A couple of things that melt a “craney’s” heart, one is a child looking up in awe at your crane and another is being given an opportunity to support a good cause. The CICA South Australian “Cranes for a Cause” Day was an event that will be long remembered by the community, organisers and everyone who participated on the day. It was a collective effort that saw many companies and individuals from the SA Crane Industry give unreservedly and generously to the community in which they work and live.
The idea for this day was a result of collective think tank involving the CICA SA Branch Steering Committee. This group found a way to reach out and engage with their community, to create an opportunity for people to have conversations about cranes, to dispel false stereotypes, to enjoy a rare experience and build positive relationships.
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If the success of the day could be judged by the looks on the faces of the children who attended, then this day would be considered an epic triumph. The day deepened dialogue around how rewarding a career as a crane operator, rigger and dogman can be. The accessibility of the cranes and simulator, inspired children and adults to explore possibilities and gave those who work in or are associated with the crane industry an opportunity to be seen.
While inspiring the dreams of some, the day also raised funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation to realise the dreams and wishes of sick children. Each year, thousands of Australian children are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and Make-A-Wish’s mission is to create a life-changing wish for every one of them. With 700 kids on a Wish Journey in 2019, every dollar raised through ‘Cranes for a Cause’ will help grant more wishes.
Reflection by Marcus Rigney, CICA SA Branch President
So how would I describe the day in one word? Cohesive. Every crane company that participated in this event, worked very hard to make it such a success; contributing their time and resources to make the day a very special one for all who attended. The crane scene in South Australia may be competitive at times but when it really matters, we band together to make a difference and reflect positively with passion for the industry we love.
All day, I had parents with their kids (many from our construction industry like builders and other trades), coming up to me and saying, “this was a great the day for my kids to see….. What Dad works with and alongside every day!” Not only Crane operators, but also Construction Managers and Supervisors, saying to their kids “This is what dad works alongside every day, and calls in to construct his buildings.” I think we’ll see some new recruits for our industry in the future!
As with any big event, there are always a lot of “Thank you’s” and I really want to make mention of the following:
ITI/Nobles Simulator – Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to get this equipment from overseas to this event. It was a huge hit.
Robway – Les really took it on himself to educate kids on how wind effects cranes and went over and above to create an interesting and informative stand.
Max Cranes – Worked extremely hard on the BBQ and used their resources to put together a food station that was sensational. This was very well planned and co-ordinated.
United & Fleurieu Cranes & Hooked on cranes – Worked together to set up their cranes, assemble the banner and making it so noticeable, up in the air.
Crane Services – Put on a fantastic display, also making balloons and show bags for the kids
Lockwood – Put in the effort to bring down the Terex pick and carry crane and made a cool display with the TIDD Pick and Carry.
Terex – For supplying the soft drinks on the day.
Samaras, CraneWorx, AGL Cranes, Morgans Cranes – Put on a great display, with the 200T, 60T, and City Cranes.
ProScaff – I need to make a special mention to ProScaff, who donated their time and material “afterhours”, to build a scaffold platform for the Load 28 crane top cab. Ross from ProScaff is not affiliated with the crane industry, but when I asked him to help me with the event, he wanted to contribute to this day.
Fork and Cranes – Eddie spent all day, teaching the kids how a remote crane works on a Vehicle Loading Crane. What a champion that bloke is!
I would also like to thank these members for supplying giveaway items for the day:
Liebherr
WGA Engineering
Ferrrari Brothers Cranes
Fleurieu Cranes
Nobles
Morgan Cranes
Tadano
Max Cranes
Plus, all the crane companies who supplied cranes for display:
United Cranes
Fleurieu Cranes
Samaras Cranes
Max Cranes
Crane Services
Morgans Cranes
Load 28
Lockwood Cranes
Craneworx
Hooked on Cranes
Fork & Cranes
AGL & Son Crane Hire
We couldn’t have done it without you! I would also like to thank CICA National for their support, Morphettville Racecourse and the CICA SA Branch Steering Committee Rodger Weste, Neil Addison, Mark Eberhard, Cheryl Woodhart, Jessica Atkinson, Allan Moore, Adam Culf, Peter Busby, Kevin Robertson and Stephen Holmes who really gave it their all.
Not only did we engage the community – we also engaged our association!
And of that, I am extremely proud!