A prelude to the future

Kane Stocker is an Inlec Technician, focusing on safety in relation to the commissioning and start-up, but he’s due to be seconded to the consortium Technip. Kane is from an Aboriginal background, with his parents coming from the Nyamal people from a region within the inner parts of the Pilbara deserts. Kane moved to Perth with his family when he was five years old.

“I live here on Geoje Island and enjoy working with new systems and learning new things. I socialise with everyone, making new friends and networks and doing a lot of team bonding, including snowboarding.

“Korean and Australian safety systems differ, which is a challenge, but it all works out if you treat people how you want to be treated – with trust and respect.

The opportunity to work on the world’s first FLNG facility really appealed to me. When I applied I thought I didn’t stand a chance at all, but now I have been on the project for 18 months and hopefully I can stay here for many years to come. I really enjoy working here.”

Chantal Till, involved at looking at the electronic Permit to Work system on the Prelude project

Chantal Till's former career was in adult education. Previously she was a Permit to Work Coordinator at Chevron, Barrow Island. Her role with Prelude is Permit to Work Technician and she is actively involved in the electronic Permit to Work system.

"We come across people from all walks of life, but it works really well. These are highly intelligent people who are passionate about what they do. Everyone gets on with each other and understands others' backgrounds and beliefs.

"As for the language barrier, I have learnt to say 'thank you' and 'please' in Korean and in restaurants I just point at pictures of the food. You just need to show you're willing to learn and make an effort.

"Even though the oil and gas industry is traditionally male-dominated, there's no male/female divide here; all the men are absolute gentlemen."

Stacey Abraham, a Tasmanian electrician working as an Inlec Technician

Stacey Abraham is a Tasmanian electrician who has been working as an Inlec Technician on the Prelude project since May 2014.

“I will be maintaining electrical equipment on Prelude once it goes operational in Australia. In my role as Inlec Technician I mostly work with men. Shell has done an amazing job in recruiting these men – they are the nicest, most caring and easiest bunch of people I have ever worked with. Within the work group there is a vast age difference, which I think is fantastic. The older guys who have been in the oil and gas industry for decades share their knowledge with us – it is incredible.

“Regardless of age or cultural background, we all socialise during down-time.”

Warren McNamara, Production Technician on the Prelude Project

Warren McNamara is a Technician, working in Utilities. Although he was raised in Mount Isa in Queensland, his family is from the Northern Territory and part of a tribe called Alyawarre. While growing up, Warren spent some time living with family in the remote Alpurrurulam community but moved back to Mount Isa where he entered the field of metalliferous processing that ultimately led to his role as a Production Technician.

“It’s cold out here – being from tropical Queensland, I have to wear scarves and beanie hats!

“The team set-up is really diverse. My direct team mainly consists of South Africans and we have developed great team dynamics and work well together. During lunch times in the canteen, we eat Korean food. The vibe in Korea is great; the Koreans are really friendly, especially if you make the effort to learn a few Korean words.”