The Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC) is excited to announce the launch of its TLILIC0003 License to operate a forklift truck course, starting early October in Toowoomba. Designed for anyone required to operate a forklift as part of their workplace duties, this nationally recognised training provides participants with the skills and knowledge to safely and efficiently operate a forklift truck.

Course Highlights

Our 3-day program combines practical and theoretical learning to ensure participants gain real-world skills and confidence, including:

• Planning and preparation for forklift operations
• Pre-start and start-up checks
• Safe load handling and shifting
• Adaptation to changing workplace conditions
• Shutdown and post-operation procedures

Students will also learn to identify hazards, assess risks, and apply effective controls in accordance with workplace health and safety legislation and codes of practice.

Who Should Enrol?

This course is ideal for:

• Warehouse staff
• Delivery personnel
• Construction workers
• Farm hands
• Operators looking to renew their High Risk Work Licence

Participants must be 18 years or older and provide three forms of ID prior to assessment.

What You’ll Receive

Successful participants will be issued with:

• A Statement of Attainment for TLILIC0003 – Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck

• A Candidate Assessment Summary (CAS) to apply for their High Risk Work Licence with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

Flexible Learning Options

AWCC offers two delivery options to suit individual needs:

1. 3-day face-to-face training, including knowledge, calculations, and practical assessments

2. Logbook enrolment, allowing students to practice under supervision before completing the final assessment

Get Started This September

Our Forklift course is competitively priced at $710 AUD and is scheduled weekly, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

Take the next step in your career and gain the qualifications you need to operate a forklift safely and confidently.

Book your place today: Enrol in AWCC’s Forklift Course

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We are proud to share that the Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC) has been awarded the Innovation Award at the 2025 Surat Basin Energy Awards, hosted by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) in Dalby.

The Surat Basin Energy Awards celebrate the businesses and individuals who are shaping the future of Australia’s energy sector. With thriving industries across natural gas, renewables, hydrogen, and coal, the region continues to cement its reputation as Australia’s “energy capital.”

Recognised for Innovation in Training

AWCC’s Turbo Program stood out as a groundbreaking workforce training initiative designed to deliver real solutions for the oil and gas industry. The program introduces:

• A nationally accredited qualification, giving participants a strong foundation to enter the industry.

• Australia’s only undercover rig site training facility, providing hands-on experience in real-world conditions.

• A streamlined approach that produces work-ready personnel while reducing onboarding times for industry employers.

Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, AWCC has created a sustainable pathway to address workforce shortages, enhance safety, and support the growth of Queensland’s energy industry.

A Night of Celebration

The awards evening brought together industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers to celebrate the contributions driving regional growth. AWCC was honoured to be recognised alongside outstanding finalists and winners across categories including Safety, Sustainability, Local Content, and Indigenous Commitment.

Building Safer Futures

Winning the Innovation Award reinforces AWCC’s mission to deliver training that not only meets industry standards but also sets new benchmarks in safety, efficiency, and workforce readiness.

We thank TSBE, Shell QGC, and the Western Downs Regional Council for hosting such a prestigious event, and we congratulate all award winners and finalists for their contribution to the sector.

👉 Interested in learning more about the Turbo Program?
Visit our Turbo Program Course Page to discover how you can take the next step into a career in the energy industry.

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Meeting the Needs of Industry

In Queensland’s oil and gas sector, drilling contractors have long struggled with a costly challenge: high workforce attrition. Millions were being lost in onboarding and training, only for new recruits to leave the industry soon after. Contractors needed a better way to ensure that those entering the industry were not only skilled but also committed to long-term careers.

AWCC’s Vision for Change
The Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC) listened to the call. As a trusted leader in well control and drilling training, AWCC set out to design a solution that would directly address these issues. The result was the Turbo Cert Program – a groundbreaking initiative that has reshaped how entry-level oil and gas professionals are trained.

A Purpose-Built Training Facility

At the heart of this innovation was a bold investment: AWCC put more than $600,000 of its own funds into building a purpose-based drilling training facility in Toowoomba, Queensland. This world-class site, the only one of its type in Australia, is equipped with real-life rig equipment that allows students to gain authentic, hands-on drilling experience.
Introducing the Turbo Cert Program
The program’s official title is RII21120 Certificate II in Oil & Gas Drilling (Onshore) and Well Servicing. For the first time in Australia, this nationally recognised drilling qualification is being delivered to the public, rather than exclusively within industry. With access to experienced rig-site trainers and specialised drilling equipment, students can complete their Certificate II in Drilling more efficiently and effectively than ever before.

From Pilot to Proven Success
The first Turbo Cert pilot launched in February 2024. Over the following 18 months, more than 160 students successfully completed the program. Employers quickly recognised the value: graduates entered the workforce with greater competency, stronger commitment, and reduced training needs. This directly reduced costs for drilling contractors and improved compliance with Queensland’s Oil and Gas Inspectorate requirements

Award-Winning Innovation

In August 2025, the Turbo Cert Program was awarded the Queensland Oil and Gas Industry Innovation Award 2025. This recognition highlighted AWCC’s leadership in creating safer, more efficient, and more sustainable training pathways for the sector.

Now Backed by Government Funding
Beyond industry recognition, the Queensland Government has now approved funding for the Turbo Cert Program. Thanks to this support, students can now access the course for just a $500 AUD contribution. This makes starting a career in oil and gas drilling more affordable than ever before, opening doors for motivated individuals eager to join the industry.

AWCC: The Quiet Achievers
For AWCC, the Turbo Cert Program represents more than just a training course. It is a win-win solution that benefits the entire sector:
· For students, it provides an affordable and accessible pathway into a high-demand career, supported by world-class facilities.
· For employers, it delivers a pool of motivated, well-prepared recruits who already understand rig operations.
· For the industry, it strengthens safety, compliance, and sustainability.
By quietly driving these changes, AWCC continues to prove itself as Australia’s quiet achiever, leading the way in drilling training without fanfare, but with lasting impact.

Learn More & Apply
Ready to start your career in oil and gas drilling, or explore funding options? Find out more below:

Turbo Cert II

SAS Funding

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From the desk of Gary King, Manager, Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC) 

At AWCC, we pride ourselves on being more than a training centre – we are industry partners, committed to keeping our clients, colleagues, and communities informed on the trends shaping Australia’s high-risk industries. This month, the onshore drilling sector continues to show resilience and innovation, while offshore developments remind us of the scale and longevity of Australia’s oil and gas footprint. 

Onshore Activity: Steady Rigs, Strategic Growth 

Australia recorded five active rotary rigs in August, unchanged month-on-month and up from three at the same time last year. Though modest compared to global peers, this activity is strategically significant: a single campaign in the Beetaloo or Surat Basin can shift the national tally. 

• Beetaloo Basin (Northern Territory): Tamboran Resources’ Shenandoah South wells (SS-4H, SS-5H, SS-6H) are advancing, with batch drilling techniques showcasing modern efficiency. Early flow results from SS-2H ST1 have set basin records, underscoring the Beetaloo’s long-term potential. 
• Queensland (Surat/Bowen): Coal seam gas remains the east-coast anchor. Programs led by Senex and supported by Ventia/Easternwell’s rigs are delivering hundreds of wells into the domestic supply chain. These projects underpin local jobs, energy security, and service-sector growth. 

Exploration spend across the June quarter rose slightly in minerals but dipped in petroleum, highlighting the competitive pull between mining and hydrocarbons for capital and labour.

Policy Backdrop: Balancing Exports and Domestic Needs 

The federal gas market review continues to dominate industry discussion, with stakeholders and state governments weighing reservation-style reforms. Queensland maintains its domestic-supply conditioned acreage awards, and Western Australia’s long-standing 15% reservation policy is still a global benchmark. 

For industry, the message is clear: drilling approvals and investment decisions are increasingly linked to domestic energy security as much as export potential. 

Offshore Milestones: Extending the Horizon 

While our focus is onshore, offshore remains critical: 

• North West Shelf (Woodside): The Commonwealth has approved the extension of NWS LNG operations to 2070, with strict environmental conditions. 

• Scarborough / Pluto Train 2: Construction is on schedule, with first LNG expected in 2026. 

• Barossa / Darwin LNG: First gas is imminent, offering a vital restart for NT processing. 

These projects will shape demand for Australian labour, services, and compliance frameworks for decades. 

Industry Bench Strength 

At the operational level, the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Australasia Chapter continues to champion HSE leadership across drilling contractors, both land and offshore. Associations and technical forums remain essential in aligning industry best practice with regulatory expectations. 

For us at AWCC, this reinforces our purpose: to train, develop, and certify a workforce capable of meeting these exacting standards. 

What It Means for AWCC and Our Partners 

• Training Demand: With steady land rigs and upcoming multi-well programs, certified drill crews, safety officers, and support staff remain in high demand. 

• Innovation: Offshore megaprojects and onshore CSG campaigns are increasingly reliant on digitalisation, remote ops, and VR/AR simulation — all areas where AWCC is investing heavily. 

• Energy Transition: Alongside hydrocarbons, Australia is scaling up solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage, demonstrating that the workforce must be agile across both traditional and emerging energy systems. 

Closing 

The onshore drilling sector may not generate daily headlines, but its steady performance underpins Australia’s broader energy picture. At AWCC, we remain committed to supporting this industry with world-class training, compliance assurance, and workforce development. 

Together with our partners — from operators and contractors to regulators and communities — we will continue to strengthen Australia’s role as a safe, innovative, and responsible energy producer. 

Gary King 
Manager, Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC) 

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The national conversation on energy security and gas supply intensified over the past 24 hours at the Energy Nation Forum in Sydney. Leaders from New South Wales and South Australia both underscored the importance of new domestic gas supply, with projects like Narrabri being described as “incredibly important” to keep the lights on, stabilise the grid, and support manufacturing as renewables and transmission expand. 

Approvals, Delays, and Policy Uncertainty

These interventions add weight to what industry and investors have been saying for years: Australia cannot afford endless delays in approvals and policy uncertainty. The Commonwealth’s review of the east coast gas market is now at a critical point, with changes being considered to the Gas Market Code and the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism. The central challenge remains the same — balancing domestic affordability with export reliability, while avoiding sovereign risk that could undermine billions already invested in Queensland LNG infrastructure.

The Debate on Export Obligations

Fresh commentary has again highlighted tension around export obligations, with debate over whether all projects should carry equal responsibility for ensuring domestic supply. Some argue tougher reservation rules are needed to avoid shortages and price shocks; others warn that blanket intervention risks damaging Australia’s reputation as a dependable supplier to Asia.

Why Workforce Matters in Energy Policy

At AWCC, we see this as more than a policy debate. These decisions have real consequences for the workforce and the communities we serve. Every project, reform, and market shift requires people who are trained, compliant, and capable of delivering safely and efficiently. That’s where our award-winning “Turbo” program comes in — a fast-tracked, industry-designed pathway that equips new entrants with the essential skills and compliance to be work-ready in just seven days. Turbo has already helped industry reduce downtime, improve safety, and expand workforce capability from day one.

Striking the Right Balance

Australia does not have to choose between the domestic market and exports — both are vital for a strong economy. By supporting investment confidence, fixing approval bottlenecks, and building workforce capability through initiatives like Turbo, Australia can achieve balance: affordable domestic supply, strong export performance, and a trusted reputation on the world stage.

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This week, we had the privilege of attending an industry event alongside almost 100 fellow members of our region’s business community. It was a valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and reflect on how principles that drive success in one sector can be translated into meaningful outcomes for another — particularly for us at AWCC.

Lessons in Growth – From 40 to 1,150 Strong 

We heard from Brad Moses, General Manager – Pre-Contracts at Shadforth Civil, who shared the remarkable journey of his company. From a small team of just 40 people in 2003 to more than 1,150 today, Shadforth’s story is a clear example of what’s possible when collaboration, culture, and innovation are placed at the centre of business growth. 

Brad emphasised how success is built on strong relationships, early engagement with stakeholders, and a hands-on approach. It’s a formula that aligns closely with our own philosophy at AWCC: investing in people, building trust, and ensuring our solutions are not just compliant, but industry-led and sustainable. 

The Sunshine Coast Future – Infrastructure with Purpose 

We also heard from Chris Sturgess, Manager Project Delivery at Sunshine Coast Council, who gave an exciting update on the projects reshaping the region. These include: 

• Sunshine Coast Stadium Redevelopment – unlocking capacity and opportunity for both elite and community sport. 

• Maroochydore City Centre Precinct – a world-class development driving business, lifestyle, and cultural growth. 

• Major Rail Upgrade – connecting people, communities, and industries, while reducing pressure on existing infrastructure. 

All these projects are designed with the 2032 Olympic Games in mind, ensuring that the region not only delivers on a global stage but also leaves a long-term legacy of accessibility, economic resilience, and community benefit. 

Why It Matters to AWCC 

For us at AWCC, events like these are more than networking opportunities — they’re reminders that industries move forward when people work together with clarity of purpose. Whether it’s civil construction, local government, or high-risk training in oil and gas, the message is the same: collaboration and innovation are what drive sustainable growth. 

As a training organisation that bridges public access, industry compliance, and employer outcomes, AWCC continues to position itself as a conduit between talent and opportunity — helping ensure Australia’s critical industries remain strong, safe, and future-ready. 

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At AWCC, well control isn’t just one of the courses we deliver, it’s the foundation of who we are. Our training programs are built on more than 150 years of combined field experience, led by instructors who have lived and worked in drilling, rigs, and well control operations. This depth of expertise allows us to deliver courses that don’t just tick compliance boxes, but genuinely prepare participants for the realities of the field.

Our Unique Point of Difference

Unlike many training providers, AWCC was founded by IWCF Well Control experts, making us one of the only organisations in Queensland, and possibly Australia, with such a specialised origin. Well control training has always been our “bread and butter,” and that’s what makes our programs stand apart.

We deliver internationally recognised IWCF Level 3 and 4 Well Control courses, equipping drillers and supervisors with the knowledge, skills, and certification required to operate safely and effectively in high-pressure environments.

Our industry partners consistently tell us it’s this deep understanding of what the sector truly needs, both in terms of technical quality and service, that sets AWCC apart from competitors.

From Industry Demand to Industry Leader

In 2015, AWCC became a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) at the request of major drilling contractors who were seeking a higher standard of training. Since then, we’ve delivered nationally accredited programs to leading operating companies and contractors across the oil and gas industry.

We were built because the industry asked for something better, and our ability to combine real-world rig and well control knowledge with structured, accredited training has provided that solution.

Recognised for Quality and Safety

Our commitment to excellence was further recognised when AWCC was appointed as an Approved Program Provider for Safer Together’s Industry Safety Induction (ISI). Since then, we’ve proudly overseen the rollout and continued success of the ISI program across Queensland.

This recognition reflects our core belief: that safety and competency go hand in hand, and that quality training is non-negotiable.

Why Quality Training Matters Now More Than Ever

In today’s environment, with increasing emphasis on competency management and the introduction of industrial manslaughter laws in Queensland, the stakes are high. Choosing a training provider is no longer about price or simply ticking a box. The RTO you select must deliver the kind of training that reduces incidents, empowers your workforce, and ensures every worker returns home safely.

At AWCC, that’s exactly what we deliver.

Build a Safer Future with AWCC

When it comes to well control, there’s no substitute for experience. AWCC brings decades of rig and well control expertise into the classroom, providing the industry with training that is rigorous, relevant, and reliable.

If you’re ready to partner with a training organisation that’s trusted by industry and committed to quality, explore our upcoming IWCF Well Control courses today.

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Building Safer Futures: AWCC Delivers ISI Course Weekly

At AWCC, safety is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re proud to deliver Safer Together‘s Industry Safety Induction (ISI) course every week, equipping new entrants with the essential knowledge they need to start their careers in the Oil & Gas industry.

The ISI course is a recognised, industry-developed safety program designed to set a consistent standard for all new starters. By completing the ISI, participants gain the critical awareness and confidence to work safely, contribute to their teams, and play an active role in building a stronger safety culture across the sector.

Why the ISI Matters

Industry recognised – Developed by Safer Together, endorsed by major Oil & Gas operators.

A strong foundation – Provides the safety knowledge every worker needs before stepping onto a site.

Consistency across the industry – Ensures all new starters begin with the same clear expectations and responsibilities.

Weekly Courses at AWCC

AWCC runs the ISI course weekly in Brisbane, Toowoomba, and online. It is also run in Chinchilla monthly. This flexibility makes it easier than ever for individuals and companies to enrol their teams, no matter where they’re based.

Each session brings together motivated students, many at the very start of their Oil & Gas journey, creating an engaging environment where participants learn not just from instructors, but also from one another.

At AWCC, we believe safety is the foundation of success, and we’re proud to help build that foundation every single week through the ISI course.

📌 Want to enrol?

Visit the ISI Course Page to find upcoming dates and secure your spot.

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On 10 September 2025, Brisbane hosted the DrillWell Forum for the very first time. Traditionally held in Western Australia, the forum’s move east reflects the growing importance of Queensland’s gas sector and the broader demand for innovation across the industry.
The event covered a diverse range of topics: from predictive analytics in drilling to the latest in automation, well integrity, and workover philosophy. Each presentation shared a common theme—data, technology, and process innovation are redefining how we drill, intervene, and safeguard well integrity.

Highlights included:

•  Predictive Data in Action: Origin Energy’s Max Millen demonstrated how automatic rock strength prediction is changing planning in data-limited environments.

• Integrity at the Core: Baker Hughes’ Manus Lang reinforced the role of casing integrity in gas storage wells and long-term safety.
• Automation with Accountability: Santos and SLB showcased ROP optimisation trials that saved up to 22 hours, while keeping human control central.

• Intervention Innovation: QGC’s George Pallath outlined the industry’s shift towards underbalanced workovers, supported by engineered control equivalency (ECE) and comprehensive safety layers.

• Market Update: Martin Flojgaard provided an overview of rig activity, with 21 rigs active onshore and several key offshore assets contracted into 2026.

For AWCC, the key message was clear: industry innovation must be matched by workforce readiness. Training, competence, and scenario-based learning are essential to ensuring that automation, ECE frameworks, and new well control expectations are delivered safely and effectively.
The DrillWell Forum showcased not just where the industry is heading—but also the need for collaboration between operators, service companies, and training providers to set the sector up for long-term success.

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TSBE Enterprise Evening in Toowoomba brought global vision and regional action together — and it couldn’t have been more relevant to the industries we work in at Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC).

Keynote & Panel: The Future of Cities – Nalin Mehrotra, Q5

The evening opened with a fascinating presentation from Nalin Mehrotra, who shared the story of Saudi Arabia’s NEOM “The Line” – a city originally planned at 170 km, now being built in its first stage at 2.5 km long and 500 m high. A bold vision of a car-free, AI-driven urban design where every service is within a five-minute walk.

Nalin then joined the panel to discuss the real-world challenges of delivering such ambitious projects – a reminder that even the most innovative ideas must overcome complex hurdles in planning, infrastructure, execution, and trained people.

For AWCC, this is a powerful parallel to the industries we serve, where innovation, technology, and sustainability are transforming oil, gas, and energy projects, but success still depends on skilled people managing risk, safety, and scale.

Panel: What It Takes to Draw People to a Region

Alongside Nalin, the panel featured:

Sal Petroccitto OAM, CEO of Toowoomba Regional Council — who spoke about the importance of business and council working together. At AWCC, we know collaboration across industry, government, and training providers is the engine for workforce growth.

Denis Wagner, Wagner Corporation — who highlighted how major infrastructure projects such as the race track, Wellcamp Airport, and Business Park are essential to attracting people and investment. These are the very developments that create demand for the safety-driven training we deliver.

Why This Resonates for AWCC

Just as NEOM is pushing boundaries in urban design, we’re pushing boundaries in training and workforce readiness. From Well Control and safety courses to confined space rescue and our innovation winning Turbo program, AWCC ensures that as regions like Toowoomba grow, they have the skilled people to match.

The message from the night was clear: vision needs people, and people need skills. That’s where AWCC comes in — training by industry, for industry.

Proud to be part of conversations like these, shaping both the future of our region and the industries we serve.

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From 1–5 September, Australians come together to celebrate National Women’s Health Week, an annual event dedicated to empowering women to make positive changes for their health and wellbeing. This important initiative encourages women of all ages to prioritise their physical and mental health, seek support, and take steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

At AWCC, we understand that health is the foundation of safety. In industries where resilience, focus, and wellbeing are essential, supporting women’s health is vital,  not just for individuals, but also for families, workplaces, and communities.

National Women’s Health Week highlights key areas of wellbeing, including:

• Preventive health checks – encouraging regular screenings and early detection
• Physical activity and nutrition – building strength, energy, and long-term health
• Mental health and resilience – promoting awareness, self-care, and support networks
• Workplace wellbeing – ensuring women feel safe, supported, and valued at work

As a proudly Australian-owned and operated business, AWCC recognises the importance of investing in women’s health and safety. Just as we are committed to upholding the highest standards in training and industry support, we are equally dedicated to promoting wellbeing in our communities.

This National Women’s Health Week, let’s take the time to celebrate, support, and prioritise women’s health — because when women thrive, we all thrive.

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Did you know the Australian Flag was first flown on 3 September 1901? Each year, National Flag Day is celebrated across Australia to recognise this powerful national symbol, one that reflects our history, values, and unique identity.

The Australian National Flag combines important elements of our heritage:

• The Union Jack – representing our historical ties to Britain
• The Commonwealth Star – symbolising the federation of states and territories
• The Southern Cross – showcasing our place in the Southern Hemisphere

At AWCC, as a proudly Australian-owned and operated business, we recognise the importance of what the flag represents: unity, resilience, and the spirit of Australians working together. Just as the Australian Flag stands for the strength of our nation, we are committed to upholding these values in the work we do to support our industry and communities.

This National Flag Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the history, sacrifices, and achievements the flag represents, and the pride we share in being Australian.

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