Twenty years of the Young Pipeliners Forum brought past and present members together in Brisbane on 15 October to celebrate the people, relationships and shared experiences that have shaped the network.
Established in 2006, YPF has grown into a national network supporting early-career professionals across Australia’s pipeline and gas industry. Through technical learning, site visits, professional development and networking, it has helped generations of pipeliners build knowledge, confidence and lasting connections.
The anniversary celebration recognised that history while looking ahead to the people and capabilities the industry will need in the years to come.
Hearing from those who helped shape the journey
Keynote speaker Dave Maloney, YPF’s original patron and a driving force behind its establishment, provided a fitting connection to the Forum’s beginnings. His reflections highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young professionals and the lasting impact of investing in people. Dave’s continued support, two decades on, reflects the commitment that has helped YPF grow and thrive.
The day also provided an opportunity to hear from other respected industry figures whose careers and contributions have helped shape the YPF community.
A highlight was hearing from some of the industry’s familiar and respected figures. Taddam Farrant, Leon Richards and Scott Pierce shared their recollections of how being part of the pipeline industry shaped and guided their careers.
Matt Nash, a longstanding contributor to YPF and current APGA Board member, reflected the continuing involvement of people who remain committed to the network as their careers progress. His participation demonstrated how the connections formed through YPF can grow into broader contributions to the association and industry.
Together, these perspectives gave attendees an opportunity to learn from people who have spent many years contributing to the sector—and who continue to make time to support those following them.
Recognising today’s YPF community
The voices of the current YPF community were equally important to the celebration. Contributions from the Queensland and Victorian YPF Chairs, and the most recent scholarship winners brought the experiences of today’s emerging professionals into the conversation.
Their perspectives helped connect YPF’s history with its present purpose: giving people opportunities to participate, develop their confidence and contribute to the wider industry.
Queensland Chair Denise Reimann spoke of her pride in being included in the milestone event. Her thoughtful contribution was a reminder of why these opportunities matter, providing a platform for emerging voices and recognising the experience and ideas they already bring to the industry.
Supporting the next stage of professional growth
Alongside reflections on YPF’s history, the program included career development sessions from Roger Christie and Timothy Born.
Their contributions encouraged participants to consider their own professional growth and the steps they can take to develop their careers. This focus on practical development reflected one of YPF’s enduring purposes: helping emerging professionals build the confidence and capability to participate more fully in the industry.
Bringing experienced industry voices together with career development opportunities connected the day’s themes of learning, leadership and legacy.
Recognising the people behind the network
The celebration dinner provided an opportunity to reconnect, share stories and recognise the friendships and professional relationships built through YPF over two decades.
Behind that history are the volunteers who organise events, the speakers who share their expertise, the mentors who offer guidance and the organisations that support their people to participate. Many former YPF members continue to contribute long after their own early-career years, helping maintain the connections between generations.
That continued involvement is an important part of YPF’s value. Experience shared today can help someone approach a challenge, build a new relationship or take the next step in their career.
Thank you to our supporters
APGA thanks all speakers, panellists, organisers and participants who contributed to the anniversary celebration, particularly the former YPF members who returned to share their experiences.
We also extend our sincere thanks to [insert sponsor names] for making the event possible. Their support helped bring the YPF community together to recognise this milestone and continue investing in the next generation.
After 20 years, YPF’s strength remains in the willingness of its people to connect, contribute and support one another. The anniversary was a celebration of that shared effort and an invitation to carry it forward.
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