Category Archives: Uncategorized

‘Lets Get Critical’

December 2019

Investment of resources in managing assets is required to provide a great level of service for our customers. The use of asset criticality is a key approach to optimising such investments.

This year Barnewall Resources has seen an increase in work in the area of criticality analysis. We have been assisting a major water utility with the implementation of a framework and methodology that was collaboratively developed last year. It’s been encouraging to see them take a lead in utilising the tool we provided to undertake the analysis themselves. This allowed our role to reduce to more of an advisory/support one. Which is great, as capability development is a key focus and passion of ours.

We also recently started working with another consultancy firm to undertake the criticality analysis for another major water utility.

Earlier this year Director Geoff Hales had the opportunity to present on this subject, with one of our clients, at AMPeak2019. A key part that appeared to be particularly well received was how to get past some of the common stumbling blocks with undertaking criticality analysis.

‘Ondraaga’ – Together Better

September 2019

In September Director Geoff Hales had the opportunity to present on the above topic at Logan City Council’s Engineering Leadership Forum. Ondraaga is the tamil word for ‘together’. People working together can be very powerful and can help ordinary people to achieve extraordinary success. Geoff was able to share several success stories from his experience working with Shalom Community Development Program in Southern India.

qldwater TRG Asset Management Workshop

June 2019

Director Geoff Hales was invited to participate in an Asset Management Workshop with qldwater’s Technical Reference Group and other local government council representatives. The workshop theme was ‘Breaking through the Barriers’, and included presentations on some great initiatives being implemented by several water utilities and local government councils. Geoff had the privilege to chair two panel sessions exploring various relevant asset management topics.

10th Anniversary

December 2018

It’s now 10 years since BR and the Hales family became involved with the Shalom Community Development Projects in Southern India.
“Ít’s been a wonderful experience for my wife and I”, commented Geoff, who went on to say “We’ve seen the positive impact it’s made in so many lives, including our own. We’ve been truely humbled as many people in Australia have gathered around us to add their support”.
To see a snippet of what’s been happening over last six months, pleased click on the following link.
25 things we’re thankful for this Christmas …. Shalom News Christmas 2018

Asset Life Cycle Plans

November 2018

It is recognised that good pro-active asset management can significantly optimise service delivery for asset intensive organisations.
For instance, some research indicates good asset management can reduce the cost of asset ownership by up to 40%.
Life cycle planning is a key asset management activity that can significantly contribute to reducing costs whilst at the same time achieving the required performance.
Geoff has been assisting a major water utility with the development of Asset Life Cycle Plans for key asset classes. They address key questions as depicted in the following illustration.

Knowing Whats Critical

July 2018

Investment of resources in managing assets is required to provide a great level of service for our customers. The use of asset criticality is a key approach to optimising such investments.

BR assisted one of its major water utility clients with the development of a framework, methodology and tool to undertake criticality analysis of assets to assist with investment and works planning. They addressed questions and issues that commonly stifle the implementation of criticality assessments, including: what is criticality, how do you assess criticality of different types of assets providing different services (eg a barbeque in a recreational area versus a dosing pump at a water treatment plant), how can resources be efficiently used to undertake the assessments etc.

BR and its client will be presenting on this at AMPeak2019 in Perth.

Director becomes Certified Asset Management Assessor

October 2018

The World Partners in Asset Management has certified that Geoff has demonstrated the minimum knowledge and understanding required for the assessment or audit of asset management practices, activities and methodologies, as outlined in ISO17021 Part 5, and the GFMAM Specification for an ISO 55001 assessor/auditor as prescribed by the World Partners in Asset Management

Shalom Community Development Projects assisting more villages

December 2017

BR and the Hales family continue to support the Shalom Community Development Projects (refer www.shalomhomeindia.org)
Over the last 9 years, 68 children have received care and study assistance through the childrens home. The older boys originally taken in back in 2009 have completed their studies, gained employment, and now are living independently.
The program has started to focus more on helping children, and families in nearby villages. This year this has seen the establishment of new after-school tutoring programs in four villages, and the running of a medical camp in one of those villages.

Back working in the NT

November 2016

Director Geoff Hales has welcomed the opportunity to work back in the Northern Territory with one of his previous clients. He and his wife Karen lived and worked in Alice Springs back in the early 1990s. Geoff fondly looks back on those times, commenting ‘we had a wonderful 5 years in Alice, which included the birth of our two sons and the formation of some great friendships.’

Re-Appointment onto Local Buy Asset Management Panel

July 2016

BR has re-entered into a contract with Local Buy for the Supply of Asset Management Services to Queensland Local Governments (Local Buy Contract No. BUS 252-0615). BR has been appointed under the following categories:

  • General Asset Management
  • Strategic Asset Management
  • Tactical Asset Management
  • Operational Asset Management

The arrangement is valid for 2 years with the option to extend this contract for up to an additional 2 years

Asset Management Study Tour to New Zealand

October 2014

Director Geoff Hales was awarded a Fellowship, by the IPWEA Queensland Foundation, to participate in a IPWEA (NAMS.AU) six day Asset Management Study Tour to New Zealand in October 2014. As part of this, Geoff was able to attend the NZ NAMS Advanced AM Forum, and visit various government organisations in and near Auckland to hear first-hand of their asset management journeys and practices. Geoff found it very helpful to exchange ideas with the various organisations met with, and hopes that our clients will be able to benefit from some of the ideas Geoff has brought back.

Stage 2 of Shalom Community Development Project Commenced

April 2013

The development was formerly called the Shaloms Childrens Home. As it now involves significantly more than caring for orphans, such as providing assistance to the poor people in the neighboring village, it was renamed when the project received approval for an additional 3 years. Stage 2 of the project comprises of the building of a Girls Facility, a new kitchen and dining hall, and two guestrooms. BR has continued to financially support the project. For further information, refer www.shalomhomeindia.org

Presentation on ‘Achieving Savings Through Asset Management’

Dec 2012

In 2012 Director Geoff Hales was given the opportunity to develop and deliver a presentation on ‘Achieving Savings through Asset Management’ at three regional local government asset management forums facilitated by the Local Government Association of Queensland. Geoff commented how he found there were many examples of good asset management practices in place, but far less examples where the benefits had been readily identified and acknowledged. Nonetheless, through his own experiences and that of his network of colleagues, Geoff was able to outline many examples where savings had been achieved.

Appointment onto LocalBuy Asset Management Panel

April 2012

Increased opportunities to assist QLD local governments with the management of their
infrastructure has arisen with BR entering into a contract with LocalBuy for the Supply of Asset Management Services to Queensland Local Governments (LocalBuy Contract No. BUS 219-0811). BR has been appointed under the following categories:

  • Strategic Asset Management
  • Tactical Asset Management
  • Operational Asset Management

The arrangement is valid for 24 months.

Engagement to Assist with QLD Roads Alliance Valuation Project

March 2012

BR has been engaged by Leemah Pty Ltd to assist with the implementation of the Roads Alliance Valuation Project. The project comprises the development of, for the use with Local Government road valuations, standard Unit Replacement and Rehabilitation Cost rates, and advice on standard asset lives and % residual lives. A key part of the project is the utilization of the Department of Transport and Main Roads road valuation systems and data. BR and Leemah’s Directors Geoff Hales and Graham Jordan are excited about the project as it will assist QLD Local Government Council’s improve the accuracy, and reduce the cost, of their road valuations. Early into the project, they have received very positive feedback.

Further development of Shalom Children’s Home

December 2011

Construction of a second floor has begun; this will provide additional sleeping areas for the staff and the children.

The name of the overall project has now been changed to Shalom Sustainability Farm, as in addition to caring for children, we are also providing assistance to poor families and widows through our other project activities. (Referwww.shalomhomeindia.org).  In conjunction with the current building extension, we‘re also building accommodation for widows, who will assist with cooking, cleaning and gardening duties at the home. A ‘win win’ situation.

Encouraging donation received

October 2011

We were delighted to receive, and pass on, a generous donation made by consulting firms GRM International and Kramer Ausenco to Shalom Children’s Home.   As per the news item back in July 2007, BR’s Director and Principal consultant Geoff Hales was appointed by GRM to work as Technical Director of its Procurement Agent’s [PA] team, which included Kramer Ausenco, for the 65 million USD infrastructure MCA Program in Vanuatu.  Following the successful completion of the program this year, GRM International and Kramer Ausenco made the donation stating it was in recognition of Geoff’s efforts ‘over the last few years on our Vanuatu Program and his leadership role in bringing this [the PA services] to a successful conclusion’.  Our company and Shalom Children’s Home are very thankful for the donation.

Barnewall Resources assisting with QLD LGAA program

June 2011

CT Management Group (CTM) has engaged BR’s Director and Principal Consultant, Geoff Hales, .to provide asset management consultancy services to several Queensland Regional Councils as part of the Local Government Advancing Asset (LGAA) Management Program.  The program, being implemented by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), aims to develop the asset management capability of Queensland Councils. LGAQ engaged CTM as the lead consultants to undertake the roll out of the project.

Barnewall Resources extending its services

December 2009

2009 has seen a greater development of informal partnerships with other small consulting firms who have capabilities that complement ours.  Our clients have already benefit from these new partnerships as we have been able to provide them infrastructure management services outside our normal capacity.  For instance, through teaming up with consulting firm Averdyn Ptd Ltd, we are currently providing design and project management services for the refurbishment of an existing water supply pump station in SE QLD.

To obtain a copy of the current list of services provided by ourselves in conjunction with our partners, please contact Geoff Hales (refer contact page)

Completion of Stage 1 of Shalom Children’s Home

December 2009

The new buildings

The new buildings

Further to our news of December 2008, we are pleased to announce that Stage 1 of SHALOM CHILDREN’S HOME is now complete and providing care and accommodation for 19 orphan boys.  Stage 1 consists of an accommodation block, kitchen, amenities, electricity connection and a potable water supply bore.  The children attend local primary and secondary schools, receive after school tuition and have access to medical care.

Directors Geoff and Karen Hales had the opportunity to visit the home in June and participate in the opening ceremony.  Work is now underway to develop farming activities, so the home can become self-sufficient.

We are very grateful to our clients for their continued utilisation of our services, and for our sub-consultants who have enabled us to expand our services.  As a result of this, we have been able to make a greater financial contribution to the home this year.

Barnewall Resources pledges funds towards construction of a new orphanage in India

December 2008

Director Geoff Hales with orphans

Director Geoff Hales with orphans

As 2008 quickly draws to a close, we’d like to express our appreciation to our valued clients for their continued support and use of our services during the year.

Once again, rather than giving gifts or hosting functions, we’ve chosen to mark our thanks to our clients by making a financial contribution to help people in need.

This year, we have pledged to provide funds towards the development of a new orphanage, called SHALOM HOME, in Madurai in southern India.  Director’s Geoff and Karen Hales, had the opportunity to travel to Madurai in October to meet the people behind the orphanage (along with 12 orphan boys they have already taken in),  visit the site and view the concept plans.  Geoff and Karen were moved by the obvious needs, but also impressed by the vision, commitment and integrity of those behind the orphanage.

With donations made by BARNEWALL RESOURCES and the Hales family,  theynow have 40% of the funds required for Stage 1 of the orphanage.  Although this is sufficient to get work underway, there’s still much more required; so if you, or you company would like to assist by providing a donation towards building SHALOM HOME, please contact us.  NB At this stage donations are not tax-deductable.

The future site of SHALOM HOME

The future site of SHALOM HOME

To read further details about our involvement in this project and the financial breakdown of needs, please click on the link below.

Shalom Home update … (pdf)

Director assists on Asset Management committees

September 2008

Barnewall Resources’ Director and Principal Consultant, Geoff Hales, has joined the following committees this year:

  • Infrastructure Asset Management Subcommittee for ASTM International; and
  • Asset Management Specialist Network Committee for the Australian and Water Association

Geoff is looking forward to participating on these committees, and in doing so helping facilitate the increased promotion and development of effective asset management practices

Barnewall Resources launches its Multi-media Services

March 2008

news_multi-media

To compliment its Asset and Project Management services, BARNEWALL RESOURCES is now offering multi-media services.

The services utilise the experience and capabilities of company co-director Karen Hales, along with specialist equipment and software the company has acquired.

Since the company’s establishment, Karen has been in the background using her creative visual design capabilities to support the company’s development. From 2006, several external organisations have discovered her abilities and started to utilise her to produce promotional videos. With Karen enjoying being able to express her creativity through multi-media services such as video productions, we have decided now to promote these services through the company.

For further information on our multi-media services click here.

Barnewall Resources contributes to a trust bank group this Christmas

December 2007

We’d like to express our appreciation to our valued clients for their continued support and use of our services during 2007. Once again, rather than giving gifts or hosting functions, we’ve chosen to thank our clients by making a financial contribution to help people in need. This year, we have sponsored half of a trust bank group in West Timor through Opportunity International 
Website: www.opportunity.org.au

Photo from Opportunity International website

Photo from
Opportunity International website

A Trust Bank is a group of 15 to 30 poor but entrepreneurial people, who co-guarantee each other’s loans in order to start small businesses and support their families.

The Trust Bank methodology is a collateral-free group-lending program used by Opportunity International to service the poorest of the working poor who lack access to credit through any other means because they have little or no assets.

We have been quite impressed with the success of Trust Banks, and their effectiveness in sustainably combating poverty, not just treating the symptoms.

If you would like to read about Trust Banks, please visit http://www.opportunity.org.au/assets/documents/Trust_Bank_Flyer.pdf

Barnewall Resources funds new bore to provide water for a community in Southern India

July 2007

Misal Bore2_small1

Misal Bore_small1

In keeping with our philosophy of looking for opportunities for BARNEWALL RESOURCES to assist people in need in third world countries, we recently donated funds to sink a bore in India.

Previously the women of the village of Misalnear the Bay of Bengal in Southern India had to walk for up to 3 hours a day to collect fresh water for drinking and cooking.

Barnewall Resources working with Asset Mapping Services

July 2007

BARNEWALL RESOURCES has started to engage the services of Asset Mapping Services for asset data capture projects. The company, headed up by Rod Tansley was established in early 2007. It provides a complete data capture service from project inception to data delivery.

One current project is assisting a water authority client that has incomplete and inaccurate records of its pipeline valves. Asset Mapping Services is reviewing and updating the data in the field, to produce a new reliable set of records configured for upload into the authority’s GIS and AM database. Their scope has recently been extended to include the upload component of work.

For more information, including contact details, on Asset Mapping Services visit www.assetmapping.com.au

Barnewall Resources renews involvement in Vanuatu

July 2007

BARNEWALL RESOURCES’ Director and Principal Consultant, Geoff Hales, has gained an opportunity to assist with the Millennium Challenge Account program in Vanuatu. The program, funded by the United State’s Millennium Challenge Corporation, utilises a 65million USD grant from the US Government and aims to reduce transport costs and improve access reliability on several islands in Vanuatu. The key project involves a design and build contract for roads, air-strips, wharves and bridges. The program concludes in 2011.

GRM International Pty Ltd, a leading international resource and development management company based in Brisbane, has secured the role to manage the procurement of capital works, goods and services associated with the entire program. They have partnered with the Kramer Group, a pacific based engineering consulting firm, to provide the services.

Geoff has been appointed as Technical Director of the team, and as such is responsible for providing technical oversight for the planning and implementation of procurement activities. He is personally excited with this opportunity to assist with another aid project that will have a significant and positive impact in Vanuatu.

For more information on the program click on MCA – Vanuatu website

Barnewall Resources helps assist those in need this Christmas

November 2006

We’d like to thank our valued clients for their continued support and use of our services during 2006. This year, rather than giving Christmas gifts, we decided to thank our clients by making some donations on their behalf to two World Vision Projects in Africa.

 

Clean Water for a Community in Liberia

Through one donation, World Vision will be able to sink 400 new wells, repair damaged hand pumps and give training on water and sanitation issues to an entire Liberian Community

Photos from World Vision website

Photos from World Vision website

Fish Farm in Liberia

An additional donation will be used by World Vision to establish a small scale fish farm which will provide healthy protein and help a community build a valuable source of income.

Photos from World Vision website

Photos from World Vision website

 

If you would like to read about these and other World Vision projects please visit www.worldvision.com.au/smiles