledge sharing, we expressed our creativity through a hand and dot painting activity.

A heartfelt thank you to Zali Offer, a proud member of the Noongar people from Western Australia, for organising this event, guiding us through the painting, and sharing your Aboriginal heritage with us.

This week is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It provides an opportunity for us to deepen our understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures and traditions.

Thanks to everyone who joined in making this an enjoyable and informative event.

We are thrilled to share a recent initiative by our Ballarat South team, who joined forces with Central Highlands Water and the Environment Protection Authority Victoria for a special cause. While our primary focus has been on the essential upgrades of Ballarat’s ageing sewer system through the Ballarat South Separable Portion 2 project, our commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond our project scope.

Understanding the importance of preserving our natural ecosystems, we recently took part in Clean Up Australia Day efforts, targeting the areas near Redan and Yuilles Wetlands and the Yarrowee River (Yaramlok). These beautiful areas are crucial habitats for wildlife, including the common galaxias, short-finned eel, Australian smelt, and even the endangered growling grass frog and iconic platypus. Sadly, these ecosystems have faced threats from illegal dumping.

Our project manager, Matthew Duckett, enthusiastically volunteered resources to help clean up these sensitive areas to support the regional Clean Up Australia Day efforts. Armed with a light tipper, hessian sacks, BBQ tongs, and a collaborative spirit, the team contributed positively, removing waste and helping to protect the local fauna.

This clean-up activity complements our ongoing infrastructure project, which aims to modernise Ballarat’s sewer system with minimal environmental disruption. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Ballarat team for their enthusiasm and voluntary effort in making a meaningful difference in our community.

Exciting news from our Cameron Park Reservoir Team as we've hit a significant project milestone last week! In partnership with Superior HDD and in collaboration with our client, Hunter Water, we successfully completed a 400-metre DN450 HDPE pipe horizontal directional drill, surpassing our performance targets.

What sets this achievement apart is its sustainable approach, especially the use of a state-of-the-art mobile fluid treatment plant. This technology recycles drilling fluid, drastically reducing water use and waste – a testament to our commitment to environmental sustainability.

As we progress, we've made necessary adjustments to the landscape to facilitate the construction of the primary water main, a crucial step in enhancing the water supply from Cameron Park Reservoir to the local community. Emphasising our dedication to environmental stewardship, we're repurposing materials from these adjustments, providing them to the Rural Fire Service for use in training exercises. Furthermore, we've taken significant measures to minimise our environmental impact, including the protection of the habitat of the rare Black Eyed Susan plant (Tetratheca Juncea).

With 200m of the 1,400m DN560 HDPE trunk water main already in place, we're looking forward to the next phase – installing pipework for the new 3.25ML reservoir.

Stay tuned for more updates as we work towards enhancing water accessibility for Cameron Park residents.

Ballarat’s Soup Bus: Community Coming Together

The Soup Bus has been a cornerstone in Ballarat, serving meals 5 nights a week, all year round, to those in need. With the demand for its services on the rise, the need for additional equipment to prepare and store meals has grown significantly.

Last week, our Ballarat South Separable Portion 2 project team in collaboration with Central Highlands Water, stepped up by donating a commercial sandwich press, vacuum sealer, and a new fridge-freezer to the Soup Bus. These vital contributions will help keep meals fresh and allow for more food to be stored, directly supporting the Soup Bus’s mission to serve the community.

This initiative is part of a broader community movement, with local businesses, volunteers, and the people of Ballarat all contributing to the Soup Bus. It’s about coming together to ensure everyone in the community has access to warm meals.

You too can make a difference. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every bit of help strengthens the Ballarat community.

Let’s keep the heart of Ballarat strong and supportive. Contribute now and be a part of this incredible effort: https://lnkd.in/g3Tuu4KE

Transforming Communities with Sustainable Infrastructure: A Spotlight on Our Projects with Urban Utilities

At Diona, we are proud to collaborate with Urban Utilities, joining forces to enhance the liveability of communities through innovative water and wastewater solutions. Our joint projects are making meaningful contributions to infrastructure development. Here's a look at the latest progress and developments in our collaborative efforts:

Tanker Filling Stations: We've initiated potholing investigations in Helidon, Grantham, and Glenore Grove to prepare for construction and commissioning of three new water filling stations for commercial and residential use in 2024. These stations are crucial for providing bulk water to key rural areas in Queensland, ensuring that farmers and residents have access to our most precious resource, especially during prolonged dry periods.

Esk Reservoir Project: In Esk, we are constructing a new 1.5ML water reservoir and pipeline to improve the reliability and resilience of the water supply network servicing the township. Additionally, we have completed a concrete footpath along Highland Street, transitioning into a winding gravel walk through woodlands.

Kilcoy Reservoir Upgrade: Using diver-assisted internal connection work, we're minimising risks to water quality and maintaining full operational capacity during works at the Kilcoy Reservoir Upgrade.

Russell Terrace Pump Station Upgrade: At the Russell Terrace Pump Station, we have installed a new Grundfos booster pump set, accumulator tanks, and an updated electrical system.

Queen Street Project: After more than 14 weeks of night shifts, the upgrade works on Queen Street are almost complete. This includes four network connections, 18 property connections, and over 500 meters of new pipeline, enhancing water supply to numerous businesses and residents. Despite challenges like storm clean-ups and coordinating with events like the FIFA Women's World Cup, our team has demonstrated how important collaboration, and a one-team approach is.

Looking ahead to 2024, we are excited about the positive impact these sustainable infrastructure projects, in partnership with Urban Utilities, will have on communities. Our joint efforts are set to bring lasting benefits and further our commitment to enhancing the liveability and resilience of the areas we serve.

Together We Shine: Lighting Up Lives this Christmas

As this year draws to a close, it's uplifting to share our adventure with the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal. With the rising cost of living challenging many in our community, we knew it was time to step up and support those who support us.

In true team spirit, our Victoria crew came together, raising an extraordinary $12,000. This wave of generosity led to a fun-filled shopping spree, supporting Kmart Australia and The Salvation Army Australia in making the season bright for those facing hardship.

This drive was about more than just gifts – it was about community spirit, building unity, and boosting wellbeing within our team. A huge shout-out to our partners – A2Z Traffic Management, B&M Boring, Bassi Workwear, Girri Birrang (JCS), Heritage Plumbing Group Pty Ltd, JMR, Melbcore, Prestige Civil Group, and Prost. Your big hearts made all this possible.

Together, we've touched the lives of many this festive season. It's a beautiful close to the year, showing that unity can create waves of change.

We’re loving the recently completed murals on the Evatt Odour Control Unit building! 🎨The design and installation of the murals was a collaborative effort between local artists - Pete, Jenny and Geoff Filmer and Raphael Taib - and students from Miles Franklin Primary School.

The Evatt Odour Control Unit, installed by Diona as part of the Belconnen Trunk Sewer project for Icon Water, is located close to the school. David Crowhurst, Diona’s Community and Stakeholder Engagement Lead said this presented an ideal opportunity to engage the students in a fun and educational activity which linked ecological studies with engineering, science, construction and art.

“We reached out to Miles Franklin Primary School to ask the students and teachers if they would like to be involved with designing a mural for the building. They jumped at the idea, and the results are fantastic!”

"This collaboration has truly bridged the gap between our work and the community. It's exciting to see how these young minds have contributed to the project's visual identity," said David.

Congratulations to our Living our Values Awards winners for Quarter 2 of 2023. 🎉

We care for people's wellbeing | Lake Cargelligo Project Team, NSW
We do what we say | Aisling Kiely, Purchasing Lead
We succeed together | Ballarat Project Team, Vic
We go above and beyond | Priya Sripathi, Planning Manager

Each of our winners truly demonstrate commitment, collaboration, and excellence in their work, setting the bar high for others to follow.

Want to be part of a company that values people and fosters success? Visit https://lnkd.in/gtyGRAeu to join our Talent Community today!

With our work quickly wrapping up at the Belconnen Trunk Sewer project in Canberra for Icon Water, two timelapse cameras have been patiently capturing the impressive efforts to install the 170m pipe bridge across Ginninderra Creek.

Thanks to the team in Canberra for their hard work and dedication throughout the construction of the pipe bridge.

Securing water supply for the 5.3 million people of Greater Sydney is vital, and it starts with protecting the Warragamba Pipeline. WaterNSW has embarked on a program to protect the 27km pipeline from the elements by coating the exterior with industrial aluminium.

In March 2023, Diona and RMP took on the task of coating three pipeline sections (460m), creating a controlled environment for the process. Each section of the pipe is fully encapsulated to provide a dry space requiring use of specialised equipment for careful control of ventilation and humidity. With several waterways and bushland close to the works, significant thought and effort has gone into environmental controls to ensure the surrounding area is not impacted and all waste is transported offsite for disposal.

As of early August, the team has achieved a significant milestone, completing coating for the initial sections. Building on this success, an extension of 340 metres was awarded to Diona, with partner Doolee's joining for the additional scope. Read more here https://www.diona.com.au/news/article/2023/08/14/protecting-warragamba-pipeline-ensures-water-security-for-greater-sydney-communities

🎉 Congratulations to our Living our Values Awards winners for the first quarter of 2023. 🎉

We care for people's wellbeing | Gavin Wright, HSE Manager
We do what we say | Iain Thomas, Project Manager
We succeed together | Yarbat Ave, Balwyn gas works Team
We go above and beyond | Chris Dimond, Project Manager

Each of our winners truly demonstrate commitment, collaboration, and excellence in their work, setting the bar high for others to follow.

Want to be part of a company that values people and fosters success? Visit https://rebrand.ly/7ii5plo to join our Talent Community today!

In recognition of National Reconciliation week, we’re extremely proud to announce that Reconciliation Australia has endorsed our inaugural ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This endorsement signifies our dedication to advancing reconciliation through meaningful actions.

As a business that operates throughout Australia, we are committed to being a voice for reconciliation by building stronger partnerships, promoting cultural understanding, and actively engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Formalising our RAP is an important step forward in our reconciliation journey.

Our focus is on:
**Building and strengthening our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
**Creating supportive environments built on respect
**Fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that drive economic opportunities
**Creating opportunities for meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
**Tracking and measuring our progress.

National Reconciliation Week is about recognising, understanding and respecting the rich culture, histories and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to be advocates for an Australia that is just, equitable and inclusive for now and future generations. We encourage all our employees, partners, and community members to take part in events and activities that promote reconciliation.

View our RAP here https://rebrand.ly/d0840e

Our team has reached a new milestone on Brisbane City Council's Brisbane Metro project, with the completion of bulk excavation works at the Brisbane Metro electrical substation for the under-construction Adelaide Street tunnel. According to Diona Project Manager, Les Ottaway the scale and complexity of the project has challenged the team to innovate.

“We’ve achieved several key milestones since works first commenced including undertaking a large excavation at North Quay which was approximately 20 metres long by 10 metres wide and 7 metres deep.

"North Quay is a site of historical significance as it was a landing point for the first European exploration of the Brisbane River in the 1820s.

“Given the potential for heritage items to be present within the site, an initial heritage investigation was carried out prior to any bulk earthworks, under a DES approved Development Approval.

“The investigation successfully identified historically significant items, which were documented and removed by Brisbane Move archaeologists to capture and record their archaeological and or historical values of the findings."

“From there, the bulk excavation was staged into three distinct two metre drops. On completion of each drop, the exposed face of the excavation was stabilised with a rock anchor and reinforced shotcrete retention system that allowed us to safely excavate down to depth.

“The team has really pulled together and in collaboration with Brisbane Move and Brisbane City Council, we’re innovating and identifying solutions to complex scenarios while maintaining a strong performance in safety and quality,” said Mr Ottaway.

The next stage of works will involve construction of the substation from base back up to street level.