October marks National Safe Work Month – a time when employers and workers across Australia come together to focus on creating safer, healthier workplaces. This year, the message is clear: safety and training are the foundations of a strong future for our industries.
One person who knows this all too well is Mr. Raymond Savy, a well-known and respected former Deputy in the Mackay mining community. After years of dedicated service underground, Ray has taken on a new challenge – shaping the next generation of workers through training and assessment.
From Deputy to Trainer: A New Pathway
Ray recently completed the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122), facilitated by Civil Safety owned All Mine Construction Training (RTO Code: 52633). This nationally-recognised qualification has equipped him with the skills to deliver both classroom and online training, ensuring flexible learning opportunities for workers in the region.
For Ray, the achievement is more than just a qualification – it's about giving back to the community that supported his career. By stepping into the role of trainer, he's helping to anchor a legacy of safe, skilled, and compliant workplaces in Mackay's mining sector.
"Completing the TAE has given me a whole new perspective," says Ray. "After so many years underground, I now have the chance to pass on my knowledge and experience in a structured way. It feels rewarding to know that I can help others stay safe, grow their careers, and make a real difference in the industry I care so much about."
Strengthening Safety in Mackay Mining
In line with the spirit of National Work Health and Safety (WHS) Month, Civil Safety Mackay is proud to support initiatives that empower mining personnel to work safely and effectively. With experienced professionals like Ray leading the way, the future of safety training in the region is looking brighter than ever.
Armed with twelve new TAE industry disciplines and a strong understanding of the RTO 2025 guidelines, Ray brings both expertise and passion to his role. His focus is on ensuring that training and assessment aren't just a box-ticking exercise, but a meaningful way to keep workers safe and confident in their roles.
Building a Safer Tomorrow
As Mackay's mining sector continues to evolve, the need for well-trained, safety-focused professionals will only grow. Trainers like Ray are paving the way for a culture where safety isn't just compliance – it's the heart of every workplace.
Ready to take the next step towards a successful career as Trainer and/or Assessor? Enrol in one of our Training and Assessment courses conducted via All Mine & Construction Training.
About Civil Safety
Civil Safety is a leading Registered Training Organisation (RTO 32381) for the mining, civil and construction industries, with operations across Queensland and Western Australia.
We provide safety and operational training to thousands of people every year from a diverse range of backgrounds. Our highly experienced trainers bring real-world experience to the classroom, ensuring our students graduate ready for work with the skills, confidence and qualifications required for safe and compliant operation in dangerous environments.
With a vast range of courses, plus a variety of learning methods including face-to-face, blended and online, we can help you gain the skills you need to enter a new industry or upskill in your current career.
Find out more information on the range of courses we offer, or give us a call on 1300 CIVIL S.
* TAE courses are conducted via All Mine & Construction Training Pty Ltd RTO #52633
Frequently Asked Questions
The outlook is exceptionally strong. With an estimated $16B+ regional economic impact forecasted for 2026, the demand for skilled workers remains at record highs. Major projects in the Bowen Basin are expanding to meet global demand for metallurgical coal (used in steel making), while new ventures in critical minerals are creating diverse roles for dump truck operators, trades assistants, and multi-skilled plant operators.
Current recruitment trends show a high volume of searches for:
Production & Haul Truck Operators: Steady 7/7 rosters with competitive hourly rates ($75–$95+/hr).
Trades Assistants & Labourers: High demand for entry-level roles on long-term contracts.
Driller Offsiders & Blasting Crews: Essential for the 40+ active mines in the basin.
Maintenance Fitters & Service Persons: Crucial for supporting the increasing shift toward automated and remotely operated equipment.
Critical minerals (like cobalt, copper, and rare earths) are essential for green energy technology. Mackay has recently opened a state-of-the-art Flexi-Lab minerals processing facility at the Resources Centre of Excellence. This positions Mackay not just as a coal capital, but as a "pit-to-product" leader, de-risking investment and creating future-proof jobs in mineral refinement and emerging tech.
The industry is rapidly moving toward a 78% technological adoption rate by 2026. This includes the widespread use of autonomous haul trucks, drone surveillance, and remote-controlled drilling. For workers, this means a shift toward "digital literacy" and specialised safety training. RTOs like Civil Safety are critical in upskilling the workforce to handle these advanced safety management systems.
QME is Australia’s premier regional mining showcase, held in Mackay. The July 21–23, 2026 event is already seeing record demand, with 85% of space sold. It serves as the primary hub for networking, where major contractors and suppliers (like Hitachi and Hastings Deering) showcase new projects and procurement opportunities, making it the "must-attend" event for anyone seeking a career or partnership in the sector.