Eager to build on the robust foundations of NCS’ brand and reputation in the industry, Jim’s key objectives are to focus on improving client and customer satisfaction and increasing “bottom line” results and returns to all stakeholders whilst continuing to promote the highest levels of corporate governance at all levels throughout NCS operations.

“We have an exceptionally good team at NCS, aspiring to greatness!” said Jim. “I want to build and motivate an effective team that achieves NCS’ goals by taking ownership & making things happen, safely!” he continued.

That’s what a true partnership is about at NCS.

The mining project sites are usually located in the remotest areas of the country and we have to remind ourselves that NCS, as contractors, are visitors to these sites. We must ensure that we are working in accordance with the safety standards established by our Clients as well as maintaining our own.

Safety on sites is “Namba Wan” and each Project owner has site specific rules and regulations. It is beneficial for the developer that we ensure that our staff also understand what is required of them as part of the remote mining community.

Accordingly, our mining development clients often invite our staff to participate in their safety training programs. It makes practical sense. Should an incident arise, the more people on site trained to respond, improves the chance of a qualified person being in the vicinity to respond to an emergency.

Training at two sites: In recent months, Barrick at Kainantu has included NCS staff on safety training programs including the Courageous Safety Leadership and First Aid and MMJV at Hidden Valley, inclusion in their First Aid Training.

At Hidden Valley with MMJV,  trainer Allyson Jo Toro ran a St John’s First Aid training session for 8 NCS staff. All participants were volunteers who undertook the half day training program in their own time.

The goal was to teach the basics of first aid and how to help in the event that a first aid response is needed. First aid saves lives. In this first training session topics and practical skills covered included:

• CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation)
• Mouth to mouth
• Heart massage
• Recovery position

Follow-up training will be offered to complete basic training and we understand that graduates of this course will be eligible to do the Advanced First Aid course.

Catering Manager John Cole said “We are always happy when our staff take on extra training in an effort to increase their knowledge and abilities, it is good for NCS and better for the staff members.”

He went on to say that this additional opportunity helped to further “bond” our team, which already work well together.

“Sharing this experience has bought them more than just first aid knowledge. It has given them the added confidence in their ability to handle situations as well as a closer team spirit”.

MMJV’s Ms Jo Toro said that it was a joy to have such enthusiastic and eager students. “I am proud you have a good energetic team out there who are ready to promote Health and Basic First Aid and also attend to emergencies back at their workplaces. Not only that, they express gratitude to have learnt a new skill which is valuable to them for life.”

“They were good ambassadors for NCS. Any staff following will have big shoes to fill.”

At Kainantu with Barrick

It’s a similar story up at Kainantu. Ten NCS participants passed their Health and Basic First Aid Training with “flying colours”.

Barrick trainer Douglas Ned said that he was impressed to see them doing the steps of CPR. “Theory and Practical assessment were done and participants examined to ensure they understand the concept of CPR – ensuring that if someone has collapsed, cannot breath and poor blood circulating, that they can get someone breathing before they are referred to hospital.”

NCS remains committed to continuous improvement and the development of all NCS employees. Health and Safety Training is a vital key in this process and is under constant review by NCS senior management

Construction Manager Matthew Paget and his team of construction professionals are working on a number of current projects, including a 1000 man camp (Lakunbut Project) featured below – here is a brief summary.

• Lakunbut Village – Lihir Island
• Phase 1 commenced February 5th 2010
• Phase 1 includes 6 two storey, 24 room executive apartment buildings located on a 26 Hectare site Phase 1 also includes a Civil/ foundation package for 18 x 24 room executive apartment buildings requiring approximately 6,400 square meters of concrete to be poured.

The team, which has doubled in size since Christmas 2009 work very hard in extreme climates and conditions – which proves to be challenging with Lihir Island’s monsoonal rain and melting sun.

“The NCS Properties team performs exceptionally well and our clients have expressed their satisfaction with our work on numerous occasions” said Matt.”

Whilst NCS Properties is constructing our current portfolio of projects, there are many new and exciting projects in the planning stages – in conjunction with landowner bodies & the Lihirian Town Planning Committee, NCS Properties is working with highly reputable clients to ensure that the Lihirian vision for the Londolovit township becomes a reality.

“Our future is filled with promise as the scale of our projects evolve into larger more complex detail – incorporating innovative design with modern technology.Our team will continue to grow as we commence additional projects.” he continued

LOOKING FOR NEW NCS Properties Team members

Our success is measured by the strength of the team that takes the field. If you are in the construction industry or know of someone who would like to join the NCS Properties team, fax your CV to: 986 4855 or visit www.ncs.com.pg and send an email via the CONTACT page with the title “NCS Properties”.

It IS unusual for the recipient of the Golden Kina Award to be a client of NCS, however in this exceptional circumstance – we congratulate Mr Raymond Lohia, our client representative from Coca Cola Amatil with the NCS Golden Kina Award.

Raymond was nominated by NCS Operations Manager Brian Curran as he represents for us – our ideal client relationship and has enabled NCS to provide great catering and hospitality services to CCA in Lae.

“Raymond has been an amazing support to NCS since the commencement of our business relationship earlier this year.” said Brian. “He has promoted our business within CCA and encouraged future business opportunities and is always open to discuss and resolve issues at a moment’s notice. He really is our dream client and we wanted to acknowledge that in this way” continued Brian

The presentation of this Award was held on 29th June at CCA in Lae and was a complete surprise for Raymond who though it was just an ordinary business meeting.

On receiving this award, Raymond said “I’m really honoured to receive this award and dedicate this to my team and management of CCA PNG” said Raymond. “The gesture by NCS in recognising me as a customer goes a long way to show the value you have for your core business principles. Thank you also to Brian and team for the support.”

It is a great business relationship between NCS and CCA. Raymond’s professionalism, thoughtfulness, communication, responsiveness and feedback is one of the keys to the success of our business together.

“It has truly been a pleasure, for all NCS staff, to work with Raymond and his team, and the appreciation that is show for our service – makes a great difference to our staff too.” Said Brian

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!

Lihir, NCS’ largest site, is located on Lihir Island – which is in the far north of PNG. This remote location provides significant challenges and can you imagine what kind of organisation it takes to supply, stock, warehouse and manage the vast volume of goods to keep operations running smoothly?

Here’s a glimpse of how we do it.

THE TEAM

The Warehouse Operations Manager, Tony Saldana, is supported by a team of 27 including a leading hand, four supervisors, several storeman, delivery drivers & fork lift operators, office administration staff and three purchasers. This relatively small group ensures that all food & janitorial products are ordered, shipped, stored and eventually delivered to the various camp dining rooms, the local deli and the sports & social club.

That’s an awesome responsibility!

THE WAREHOUSE

The warehouse is the hub of operations on Lihir and is approximately 600 m2, generally holding up to four weeks of stock on hand at any one time. The warehouse is conveniently located close to camps 1&2 and is next door to the new kitchen and dining room which is the final stages of construction.

Think about the kind of stock that needs to be stored in different kinds of conditions.

The main storage area inside the warehouse holds all the dry grocery lines, including many pallets of staple items such as rice, water, long life milk, sugar & biscuits. Outside the warehouse there are numerous other dry containers holding packaging products, paper towels, plus a shed that holds janitorial products and catering equipment.

The warehouse also has a large freezer containing products such as meat & seafood and cold room and reefer containers to store chilled products such as dairy & flour. There is also a section for fresh produce.

Supplies can arrive to site and into the warehouse on a daily, fortnightly and monthly basis. They are delivered by various means ranging from local banana boats to large ocean going container vessels from PNG and overseas. Local suppliers deliver fresh produce each day from communities on Lihir and surrounding islands of Namatanai and Kavieng.

CHALLENGES OF STEADY SUPPLY

Every day we face many challenges to ensure that the operation runs smoothly and many of the issues are logistical.

We often face delays at the wharf, changes to shipping schedules and simply getting containers from the wharf to either the warehouse or the lay down yard can also be a problem.

Due to the present high demand from other companies servicing the mining industry in PNG, we also experience a lack of availability of stock from suppliers based in PNG. So we always have to be on our toes to ensure that we can manage the stock that we have if we can’t get what we need.

Lack of storage space for containers, as well as stock is an issue we are trying to resolve and we are looking forward to our new freezer complex being completed which will allow us more of the much needed storage space.

The purpose of the audit is to verify conformance to the Management System and associated procedures with the HACCP 9000 standard and to ensure continued customer satisfaction.

In addition, an AS4801 OHS gap audit will be undertaken to identify any deficiencies in the OHS Management system in readiness for future AS 4801 certification audit.

Last year, SAI Auditors commented on the commitment and professionalism displayed by NCS staff. They were especially impressed with the way they knew their jobs and were only too happy to provide further information regarding what they did and how they carried out their duties.

We wish all the staff at NCS Lihir all the very best with their preparations for the Audit

Corporate catering is a “VIP” (Very Important Part) of NCS’s business. Corporate catering is service for special celebrations and ceremonies on at our mining project sites when our clients needs are for a higher level of food presentation and service.

Catering for special functions is also exciting for NCS staff who have the opportunity to be more creative and give that extra special flourish in preparation and presentation of buffet banquets that truly impress and makes mouths water!

Accolades for VIP events in Port Moresby

NCS provides Corporate Catering services to some of the most important organisations in PNG. At some of these events, we are often serving VIPs (Very Important People) from all over the world for organisations including: The office of the  Prime Minister of PNG, Australian Defence Force, ExxonMobil, RSL of Australia – Port Moresby Sub Branch, LGL, PNG Games Athletes, PNG Power, Origin Energy& companies serving the LNG projects.

Our clients tell us that NCS people are responsive – with that CAN DO attitude from our managers and staff in organising all the fine details that go into catering for their functions and events – both indoors and out!

We are complimented on our delicious, quality food presented as banquets fit for kings! Our staff have been praised for always being well presented and courteous with their service to our clients and their guests– that’s the NCS way!

One of the highlight events of recent days was the Anzac Day (25 April) traditional Gunfire Breakfast hosted by The Australian High Commission .We served 2500 visiting and local VIPs including Australian High Commissioner Mr Ian Kemish AM who was amongst the hungry, many who had been to the dawn service.

It was all hands on deck for this event, and congratulations go to NCS PGNDF staff and staff and students from Hohola Vocational College who were able to gain “hands on” practical experience at this very important event!

If you are interested in NCS providing catering and service for your next event please call:

• Port Moresby +675 321 5577

• Lae +675 472 1517

• Madang +675 422 0031

Fire training is also crucial for all of our staff as our sites are in remote, isolated locations. We need to establish and manage real life situations and utilise the appropriate equipment and processes.   NCS is conducting fire training at every site.

The topics covered included:

• The three conditions needed for a fire to start including fuel types, heat & oxygen
• Operation of dry chemical extinguishers, fire blankets & water on the appropriate fuel source
• Evacuation plans and strategies for our sites

Staff at the Lae Office undertook their training earlier this year, with staff at Basamuk and Kurumbukari attending fire training sessions in March. The benefits of that training were not only to build crucial safety knowledge and skills about fire safety on site – but also demonstrated great teamwork and co-operation that bridged our cultural challenges.

Basamuk and Kurumbukari ready to respond in a real

At the Ramu NiCo sites where NCS caters to Chinese and PNG workers, we employ Chinese citizens as Chefs.

“Our Chinese Chefs are every bit NCS as our National staff and we are focused on building our relationships to overcome language and cultural differences. We need to work together” said Assistant Manager Andrew Clinkaberry.

“We had a fire emergency situation on one site very soon after the staff completed their training session. The staff on duty followed procedures and attempted to extinguish the fire with the equipment available and evacuated all personnel safely.”

“Having everyone clearly briefed and trained about the skills and evacuation plans – really helped when we needed it – in a REAL EMERGENCY,” continued Mr Clinkaberry. Congratulations to NCS staff at Basamuk and Kurumbukari for applying their training, co-operating with each other and keeping SAFE.

]]> http://ncs.com.pg/fire-training/feed/ 0 http://ncs.com.pg/impressing-cca-amatil/ http://ncs.com.pg/impressing-cca-amatil/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 05:02:06 +0000 sue http://ncs.com.pg/?p=1392 NCS’ reputation for delicious food and exceptional quality service received the highest accolades from visiting VIPs at Coca Cola Amatil in Lae.

When client CCA needed help in planning and catering for two very important functions, they worked closely with NCS’ Operations Manager Brian Curran and the team at NCS Morobe to plan and deliver these two functions.

CCA’s National HR Manager Raymond Lohia thanked Brian and his team most sincerely on behalf of his own team and Management, who dined on a magnificent spread prepared and served by NCS under a swathe of red Coca Cola umbrellas at the company’s facility in Lae.

Mr Lohia was also most impressed by how our senior management take a hands-on approach to the finest details, ensuring that client’s needs are anticipated and well “catered” for, wanting to acknowledge the fact that our management were “hands on and “on the ground” with his team serving.

“It speaks a lot about how much you value our business and how much you know yours! You knew what we needed to put on the plate and at our most important event, for our VIPs, you delivered” Mr Lohia continued.

“Everything we planned together happened accordingly and I was really impressed with the food, the service and the fact that we managed to feed 380 employees within 30mins…EXCELLENT! NCS are so very professional in their conduct and approach and our people loved it,” he went on to say.

“Our VIP’s were very impressed with NCS. Our GM expressed to us also that we value the relationship that we are developing with NCS and we’re looking for opportunities to continue build our relationship. We consider you “tru wantoks”.

NCS serves over 200 meals each day to the staff at CCA in Lae. Congratulations to the NCS Morobe team for delivering exceptional quality food and hospitality services that result in very happy clients like Coca Cola Amatil PNG. You do NCS proud.

Marcus has been a very familiar figure in PNG over the last 6 years, leading NCS into the success it is today as one of the country’s most successful landowner companies. The unprecedented growth during Marcus’ time in charge, has not only been in NCS’ core business of catering and camp management, but also expansion into areas of construction and property development.

Marcus was presented with a lovely crystal plaque on behalf of all NCS people which said: In recognition & appreciation of your commitment, dedication & service to NCS. NCS is the success it is today because of your inspiration and leadership. The results of your work will be realised in PNG for many years to come. Thank you from all your people at NCS”

Marcus will continue to work in PNG with The Alliance Group, a partnership between NCS and GCC Services which will provide services to LNG projects in PNG.

Some of his proudest achievements in leading the growth of the NCS, particularly over the last 3 years include:

• The mobilization of Hidden Valley which commenced as a 20 man camp, culminating in a camp of 2400+
• The negotiation and signing of a contract with Ramu NiCo for our Basamuk and Kurumbukari sites – a clear demonstration that different cultures can achieve positive outcomes.
• The development and expansion of services on Lihir including the creation of NCS Properties Ltd, the construction division of NCS.
• NCS Recognition and Reward Program – that acknowledges NCS people and their dedication to NCS. It’s the people that make NCS great!
• The redevelopment of NCS’ brand and marketing campaign including the NCS Website
• Gadona – the voice of NCS, produced consistently for 6 years, showcasing what a success NCS is and what can be achieved in PNG.

Anitua Executive Director Colin Vale as known Marcus for over 25 years and is responsible for bringing Marcus to PNG. Colin said that he would like to acknowledge and thank Marcus for his fantastic work at the helm of NCS. “Marcus worked tirelessly at building NCS to the success it is today. He has almost tripled the turnover of NCS during his time and has left the company in a strong position for continued growth.” Said Colin

NCS’ Board Members also expressed their gratitude and thanked Mr Gosling at the last NCS Board Meeting in May. Mr John Kapsa stressed the need for Marcus to remain with NCS and oversee some exciting new projects. Mr Marc Soipang added that NCS had been through a period of unprecedented growth during Marcus’ time in charge, not just in catering but in construction and property development. He said this was outstanding work and thanked Marcus on behalf of the Board.

TENKYU TRU Boss Man

In April, the Executive Team and some key, long-term NCS Managers took the opportunity to gather together to farewell their “brave and fearless leader” Marcus Gosling who retired from his position as “BOSS MAN at the end of May.

Without wanting to get too formal about it, the Team wanted to express, acknowledge and thank Marcus for his inspiration, leadership and friendship in what has been some challenging and exciting times for our company.

Speaking on behalf of all of us, Mick Pye said “I wish you all the best for the future and I am sure that we will still see you around from time to time. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of what I think is a model for what all PNG companies should aspire too. This would not be possible without your direction, desire, leadership and tenacity to ensure the success of NCS.”

MARCUS’ MESSAGE TO NCS:

NCS as a company has come a long way from its origins on Lihir and there is tremendous opportunity ahead. At last year’s conference we discussed our level of performance and it was unanimous that there was still much to be done. We should all be mindful of the role that we each play and what our responsibilities and commitment must be to continue the growth of the company. Your commitment has been integral in building the business and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you personally for your support and contribution; it certainly has been an interesting journey with everyday bringing with it a new challenge.

I wish you all the very best for the future, both personally and as part of the NCS team. I hope to be able to catch up with all of you over the next few months.….Marcus