The Australian Gas Industry Trust (AGIT) was established in 1999 to contribute to the advancement of study, education and research in the gas industry. Gas Today met with AGIT Director Andrew Creek to talk about the Trust and the role it plays in the development of the Australian gas industry.
When asked about the role AGIT plays in the development of the gas industry in Australia, Andrew said the core responsibility is actively seeking applications for study, education, and research within the gas industry to benefit the industry as a whole.
Actively promoting participation within the industry is principally done at the Gas Speak Colloquium, held annually at Parliament House in Canberra.
Gas Speak has been a successful and highly regarded gas industry event since was first staged in 1982 by the then Australian Gas Association (AGA).
It provides an opportunity for organisations to develop the communication skills, industry awareness and industry contacts of their younger staff by providing a forum for young people to present papers, chair sessions, conduct syndicate discussions and develop the art of self expression and communication.
Article continues below…
Further to its involvement with Gas Speak, AGIT also organises and promotes an annual Gas Study Tour. The tour is an opportunity for young professionals in the Australian gas industry to travel, visit overseas gas operations, meet other gas industry employees, understand how other companies in various parts of the world operate, and bond with fellow participants.
In alternate years the Study Tour focuses on Europe, North America and the Asia/Pacific countries.
The AGIT also provides funding for young people in the gas industry to further their education and training in the industry and encourages employers to nominate courses and other opportunities in which their young employees might participate.
Gas Speak and the annual Gas Study Tour were singled out by Andrew as the greatest achievements to date of the Trust.
“With a history dating back to 1982, these events are very highly regarded by all members, and are a lasting bond to unite our broad industry,” said Andrew.
“Gas Speak has hosted around 1,000 participants since inception, and while I have not yet examined the records of participants who have attended the event over the past 25 years, of the 1000 or so, there will be many notable names who have risen to important positions within the industry.
“And the reports received from our study tour participants have always been of a very high standard, drawing out the similarities and differences found in the particular countries and areas visited. The long-term friendships developed are of special importance, and participants now offer their recently gained experience to assist in new tour candidate selection.”
Prior to AGIT…
The gas industry had always been a close knit group, formed by the former gas utilities in each state. In 1962, the National Gas Association and the Australian Gas Institute combined to become the Australian Gas Association (AGA).
The AGA was the hub of most gas activities, and represented the major sectors of the industry for most of the years of its existence.
Events over the last ten years have seen the rise of energy distribution and retail companies, and the demise of the gas industry as it was, ultimately resulting in the AGA ceasing operation in 2003.
At this point, AGIT expanded its trustees to represent all of the major sectors of the gas industry.
AGIT also assumed the role of the AGA in the International Gas Union (IGU) and currently represents Australia as a Charter Member. In late 2005 AGIT was represented by Ollie Clark at the Autumn meeting of the Council of the IGU in Tianjin China. In 2006 Barbara Jinks attended the triennial IGU World Gas Conference after winning the AGIT Award of Excellence and is now an active member of two Working Committees: WOC3 Gas distribution and WOC4 Gas Transmission. Barbara is currently involved in the research work being conducted for both committees, has managed the data collection process for WOC4 by issuing a global web-based questionnaire, and has attended all WOC4 meetings as the Australian representative.
