Meet some of our Seaham team!
Our Seaham Quarry is located in Balickera, NSW, and has operated since 1991 after receiving planning approval in 1985. It sits in the Port Stephens local government area, near Seaham and Raymond Terrace.
The quarry is a key supplier of hard rock products in Newcastle and the Hunter region, strategically positioned near major transport routes like the Pacific Highway. Hunter Water’s Balickera pumping station, on the site’s boundary, transfers water into Grahamstown Dam, which supplies 40 per cent of the Hunter region’s drinking water. Our site and environmental teams work to manage operations responsibly.
Brendan Kiley and his team of 30 extract 1.2 million tonnes annually, with 70–140,000 tonnes blasted monthly. Amanda Looyenga oversees an average of 270 trucks daily, increasing to 325 in peak times.
The site has many long-serving employees who shape its culture. Terry Johnson has been with Boral for 16 years, while Ray Frankel, a site leading hand, has nearly 14 years of service—his father Jeff works at Macksville Quarry. Amanda Looyenga, at Seaham for 14 years, started in the lab before moving to the weighbridge. Her father, Barry Martin, was with Boral for 27 years. Damien Plank, who joined from Peats Ridge, has 9.5 years of service, and his son Lucas just completed his first year.
“I was born into Boral—my father has worked here for 40 years,” said Nathan Standing, Seaham’s Quarry Supervisor. “I’ve learned so much from this team, not just production but maintenance. I completed a Cert IV in Surface Extractions and am working towards becoming a Quarry Manager.”
The team is applying for a quarry expansion to extend operations by 30 years, increase extraction by 30.6 hectares, and raise annual production to two million tonnes. This will support aggregate supply for local councils and major projects, including the M1 Extension, Nelson Bay Road Duplication, Singleton and Muswellbrook bypasses, Hexham additional lane, Newcastle container terminal, and Williamtown Airport upgrade.
Nathan sums up the Seaham team: “I aim to be a good role model and ensure everyone works safely and gets home to their families. The best part of Seaham is seeing my co-workers grow—and our monthly BBQs are pretty good too.”
