2018 NECA NSW Excellence Awards — winners announced

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has announced the winners of the 2018 NECA NSW Excellence Awards.

“The projects represented by the entries included technology upgrades for the Snowy Hydro Power Station; installation of electrics for a new Institute of Science and Learning at Taronga Zoo; electrical, lighting, security and audiovisual installations for the Oak’s Luxury Farm Stay; and design and installation of electrics for an extension to Parklea Correctional Centre,” said NECA CEO Suresh Manickam.

Winning projects include:

• Raston Group, Wetherill Park, NSW won the Lighting Category with its design and construction of electrical services for a new three-storey building for the Institute of Science and Learning, and a refurbishment of the existing theatre at Taronga Zoo. The project also included creation of immersive classrooms where students can interact with zoo staff and animals in a room which replicates the actual conditions where the animals would live in the wild. “This was the most complex job the Raston Group has been involved in with some of the biggest challenges being to achieve green-star compliance, installation of complex lighting controls and working with zoo staff to design the electrical systems for the wet and dry reptile holding tanks,” said Roy Rao, Director.

• Kerfoot, Parklea, NSW took home the top award in the Industrial Medium category for its work on the expansion of the minimum security correctional centre at Parklea. The job contained many challenges including the need to design bespoke components, work around a live prison environment and work with a major high-voltage network. Kerfoot also used this project to train and mentor a group of young Indigenous apprentices. “Our keen understanding of the client’s needs and the challenges faced led us to develop innovative design and install methods that resulted in a highly successful project with large-scale complex works carried out without any disruption to the public or to prison operations,” said Josh Kerfoot, Project Manager.

• Greenstar Building Automation, Marrickville, NSW, received the Energy Efficiency & Environment award for meeting the brief from ALDI to reduce its energy consumption while maintaining comfortable conditions for staff and customers and avoiding fresh produce spoilage. Greenstar retrofitted 15 ALDI stores with upgraded, automated air-conditioning systems which produced annual energy savings equivalent to 444 tonnes of CO₂ emissions carbon equivalent. “The project represented a significant success from an environmental, technical and people management perspective. The client, ALDI, was extremely satisfied with the sustainability outcomes and the project’s return on investment,” said Greg Webb, Business Development Manager.
   

All winners of the 2018 NECA NSW Excellence Awards will be entered into the NECA National Excellence Awards, competing against winners from all other Australian states and territories for the National Excellence Award winner.

2018 NECA NSW Excellence Award winners