SYDNEY, 26 NOVEMBER 2019
Dean Rooker of Coastwide Civil, the local company responsible for delivering the new boat harbour and breakwall at Shell Cove, has won the Civil Contractors Federation NSW People’s Award for Plant Operator of the Year.
It was a very proud moment for the former backpacker who arrived from Canada in 2001 and “fell in love with the place”.
Joining Coastwide Civil 15 years ago, Dean initially started working on a mini excavator before applying his skills to larger projects, culminating in his work building the new breakwall at Shell Cove.
For a boat harbour set to eclipse Darling Harbour in terms of size, the breakwall is a critical piece of the marine infrastructure at Shell Cove. Dean has constructed a large portion of it over the past three years -becoming the best in the state – as it was this project the judges reviewed as part of his shortlisting for the award.
“I was interested in marine civil works when I joined Coastwide Civil and have been very lucky to have had the opportunity to develop my skills on harbour projects around Australia in places like Townsville and Gladstone,” says Dean.
“In recent years I’ve also been involved in training other team members to use GPS to place rocks underwater which has been very rewarding.”
While he’s been lucky to work on important projects across the country, Dean has a distinct fondness for Shell Cove.
Dean’s wife Jess was his biggest support during the long build. After meeting Dean in Townsville, moving to Gladstone and then Shellharbour following his sought-after work with Coastwide Civil, she was proud to join the Coastwide team in their site office in 2015. “It was fantastic seeing the transformation that took place in the marina over the years. I couldn’t be prouder of Dean. He is a perfectionist and I’ve seen first-hand how patient he had to be to make the wall look as good as it does,” says Jess.
Craig ‘Rusty’ Rogers of Coastwide Civil explained building a good sea wall is the hardest component of plant operating in marine civil works.
“Dean’s come a long way in the past 15 years and we’re very proud of his capability and his achievement. It’s very well deserved,” says Rusty.
“It’s such a technically difficult job cutting each of the rocks and placing them below and above water and it’s overlaid by some heavy building specifications.
“To be recognised as the best in the state is a major achievement for Dean, very rewarding for Coastwide Civil and a big endorsement of the quality of the marina work at Shell Cove,” says Rusty.
Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said that Dean’s award was well deserved and was representative of the quality of local employees working on the Shell Cove project.
“I congratulate Dean on this wonderful career achievement. It is no small feat to win a state award in any field of endeavour and I pass on my sincere appreciation for his skill and dedication to this landmark project,” Cr Saliba said.
“Dean is one of hundreds of local people who have gained employment through the Shell Cove project. This world-class destination will provide a wonderful amenity for our own community as well as attract visitors, boost our economy and encourage even more job growth.
"At least 200 jobs are expected to be created with the construction stage of the new restaurant precinct, which got underway a few months ago, including local tradespeople, services and suppliers."
The Waterfront, Shell Cove is a masterplanned community in a natural coastal setting surrounded by beaches, parks and wetlands but close to schools, transport and major centres.
A focal point will be the 270-berth boat harbour and Shellharbour Marina next to the lively town centre featuring a retail precinct anchored by a Woolworths supermarket, with specialty shops and restaurants on the marina’s edge. There will also be a waterfront tavern, hotel, children’s beach, water play areas, library and community centre.
The Waterfront Sales Centre is in The Waterfront Town Centre at Shops 1 and 2, 100 Cove Boulevard, Shell Cove. It is open seven days from 10.30am to 5pm. Call 13 38 38 or visit www.thewaterfrontshellcove.com.au for more information.