Kalgoorlie’s Jake Myers has been crowned Western Australia’s best equipment operator following an outstanding show of skill at the WesTrac-hosted Caterpillar® Global Operator Challenge on Saturday.
Mr Myers, who works with mine site services provider MLG Oz, outperformed seven other finalists to grab the title of WA’s best and will join other state finalists from around Australia on an all-expenses paid trip to Japan to compete in the Asia Pacific regional final in October.
The winner of that regional event will travel to Las Vegas next year to compete against other finalists from around the world in the Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge final at CONEXPO 2023.
Competitors took part in three different challenges, using a different Cat machine for each, and displayed a broad range of operating skills. That included navigating an obstacle course, using a mini excavator to play golf, digging a trench and loading a truck – all within very tight parameters and to precise specifications.
WesTrac WA General Manager of Construction Cameron Callaway said the Global Operator Challenge was launched by Caterpillar in 2019 to recognise and celebrate one of the key ingredients in successful use of Cat equipment – the people that operate the machines.
“This year marks the first time that any Australian Cat dealer including WesTrac has had the opportunity to host the event,” Mr Callaway said.
“It’s been an exciting month or two for WesTrac. We started by calling for nominations and received over 50 applications. Then we whittled that down to 24 operators who met all the criteria to participate and put them to the test last month in a series of heats.
“These eight finalists have shown outstanding operator skills throughout the WA competition, and it was a tough choice to pick an overall winner, but Jake Myers managed to outperform the others to take the prize and we wish him every success in the regional final in Japan and hope to see him make it all the way to Vegas.”
WesTrac is also running the NSW/ACT final at its Newcastle headquarters on 8 September.
Marissa Taddeo
marissa@hellospoke.com.au
0401 019 885
Emily Evans
emily@hellospoke.com.au
0401 337 959
As one of the largest authorised Cat equipment dealers in the world, WesTrac provides customers with a wide range of mining and construction equipment as well as comprehensive whole-of-life management solutions designed to make owning and operating equipment as easy, profitable and safe as possible. With more than 4,500 staff, WesTrac is focused on long-term customer relationships and a dedication to customer service, safety, quality and the environment.
To achieve this, we commit to building better together through collaboration and collective action. Helping customers achieve their own ESG objectives to reduce emissions through product advancements and technology solutions. This shared goal of a sustainable future for all is why we are focused on Responsibility, Advancement, Community, Inclusivity, Development and Solutions, as a means to deliver long-term positive success for the environment, customers, team members, stakeholders and the wider community.
Community development and support is an important part of the WesTrac philosophy, and we are proud to support local activities, events and charities in the regions we are based. As part of Seven Group Holdings Ltd, WesTrac also has strong alliances with other leading Australian businesses, including Seven West Media, Coates Hire and SITECH.
Third-generation heavy machinery operator Jack Divall from Goulburn has proven he is the best equipment operator in NSW following an outstanding show of skill at the WesTrac-hosted Caterpillar® Global Operator Challenge on Thursday 8 September 2022.
