Through mud and flood – the road to site
April 12, 2010 by sue
When the only route to site is across a flooded river…
During the days of heavy rains at the end of January the road from Madang to Ramu literally washed away. Literally chasing the rains and the rising rivers, the NCS Raibus team needed to get urgent supplies up to the Butua Site as it had been isolated, cut off by the Ramu river which had broken its banks in many places a week before.
When the road to Ramu washed away, NCS found ways around getting across
In the true sense of ‘Meeting the Challenge – Every Day’, Project Manager Rob Bennetts said “ We had been getting supplies through by transferring to dugout canoes then heading down stream & loading on to another vehicle. We did not get a photo of NCS staff loading canoes as the river was rising again and we did not want to be stuck on the other side of the river”
“At one point we did decide to cross the river and next time – if it keeps raining like this – we might consider taking our boat The Warria. You can imagine how difficult this was” he added
Meeting the Challenge: through the MUD
A typical example of how NCS go the extra mile to Meeting the Challenge – Every Day is the regular occurrence of roads being washed away in PNG’s monsoonal rains.
In early January Brian Curran and Corey Polume travelled from Lae to Wau to meet with Lydia Waengo from Wau Fresh Produce and approximately 30 Buang growers to discuss ongoing business of supply to NCS projects.
On the way they were delayed by at least five landslides on the Wau Road and a taxi truck that had also become stuck fast in mud, blocking road access both ways.
Brian (in the driver’s seat) and Corey (knee deep in mud) tried to pull the truck back with the winch on the NCS 4WD, but had no luck moving it. After 90 minutes of trying, an MMJV ‘Troopie’ was able to pull the truck forward and out ably assisted by a group of locals pushing the vehicle.
Golden Kina Award Winner – Eame Smacker
April 12, 2010 by sue
Eame Smacker, or “Smacker” to his friends, spent over 12 years as an employee of NCS. Smacker worked on Lihir and then moved back to his home town of Kainantu when NCS establish operations and opened the Kumian site.
As the Kainantu site was the first mine operation outside of Lihir, we bought our best back across as we had to ensure a good impression! Smacker is also a Landowner up at Kainantu.
“Smacker” is presented with his award by Brian Curran and Romeo Robinson
“In those early days when we were establishing the site, Smaker proved to be a huge asset.” said Executive Director, Marcus Gosling. “Not only was he good in the kitchen, his advice and knowledge in dealing with local issues was also valuable.”
Smacker retired from NCS in December 2008 to set up his own market gardens to supply fruit and vegetables to NCS.
At the recent presentation of the award, Commercial Manager, Romeo Robinson said Smacker’s contribution by supplying our operations is invaluable. “He knows and supplies the quality and standards we demand. He has made a great success of this venture and is currently expanding his plots and working with our business partners at KFF.” said Romeo.
Smacker was thrilled with the award and said “Thank you for the support in buying my produce – this is keeping me busy right now in my garden. NCS has been a part of me and now that I’ve retired, it is still a part of me. I am grateful to have been involved with NCS and look forward to continuing the relationship and watching our businesses grow!”
Smacker reflects the NCS values and ideals of passion, honesty and commitment. It is wonderful to see a long-standing employee move on to develop their own thriving business and continue to work with us as a supplier.
Nominate someone for a GKA.
NCS’ Golden Kina Award is just one of the ways NCS acknowledges outstanding service to our company in helping us with Meeting the Challenge – Every Day in spirit and in action.
Do you know someone who works with NCS and shares the spirit of “Meeting the Challenge – Every Day”? Nominate them for an NCS Golden Kina Award, and tell us why you think they deserve to win!
Carving out new skills at Hidden Valley
April 12, 2010 by sue
At Hidden Valley, NCS’s Catering Manager John Cole, has begun teaching the lost art of fruit and vegetable carving to kitchen staff on site. John wanted to improve the presentation of the servery and buffets, particularly for the increasing number of special functions up at Hidden Valley. He decided to investigate teaching carving techniques and skills to staff. Carving requires special techniques and instruments to make those intricate shapes and flourishes out of fruit and vegetables.
NCS Apprentices with their fruit works of art
John purchased some specialist carving knives and an instructional book and CD set from Thailand where this ancient art form started.
John initially held training sessions with five apprentices as part of NCS’ Apprentice Training Program that he coordinates on site. He concentrated on special garnishing pieces like centrepieces that work well for buffets, as well as some of the basics that are used for daily decorations and salads.
“A lot of natural talent has been unearthed with this particular skill and I believe it should be nurtured.” said John. “This is becoming a dying art in the mainstream catering field and it’s becoming more specialised due to the labour cost and time taken to complete the more intricate designs.” he said
“By teaching our apprentices this extra skill they may not learn elsewhere we are strengthening their preparation for their futures in the industry as competent tradespeople” he continued
The magnificent results speak for themselves.
Given the interest and aptitude shown by both the apprentices and the speed with which they have picked it up, John said he will continue to teach these skills and will bring back a wider selection of knives and tools to site.
“The chefs, kitchen hands and stewards are also interested in trying it out, I think NCS will soon become the experts in the country for this creative skill” he said.
Well done to John Cole for taking the great initiative and for sharing your passion for this art form, and to our budding carving experts! Your work will be on display for MANY to enjoy – for years to come!
NCS’ Alliance Grows – welcome HDGC
March 4, 2010 by sue
Alliance signs JV with HGDC
HGDC Chairman Libe Parindali and Marcus Gosling (both seated) sign the new JV agreement witnessed by The Alliance Group GM Arnaud van der Burgt and HDGC Director Eric Hawai Ako
The Alliance Group have announced today they are proud to have formalised their Joint Venture arrangements with HGDC (Hides Gas Development Corporation.)
The new Company will be known as Hides Alliance Limited and will now be in a position to tender directly for all LNG contracts for Camp Management and Catering Services in the Hides, Komo and Juha areas.
The Alliance Group is a new company that was formed between NCS and GCC Services, specifically to provide services for LNG projects.
NCS Executive Director Marcus Gosling said “This joint venture between The Alliance Group and HGDC is the first of its kind in the area.” It’s an exciting development for NCS and is only the first step along the LNG journey.”
“I congratulate everyone involved in working on this Project and wish the new venture every success.” he continued.
25 February 2010
Crew of the Sara Lee, Lihir presented with NCS Golden Kina Award
July 24, 2009 by sue
The crew of the Sara Lee are presented their GKA by Catering Manager Craig Wilkins(L) and Group General Manager Marcus Gosling (R)
NCS presented a very special Golden Kina Award to the crew of the Lihir Island Ferry- Sara Lee – on deck !
The Golden Kina Award is a just one of the ways NCS acknowledges outstanding service to our company in helping us with “Meeting the Challenge – Every Day” – in spirit and in ACTION.
The Sara Lee is contracted by LGL to transport workers from Namatani Island six days a week to Lihir and also transporting the 1.5 tons of fresh produce that we buy from farmers on the neighbouring Island to feed the thousands in camp.
The crew of the Sara Lee is responsible for overseeing the loading, discharging, storing and safe handling of all the vegetable and fruit every day.
The journey takes nearly five hours each way, and the skipper and crew of 3 are always on alert. They have become the largest “rescue team” on Lihir, saving nearly 350 lives in the last 22 months. The majority of the rescues are of local banana boat operators who encounter rough seas, run out of fuel or encounter other kinds of difficulties.
“The crew that operates the Sara Lee is integral to our Lihir operations” said NCS Lihir Catering Manager, Craig Wilkins.
We congratulate the Crew of the Sara Lee and thank them for their service and contribution to NCS – it is greatly appreciated.
The Golden Kina Award is a new way for NCS to recognise outstanding service to our business. It’s not just for NCS people. If you know someone who shares the spirit of “Meeting the Challenge – Every Day” and would like to nominate them for a Golden Kina Award , please contact your HR Manager on site or send us an email via the Contact page
Commodore Presented NCS Golden Kina Award
July 24, 2009 by sue
Commodore Peter Ilau presented with his award by Marcus Gosling
Golden Kina Award – not just for NCS people!
The Golden Kina Award is a new way for NCS as an organisation to recognise outstanding service to the company – and it’s not just for NCS people, but also awarded to those who share the spirit of “Meeting the Challenge – Every Day”
NCS Executive Director Marcus Gosling recently presented Commodore Peter Ilau, Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force one of the first NCS Golden Kina Awards.
“The Commander’s presentation on Leadership to the NCS Annual Conference on Lihir in November 2008 was so appreciated by our NCS staff attending the Conference, we felt that it was only fitting that the Commander receive our highest award” said Mr Gosling.
The Golden Kina Award is a new way for NCS to recognise outstanding service to our business. It’s not just for NCS people. If you know someone who shares the spirit of “Meeting the Challenge – Every Day” and would like to nominate them for a Golden Kina Award , please contact your HR Manager on site or send us an email via the Contact page
NCS' "Navy" servicing Basamuk
July 24, 2009 by sue
The Basamuk site is the processing plant for Ramu Nico’s mine operations at Kurumbukari. It is only accessible by boat, and managed by our NCS office in Madang.
At Basamuk we feed in excess of 900 Chinese and National staff three meals each day.
NCS Assistant Operations Manager, Allan Atava said that in the early days at Basamuk, food delivery was done by stinger boats.
“When the weather is good, it takes approximately 3 hours to cross Astrolabe Bay to the Basamuk site from Madang, 5 hours during rough seas in the winter months.” Said Allan.
“We required at least two of these boats doing three trips a week. This turned out to be a very expensive exercise. It was a major challenge to deliver the volume of food needed to feed our customers every day – so decisions had to be made.” He said
An opportunity arose for NCS Raibus to purchase a local boat, The Waria, a 42 foot long stainless steel hulled fishing boat, to transport frozen, dry and fresh fruit and vegetables three times a week from Madang to the Basamuk site.
“We can carry 8 tonne of food a trip and is fitted with 4×750L chest freezers and a generator.” Said Allan. “Prior to having The Waria, the frozen food we took over had almost thawed out by the time we arrived on site 3 hours later, so having the right food storage on the boat has helped us overcome this major obstacle.” He continued.
Whilst NCS Waria solved the supply logistics requirements, a boat was still needed to transport staff to site. NCS purchased a second boat, The Half Moon is a 19 foot Stinger powered by 50HP outboard motor.
The Half Moon has made life much easier and safer for our hard working crew, who are happy that NCS now has a “navy” in operation.
Celebrations to open of the Ramu NiCo Bridge
July 24, 2009 by sue
Madam Luo (Centre) offically opens the Ramu NiCo Bridge
The sound of kundu drums and song filled the air on 11 December 2008 when several thousand people joined together to celebrate the official opening of the Ramu NiCo Bridge.
The bridge is located approximately 75kms southwest of the Madang Province in the Usino-Bundi District and is the main access point to the Kurumbukai mine site. The bridge took 15 months to construct and spans 250 meters, crossing the mighty Ramu River.
The official celebrations started at 11am with the cutting of the ribbon by MCC President Madam Luo and a walk over the bridge.
Madam Luo congratulated everyone involved in the construction and completion of the bridge.
“The Ramu NiCo bridge is not only pivotal for the operation of the mine but is also an important access point for the local community,” President Luo said.
Many local clans put on traditional dress and reached for their kundu drums and spears, to forming groups that filled the air with welcoming song.
NCS-Raibus staff were proud to serve the refreshments to the VIP guests including: MCC Project President Madam Luo, Minister for Works, Transport and Civil Aviation The Hon. Don Polye, Raibus General Manager Mr Peter Kembu and Raibus Chairman Mr Kevin Murray.
Achieving dreams through the Ginigoada program
July 24, 2009 by sue
A three-month training program with NCS PNGDF is helping Papua New Guineans to realise their dream of a career in hospitality.
The Ginigoada program is sponsored by Ausaid as part of the Yumi Lukautim Project for disadvantaged people.
Graduates from the Ginigoada Program with NCS Managers
Graduate Mahura Kauka, has just gained an apprentice chef position with NCS, and is one of the first apprentices to come from the Ginigoada program.
“I have a job now and my own money – I can help support my family,” Kauka said.
“I want to become a head chef. You have to work hard to become someone, you have to start at the bottom and work up. I am thankful for the opportunity”.
Mahura is one of three new apprentices who signed their contracts on Thursday, 29th January 2009, witnessed by NATTB representative, Mr John Maraga and NCS PNGDF Project Manager, Mick Pye and Administration Manager, Ms Alu Kila.
Fellow new apprentices Kelly Andrew and David Mokara were also selected from a total of 18 prospective employees who completed the training program. All three apprentices said they were excited, and looking forward to learning as much as possible to achieve their dream.
At the contract signing ceremony, Mr Maraga spoke of commitment and support between the new apprentices and their employer. Each apprentice was issued with a set of knives as the tools of their selected trade.
Graduates Vari Obaha and Vanama Kei also gained positions as Data Entry Clerk and Kitchen hand, respectively.
NCS is proud of our involvement with the program, which is delivering skilled professionals back to their communities and valued new people to NCS.
Our sincere congratulations and a very warm welcome to our new apprentices.
NCS Fresh Food Depots
July 24, 2009 by sue
Fresh is Best with WFP and KFF
Fresh produce for NCS Sites, from NCS Businesses
One of the benefits to the communities surrounding mining and development sites are the many spin-off business opportunities available to supply quality goods and support services to the sites.
NCS works closely with the Landowners and local communities to ensure that those who are prepared to work hard to make the best of these opportunities can earn a good income.
Two examples of successful Landowner businesses are Wau Fresh Produce (WFP) in Wau and Kumul Fresh Foods (KFF) in Kainantu. Both of these businesses supply fresh produce to NCS Projects all over PNG, and are managed as part of the NCS family of businesses for respective landowner groups in Hidden Valley and Kainantu.
The businesses provide a market link between the local farmers in the community and NCS projects. They mobilise local farmers to grow and sell back to the business, the fresh produce required. In effect, these businesses redistribute mining benefits to people in the community by providing an opportunity for work.
WFP team sources fresh fruit and vegetables from growers and farmers within the Wau area and the Bulolo District of Morobe Province. The project currently supplies 7 ton of fresh produce each week to NCS sites including Hidden Valley, Unitech campus in Bulolo and Wau National Small Scale Mining Training Center.
We grow: kaukau, taro, banana cooking, banana eating (ripe), pumpkin, potato, lettuce, cabbage English, cabbage Chinese, pak choy, (varieties) saladeer, beans french, beans snake, beans dwarf, carrot, capsicum, tomato, choko tips, choko fruit, egg plant, onion spring, parsley, cucumber, zucchini, leek, ginger, silver beet, lemon, passion fruit, sugar fruit, orange, mandarin, water melon, mango, pawpaw.
“Part of the satisfaction of working with NCS in this business is that we support NCS Projects and provide income earning opportunities for the local farming community.” Said WFP NCS Project Manager Lydia Waengo
“Our job at WFP is to make it all run smoothly.” she continued “Some of the challenges they face include the sheer logistics of getting produce to market. PNG’s roads are unpredictable at the best of times!” she said.
It’s a similar operational model with KFF who supply 17 ton of fresh produced weekly supplying NCS projects in the Kainantu region as Unitech in Lae and up to Lihir Island. KFF employs local people and purchase produce from Kainantu, Hagen, Goroka, Chimbu and the Markham Valley.
July 2009
