Orica Kooragang Island, Long-Term Electrical, Instrumentation and Communications Support

15-Year Partnership Delivering Continuous Reliability, Safety and Innovation

Project Snapshot

Client: Orica Kooragang Island
Locations: Newcastle, Kooragang Island site
Category: Electrical, Instrumentation and Communications Support
Timeframe: Ongoing Partnership (15 Years Continuous Support)

Orica Kooragang Island, Long-Term Electrical, Instrumentation and Communications Support provided by AVE Technologies

Project Overview

AVE Technologies has maintained a long-term partnership with Orica at its Kooragang Island facility, providing comprehensive electrical, instrumentation, and communications support for more than 15 years.

This enduring relationship reflects AVE’s commitment to safety, reliability, and operational excellence, ensuring Orica’s critical electrotechnology systems operate efficiently and in compliance with stringent industry and site standards.

With a consistent on-site presence and responsive project delivery capability, AVE has become a trusted technical partner, contributing to both routine operations and major infrastructure upgrades across the site.

Scope Of Works

Ongoing and project-based support includes:
Street and facility lighting upgrades
MCC and VSD upgrades
Instrumentation maintenance and calibration
Fibre optic and communication system management
Shutdown and turnaround electrical support
Project scope development and design assistance
CCTV, security, and access control maintenance and upgrades

In addition to day-to-day operations, AVE participates in tendered major works and continuous improvement programs, supporting Orica’s drive for efficiency, safety, and modernisation.

Team Structure

AVE’s on-site structure ensures skilled leadership, operational continuity, and workforce development through apprenticeship integration and mentoring.

Typical team composition includes:

Mitch Holmes – Electrical Supervisor / Project Manager & Main Point of Contact
Finn Newbury – Electrical Supervisor (Full-time contingent role supporting Orica projects)
2 x Licensed Electricians – Responsible for daily maintenance and minor project delivery
3 AVE Apprentices and 1 Orica Apprentice – Participating in a joint secondment program to develop future technical capability

This structure enables Orica to maintain consistent technical oversight while fostering the next generation of industry-ready tradespeople.

Innovation & Efficiency

In the past two years, AVE has implemented the Panduit VeriSafe System across the site, a SIL2-compliant, non-contact absence-of-voltage testing device.

With more than 70 units installed, this innovation has:

Significantly reduced isolation verification time
Improved safety through visual line/load indication
Eliminated repetitive multimeter testing

AVE continues to explore expanded VeriSafe applications to further enhance electrical safety and maintenance efficiency across the Kooragang Island facility.

Partnership Approach

AVE maintains a permanent on-site presence, operating 5–6 days per week and providing continuous electrical supervision, project support, and emergency response as required. The relationship is built on transparency, reliability, and technical excellence, underpinned by proactive communication and collaboration with Orica’s engineering and operations teams.

Through this partnership, AVE Technologies continues to play a key role in supporting safe, efficient, and compliant operations at one of Australia’s most significant industrial sites.

AVE Technologies is one of the largest multi-faceted electrotechnology companies in NSW. We have a team of over 70 employees, including specialists in each field, who can collaborate to provide a comprehensive, integrated solution for any project.

From small business phone and CCTV systems to large-scale, fully integrated technology projects for various industries like financial institutions, schools and universities, mining sites, sporting clubs and government facilities – we do it all!

Incorporating Electrical, Data Cabling, Control Systems, Audio Visual, Security Cameras & CCTV, Intercom Systems, Operational Technology, PA Systems, Telephone Systems, MATV and Excavator and Plant GPS Systems.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or need help planning your next project!

Orica Electrical, Instrumentation & Communications Support