NCS Conference focus on Culture and Values

February 6, 2012

27 representatives from NCS and The Alliance Group (TAG) spent 3 precious days in the tropical setting of Rapopo Plantation Resort to work together for the first time as a group – on redefining the Values and behaviours that are core to our company culture.

This is exactly what NCS set out to do at their 7th Annual NCS Conference held 4-6 October in Kokopo, PNG. The theme “Kamapim Sidaun Bilong Bihain” – Creating the future sums up the ultimate goal of ensuring that our future leaders are clear and responsible for managing their colleagues through change and toward success.

In order to get the right balance, the group was made up of 75% PNG Nationals, with an increased number of participation from leading women in the organisations. Participants came from all areas of NCS – a diverse range of ages, experience and knowledge. One of the core elements to their selection to attend – was the leadership potential and the “x” factor – the ability to inspire and motivate their peers.

Our discussions included:

• Understanding the strategic direction of our businesses and opportunities.
• The increased representation of the leading Nationals and females across all age groups and
• experience.
• Identifying the variety of “cultures” in our business and where the cultural gaps exist.
• Explore the nature, qualities and skills of leaders and managers.
• Discover where better efficiencies and synergies lie with NCS and TAG throughout management and operations.
• Evaluate our Company Culture and redefine our VALUES & behaviours that are acceptable, appropriate and common for both organisations.
• Explore “Business Excellence” tools for improving our processes.

Frank Kramer, CEO of Kramer Ausenco inspired all in the room by sharing his experience as a successful PNG National who has taken on PNG and the South Pacific in the Engineering world. His key take-away “You must inspire your peers to dream more, to learn more and to do more. If you do this, you will become the leader”.

The group was joined  by the former Prime Minister of PNG, The Right Honourable Sir Rabbie Namaliu who spoke about how the Rabaul community came together
to rebuild the town after the 1994 volcano eruption.

For many it was the first time to visit East New Britain and experience the hospitality and warmth of the Tolai people, exploring volcanos, Japanese tunnels,  a town in

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NCS’ new base in Port Moresby

February 3, 2012

NCS is pleased to announce the opening of their new office and warehouse in Hohola. The complex includes offices, warehouse, lay down yards, kitchens and accommodation, and is ideal to support the multitude of requirements for the growth of NCS’ operations out of Port Moresby.

Larger premises will be shared by NCS, NCS PNGDF and sister company, The Alliance Group. The decision to combine resources and share facilities was a logical one for both companies – who have been working together closely over the last 18 months as the Alliance business commenced mobilisation and operations.

“Both organisations have identical needs where space was concerned, and moving in together was a logical decision.” said Marcus Gosling, who is a Non -Executive Director of both NCS and The Alliance Group.

“Being located together will naturally create greater efficiencies in areas like purchasing, warehousing, logistics and communications. This will naturally lead to the strengthening of the services that both organisations can provide to their respective clients.” he continued.

“Another aspect that everyone is looking forward to is the social side of things. As our two organisations get to know each other better, it’s bound to result in better communication and working relationship as friendships grow” he said.

We look forward to a “hauswarming” celebration to mark the beginning of this new chapter for NCS and TAG.

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Contribution to fun-run

February 3, 2012

The popular annual Fun-Run took place in August to assist PNG national sports teams (Team PNG) to participate in the Pacific Games to be held in New Caledonia in September 2011.

The event is sponsored by a number of businesses including NCS who donated the t-shirts to Ted Diro and Waigani Primary Schools who had teams in the fun-run.

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Jersey raffle raises money for hospital

February 3, 2012

During the recent State of Origin Series, NCS Hidden Valley organised to raise money for Bulolo Hospital by holding a raffle, with the prize being a Limited
Edition Wally Lewis Jersey. Once client MMJV found out about the initiative they generously offered to match the donation Kina for Kina.
David Wissink from MMJV said “We appreciate NCS taking this initiative and being part of our team involved with community-focused projects.
This is very pleasing, giving something back to the community. Well done NCS!”

NCS’ Rohan Price was thanked by a local staff member who passed on a message from the local community – “I would like to thank you so much on behalf of the rest of us working in this mine and those at home, for your kind assistance. You will be richly blessed for helping.” Bulolo Hospital used the funds to purchase much needed items like sheets, pillows, mattresses and blankets

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Lihir Primary School gets into Healthy Life!

February 3, 2012

NCS Lihir sponsored the Lihir International Primary school art competition – the theme of which was ‘a healthy lifestyle’. Students from all age groups produced a total of 36 colourful pictures to convey the message of living and eating healthier.

Catering Operations Manager Alan Bloxwich said that the children did an excellent job and seemed to grasp the theme really well. Their pictures have been framed and are now displayed around the dining rooms on Lihir as a reminder to adults to take care of their health by leading a healthier lifestyle.

The pupils were treated to a meal of healthy fruits, salads and juices as a reward for their efforts.

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NCS Lihir celebrates 10 Million LTI-FREE hour achievement

February 3, 2012

A special presentation ceremony held on the 27th September 2011 was attended by over 700 of NCS Lihir’s employees and also representatives from Newcrest and Anitua – to celebrate the achievement of 10 Million LTI-Free (Lost time Injury) hours.

So what did it take for NCS to achieve this milestone?

Safety culture leads to landmark achievement on Lihir.

Over the last 9 years, NCS Lihir have been diligently following the safety first culture, working with client Newcrest to adhere by the rules established to protect all those on site from serious injury or death. In June 2011 NCS Lihir achieved the landmark 10 Million LTI-free mark!

Across all of PNG, NCS’ operations combined has achieved over 18 million LTI free hours.

On Lihir, Newcrest have set 12 cardinal rules for safety that all business partners must comply with to avoid serious injury or death. NCS is also continually developing its policies, procedures and training programs – for application across the group. Daily tool box meetings, Safety Awareness programs and active training programs are conducted in accordance with NCS’s own requirements.

NCS Lihir’s General Manger Felix Holi, who has been working on Lihir for over 17 years said “It gives NCS great satisfaction in knowing that our work place is safe and that all our employees return home safely to their families.”

“tenkiu tru mipela i hamamas lo ol presen kampani i givim taim mipela i wok seif insait lo ples wok.”

“Our site and operations have grown substantially. Keeping all of our staff trained and with a ‘safety first’ focus requires constant work, constant focus. We have a dedicated HSEQ and Training team that has really done well to ensure that our people are work safe – here on site and at home!” he continued.

The overriding safety message is that Safety is everybody’s responsibility. “We have reached 10 million hours of free LTI – yet there could be an incident/accident at any time. So, we all need to remember to be aware of our environment and work as a team to achieve our goals.” continued Felix.

Newcrest’s Bob Pink and Denis Cowan stood alongside Colin Vale, CEO, Anitua Group of Companies in congratulating staff who received a very “funky” sling bag from NCS and a first aid kit from Newcrest. Receiving this gift of appreciation from “ples work” was appreciated by the staff.

CONGRATULATIONS TO NCS LIHIR,FROM ALL OF YOUR COLLEAGUES AROUND PNG. YOUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND YOUR ACHIEVEMENT IS AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL.

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A suprise visit and performance

February 3, 2012

NCS sponsored the meals of the band of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary who were staying at Igam Barracks in Lae for the 50th anniversary of the Morobe Show.

Band Master, Chief Inspector Palo Walo wanted to show appreciation to NCS for the support and hospitality that was shown during their stay – and gave the gift of music! The band arrived at NCS’ Morobe warehouse in Lae and played a selection of music with the highlight being the PNG National Anthem.

The surprise visit and performance really lifted everyone’s spirits and it was a special time for NCS’ Anne Nakwa who really enjoyed the opportunity to conduct the band for a tune too!

NCS and the band joined together for a BBQ at the end of the performance – further strengthening the bonds of community support and friendship.

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HACCP Certification Achieved

February 3, 2012

NCS have retained their third party HACCP certification from SAI Global after the Tri annual recertification

Audit on Lihir. The certification covers:

• Standard(s): 9000:2002, 9001:2008
• Relevant Codes (as applicable)
• ANZ2161, ANZ2162, ANZ2163, ANZ5710, ANZ5730, ANZ7866, ANZ9521

Thanks to all for your efforts especially the safety team and kitchen managers for your ongoing efforts in ensuring the safe delivery of food and quality services to our client Newcrest on Lihir.

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Barge crew’s suggestions improves NCS’ safety

February 3, 2012

The crew of NCS Raibus Challenger in Madang are proud of their new lightweight high visibility shirts and tinted eye protection safety glasses, presented to them by Julian Fenn, NCS General Manager, HSEQ & Training.

The purpose of the new safety wear is to enable:

• higher visibility of the crew during the loading and unloading stages of a voyage.
• easier identification of an individual in the water in the unlikely event of a man overboard situation.
• greater comfort for crew working in the hot PNG sun on the water with the lightweight, easily breathable shirts.
• more effective eye protection from the bright sun’s rays reflecting off the water.

This new uniform has been introduced into all NCS warehouse operations across the country – ensuring that our standards for safety and presentation are consistent, professional and safe across the company.

The issue of this new safety PPE was a direct result of suggestions raised by the crew as part of the new ‘safety observation program’.

The best ideas come from our staff, so we encourage all staff around the country to submit safety suggestion on the forms available at each site office. The program aims to create a safer work environment on all NCS sites.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Raibus Challenger crew for this great suggestion.

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Golden Kina Award – TWO worthy winners from Madang supporting NCS Raibus

February 3, 2012

Robert Bennetts is NCS’ Project Manager in Madang and has been on the ground since 2008 managing our operations for Ramu NiCo at Basamuk and Kurumbukari. Robert has nominated two of our most important suppliers to NCS in Madang who have been working with our company from the very beginning. We celebrate their contribution to our business by awarding both of them with NCS’ Golden Kina Award.

Gert Litz – Madang Butchery and Supermarket

Madang Butchery and Supermarket has been supplying all our meat & poultry needs for NCS Raibus since 2008. As our business has grown, owner Gert Litz has expanded his product range to meet all our requirements.

Gert came to Madang from Europe 40 years ago as the only master butcher in PNG – still to this day! He is a well known identity in the Province and is “hands on“ when it comes to his business, as are his sons.

“The service we receive from Gert and his team is great. They always respond to our requests – even at short notice.” said Robert.

Gert’s support of our business in the early days with responsive service and flexibility in our trading agreements helped us through some tricky times while establishing our projects with our first Chinese client.”Robert continued.

On receiving his award, Gert said “It’s always a pleasure doing business with NCS – we have always had a great working relationship”

Martin Tsang – Martin Tsang Wholesale

Martin Tsang has been extremely supportive in helping NCS get “off the ground” in the early days of our business. He always makes sure we have adequate supplies of grocery items such as bulk rice and flour – and those hard to get specialty Chinese ingredients that our Chinese clients require as part of their diet.

Martin comes from a very established Madang family dynasty with extensive business interests in the town.

In March of 2011 probably the biggest fire in Madang’s history saw his entire wholesale business & the town’s largest supermarket burnt to the ground along with millions of kinas worth of stock.  He immediately set up a smaller supermarket & wholesale outlet in another part of town and continued to trade – almost seamlessly!

The new bigger & better supermarket is now nearing completion!

“If that’s not Meeting the Challenge, I don’t know what is” said Robert. NCS thanks Martin Tsang Wholesale and Madang Butchery & Supermarkets for your support, commitment and reliable service. You are both deserving recipients of our Golden Kina Award.

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Lihir’s Lakunbut Village kitchen and dining room opens

February 3, 2012

On 17 July NCS Lihir opened a new mess and kitchen to support the newly built “Lakunbut Village Resort” a new accommodation village nestled in a picturesque valley near Londolovit on Lihir Island.

As you may have read in past issues of Gadona, Lakunbut was built by NCS Properties and has been a major project – and much anticipated development for Newcrest and NCS Lihir.

This new dining room is temporary and currently seats 300 diners who are residing in Lakunbut Village. This is a big step to relieving the pressure of increased numbers on the other dining rooms that have been servicing the rapidly increasing work force on Lihir, which will only increase as the accommodation complexes are completed and residents start moving in. Phase two of the site will include a bigger, permanent kitchen and dining room complex.

Well done to all of those involved in the recruitment and training of staff for this new facility.

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NCS commences at Wafi and Demakwa Camps

February 3, 2012

With NCS already providing services on Lihir and Hidden Valley for Newcrest and Morobe Mining Joint Venture (MMJV), NCS worked hard to be the front runners for the catering contract at the Wafi Golpu project.

General Manger of Operations, Brian Curran believes that the quality of food and service, our proven success, longevity in operating projects for our clients and our reputation as the industry leader positioned us well to secure the contract.

Discussions about securing this significant business for NCS have been happening in fact for some years at the upper echelons of our organisations. It has been in the last 15 months that negotiations have got down to “tin tacs”. As part of our due diligence, NCS’ senior team including Brian Curran, Operations Manager Mick Pye and General Manager of HSEQ and Training, Julian Fenn travelled to both sites to assess facilities and requirements, before fine tuning the agreements prior to mobilisation.

ABOUT WAFI AND DEMAKWA: The contract is called the Wafi Golpu Joint Venture or WGJV. It is managed by MMJV, who are also the developers, and our client at Hidden Valley. The project is expected to have a life span of approx 40 years and the main commodities mined will be copper and gold.

Demakwa is located adjacent to the Wau Bulolo highway, approximately 75kms from the 9 mile junction in Lae. It takes 1½ hrs to drive the distance from Lae to Demakwa and a further 1½ hrs to get to the Wafi camp.

The preconstruction phase will see the camp grow from its current 300 mandays to 1000 mandays by early 2012. The potential of the project is estimated to be as high as 9,000 mandays at peak.

CHALLENGING MOBILISATION PHASE: Brian said that it will be a challenge working up in Wafi.

“NCS will need to draw on all of its resources to ensure successful delivery. Some of the challenges we face include logistics with getting supply to the remote Wafi site. The road between both camps is very difficult with many deep river crossings after heavy rain and a 40km speed limit.” he said.

“The Wafi camp itself is also very spread out and cleaning staff will be required to carry loads over distance.” he continued.

NCS has actually been assisting with operations at Wafi for some years already by supplying trained Chefs to assist local (untrained)staff to cook. Since arriving at Wafi and Demakwa, NCS has invested in training staff, updating health and safety HACCP procedures and initiating quality policies and procedures to bring the site and staff up to NCS standards.

“Training staff to the required NCS standard, modifying and bringing the facilities up to standard are also areas that we have been given the “green light” and we have commenced mobilisation.” he continued.

Both locations are set up as exploration sites with demountable buildings. The Wafi site has a Weatherhaven tented kitchen which is a good structure! It will undergo a reconfiguration and equipment upgrade including a new mixer for the bakery, glass door refrigerators and new cold bain marie.

Brian went on to say that this project is a significant win for NCS in many regards. “With manday numbers forecast the way they are at these two sites alone will see the volume of goods and services supplied by NCS across the nation surpasses all other commercial caterers in PNG, securing sustainable employment for PNG people well into the next decade.” he continued.

NCS’ “power team” to take the mobilisation forward includes our very experienced long-term Project Manager John Easton who will be assisted by Jacob Manamana. Experienced staff from Hidden Valley and Lihir will assist with the mobilisation and conduct training with employees, most of who will be from the local area.

Comments have already been received from customers about the improvement of food quality and service since NCS has been in control. There are plans to create a social club, hold regular Sunday BBQs and movie nights.

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Feeding the industry in Morobe

September 27, 2011

NCS was IN ACTION serving up delicious BBQ fare of steaks, sausages, hamburgers and salads at a successful two day event at the end of March hosted by Morobe Mining Joint Venture (MMJV) at Lae Showground.

The event brought together mining and drilling company’s rescue units to showcase their talents and tactics. It was an interesting weekend full of excitement, fun and joy and a great opportunity to meet some industry colleauges and learn more about what happens out on site.

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Challenges of delivering over land and sea

September 27, 2011

It’s an awesome responsibility for Purchasing Manager Collin Baim and his small team of assistants, drivers and crew of NCS’ Raibus Challenger to deliver and store at least a month’s worth of supplies on site at Kurumbukari and Basamuk project sites for client Ramu NiCo.

An indication of some of the volumes of basic ingredients required to provide 270,000 meals per month at these sites include:

• 25 tonnes of beef
• 20 tonnes of pork
• 20,000 chickens
• 2 tonnes of small goods
• 300,000 eggs
• 20 tonnes of rice

That’s quite a shopping list!

The added complexity is that 60% of our customers at these two sites are Chinese nationals requiring traditional Chinese meals. To provide this specialised service, NCS employs specialist Chefs from China to train National Chefs in techniques and Chinese cuisines. Certain ingredients must also be imported direct from China.

“It’s a very challenging job. We are a close team and with patience, organisation, good communication and above all, consistency, we work together to ensure that we keep track of containers at sea from Australia & Asia, and in turn, deliver goods to sites.” said Collin who is based at Madang in PNG’s Rai Coast.

“We try to have a month’s worth of stock on site at any given time as both locations are remote and have great challenges transportation wise. Also, communicating with suppliers from overseas and locally who don’t speak English well is another challenge.” he said.

Containers often arrive from Asia and Australia at either Basamuk or Madang, and then travel again by sea and/or road to site.

Overland to Kurumbukari: 75km inland in a verymountainous region only accessible by four wheel drive vehicles from both Lae and Madang. Last wet season the road was cut in many places but we met the challenge head on and kept supplies up to the site in all weather even involving dugout canoes to ford the flooded Ramu river. It was an NCS vehicle that got through first after flooding.

Across the sea to Basamuk: 56km from Madang across the often rough seas of Astrolobe Bay. There is no road access. The NCS Raibus Challenger (barge) is the key vessel with its capacity to transport cargo and passengers to and from site. It is able to cope in all seas and weather and is a vast improvement from using local vessels in the early days of the project.

Local growers supply produce daily

Another arm of our supply chain at NCS Raibus is the local purchasing team over on the Rai Coast at Basamuk. It’s quite a sight to see each morning as a steady stream of banana boats arrive at Nutlau Beach from various destinations along the coast bringing their fresh produce to the site. Some of the growers travel up to 8 hours by boat each way just to supply the site!

Ably led by Douglas Sibi from Ganglau, the team liaise with more than 50 – 80 clan groups, landowners and growers spread throughout the Rai Coast all the way to the border with Morobe Province to keep the kitchens stocked with fresh produce daily.

Each month the team receives and processes around 120 tonne of fresh fruit and vegetables which are meticulously checked for quality and weighed before being distributed to the projects. Locally grown crops include: banana, egg plant, kaukau, pokchoi, chinese cabbage, tomatoes and capsicum.

Well done to NCS purchasing and supply teams around PNG. The job that you do is so important to our operations – we do nothave a business without you doing your work
so well.

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Australian High Commission takes on NCS

September 27, 2011

Being chosen by a diplomatic mission to provide the daily catering needs to their staff – is indeed an honour that NCS has embraced 110%. On 20 April, NCS commenced service at The Australian High Commission.

When Management at the High Commission were ready to renew their catering contract – they said NCS was the supplier of choice. They had already experienced quality of food and service at previous events catered over the years including the Anzac Day Gun Fire breakfast, BBQs and the occasional formal dinner.

“We have made the right choice with NCS” said a representative of the AHC “Overall, NCS food is of a high standard and the service is second to none! NCS staff are always friendly and eager to please.” said an AHC representative.

This contract is a little different to our usual canteen contract, as daily service expectations are at a 5 star standard. “This is the kind of opportunity we look forward to – to showcase our abilities to service Corporate Catering expectations because of the business level people we are serving, which is different to commercial catering on mining sites or other kinds of industrial level canteens” said General Manager of Operations, Brian Curran.

Prepared and served daily is a selection of fresh, healthy food including, sandwiches, wraps and salads as well as a variety of hot dishes like roasts, curries and vegetarian dishes. Of course, there is an espresso machine for cappuccinos, lattés and short blacks!

Getting the best team together

When we were presented with this opportunity, we were excited about being able to find our star performers and also provide them with an environment to hone different aspects of their skills. They are already receiving a lot of recognition from AHC customers and doing NCS very proud.” he said.

NCS ALSO PROVIDES CATERING AND CANTEEN SERVICES IN PORT MORESBY AND LAE FOR COCA COLA AMATIL, KK KINGSTON, EAST WEST TRANSPORT, NESTLE, XTRADA AND TRUKAI.

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