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FORACO Australia

WHO WE ARE

Our Team

Our Management Structure is designed to support our network operating model, facilitating an open, free flow of communication, clear functional accountability and effective, timely decision making.

Our global corporate functions are intentionally thin, consisting of CEO, CFO, Legal and Administrative support.  Autonomous decision making resides within the region, with a mandate of exceeding local regulatory compliance, and positioning the business as a leading tier one supplier of drilling services.

A flat organization structure eliminates ‘filtering’ of information between organizational layers. All Senior Managers are expected to spend a considerable amount of time in the field, understanding ‘coalface’ issues, and engaging with clients and employees. 

FORACO Australia is organised on an East / West geographic split.  Each zone has local support for Operations, Supervision, Maintenance and Logistics.  Functional support is provided for HSEC, Senior Management, HR, Finance and Asset Management on a national level to ensure a consistent delivery of services.

Regional Offices

Our regional offices are strategically located in

  • Perth
  • Adelaide
  • Brisbane
  • Moranbah 

We believe in positioning our key people and assets as close to the project and client as possible.

Key Personnel

Nathan Elford

Vice President

Nathan commenced his drilling career in 2000 and holds a Class II water well license. He has drilled and managed large water well and mineral exploration programs throughout Western Australian for a broad range of Major and Junior Client companies. Nathan joined FORACO in 2014 as Hydro Manager, before assuming his current role of Vice President in 2022. Nathan is responsible for all FORACO activities in the region.

Our Management Structure is designed to support our network operating model, facilitating an open, free flow of communication, clear functional accountability and effective, timely decision making.
Nathan Elford | Vice President, FORACO Australia

Nathan Kunst

Eastern Manager

Nathan started his career in the drilling industry in the field as an Offsider in 2004. He progressed to Operations Manager for a large international drilling company before joining FORACO in 2011. Nathan holds a diploma in drilling and is well versed in hard and soft rock mineral exploration.

Alex Farrell

WA Manager

Alex commenced his career at FORACO in 2008 as an Offsider. He has since progressed through the roles of Driller, Senior Driller, Supervisor and HSEC Mentor to his current role of WA Manager. Accountable for the safe and efficient execution of all Western Australian projects, Alex works with field crews and Client representatives to ensure that targets are being achieved.

Brendon Smith

Hydro Manager

Brendon commenced his career in the drilling industry in the 1990’s and has worked across Australia and South America. Joining FORACO in 2006, Brendon specialized in RC and Mine Service Hole drilling. After gaining his water well license in 2018 Brendan now manages FORACO’s water well drilling operations.

Vanessa Tedesco

HR Manager

Vanessa joined FORACO in 2023 as HR Manager after a 10 year career with the Australian Drilling Industry Association (most recent role as Administration Manager). She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Management and Project Management. Vanessa is responsible for the care and development of all FORACO employees, and brings a wealth of training industry experience to the role.

Ederies Majiet

Finance Manager

Ederies joined Foraco in 2018 after working in the Oil and Gas, Telecommunications, Community and Financial services sectors. He holds a honours degree in accounting, an MBA and is instrumental in the delivery of our finance and tax strategy.

Sam Hackworthy​

Maintenance Manager

Sam qualified as a Fitter in 1998 and has over 20 years experience in the Drilling Industry, including working in the field an Offsider. Sam has been with FORACO since 2015, and in his role as Maintenance Manager, provides technical guidance for new workshop builds, overhauls, equipment compliance and oversight of our Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

Paul Hipkiss

HSECT Manager

Paul is an automotive engineer who migrated to Australia in 2000. Prior to joining the drilling industry in 2011, he worked in HSECT roles for a number of resource based construction companies. Joining FORACO in 2014, Paul has been instrumental in the development and maturity of the company’s Safety Management System and accreditation to international quality standards of ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001.