Community Blog

2013 Santos Centrals Junior Tour

Santos — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Santos continued its support of the 2013 Santos Centrals Junior Tour in the Barossa Valley this year as part of its ongoing commitment.

Over the weekend of the 13th & 14th April the Santos Centrals Junior Tour took place in the scenic Barossa Valley.

This event has been organised by the Central Districts Cycling Club for the last 46 years and is the fourth year that Santos has been the major supporter of this youth sporting event. The sponsorship is part of Santos on-going commitment to supporting community health through youth sport and cycling.

There has been growing participation and interest in cycling as a result of the success of the Santos Tour Down Under and participants in the Junior Tour were up by 20%, mainly made up of interstate entries.

The Junior Tour consisted of 3 challenging road races and an individual time trial with overall placings awarded on total time over the courses that included the classic leg melting 3km climb up Mengler Hill. The event had no safety incidents, ran seamlessly and the weekend saw good weather and great competition.

This event has a proud history with previous competitors going on to compete at the highest international level, including Stuart O’Grady, Jack Bobridge Luke Durbridge, Alex and Annette Edmondson to name a few. A group of six SA riders who competed in last year’s Junior Tour (still aged 16 years) will also be taking on the best road cyclists from around the nation when the National Road Series comes to the Adelaide Hills from 24 to 26 May.

Ian Pedler presented Jerseys to the age group winners on behalf of Santos.

Many thanks go to the Centrals Districts Cycling Club and officials, Commissaries and Volunteers responsible for running this successful event.

Record turnout for Bupa Challenge 2013

Santos — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:30:00 GMT

A record-total of 270 Santos employees took part in the 2013 Bupa Challenge Tour public ride on Friday 25 January across four distances starting in Modbury, Kersbrook, Mt Pleasant and Nuriootpa.

It was an early start for those riders undertaking the full distance of 127km beginning at 6.30am and finishing in the scenic Barossa Valley at official Stage 4 finish in Tanunda.

Riders and their families were welcomed to the Tanunda Oval with a private Santos marquee, cool drinks, fresh fruit and a special visit from The Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott.

Many of the Santos riders also participated in the Ride for a Reason campaign, raising funds for the official charity partner of the event, Cancer Council SA. Congratulations to those staff members who helped to raise a total of $13,555 this year. At the Legend’s Dinner on Saturday 26 January, Santos CEO David Knox was delighted to present the Cancer Council SA with a cheque for $15,000 to match employees’ fundraising efforts.

A special mention and congratulations go to our highest individual fundraisers:

Doug Gillott - $1,570

Barry McConnery - $1,500

Andy Moore - $1,499

As the highest fundraiser for Santos employee, Doug Gillott was invited to present the Santos Ochre Leader’s Jersey to Andy Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) who took out Stage 4 of the Santos Tour Down Under, breaking the record for the most stage wins in the race’s history.

Santos and Starlight make a young man's day at the Santos Tour Down Under

Santos — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Santos yesterday helped to make Jakeb Hordacre’s day by inviting the young cancer sufferer to ride along in peloton guest car #1 with Olympic gold medallist Shane Kelly.

Jakeb Hordacre is a 17 year old cycling fan diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2011. His mother, former Australian netball star Michelle den Dekker, says that throughout his treatment Jakeb has been a role model to other children at the Women’s and Children’s hospital. Jakeb has also been fundraising for the Starlight Foundation on his own Facebook page.

When race organisers gave Santos the opportunity to have a delegate ride in the peloton guest car for Stage 1 of the Santos Tour Down Under we offered it to the Starlight Foundation to make someone’s dreams come true. Jakeb was excited to be chosen to meet Shane Kelly, someone he has admired as a cycling fan for years. They spent the day together on Tuesday travelling alongside the peloton and soaking up the atmosphere.

Santos has been a supporter of the Starlight Foundation for many years. In 2009, Santos gave a $300,000 donation to help establish the first Starlight Foundation Express Room at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide. The Starlight Express Room completes Starlight’s vision to have a Starlight Express Room in every major paediatric hospital in Australia. Santos CEO David Knox helped officially open the room in April 2011.

To learn more about the Starlight Foundation or to donate please click here.

Santos Mereenie staff provide vital assistance in Kings Canyon bushfire

Santos — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:30:00 GMT

On January 8, residents and guests of the remote King’s Canyon resort complex in NT, 330kms west of Alice Springs and 40kms from Mereenie, awoke to the smell of smoke and the sight of fast moving flames scorching across the plains towards the isolated community.

Having little in the way of infrastructure, and with the nearest significant help over 5 hours away, NT Emergency Services contacted the nearby Santos Mereenie facility for assistance. Within minutes, Santos Senior Production Operator Paul West had obtained the appropriate legal clearances and despatched Santos Material Controller Warren Pickering and Santos Production Operator Dave Bushell to the stricken compound in order to construct several vital firebreaks around critical areas of the resort including those containing medical facilities, fuel depots and accommodation areas.

By mid afternoon, and with local and nearby community Emergency Services unable to contain the onslaught of the blaze, the order was given by NT Police to evacuate the resort and the call was sent out to the personnel at Santos’ Mereenie field to standby to receive all evacuees.

Mereenie, usually manned by between 20-25 employees, was now facing an influx of over 160 people in 30 different vehicles ranging from 40 seat tour coaches, to cars and camper trailers, all making the slow and hazardous journey under police escort across the West McDonnell ranges.

All available personnel quickly presented to the incident controller and respective emergency response roles were delegated. Personnel were placed in strategic areas to block roads, divert traffic and to undertake head counts and vehicle registration checks. As is usual at the Mereenie site, Santos personnel, catering staff and site contractors worked together as one team to assist in the implementation of the emergency response. The facility was quickly prepared to receive over 160 tourists, resort staff, members of the Lilla aboriginal community, medical staff and police (including several dogs!)

Once all evacuees were assembled and accounted for, Mereenie staff assisted the NT Police to co-ordinate a vehicle convoy to the safety of Alice Springs some 290 kms away, and provided food and accommodation for the medical and Emergency Services personnel that would be required to return to the site the next day. Fortunately, much of the infrastructure at the resort was spared from the destruction of the fires – this was in no small part the direct result of the extensive firebreaks constructed by the Mereenie personnel and equipment prior to the evacuation.

Paul West praised the actions of all concerned. “This is a great example of just how well the people on this site are able to work together with, and contribute to, the local government services and community to ensure great safety outcomes in difficult circumstances. It is a credit to everybody here on site at Mereenie and I wouldn’t expect anything less from the Mereenie team,”

Santos Tour Down Under kicks off with glory for Greipel

Santos — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Two-time Santos Tour Down Under winner Andre Greipel seized the moment to kick start his 2013 campaign in spectacular fashion to win the 51km People’s Choice Classic.

Santos volunteers helped make the opening a success with a sea of Santos hats speckling the crowd.

Our helpers gathered in the final stage booth, roamed the tour village and rode in course cars to promote Santos and celebrate the Classic.

On Saturday night the whole of Victoria Square was closed to traffic for the Santos Tour Down Under’s 15th birthday celebration, featuring team presentations and acclaimed Australian band Sneaky Sound System to entertain the crowd. This year’s race is already shaping up to be the best ever, with plenty of events and opportunities adding to the atmosphere.

Narrabri office up and running

Santos — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:30:00 GMT

About 60 guests and a number of Santos employees were on hand for the opening of Santos' new Narrabri office on December 20, 2012.

The opening coincided with the town’s annual Christmas Carnival street fair which added to the celebratory mood and allowed locals to stop in and meet the Santos team.

Energy NSW General Manager, Peter Mitchley welcomed guests before inviting Narrabri Chamber of Commerce President Richard Orr to cut the ribbon and officially open the shopfront.

The office gives Santos a prominent presence in the town’s main shopping strip which will be increasingly important as the current CSG exploration program expands and operations continue to grow and develop.

The local community team will staff the office which will also serve as an information centre for locals interested in learning more about Santos’ operations in the district and to host community presentations, meetings and information sessions.

Santos employs around 30 people in the Narrabri area, in north western NSW which is the location of Santos’ most advanced CSG activities in the state. It is also home to Santos Operations Centre which is Energy NSW’s main field base.

Pat Jonker helps Santos employees ride for a reason for the Bupa Challenge

Santos — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Former Tour Down Under winner and Aussie cycling legend Pat Jonker took time from his busy schedule to help Santos employees prepare for the Santos Tour Down Under’s Bupa Challenge Tour.

During his talk and presentation Pat spoke about tactics and gave important preparation tips for the ride. For some of Pat's tips please click here. Matt Sarre from the Cancer Council SA joined Pat to guide staff and offered tips to the group to maximise their fundraising efforts for the Ride for a Reason initiative. To show your support for this initiative and the Cancer Council SA, you can search by team or individual name and make a donation.

Prizes are on offer for teams who raise the most funds, and the highest individual Santos fundraiser will present the Ochre Leader’s Jersey at the conclusion of one of the Tour stages.

The Bupa Challenge Tour is taking place on Friday 25 January when over 270 Santos employees will participate in raising money for this vital cause.

Twelve teams of Santos employees are riding for a reason this year with all money raised to be used to fund high quality cancer research through the SA Cancer Research Collaborative.

Visit the Cancer Council Ride for a Reason website.

Santos and Somerville embark on new partnership in the Northern Territory

Santos — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Somerville strives to improve the standard of living for disadvantaged people within the community, providing temporary accommodation, disability support, family welfare programs, social work and financial counselling, with specialised bases in Katherine, Palmerston and Darwin.

The new partnership will see Santos donate a 4WD vehicle to Somerville annually, assisting with the organisation’s ability to continue its work within both local and remote communities across the Territory.

Santos Vice President WA&NT, John Anderson, said the company was thrilled to be able to assist Somerville in its quest to provide disadvantaged Territorians with ways to improve their everyday circumstances.

“We have been watching and admiring what Somerville do for the Territory’s less fortunate and we wanted to be able to help in a real and tangible way,” said Mr Anderson.

“We were also attracted by the fact that Somerville is unique to the NT; it’s a local, if you like, that knows the environment well and is focused on helping Territorians,” he continued.

“Santos is itself a local – when we were formed the NT in our name stood for ‘Northern Territory’ – so it’s great to get behind another good cause committed to the Top End.”

Santos is a long-time sponsor of the Darwin Festival, and also supports the Yalari scholarship program for Indigenous children from remote communities and, through Darwin LNG, the West Arnhem Land Fire Abatement Project. It is also the major sponsor of the Territory’s biggest community cycling event, the Santos Top End Gran Fondo.

Santos has been a long-time producer of natural gas in the NT through the Mereenie facility and is the only Australian company with an interest in the Darwin LNG plant at Wickham Point. It is also in a joint venture with French energy and environment services company GDF SUEZ to develop the Bonaparte LNG project in the Bonaparte Basin.

2012 Apprentice of the Year Awards

Santos — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The 2012 Apprentice of the Year Awards was held on the 29th of November at the Santos Centre in Adelaide.

In presenting the awards, Eastern Australia VP James Baulderstone congratulated the entire group on their commitment and acknowledged the importance of the apprenticeship program as part of our talent sourcing strategy.

This year’s award winners were:

•Santos Apprentice of the Year: Max Fountain (3rd year Mechanical – Dullingari)
•Development Award: Graham Bowen (4th year Electrical – Tirrawarra)
•Team Player: Nick Lobb (2nd year Mechanical – Fairview)

Petrina Coventry commented on the commitment and dedication of Santos tradespeople who actively mentor and pass on all of their knowledge and skills and experience.

In the week leading up to the ceremony GLNG and EABU apprentices took part in a 3 day skills based challenge led by Bill Leonard – EABU Operations Training and Development at the Santos purpose-built training centre at O’Halloran Hill Tafe.

The Skills Challenge involved teams working together on problems solving and fault finding, installation, rebuilding and commissioning of equipment. Each team nominated a ‘team lead’ and ‘safety officer’ to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of work.

The challenge program reflected real working life, with daily tool box meetings and the use of Step Back and JHA tools to ensure good job planning and identification of hazards.

The Santos Apprentice program continues to grow and develop; in 2008 we had 9 Apprentices across the business, we now have 28.

Santos Emergency Services grabs gold at the 2012 World Firefighters Games

Santos — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The Santos Emergency Services team had a highly successful run at this year’s World Firefighters Games, netting two gold medals and one silver.

The bi-annual games were held in Sydney from October 19th to the 28th.

The games this year attracted 7,000 competitors from 31 different countries who participated in 60 sporting events.

Santos entered a team of three in this year’s games competing in five sports:

•Damian Pontt (Team Captain), 82.5kg class Power lifting and 81kg class Boxing
•Brett Franklin, Indoor Rowing, Ten Pin Bowling (singles and doubles)
•Dan Solowij, Darts 501, (singles and doubles) and Ten Pin Bowling (singles and doubles)
Damian Pontt hoisted a total of 465kg to take home the gold in the 82.5kg power lifting class.

In Darts 501 (singles), Dan Solowij finished fourth in a field of over 25 competitors before grabbing gold in the doubles division.

Damian made it to the gold medal round in the 81kg boxing class of boxing but lost a close decision to settle for silver.

Brett Franklin took scored a personal best to grab 9th spot in the 1000m Indoor Rowing men’s 40+ category.

Dan and Brett were outstanding in singles bowling, finishing sixth and fourth respectively. They teamed up in doubles bowling and made it through to the top eight.

The team would like to thank sponsors Gary Grace from Chubb Fire, Mark Paneros from MBKS Group, Dennis Gregory from Viv Sports, Craig Postill from Protector Alsafe, Ali Warhurst from Skins X-Speed Boxing and a special mention to Craig Robinson from Body Science International and Tony Neill from Programs to Fit for their support and advice.

The team would like to especially thank their number one sponsor Santos for making it possible for them to compete in such events. Their continual support and generosity is second to none.

The team will now have a well earned break before embarking on the next Games campaign in 2014 in Los Angeles.

2012 Great Bike Ride draws record numbers

Santos — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The 2012 Santos Great Bike Ride for Charity attracted another big turnout for Perth cyclists, with almost 4000 riders converging on Langley Park in the Perth CBD to take part in either the 106km, 53km, or the 10km Family ride around the Swan River.

All distances recorded higher than usual participants, including the 106km ride which saw more than 900 cyclists brave the tiring double-loop around the river, up from 600 the previous year.

Those donning the Santos lycra were among the more keener participants, with 4 riders in the top 60 (out of 1713) in the 53km category; Werner Janisch coming 14th in a time of 1:24:08, James Telford finishing 28th in 1:25:08, Jen Siah taking out 52nd place in 1:26:57 and new recruit Rowan Mackay placing 56th with a time of 1:27:22.

In the 106km slog Andy Rigg came 41st overall, flying through his first lap in 1:16 (an average riding speed of 41.8km/h!).

Cyclists were encouraged to fundraise leading up to the event, with all proceeds going to three charities - Hope for Children, St John of God’s Horizon House Project and the Heart Foundation.

Santos Commercial Adviser, Erin Sutton, who participated in the 53km ride, joined Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi on stage at the conclusion of the event to congratulate riders for their participation, and commend them for their fundraising efforts. The Mayor was full of praise for Santos’ support for the event.

Joint effort on Devil Creek project wins 2012 gas award

Santos — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Two integral figures in the development of the Devil Creek domestic gas project, Apache Energy Managing Director Thomas Maher and Santos VP WA&NT John Anderson, were honoured for their work in the domestic natural gas industry, receiving the Western Australian Gas Industry Development Award for 2012.

Sponsored by North West Shelf Gas Pty Ltd and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME), the Gas Industry Development Award recognises an outstanding contribution by an individual or company toward development of the domestic gas industry in Western Australia.

CME Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith said the collaborative effort by both leaders had worked to produce Western Australia's third natural domestic gas hub, and the first built in the state in almost 20 years.

MCG officially opened for play for the Cooper Cup 2012

Santos — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The annual fundraising event for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Cooper Cup Cricket Challenge, will be held this Saturday at the MCG… the Moomba Cricket Ground that is, 1,600 kilometres away from Melbourne in the Strzelecki desert.

The hallowed turf is a windswept oval near the main gas plant, surrounded by oil and gas pipelines. This cricket is played by supporters of the RFDS, pitting cricketers from Moomba against a team of players from outlying stations. The competition is fierce but played in good spirits as everyone comes together to raise money for a service that is critical to the wellbeing of the people who live and work in Australia’s remote outback.

While in Moomba for the official opening of the Moomba-191 shale well recently, Vice President Eastern Australia James Baulderstone and the South Australian Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis joined Santos employees to test the pitch and ensure that the MCG was ready for action.

This year’s auction will take place after the epic battle, in the Moomba mess hall and hosted by renowned auctioneer Richard Ward.

In 2011, the Cooper Cup raised $110,000 and to date has raised in excess of $1.1 million dollars over the past 32 years since the inception of the event.

Visit the RFDS website to make a donation.

Kelly gang takes to the Hills

Santos — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Former Olympic cyclist Shane Kelly led a dedicated group of Santos employees on an 82-kilometre training ride in preparation for next year’s BUPA Challenge Tour as part of the 2013 Santos Tour Down Under.

A group of about 20 started at Santos’ Adelaide office and followed a challenging loop through the Adelaide Hills.

“Saturday's training ride was an absolute cracker, it was the best ride we have done so far with a very fit and motivated bunch,” Shane said.

“The ride was quite challenging for all, but we regrouped as planned and finished together after pedalling the undulating route.

The Corkscrew was the killer for me and by the time I arrived back at Flinders Street my tank was empty!”

The 2013 Santos Tour Down Under runs from 20-27 January in Adelaide and regional South Australia.

Santos wins National AbaF Partnering Award

Santos — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The National Australian Business Arts Foundation Partnering Award for companies with more than 200 employees was won by Santos and the Art Gallery of SA for their Desert Country exhibition, which has brought 40 years of the desert painting movement to public attention with a national tour.

Santos has won eight AbaF awards over the past three years, including the State Partnership prize in August and the National Partnership of the Year in 2011 for our partnership with the OzAsia Festival.

The Desert Country exhibition was the product of a three-way collaboration between Santos, the Art Gallery of SA and the indigenous community. Judges described the show as ‘the pinnacle’ of the five year partnership (2009–2013) between Santos and the Art Gallery of SA.

As one of the Australia’s largest gas producers with a long history of operations in remote Australia, Santos views the partnership as an opportunity to pay tribute to the regional landscape and to demonstrate our growing commitment to Indigenous communities.

Santos is now principal partner of the Gallery’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection. The collaboration has supported the successful Desert Country exhibition and national tour, the appointment and travel fellowship for a curator of Indigenous art, four high-quality publications, tour promotion, the acquisition of a significant work and substantial expansion of the Gallery’s online collection.

With Santos’ support, the Gallery was not only able to tour Desert Country to almost 40,000 people, it has been able to continue to build its culturally rich collection.

At the same time, Santos has been able to demonstrate its commitment to Indigenous people and communities in a meaningful way.

Nick Mitzevich, Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia said, ‘Santos’ business in remote parts of Australia has made it an important contributor to the communities where it works over many years and through our partnership and in particular the Desert Country exhibition, it is adding to the broader community’s understanding and appreciation of the stunning art of remote Australia.’

GLNG provides $250,000 for Gladstone’s iconic PCYC

Santos — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Gladstone’s PCYC (Police-Citizens Youth Club) will be given a much needed upgrade after receiving $250,000 in funding from Santos GLNG today.

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman joined GLNG CEO Mark Macfarlane to officially handover the cheque at the GAPDL (Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd) October Business Enterprise Luncheon.

Mark said the funding would enable the iconic youth club to modernise its current services and facilities for the local community.

“This is a place that many young locals come to and is a vital hub for the community. That’s why it’s so important that it’s kept in good condition.”

“The upgrade will include a refurbishment of the building, landscaping, installation of security facilities, multi-media displays, upgrade of the cafe and other facilities within the complex,” Mark said.

Gladstone PCYC branch manager John Kendall said this was a long-term investment from GLNG in what is the only multi-purpose venue in the region.

“It’s been over 10 years since the club has been upgraded and it’s well overdue for a revamp,” Mr Kendall said.

“We believe this revamp will definitely encourage more kids, community groups, and local businesses to be part of the PCYC which in turn allows us to provide more and more services for the community.

“We are really appreciative of GLNG for supporting us and giving us the opportunity to expand our business within the community.”

Gladstone’s PCYC is a not-for-profit organisation that relies on income generated from its services, membership, and events along with donations to operate and maintain its facilities.

It provides youth services, welfare programs, childcare facilities, health and fitness facilities and function rooms for events and conferences.

This funding is part of GLNG’s Social Impact Management Plan which will see more than $200 million invested into local communities.

Adelaide Cooper Cup fundraiser raises $4,500 for RFDS

Santos — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The first Adelaide office Cooper Cup fundraiser has raised $4,500 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Held on Friday, 12 October, the event netted $2,000 in raffle ticket sales, $2,000 in merchandise sales & $500 in donations to provide the perfect start to the 2012 Cooper Cup.

The raffle was drawn at 2pm on Friday, with the following ticket holders taking home the top 3 prizes:

1st Family pass to ASO event: Lord of the Rings – Fuad Nehme

2nd 4.5KG Toblerone Choc Bar – Ben Moretti

3rd Garmin GPS – Jared Muller

Congratulations to all the raffle winners & thank you to everyone who supported the day!

2012 OzAsia Festival wrap-up

Santos — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:30:00 GMT

The 2012 OzAsia Festival drew to a triumphant close on the weekend, with nearly 20,000 people attending the event finale, the Moon Lantern Parade.

The award winning celebration of cultural diversity played host to 20 performances and 73 events featuring 300 artists and presenters, and boasted four world premieres, four Australian premieres, four South Australian premieres and seven Australian exclusives.

As major festival partner, Santos leveraged numerous hospitality opportunities to invite a wide range of stakeholders at various performances, events and dinners.

Approximately 150 staff members actively participated in exclusive Santos/OzAsia workshops, including lantern making, Taiko drumming and Bollywood dancing, as well as the Moon Lantern Parade.

ASO and Santos extend partnership to 2014

Santos — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Santos today reaffirmed its status as Principal Partner of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, announcing a new three-year, partnership that continues its support of the ASO from 2012 to 2014 inclusive.

The milestone announcement, made at the orchestra’s 2013 Season Launch, represents South Australia’s largest business-arts partnership and the ASO’s most significant sponsorship in its 75-year history.

This partnership, which celebrates its 15th year in 2013, ensures the longevity of the free Santos Symphony Under the Stars summer concert and lays the foundation for the diverse and varied concerts in the ASO’s annual program.

Santos Chief Executive Officer David Knox welcomed the three-year extension of the partnership with this South Australian cultural icon.

“Santos is very proud to continue its Principal Partnership with the internationally renowned Adelaide Symphony Orchestra,” Mr Knox said.

“Our long-standing relationship is this state’s largest business-arts partnership and reflects Santos’ commitment to making a difference to the communities where we operate.

“The ASO truly enriches the community through the vision, dedication and inspiration that it brings to every performance.”

ASO Chief Executive Barbara George says, “We are inspired by the energy that Santos brings to our partnership, its dedicated team and visionary leadership. To Santos we say Bravo!”

Santos Energy NSW working in partnership to support rural youth development

Santos — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Santos has supported a local Narrabri training and employment initiative entitled “Make It Work: Sharing Workers Locally Program” by hosting two Rural trainees, Jarryd and Trevor Lucas, within our Operations and Logistics team at Narrabri.

Designed by the Narrabri Shire Council, this innovative program targets local rural youth and is designed to support skills development and employment pathways in rural areas and the achievement of nationally recognised Certificate 3 level qualifications in Rural Operations.

Rob Puckridge from the EABU Operations Training and Development team worked with the Narrabri Shire Council and the ENSW site leadership team to develop a training plan for Jarryd and Trevor to ensure a solid overview of logistics, stores, operations and EHS within our industry.

Santos’ Team Leader Narrabri Operations Kym Bailey celebrated the program’s success and Santos’s support for the program. “Santos is very proud to be associated with this initiative as a part of our ongoing commitment to supporting local economic development and employment opportunities”.

The program graduation ceremony was held on 5 September, celebrating the success of the program and recognising the achievements of all trainees and the involvement of key host employers.

Trainee Trevor Lucas thanked all industry partners for their contributions and the employment opportunities offered on behalf of graduates.

Kings Park Santos Family Day

Santos — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 14:30:00 GMT

A record crowd gathered on grassy slopes for the launch of the 2012 Kings Park Festival last Sunday, with winners of the 2012 WA Music Industry Award for best funk band, the Brow Horn Orchestra, kicking off the Festival’s Santos Live Sundays.

The Festival was officially opened a little earlier in the day by WA Environment Minister, Bill Marmion, with Santos’ John Anderson also addressing the crowd on what was a spectacularly sunny spring day.

“We are delighted to bring Santos Live Sundays to the Kings Park Festival again this year,” John told the audience. “Santos is proud to be associated with such an iconic park.”

Santos hosted a function where staff and fellow industry members, along with their families, enjoyed a picnic lunch, face painting and visits from the Festival’s roving mascots “The Adorable Florables".

This is Santos’ third year as major supporter of the Kings Park Festival, which will run throughout September and into October.

Double Win for 2012 Santos Tour Down Under

Santos — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:30:00 GMT

The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under was named the Best Sporting Event and Best Tourism Event at the prestigious Australian Event Awards in Sydney last night.

Santos Chief Executive David Knox congratulated the State Government and Events South Australia on the Tour’s fourth year of being honoured at the awards.

“Our announcement in January to extend our naming rights sponsorship until 2016 proves our dedication to the event that brings the state so much energy and vibrancy and showcases South Australia’s beautiful regions to a global audience.”

In 2012, the Santos Tour Down Under attracted a total of 760,600 spectators, with more than 36,100 cycling fans visiting South Australia specifically for the event.

The 2013 Santos Tour Down Under marks the 15th anniversary of the race and will be held from 20 – 27 January 2013.

>>Link to Herald Sun article - Cycling festival Tour Down Under voted Australia's best sporting event

OzAsia 2012 opens tonight!

Santos — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:30:00 GMT

The sixth OzAsia Festival will open tonight with a performance of Fearless Nadia, an art exhibition in the Art Space Gallery and the Art Gallery of SA’s Asian Art After Dark event.

OzAsia is a celebration of contemporary Asian culture embracing food, film, dance, music, drama and art, and serves to build the cultural understanding between Australia and its regional neighbours.

Santos’ award-winning partnership with the OzAsia Festival complements the company’s significant and growing presence in the Asian region, through its operations and business partners.

And as part of Santos’ sponsorship, our employees will be getting involved in family-oriented workshops and the free Moon Lantern Festival event.

Santos staff support students to take the next steps for a brighter future

Santos — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:30:00 GMT

More than 50 Santos employees have contributed 100 volunteer hours this year to help disadvantaged young people reach their full potential through the Smith Family’s Next Steps workshops.

The programs are designed to show students, primarily in Year 10, the benefits that come from completing their secondary schooling and to help them to plan life beyond school.

Santos has been a major partner with The Smith Family in South Australia for the past three years, with employees undertaking three two-day Next Steps workshops each year, and providing one-on-one mentoring through the 20-week iTrack program.

“We know that education is the key to breaking the poverty cycle,” said Paul Morton from The Smith Family.

“Having companies like Santos who are prepared to mentor and coach young people from disadvantaged backgrounds is an important step in improving their life outcomes.

“First, we need to encourage them to go as far as they can with their schooling, and even take on some post-school education or training,” said Paul.

“Most young people find the job market rather daunting, and this is especially so for the young people who do Next Steps. The program works through the jobs that are available and identifies the educational requirements.

Focus on the future

“It’s a challenge to be motivated and driven when you do have an understanding of what job you might like – but it’s doubly hard when you have no idea what you want to do when you leave school,” said Santos’ Recruitment Adviser Caroline Rosenthal who conducts part of the workshop

“We focus on helping the students work out what they want to do when they finish school by getting them to identify what they like doing, what they are good at and seeing if they might be able to use that as a basis for a career.

“We then take them through resume preparation explaining how to build a good resume,” she said.

Caroline explains to the students that the role of a resume is to get them an interview. It’s therefore important to have work experience and volunteer work to show you’ve developed skills that make you ‘work-ready’.

After the students work through preparing a resume and how to apply for a job, they must undertake a mock interview. The majority of the students have never done a job interview….and are terrified by the thought of doing one!

The mock interviews are conducted by Santos employees – and while done in a friendly and supportive environment – they give many of the students their first taste of a real interview with tough questions. Most surprise themselves with how well they do and after the interview are often heard saying what an excellent experience it was.

Staff share their stories

It’s a tough first day for the students, but they get rewarded with a more fun day on day two. It starts off with a visit to the Santos gym for a talk on the importance of being fit and healthy and a short circuit class. Next the students get to hear the life stories of several Santos employees. While all have succeeded, many had rocky starts. The last part of the workshop involves touring Santos Centre, visiting the core laboratory, hearing how we find oil and gas and concluding with more on health and wellbeing and the importance for students of getting enough sleep.

“Next Steps is a great program and one that is really helping young people,” said Kathryn Mitchell from Public Affairs who organises and facilitates the workshops.

“The students volunteer to participate and we are seeing numbers of participants from each school grow every year. Initially we had groups of about 12 – 16, but now we are consistently getting groups of 20 or 21 students,” she said.

Tayla aged 15 from Craigmore High School said: “I really enjoy listening to other people’s experiences. I found that interesting. And I enjoyed the practice interview and the tour.”

The high schools who visit Santos for Next Steps are Craigmore, Christies Beach, Kaurna Plains, Whyalla, Seaford and Mark Oliphant College.

Special thanks to all the Santos staff who generously donated their time.

WA energy sector raises $34,500 for Homeless Connect

Santos — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:30:00 GMT

A cheque for $34,500 – raised at the second Santos Oil and Gas Industry Charity Quiz in June – was presented to Homeless Connect at the Petroleum Club of WA AGM last night.

The charity quiz was well attended by members of the Petroleum Club of WA and Santos staff alike and raised $8,500 more than last year’s inaugural event. There were 43 tables at the 2012 quiz night up from the first year in 2011 when there was 29.

Homeless Connect is the chosen staff charity of Santos’ Perth office, and provides a unique opportunity for community to participate in offering assistance to those in need.

The money raised from the quiz night will help fund this year’s Homeless Connect Day in Perth on 14 November, when Perth’s homeless come to a one-stop-shop to get new clothes, shoes, medical and dental check-ups, food, a haircut, and photos of themselves to send to loved ones.

Santos staff from the Perth office will once again be on hand to help at this year’s event.

Homeless Connect Australia aims to provide those in need with a step on the path out of homelessness. Each year, it runs Homeless Connect Day events around the country and aims to provide information and connection to essential and ongoing services including housing, employment, government assistance and legal services.

Santos wins eighth AbaF Award

Santos — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Santos and the Art Gallery of SA received the prestigious Australian Business Arts Foundation SA Partnering Award at a ceremony held last night at Government House.

Santos has won seven AbaF awards over the past three years, including National Partnership of the Year in 2011 for our partnership with the OzAsia Festival.

This year’s award, the company’s fourth consecutive award in South Australia, recognised the three-way partnership between Santos, the Art Gallery of SA and the indigenous community to develop the acclaimed Desert Country exhibition, which judges described as ‘the pinnacle of a significant partnership.’

The exhibition first opened in Adelaide in 2010 and is currently on display at the University of Queensland Art Museum in Brisbane, capping a national tour of Australia through regions where Santos operates.

Santos VP Strategy and Corporate Development Peter Cleary and Santos Manager Community and Corporate Responsibility Stuart Symons accepted the award on the company’s behalf.

Upon receiving the award, Stuart said ‘We’re particularly pleased with this recognition of our support for Desert Country because the exhibition delivers benefits to all three partners, and reflects our ongoing commitment to working with Aboriginal communities in a way that respects their cultures and supports the development of their communities.’

Employee generosity in full bloom

Santos — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Santos employees have been busy fundraising in Adelaide for both the Cancer Council and Sight for All, two fantastic not for profit Australian agencies.

Santos employees in Adelaide have raised $1,632 on Daffodil Day last Friday 24 August which has been donated to the Cancer Council SA. Staff set up a stall in the Santos Centre lobby to sell merchandise and accept donations from employees and visitors throughout the morning. The money raised will fund cancer research, support and prevention programs such as the Cancer Council Helpline (13 11 20) which takes over 6,000 calls a year from South Australians seeking answers to cancer-related questions or access to support services.

This year Daffodil Day aims to raise over $9.2 million to fund the cancer control initiatives, patient support and research services of Cancer Councils eight state and territory member organisations.

The Cancer Council SA also benefited from the auction of Mark Gunter photographs from the Tour de France and the Santos Tour Down Under, which raised $1,300. Two very keen Adelaide Santos employees emerged from a hotly contested auction as the winners. Bids went to the wire with six bids made in the last 30 minutes right up to the midnight deadline.

Sight for All, which provides ophthalmic training and health care to Aboriginal communities and communities in Asia, will receive $1,900 in proceeds from the auction of Aboriginal Power Cup guernseys. Twice as many guernseys were sold this year compared to last year, with 20 being bought by Santos staff in Adelaide, Moomba, Ballera and Brisbane.

These efforts combined make a total of $4,832 that has been raised by Santos employees in the past few months through our workplace community support for charity. Congratulations to all who picked up a guernsey, brought some merchandise, made donations or bid for the photographs and many thanks for your support.

Over 400 riders tackle inaugural Santos Top End Gran Fondo

Santos — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:30:00 GMT

More than 430 cyclists squeezed on the Lycra on Sunday 12 August for the inaugural Santos Top End Gran Fondo.

Riders from as far away as Tokyo and Alaska battled strong winds in the 140km cycle, the Northern Territory’s biggest community bike ride.

The event began with a ferry ride across Darwin Harbour, to the start line at Mandorah on the Cox Peninsula, and finished at Darwin’s picturesque waterfront. In between lay long flat stretches of road, the first 90km of which were accompanied by a cruel headwind. Cyclists also had to battle the heat and the odd stray dog and dingo.

At the post-ride formalities, the NT Chief Minister Paul Henderson praised Santos for supporting the event and the Top End. Team Santos had six participants, the fastest time posted by Michael Hackett in 4 hours, 44 minutes and 25 seconds. The slowest was 6 hours and 15 minutes. It was a long, hot day and in the words of one participant, ‘the Adelaide Hills never sounded so good.’

Charleville district launches 'Stay on Track Outback'

Santos — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:30:00 GMT

The Charleville Police District has launched ‘Stay on Track Outback’, a Santos-sponsored outback road safety campaign designed to address local road safety issues.

Recent significant increases to heavy and four wheel drive vehicles sharing the roads with tourist caravan traffic has created new challenges in terms of road safety for police, the community and industries.

The campaign features three animated commercials using outback Australian flora and fauna to get the outback road safety message across. The commercials will be broadcast on Imparja Television in Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory, encompassing several areas where Santos has a presence.

Santos’ support of the campaign is part of our ongoing commitment to promoting safety, both within the company as well as the communities in which we operate.

Desert Country opens in Brisbane

Santos — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:30:00 GMT

The Santos-sponsored Desert Country exhibition opened earlier this month at the University of Queensland Art Museum in Brisbane.

The exhibition features 57 works by 54 Aboriginal artists. Artworks in Desert Country range from the early canvases of the Papunya Tula artists, and the latest works to emerge from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in far northwest South Australia.

Among the highlights is the profoundly powerful collaborative work by Pitjantjatjara artists Kunmanara Queama and Hilda Moodoo, Destruction I, which depicts the mushroom cloud of the Maralinga atomic tests of the 1950s that forced them to evacuate their lands.

In opening the exhibition, Santos Manager Community and Corporate Responsibility Stuart Symons said: ‘This marks the culmination of a million dollar partnership to fund the two-year tour of this stunning collection of Aboriginal art across Australia.

‘Many Santos employees feel a strong connection to Australia’s desert country and Aboriginal people, having worked in the company’s remote operations for decades. Our support of Desert Country acknowledges this connection and provides valuable insight into the cultures with which the company continues to operate and engage.’

This tour is part of Santos’ ongoing efforts to help make the Art Gallery of South Australia’s unique collection of desert painting more accessible to a national audience. The tour was designed to encompass the many Australian communities in which Santos operates, beginning in Adelaide then visiting Perth, regional Victoria and New South Wales before reaching Brisbane.

Santos support of Desert Country complements our significant support of the arts in Queensland, through partnerships with the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, and the Brisbane Festival.

It also represents Santos’ commitment to working with Aboriginal communities in a way that respects their cultures and supports the development of their communities.

Santos Opening Concert kicks off Darwin Festival

Santos — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 14:30:00 GMT

The 2012 Darwin Festival got off to a flying start with the Santos Opening Concert attracting one of its biggest crowds in recent years.

The free community event was headlined by indie group San Cisco, an instant hit with concert-goers, many of whom rushed to the front of the stage and formed what one local described as “Darwin’s biggest ever mosh pit.” A couple of fans even took to the stage before being directed back to the ‘pit’.

Other acts included local Indigenous group Nabarlek – the garage band that never had a garage – and one of the country’s most talked about new outfits, The Medics. Prior to the concert, Santos hosted a function in the Festival’s Spiegeltent with guests including the Northern Territory Chief Minister, Paul Henderson, the Shadow Resources Minister, Kezia Purick and senior government bureaucrats. The Chief Minister took time out from the NT election campaign to those assembled that Territorians were very appreciative of Santos’ long support for the Festival.

Santos WA&NT Vice President John Anderson emphasised the important of the NT to the company, describing the Cooper Basin as its front yard and the Territory as its back yard. “And we know how much Australians love their back yard,” he said.

Santos community partners embrace National Science Week

Santos — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 14:30:00 GMT

An annual celebration of science in Australia, National Science Week is an opportunity to join together to enjoy and explore the wonders and benefits of science. The 2012 program commenced 11 August and runs until 19 August.

The event provides an opportunity for every South Australian to participate in events and activities that showcase science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation in our State.

Santos is proud sponsor of the Science Alive! program held on the opening weekend of National Science Week. More events continue this week at many of Santos’ community partners, including:

The Fame Algorithm
A guide you on maths’ modern adventure to the dark side with this stand-up comedy show

Science Alive! Careers Day
The Science Alive! Careers Day is a great opportunity for high school students and their teachers to become immersed in a wide range of science-related activities for a half day or a full day. It involves a mixture of careers presentations, science shows and interactive learning opportunities provided by over 30 science-related organizations.

Science Alive! Cabaret
A cabaret event where both jazz and science meet.

Science Alive!
Science Alive! Is now in its seventh year and 2012 promises to be better than ever before! Hands-on fun aimed at people of all ages.

The Art of Science
A day of art-science workshops, performances, short film, tours and displays

Science as a Human Endeavour
Work with a specialist scientific illustrator to draw and describe specimens from the South Australian Museum’s diverse collections.

Science in the City student workshops
Investigate how the visual arts have many connections to science.

Grave matters: Unlocking Medieval History with Rocks
Explore the science of Geoarchaeology.

Science meets CINEMA
A showcase of the best entries from this year’s International Festival of Science films.

Secrets of Alice in Wonderland
An online event designed to explain the mathematical wonders of the famous Lewis Carroll story, Alice in Wonderland.

Sir Charles Todd Symposium
Sir Charles Todd work as a South Australian pioneer in astronomy, telecommunications and electrical engineering will be explored in this symposium.

The Art of Conservation
Artist Kerryn Hockings showcases her talents in pastel and passion for conservation.

EABU launches oil and gas production traineeship

Santos — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Santos' Eastern Australia Business Unit has launched a new oil and gas operations training initiative as part of their strategy to enable EABU business performance by developing a highly skilled and capable workforce. Upon completion of this structured and targeted 30 month training program, trainees will achieve a Certificate 3 qualification in oil and gas production operations.

The program is an initiative of the Operations Training and Development team and will be led by our site based production trainers and workplace assessors David Butler and George Jeffrey. David and George will manage the training and development of each trainee with clear expectations and milestones for success as well as structured coaching to support development.

The program is structured with a combination of classroom and skills based training supplemented by work based learning at various sites supported by more experienced operators. This will be underpinned by our mature enterprise competency based training system.

Orientation and induction commenced on 6 August in the Adelaide office. The trainees will travel to the site over the next 2 weeks to begin their work placements. Trainees will then be hosted in quarterly placements across South Australian oil and gas production facilities to build experience and capability.

EABU Manager Operations Strategy Dennis Vail said, “This program complements our competency-based training system and apprentice program and directly supports our strategy to build an operations talent pipeline for the future. Well done to the Operations Training and Development team who have sourced a group of highly talented and diverse individuals, all of whom are local South Australians. I look forward to the success of the program and the growth and development of our trainees”.

SALA at Santos Centre

Santos — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 14:30:00 GMT

For the second year, the Santos Centre foyer has been transformed into an art space for the annual SALA Festival – South Australian Living Artists.

This year's artist is Margaret Worth, an award-winning artist and designer who has exhibited in the prestigious Tokyo Biennale, Adelaide Biennial, Sydney Perspecta and Fleurieu Biennale.

Margaret draws on her an interest in geography for her inspiration. Her works reflect experiences of land, energy and culture as they coalesce in different localities.

They are derived from working with the people who make the land their life. Equally, their lives mark the land. The common connection throughout these works is the energy that lies within the land and what it provides.

SALA brings together 3,453 visual artists throughout 520 unique and creative spaces spanning the heart and breadth of South Australia.

The event runs from 3 – 26th August, 2012.

The full program is available at: www.salafestival.com

Santos Great Bike Ride for Charity partnership extended

Santos — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Santos is delighted to announce it has renewed its partnership with the Santos Great Bike Ride for Charity, which will see the company remain as naming rights sponsor for another three years.

Since its commencement in 2004, the Santos Great Bike Ride for Charity has established itself as one of Western Australia’s premier community cycling events. Against the backdrop of the iconic Swan River, the ride caters to cyclists of all abilities by offering three different distances including a 106km, 53km or 10km Family Ride.

Owned by the Rotary Club of Perth, the event raises awareness and essential funds for its three charities: Horizon House, Hope for Children and the Heart Foundation.

Santos WA&NT VP John Anderson said the company was pleased to renew its partnership with an event promoting good health that appealed to all members of the community, big and small.

“There’s the family ride for Mum and Dad and the kids as well as the longer distances for the keener cyclists and corporate participants, and all for a good cause,” John said.

The extension of the partnership with the Santos Great Bike Ride for Charity strengthens the company’s portfolio of community cycling events around Australia, including the Santos North Western Tour in New South Wales, Santos Top End Gran Fondo in Darwin and Santos GLNG Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge, all of which complement the Santos Tour Down Under UCI WorldTour event in Adelaide.

Come and Try 2012

Santos — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Almost 80 Santos employees ripped through the floorboards at the Adelaide Velodrome last Sunday, at the ‘Come and Try Day’ hosted exclusively for Santos by Cycling SA*.

With the launch of the 2013 Santos Tour Down Under earlier last week and the excitement of the Tour De France, not to mention the London 2012 Olympics being now only a few weeks away, it seemed only fitting for Santos to find inspiration in track cycling during the cold winter months.

Hosted by four-time world track champion Shane Kelly and Commonwealth Games champion Jason Niblett, the event gave employees the opportunity to try their track speed and defy gravity on the state-of-the-art, 43° banked circuit.

Both Shane and Jason led the teams on the track climbing higher and higher to the bank, allowing the cyclists to familiarise themselves with their ‘pista’ bikes and the track.

After an hour, the cyclists stopped for a quick break. Shane and Jason enjoyed entertaining participants with Olympic yarns and general cycling tips; inspiration for another turn at the track and into ‘serious mode’, pushing the pista’s to their limits.

Shane Kelly was clearly impressed with how quickly the Santos crew gained confidence, commenting “it was very encouraging to work with such a great group of people that were so eager to get out and have a go”.

Also, keeping with the cycling theme, you may have noticed a few cycling shots in the foyer this week. These have been photographed by Mark Gunter, winner of the Cycling Australia photograph of the year, four of the past eight years.

*Santos is Cycling SA's Community Partner supporting many aspects of the sport from junior teams right through to the Santos Tour Down Under.

Santos celebrates NAIDOC Week

Santos — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Santos is celebrating NAIDOC Week, being held across Australia from 1-8 July, recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We’re especially pleased that Dieri painter Mandy Tuipulotu has joined us for the week as an artist-in-residence, and has a temporary studio in our foyer.

Mandy, who is a Director of the Dieri Aboriginal Corporation, presented Santos CEO David Knox with one of her paintings in 2011 at the signing of the cultural heritage management plan recognising the significance of traditional owners in the management and protection of cultural heritage in the Dieri native title claim area of the Cooper Basin.

We also have a selection of paintings and handicrafts on display from Better World Arts, a local award-winning company dedicated to promoting the work of traditional artists and craftspeople from around the world, that are available for purchase.

NAIDOC stands for the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated by all Australians.

Santos is committed, through its Aboriginal Engagement Policy, to achieving enduring and mutually beneficial relationships with the Aboriginal communities in which we operate.

For more information about NAIDOC Week, visit www.naidoc.org.au

University of Adelaide Formula SAE nabs a park in our foyer

Santos — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 14:30:00 GMT

As major sponsor, we’re privileged to have had the University of Adelaide Motorsport Formula SAE car on display in the Santos Centre foyer earlier this month.

Santos has been a supporter of the University’s Formula SAE team for the past 5 years. The team participates in a University- based competition run by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Each year teams from around the world design, build and race a vehicle in accordance with SAE rules.

While an initiative of the School of Mechanical Engineering, the team also draws upon the skills of a diverse cross-section of male and female students from the disciplines of Electrical Engineering, Marketing and Finance as well as Mechanical Engineering. The team now includes up to 30 students drawn from all year levels.

Two Mechanical Engineering Honours projects are currently being conducted by senior team members, which allows the team to draw upon their knowledge and experience.

Over the years, Santos’ sponsorship has supported the team’s efforts in the vital areas of engineering innovation, testing and the all-important area of safety.

The sponsorship supports Santos’ graduate recruitment strategy by building relationships with potential employees and underscores our commitment to working with the community to develop the next generation of professionals with the energy to make things happen.

Santos North Western Tour off to a great start

Santos — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:30:00 GMT

The inaugural Santos North Western Tour kicked off on June 21 in Narrabri, the home of Santos’ Operations Centre in the heart of ENSW's CSG activities.

Stage 1 was a prologue featuring a ride down the town's main shopping street. Santos ran a Best Decorated Business competition and several local stores got into the swing with race-themed window displays. The second stage was a criterium around Narrabri, with substantial crowds enjoying both the race and the hospitality offered by Santos as well as the local Lions and Rotary Clubs.

On Day 2, the Tour started in Coonabarabran before winding its way more than 100km through the countryside to finish at the Siding Spring Observatory high in the Warrumbungle Mountains. One of the highlights en route was the little town of Tooraweenah (pop. 372), where it seemed all the locals turned out and schoolchildren lined the streets as the riders came through.

On Saturday the riders raced from Coonabarabran to Gunnedah, the site of Santos' original NSW office and home of many of Sam Crafter's Community Relations team. This leg also incorporated an annual community race, so all in all more than 400 riders finished in picturesque Wolseley Park in the heart of Gunnedah. That night SBS host of Cycling Central, Mike Tomalaris, hosted a dinner at the Town Hall for about 200 Cyclists and guests.

On the final day of the Tour teams raced from Gunnedah to Tamworth. The women's stage was won by Ashlee Ankudinoff, but the overall Tour winner was Ruth Corset, of the Pensar-Hawk racing team.

The finish of the men's race was decided by a Dash for Cash by one member from each of the 25 teams, due to safety concerns for the full 150-strong pack’s ability to fit within the closed section of the road. It was a dramatic finish, with Joe Lewis from the RBS Morgans team just edging out the rest of the riders. Mark O'Brien from the Budget Forklifts team retained his overall lead to follow up his recent Tour of Toowoomba win and become inaugural SNW Tour champion.

Overall, the event more than lived up to expectations, with outstanding riding and community participation delivering a great experience this year and promising even bigger and better things from tours to come. Race highlights can be seen on SBS's Cycling Central Program on Sunday, 1 July at 5pm.

Santos staff raises over $7k in the Asthma Foundation’s 2012 Take a Breather Charity Challenge

Santos — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Santos employees raised more than $7,170 for the Asthma Foundation’s 2012 Take a Breather Charity Challenge last weekend.

Santos had 23 teams entered (25% up on last year) comprising of 79 employees, family and friends, all taking to the trails of Second Valley Reserve, about 90mins out of Adelaide.

Rogaining is an outdoor strategy and adventure sport for all ages, in which participants walk, run or ride in teams of two to five, navigating with map and compass to collect hidden markers. Courses range in distance from 5km to 40km.

Santos’ highest fundraiser team, Santos Easy riders consisting of Robert Mulyk, Marcus Clements, Craig Feely and Todd Pontifex raised an outstanding total of $1,295 and were the 10th highest fundraisers overall.

All funds raised will go towards Asthma Research scholarships, providing free Asthma Control Packs and providing asthma emergency training to sporting and recreation clubs.

Santos Perth joins Clontarf in 700km fundraising ride

Santos — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Staff from the Santos Perth office have put their foot to the pedal in the gruelling Gibb Challenge in support of community partner, the Clontarf Foundation.

James Telford, Steve Robertson, Neil Beevers and Ed Pugh joined eight boys and three staff from East Kimberley Clontarf Academy in a 700+km ride along the rugged Gibb River Road in the north-west of Western Australia.

The ‘it’s not a race’ event started with a safety briefing and an introduction to the Ryan Marron Foundation, the fund for which everyone was riding (Ryan Marron was a policeman working in the Kimberley when he was infected with a mosquito-borne virus that has left him severely debilitated). It finished with a reminder that if you found the days uncomfortable and the nights a little cold, then ‘harden up Princess’!

The ride started on bitumen in Derby but soon switched to gravel and sand. The cyclists also battled an unrelenting headwind and for the first three days, a constant climb. Natural waterholes provided some soothing relief (and the only opportunity to wash!) at the end of the first four days and on the last day, our intrepid cyclists crossed the Pentecost River when en route from Home Valley Station (of Baz Luhrman’s ‘Australia’ fame) to El Questro station.

Team Santos formed a tight bond with the Clontarf crew and, despite the soreness and thick covering of dust, they were sad to say goodbye to their young companions and the beautiful scenery of the Kimberley when the ride concluded at El Questro, about 50km from Kununurra.

With the help of friends and family, the whole team managed to raise nearly $2,500 for the Ryan Marron Foundation, a target reached with the assistance of James buying his own sunglasses case...twice!

The Clontarf Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to improve the education, self esteem, life skills and employment prospects of young Aboriginal men.

2012 Aboriginal Power Cup Grand Final results

Santos — Thu, 31 May 2012 14:30:00 GMT

As major sponsor of the Aboriginal Power Cup, Santos is proud to put its energy into fueling goals for hundreds of South Australian indigenous students.

This year two schools realised their dream of playing in the Aboriginal Power Cup Grand Final in front of thousands of fans at AAMI Stadium.

Now in its fifth year, the Aboriginal Power Cup combines an Australian Rules Football Carnival and a two-semester study program in a unique program that has a growing record of encouraging Indigenous students to complete their secondary education.

‘While the football is important, and the ultimate prize is getting to play on AMMI Stadium, it’s not all about football,’ said Santos’ VP Eastern Australia James Baulderstone.

‘The students must complete set assignments, achieve a high level of school attendance and meet strict behavioral requirements over two-semesters in order to be eligible to play in the Final. And the reward for all their hard work is to play on AMMI Stadium as a curtain raiser to the Power’s AFL Indigenous Round clash with North Melbourne.’

Over 300 South Australian indigenous students from 25 high schools participated in this year’s carnival, with Murray Bridge High School meeting Salisbury High School in both the boys and girls Grand Finals.

The Aboriginal Power Cup Grand Final boys competition was taken out by Salisbury High School (11.8.74) to Murray Bridge High School (8.9.57), and the girls competition by Murray Bridge High School (7.9.51) to Salisbury High School (3.5.23).

Salisbury High School also took out the SA Government’s Curriculum Excellence Award, the Santos Staff Leadership Award and the SAPOL Best War Cry Award

Other winners at the Aboriginal Power Cup were:

• The UniSA Best Guernsey Design went to Coober Pedy Area School and Maree Aboriginal School

• The Solid Team Award went to Windsor Gardens Vocational College (girls) and Murray Bridge High School (boys)

• The SANFL Best Football Team Award went to Port Augusta Secondary School (girls) and Le Fevre High School and Ocean View High School (boys)

Santos has supported the Aboriginal Power Cup since 2010 as its major sponsor. As well as providing vital funds, 30 Santos employees helped at the Carnival by staffing our Careers Expo site, delivering Leadership workshops, goal umpiring or just cheering on the teams.

Santos GLNG New Sponsor of Queensland’s Biggest Bike Ride

Santos — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Santos GLNG is saddling up as the Principal Sponsor of Queensland’s biggest bike ride - the newly-named Santos GLNG Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge.

More than 10,000 cyclists are expected to take part in the 100km ride, organised by Bicycle Queensland.

Bicycle Queensland Manager, Ben Wilson, said he was pleased to have Santos GLNG on board for the ride.

“Santos is already identified in the international cycling community with the Santos Tour Down Under, so the fit of Santos GLNG beside Queensland’s biggest bike ride is snug,” he said.

“Bicycle Queensland has long been impressed by their involvement in the cycling community and commitment to encouraging staff in Queensland to cycle.”
President Santos GLNG Mark Macfarlane said he was proud to be partnering with Bicycle Queensland to sponsor the Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge.

“We are pleased to support this event as part of a large portfolio of arts and community partnerships,” Mr. Macfarlane said.

“We have a high percentage of our team who are heavily involved in the cycling community and I look forward to their participation on 7 October.

“Our team enjoys a challenge. We’re bringing together people and technology on a size and scale never seen before to deliver the Santos GLNG Project.”

Now in its eighth year, the event aims to get people cycling and raise valuable funds for Diabetes Queensland and the Heart Foundation.

The Santos GLNG Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge is on Sunday 7 October and entries open on 18 June.

SA Premier honours Santos for community excellence

Santos — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Santos VP Eastern Australia James Baulderstone delivered the keynote address at the SACOME annual industry dinner earlier this week at which Santos was honoured with a 2012 Premier’s Community Excellence Award in Mining and Energy.

The Premier’s Community Excellence Awards in Mining and Energy recognise that resource companies contribute not just economically but also socially to the South Australian community. They represent an opportunity for companies to be publicly acknowledged for their achievements, and also for the industry as a whole to showcase their commitment to community excellence.

In 2011, Santos invested $7.1 million into 75 community partnerships in South Australia. During the year, more than 550 Santos employees donated nearly 3,000 hours of their time at Santos-sponsored events or programs and over 100 Santos employees contributed skills and time to 10 different Santos sponsored education focused programs, helping over 280 children. In the area of fundraising, employees raised over $200,000, with Santos matching or contributing funds towards their efforts.

Santos-Centrals Junior Tour results

Santos — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:30:00 GMT

The Santos-sponsored Centrals Junior Tour took place on the weekend of April 21-22.

Organised by Cycling SA, the Santos-Centrals Junior Tour is a shining example of Santos putting its energy into supporting youth and the community through the healthy sport of cycling.

Santos’ sponsorship of this cycling event complements its partnerships with the Santos Tour Down Under (Adelaide), Santos Great Bike Ride (Perth) and Santos North West Tour (NSW). Set in the picturesque Barossa Valley, the tour even featured a 3km ascent of the feared Mengler’s Hill as seen in the Santos Tour Down Under.

The Junior Tour has a proud history and a number of past competitors, including Alex and Annette Edmondson, Rohan Dennis, Leigh Howard, Alexis Rhodes and Jack Bobridge, have gone on to represent Australia at international events. Three of the recent competitors – Jessica Mundy, Robert-Jon McCarthy and Bradley Linfield – were selected to represent Australia at the 2011 UCI World Championships in Copenhagen and Youth Commonwealth Games.

This is the third year that Santos has supported the event, with our involvement helping improve safety and event management. The tour’s move from the Adelaide Hills to the Barossa was made in an effort to improve the safety of the riders by using the quieter roads in this area.

The weekend went off without a hitch. The organisation was flawless and there were no safety incidents and fortunately no rider accidents. Interstate participants were so impressed with the race that one rider suggested the Santos-Centrals Junior Tour could lay claim to being the “best junior tour in Australia”.

Ian Pedler Development Team Leader, EABU, made the presentations on behalf of Santos and was also a Commissaire for the event.

Callum Scotson defended his 2011 title, winning both stages on Day 2 to take the final Santos leader’s jersey in this year’s Under 17 Men’s General Classification. Under 17 GC placegetters were Matthew Holmes and Jack Hogan.

In the combined Under 17/15 Women’s category Alex Manly made it 4 stages out of 4 to also defend her 2011 crown with Under 15 rider Ashleigh Hocking 2nd on GC and winning the Under 15 Jersey. Danni McKinnery was 3rd.

Callum Scotson and Alex Manly each also took out the Santos King and Queen of the Mountain jersey's respectively.

The Under 15 Men’s division was won by James Higginson, with Riley Hart in 2nd and Che Thomas in 3rd. The two-stage tour for Under 13's was won by Lewis Walker narrowly over Lillian Kelly

Thanks to the Central Districts Cycling Club and their legion of volunteers for putting on such a great event and all the commissaires and other officials.

Over 100 staff and families take Cook's tour

Santos — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 14:30:00 GMT

On April 19 over 100 Santos employees and family members enjoyed an exclusive after-hours viewing of the spectacular Banks’ Florilegium exhibition currently on display in the Santos Museum of Economic Botany in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.

Banks' Florilegium: Illustrations from Cook’s First Voyage 1768 – 1771 is an exclusive exhibition of prints from Sir Joseph Banks’ specimens and Sydney Parkinson’s illustrations of Australian flora from Captain James Cook’s first voyage around the world between 1768 and 1771.

The Botanic Gardens of Adelaide recently acquired the exclusive collection of prints from an anonymous donor and they have not been seen in South Australia for over two decades.

The Santos group enjoyed a tour of the exhibition with the museum’s curator Tony Kanellos, Curator followed by refreshments in the magnificent Schomburgk Pavilion.

You can view Banks' Florilegium in the Santos Museum of Economic Botany at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens until 15 August 2012. The Museum is open daily 10am – 4pm and admission is free.

The Museum of Economic Botany, first opened in May 1881, has had a continuous life dedicated to the collection and interpretation of ‘useful’ plants. The curious collection shows us what use can be made from plants usually through the knowledge obtained from other cultures. By utilising the knowledge of indigenous and other cultures the museum showcases how integral plants are to our everyday lives, be it for food, medicine, shelter, clothing, music and art.

Thanks in part to a $2 million sponsorship from Santos, the museum has been completely refurbished and restored, preserving most of the original building features and display cases while adapting services to modern museum standards.

Santos also sponsors the ongoing exhibition program at the Santos Museum of Economic Botany, and the Botanic Gardens’ Seed Conservation Centre and Kitchen Gardens programs.

Santos and TAFE SA launch new training centre

Santos — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Santos and TAFE SA launched a new skills-based training centre at TAFE SA’s O’Halloran Hill Campus.

Using refurbished Santos equipment decommissioned from the Cooper Basin, the new facility enables Santos employees, apprentices and members of the public to receive skills-based training on mechanical and electrical equipment unique to the oil and gas production industry.

An innovative, five-day training program has also been developed to increase the efficiency and productivity of Santos’ Cooper Basin operations by cross-skilling personnel.

Developed in close collaboration with TAFE SA and aligned with national qualifications as well as Santos’ safety vision, the course is designed to help Santos production operators with specific mechanical and electrical competency to carry out repairs in isolated work locations safely and efficiently. The first round of Cooper Basin production operators commenced their five-day training on 16 April.

The centre was officially launched on Thursday, 19 April 2012 by Dennis Vail, Santos EABU Manager Operations Strategy and Raymond Garrand, Chief Executive of the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology.

In his address, Dennis provided Bill Leonard of the EABU Operations Training and Development team with well-deserved recognition for all of his efforts in the customisation of design and delivery of this innovative new training resource.

Northern Gas team hits beach after off-site

Santos — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Following their recent off-site, the team from Northern Gas headed to Holdfast Shores to work as environmental volunteers as part of the Holdfast Bay Council’s environmental program.

During the 3-hour session, the eleven members of the Northern Gas team removed weeds and rubbish from the coastal sand dunes adjacent to the Holdfast Shores Complex and Marina at Glenelg.

They also learned about local indigenous plants, the weeds that threaten their habitat and the importance of dune rehabilitation.

“Our team decided it would be good to get involved in an offsite activity that made a difference,” said main instigator Elizabeth McBride, Graduate geologist.

“The Holdfast Bay Council does not have the resources to maintain the sand dunes so the efforts of volunteers make a huge difference. In addition, as it’s such a high profile site, our efforts go a long way towards promoting the cause for biodiversity, conservation and environmental management to the community.

“It was important for us to choose a site similar to the environment of the Cooper Basin to help with our understanding of the sensitive dune environment that we have to do our field activities in each day.”

The team hopes to be able to organise another session during the winter months to do some planting.

Sight for All partnership fights avoidable childhood blindness

Santos — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 14:30:00 GMT

The Vietnamese and Australian Governments recognised the partnership between Santos and Sight for All at a recent ceremony in Hanoi.

Sight for All is a not-for-profit organisation that provides ophthalmic training and health care to communities in Asia and Australia. Its mission is to reduce the magnitude and impact of avoidable blindness through research, education, health promotion and the support of infrastructure.

Santos is supporting Sight for All’s in-country paediatric ophthalmology fellowship program at the Vietnam National Institute of Ophthalmology (VNIO). The trained ophthalmologists will subsequently be able to train their own colleagues at VNIO so that all ophthalmologists that pass through this institute will learn to treat children appropriately.

Santos has also helped fund Sight for All to equip VNIO with the appropriate surgical instruments and diagnostic equipment so that the training will be of the highest level. The provision of this equipment will allow the SFA-trained Vietnamese paediatric ophthalmologists to subsequently continue to treat the children who visit VNIO with the best possible ‘tools’ and visual outcomes.

The ceremony, attended by Vietnam's Vice Minister of Health, Ms Nguyen Thi Xuyen, and Australian Ambassador to Hanoi, Mr Allaster Cox, marked the handover of the medical equipment to VNIO.

Speaking at the event, Santos Vietnam representative, Mr Cao Duy, commented that the source of energy Santos is producing in Vietnam will become more meaningful with more children being able to see the light thanks to the blindness prevention brought about by this health project.

UCL students visit Port Bonython

Santos — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:30:00 GMT

University College London students visited Santos’ Port Bonython facility this week to gain a better understanding of the significance of the company’s liquid petroleum products export business.

The UCL group includes staff and students from the UCL School of Energy and Resources, Australia, as well as two academics from Europe. The group visits the Whyalla region once a year to view latest developments in baseload and transport energy technologies.

The students are being hosted by at Santos by the company’s Improvement Coordinator, Kate Mann.

In addition to visits to Port Bonython the students are spending a morning at One Steel’s operation in Whyalla, as well as looking at coal and solar power plants near Port Augusta and a wind farm near Port Pirie, as part of the three-day Energy Technologies field trip.

Santos is a major supporter of UCL’s establishment in Australia, providing $10m of funding over seven years to help establish the school. Santos chief executive David Knox is a part of the UCL Australia advisory board.

UCL began in Australia in 2010 and graduated 12 students in December last year. Currently, 35 Santos staff are participating in the UCL Australia program.

Official launch of Santos Top End Gran Fondo

Santos — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Australian energy company Santos is delighted to announce its sponsorship of the Top End Gran Fondo, the biggest mass participation cycling event in Darwin.

Santos will become the naming rights sponsor of the annual event, which will be known as the Santos Top End Gran Fondo.

Meaning “big endurance” and originating in Italy, the Gran Fondo is typically a long-distance, timed event involving cyclists of all abilities, from the competitive through to recreational riders.

The inaugural Santos Top End Gran Fondo will be held on Sunday, 12 August 2012, and will involve a 130-kilometre ride from Mandorah to Darwin.

Santos WA&NT Vice President John Anderson said the sponsorship was a fantastic way to promote both a healthy community event and the natural beauty of the Northern Territory.

“We hope this event is popular not only with Territorians but also attracts cyclists from far and wide, and gives them another good reason to travel to the Top End,” he said.

“Santos gets engaged in the communities in which it has a presence and supporting a healthy, mass participation event like this, as we do with the Santos Tour Down Under in Adelaide and the Santos Great Bike Ride in Perth, makes a lot of sense to us.”

Santos has been a long-time producer of natural gas in the Northern Territory through the Mereenie facility and is the only Australian company with an interest in the Darwin LNG plant at Wickham Point.

It is also in joint venture with French energy company GDF SUEZ to develop the Bonaparte LNG project, in the Bonaparte Basin.
Santos has also been a long-time sponsor of the Darwin Festival, and also supports the Yalari scholarship program for Indigenous children from remote communities and, through Darwin LNG, the West Arnhem Land Fire Abatement Project.

Perth & Adelaide 2012 Nissan Corporate Triathlon results

Santos — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The Perth event took place under hot conditions on Sunday 11 March at Langley Park. Despite temperatures hitting the high 30's, Santos MDE (Michael Hackett, Erin Sutton and David Slocombe) finished 59th and the Santos Sandys (Kerstin Sommer, Ngaire Long and Simon McMahon) finished 115th out of 177 teams in the Corporate Mixed race.

The following week, 18 teams represented Santos in the 2012 Nissan Corporate Triathlon event at West Lakes. It was a very successful day for the Santos Teams, with the Santos Fearless Divas (Jasi Watson, Sam Nunan and Sarah Westmoreland) winning the Corporate Female race and the Santos Triple B’s (Hugh Banister, Glen Lydyard and Chris Sproston) finishing 2nd in the Corporate Male race.

In addition, the Santos Dark Knights (Derek Seret and Wil Cibich) also came 5th and the Santos Wildcats (Cameron Brown, Chris Longwell and Glen Lydyard) came 7th in the Corporate Male race, a result made even more impressive because Derek and Glen both filled in as last minute substitutions after already running the course once.

Due to the high number of registered teams for the Adelaide race, Santos also won the Participation Award.

The Sydney and Gold Coast events take place in April and May respectively.

Desert Country showing in Newcastle

Santos — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The Desert Country exhibition of the internationally acclaimed Australian desert painting movement is visiting Newcastle Art Gallery, supported by Santos.

Desert Country is the first exhibition to chart the 40-year evolution of the desert painting movement, and the Newcastle exhibition features 55 works from 54 renowned Aboriginal artists, including watercolours from Albert Namatjira.

The exhibition was opened at a ceremony last Friday night, and will run until 17 June 2012.

Ron Ramsey, director of the Newcastle Art Gallery, said the exhibition was a privilege for the art gallery to host and a great opportunity for the Hunter region to see the remarkable artworks.

“It is wonderful that the Newcastle Art Gallery is part of the national tour of such an important collection,” Mr Ramsey said.

“The collection has rare examples of the first experimental paintings by ground-breaking masters in 1971 through to some of the most outstanding contemporary artists such as Maringka Baker, Nura Rupert, Kunmanara (Jimmy) Baker and Tjungkara Ken.”

Nick Mitzevich, director of the Art Gallery of South Australia, said it was important for the artworks to be shared with people around the country.

“The collection is from our extensive collection of Aboriginal art, much of which had hitherto been in storage – making it accessible and visible to the broader community is important,” Mr Mitzevich said.

“The Desert Country collection tour is possible through Santos’ generous long-term sponsorship of the gallery’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection.

“Much of the collection is also being posted online, but such important works are best appreciated in a gallery.”

Peter Mitchley, Santos General Manager Energy NSW, represented Santos at the opening and said the company was proud to help bring the exhibition to New South Wales.

“As a proud Australian company, Santos is very pleased to support this exhibition of our finest Aboriginal artists.

“While Santos does not operate in the Newcastle area, we do operate in New South Wales and it was important to us that the exhibition tour this state. We hope people from across the region are inspired to visit it.”

>> Visit the Newcastle Art Gallery’s website.

New Roma Airport Takes Off

Santos — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Despite some rain, hundreds of Maranoa residents and visitors turned out to celebrate this important development in the region.

The upgrade of Roma Airport is the Maranoa Regional Council's largest ever project and involved the construction of a new terminal and car park as well as the extension of the existing runway.

Recognising the importance of this project in line with our commitment to improving local infrastructure, Santos GLNG invested $2.5 million in the airport upgrade and expansion.

It will now be able to facilitate more weekly flights, larger planes and improved amenities to support the future growth anticipated for the region.

At 1,000m2 in size, the new terminal is four times the size of the former facility and features a three bay check-in counter, departure lounge, Wi-Fi access, car rental check-in and baggage claim.

New Worker Houses Ready for Occupancy in Gladstone

Santos — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The completed houses, which were officially launched on Tuesday 28 February, are ideal homes for families with four bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Plans are also underway for a further 34 houses in Gladstone – 45 new homes in total – for Santos GLNG workers and their families, which will be completed progressively by mid-year.

The homes are designed to alleviate pressure on the town’s housing and rental market and further minimise our impact on the local community.

Occupants will be a mix of existing Santos GLNG workers already based in Gladstone, and new team members moving into town.

In addition to building our own housing and camps, we have provided $7.4 million to the Gladstone region for supported accommodation programs.

As part of this, $6.5 million was dedicated to the development of new community and affordable housing to be managed by the Gladstone Housing Company.

Official opening of Work Safely Centre

Santos — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Located at 1 South Road, Thebarton, the Work Safely Centre is a new, state-of-the-art interactive safety training centre developed jointly by the Civil Contractors Federation and Transfield Worley, a joint venture between Transfield Services and Worley Parsons.

The Centre is designed to improve safety training in all high-risk industries, in particular the civil, mining and oil and gas sectors by providing nationally accredited hands-on or interactive learning.

In her address to the audience, Santos VP Technical & Engineering Diana Hoff said that Santos is particularly proud to be a Foundation Partner of the Work Safely Centre because safety is our number-one priority.

“I’m pleased to say that in the year just gone, we achieved the lowest injury rate in our company’s history. Providing the right training is incredibly important to achieving our safety goals. Practical, hands-on training is up to four times more effective than classroom learning. This is where the Work Safely Centre comes in,” she said.

The concept of a hands-on safety training centre originated at a Transfield Worley Leading Practice Forum. Other centres are currently operating at Bibra Lake in Western Australia and Gladstone in Queensland.

Crowds flock to WA cycling event

Santos — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Held over 4 days in mid-February, the race included for the first time the Santos-sponsored sprint category, providing fans with even more fast-paced action.

The men’s overall Criterium winner was current National Criterium Champion, Anthony Giacoppo. The women’s overall winner was professional cyclist and Olympic and World Champion Nicole Cooke. William Heath took out the men’s support race.

Santos Sprint laps took place on each day of the four-day event, and Santos Sprint jerseys were awarded on the final night to overall sprint winners for each race as well as the whole series. Shaun McCarthy was the overall sprint winner with Nicole Cooke (who completely dominated this race) taking out the women’s division. Sam Smith won the men’s support sprint.

This event has grown considerably since its inception in 2008, and Santos looks forward to sponsoring the event as it continues to evolve in the future.

Santos Symphony Under the Stars a glowing success

Santos — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Free to the public, the annual open-air concert in Elder Park is the ASO’s largest annual performance and has become an iconic fixture on Adelaide’s arts calendar. Santos has been a Principal Partner of the ASO for the past 14 years, making this one of our longest-standing community partnerships.

Concertgoers began gathering on the banks of the Torrens in the late afternoon. The sizeable audience included about 100 Santos corporate guests.

As the sun set and temperatures dropped to more comfortable levels, dozens of Santos volunteers and their families handed out 20,000 glowsticks to add even more colour to the performance.

Featuring Conductor Marc Taddei, Soprano Antoinette Halloran and well-known radio presenter Christopher Lawrence, the program included a spirited selection of classical and contemporary pieces culminating in a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, complete with fireworks display.

Thanks to all the staff and volunteers who helped make this such a memorable evening, and a special salute to the real stars of the night – the ASO’s gifted musicians – for shining through despite the heat.

Santos aid for flood victims

Santos — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Santos has again come to the aid of the local community following devastating floods in Queensland.

The region around Roma has suffered severe flooding in 2010, 2011 and 2012. On each occasion Santos has provided financial support as well as staff who generously volunteered their time to assist the local community with relief efforts.

Immediately following the most recent floods in Queensland, Santos had around 40 people working to help the local community in Roma and surrounding areas with the clean-up and evacuations.

This included six fire fighting vehicles helping to clean out mud as well as Santos suck trucks removing water where possible. Staff also assisted local residents by helping to clean approximately 80 homes and businesses in both Roma and Mitchell.

In addition, Santos GLNG has recently donated $50,000 to the Maranoa Combined Christian Churches Flood Appeal established to provide flood victims with individual and personalised assistance.

So far the appeal has received over $85,000 in donations.

Jamie Miller, Team Leader Community & Support Services, said: “We saw first-hand the devastation caused by the floods in early February and many of our people worked tirelessly to assist with evacuations and the clean-up at the time.”

“As a member of the Maranoa community, it’s important that we also help residents rebuild their lives through our donation to this flood appeal,” Jamie said.

Santos gets behind Western Australia’s Year 12 Perspectives art exhibition

Santos — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Australian energy company Santos is delighted to announce its new partnership with the Art Gallery of Western Australia’s Year 12 Perspectives art exhibition, a collection of works from the state’s most talented school graduates.

The exhibition runs from 11 February to 9 April at the Gallery, and is renowned for showcasing raw, emotive works of the challenges and issues facing the youth of today.

Santos Vice President WA & NT, John Anderson, said Santos was thrilled to be involved with such an iconic celebration of young artistic talent.

“The Year 12 Perspectives exhibition is highly anticipated each year as a kaleidoscopic window into the social and various issues influencing students from all over Western Australia,” he said.

“Santos is proud to have the opportunity to support such a unique display of works by the state’s youngest emerging artists.”

A focal point of the exhibition, the People’s Choice Award, will also be sponsored by Santos. Visitors to the exhibition will be encouraged to vote for their favourite artwork, with the most popular artist winning a trip to Adelaide and a tour of the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Santos’ sponsorship of Year 12 Perspectives adds to the company’s established community support program in Western Australia, which includes the Santos Great Bike Ride, the Kings Park Festival, Shakespeare WA, the Clontarf Foundation and Homeless Connect.

Santos is a major producer of domestic gas in Western Australia.

WA staff goes wild for charity

Santos — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The Santos WA & Offshore Australia Drilling & Completions team participated in a charity half-day event at Native Arc in the Perth suburb of South Lake on 3 February 2012.

Native Arc is a non-profit organisation that provides medical treatment and facilitates the rehabilitation and release of injured, sick or orphaned wildlife.

The team of 33 staff made an outstanding contribution to the centre by building a new enclosure for the joeys, installing a new pond for the ducklings, constructing a ‘free flying’ aviary for the native birds, laying paving slabs and general landscaping. The Santos crew were also given an educational tour of the centre and the opportunity to get ‘up close and personal’ with some of its residents.

Santos would like to thank all those involved for their hard work and community support.

Santos sponsors new sprint class in Perth

Santos — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Established in 2008, the Smokefree Perth Criteriums is Western Australia’s premier criterium series. The new Santos Sprint Classification will see a Santos sprint jersey awarded to the rider who tallies the most points after completing a series of sprints at pre-determined times.

At the conclusion of each race, the rider with the most sprint points will receive the Santos sprint leader’s jersey and wear it in the following race.

Santos WA & NT VP John Anderson said the new partnership further strengthened Santos’ support for cycling in the community.

“We are delighted to add another event to the likes of the Santos Tour Down Under and the Santos Great Bike Ride,” he said.

“Cycling promotes a healthy, active lifestyle and is an activity in which people of all ages can participate.”

The event runs from Saturday, 12 February, until Monday, 14 February, with Races 1-4 in Osborne Park, Town of Victoria Park, Town of Vincent and City of Fremantle respectively.

Link to Smokefree Perth Criteriums website

2012 Santos Tour Down Under wrap

Santos — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The 2012 Santos Tour concluded yesterday afternoon, with Australian Simon Gerrans taking the crown and the newly formed Australian team GreenEDGE claiming victory in its UCI WorldTour debut.

An estimated 750,000 people lined Adelaide and regional South Australia’s roads over the past week – 22,000 less than last year but well above pre-Lance Armstrong crowd numbers. Pleasingly, the number of interstate and overseas visitors was 37,000 this year compared to 27,000 last year.

Santos extends Tour partnership

Santos announced on Saturday that it would extend its partnership with the Santos Tour Down Under to 2016, a three-year extension of the original agreement.

Santos CEO David Knox made the announcement with SA Premier Jay Weatherill during the live broadcast of Saturday’s fifth stage through McLaren Vale.

David said he was “extremely pleased that we will continue our association with the Santos Tour Down Under, an event that brings a tremendous amount of energy, vibrancy and pride.”

Mr Weatherill said Santos “is a great corporate citizen and we value their partnership … they are making a massive contribution to the wellbeing of South Australia.”

Bupa Challenge Tour

About 220 Santos employees saddled up last Friday to take part in the Bupa Challenge Tour, the popular annual event in which the public cycles the day’s Santos Tour stage just hours before the professionals.

Employees joined about 8,000 others as they covered one of four available distances starting in Norwood (138km), Gumeracha (102km), Mt Pleasant (79km) and Tanunda (33km), and finishing back in Tanunda.

Santos covered entry fees and provided uniforms, and set up a marquee with drinks, food, and masseurs to ease those aching muscles.

A notable visitor was federal opposition leader Tony Abbott, who, after completing the full 138-kilometre leg, ventured into Santos’ marquee for a massage and a chat with Santos staff.

Congratulations and well done to everyone who took part. Photos of riders have been posted on the Santos Peloton and a video will be available soon.

Riding for a reason

Many employees participated in Cancer Council SA’s Ride for a Reason initiative, which encouraged those taking part in the Bupa Challenge Tour to raise valuable funds.

In all, Santos staff raised about $30,000 and the company made a $20,000 donation in recognition of employees’ efforts. A fantastic achievement by all involved.

Giving time

As well as the 220 riders in the Bupa Challenge Tour, 170 employees volunteered to help staff Santos’ displays at each stage finish and at the Tour Village.

The Santos booths featured merchandise giveaways and the ever-popular Santos Energy Bikes, which were enhanced this year to include electronic displays of the energy generated by riders on two side-by-side bikes that allowed more competitive participants to square off.

Thank you to all who gave their time.

Building relationships

Santos used its partnership to strengthen its stakeholder relationships, hosting over 600 people at four Santos Tour stages, five dinners and a media welcome function.

The company ran a coordinated communications program to boost its profile, which included advertising, videos, the Santos Centre wrap, media opportunities, a blog by former Olympian Shane Kelly, and regular stories on The Well, Santos’ external websites and social media.

First hill-top finish a success

Saturday’s Santos Tour Stage 5 was the first time the finish line was placed at the top of the notorious Old Willunga Hill. The result – a thrilling sprint finish in which Spaniard Alejandro Valverde pipped eventual Santos Tour winner Simon Gerrans by centimetres.

Santos extends partnership with Santos Tour Down Under to 2016

Santos — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Santos is pleased to announce that it has agreed to extend to 2016 its successful partnership with the multi-award winning Santos Tour Down Under, Australia’s biggest free sporting event.

The Santos Tour Down Under has achieved tremendous success throughout its 14-year history and has grown significantly in the past few years. The 2011 event contributed $43.4 million to the South Australian economy and attracted a record crowd of over 782,000 people.

Santos CEO David Knox welcomed the three-year extension of the partnership with Australia’s premier cycling race, which kicks off the UCI WorldTour calendar each year.

“I’m extremely pleased that we will continue our association with the Santos Tour Down Under, an event that brings a tremendous amount energy, vibrancy and pride to South Australia,” he said.

“Its global popularity and the elite cyclists that it attracts are hallmarks of its success and will ensure it remains a wonderful showcase for Australia on the world stage.”

Santos’ employees have embraced the company’s connection with this world-class event – and not just those with a keen interest in cycling. In the three years that Santos has been the naming rights sponsor, more than 1,200 employees have volunteered time at Santos booths at the Tour Village and stage finishes and ridden in the Bupa Challenge Tours. Of those, many have raised money for Cancer Council SA’s Ride for a Reason initiative, with last year’s contribution alone totalling $55,000.

South Australian Premier Hon Jay Weatherill MP said “This is fantastic news for the State and it shows the confidence Santos has in the event.”

“The Santos Tour Down Under is the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere and the news that our fruitful partnership will continue ensures the event is on track to grow even further.

“Santos has been a huge supporter of the event since it became the naming rights sponsor in 2010,
and Santos staff members have played a key role in its ongoing success.”

Santos’ sponsorship of the Santos Tour Down Under is part of the company’s widespread support of events, organisations and initiatives that benefit the community in areas including health, education, the environment, art and culture, youth and indigenous affairs.

Australians sweep stage two of Tour

Santos — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT

In a clean sweep for Australian riders, Tasmanian William Clarke (UniSA) claimed stage two of the Santos Tour Down Under.

Fellow Australians Michael Matthews (RAB) and Simon Gerrans (GEC) came second and third respectively under considerably cooler conditions than the previous stage.

In the Santos Women’s Cup, Germany’s Judith Arndt (Green Edge) was leading the pack going into the final leg Wednesday night after taking out round two on Monday.

Stage three of the Santos Tour Down Under kicks off at 11am Thursday, starting in Unley and finishing 134.5 kilometres later in Victor Harbor.

Bright future for Brisbane’s City of Lights

Santos — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The Queensland Government today announced it would continue supporting Brisbane Festival's Santos City of Lights laser light show through 2013.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh praised the choreographed light spectacular as a centrepiece of the Brisbane Festival.

"After the fantastic performance for the inaugural show in 2011, I can today announce that Santos City of Lights will continue to feature as a major attraction on the Brisbane Festival calendar in the coming years," Ms Bligh said.

More than 185,000 people attended the 2011 event, generating 5,600 visitor nights and establishing the Santos City of Lights as a highlight of Queensland's event calendar.

Mark Macfarlane, President Santos GLNG pledged Santos' continued major sponsorship with the Brisbane Festival for 2012. Dates for Brisbane Festival 2012 and Santos City of Lights will be announced early 2012.

Tour kicks off in classic style

Santos — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Andre Greipel won the Down Under Classic and Rebecca Werner claimed round one of the Santos Women’s Cup in the curtain raisers to the Santos Tour Down Under.

Over 112,000 fans were treated to an afternoon and evening of great racing Sunday in Adelaide’s East End as some of the world’s top men and women riders took to the streets.

In the Down Under Classic, two-time Santos Tour Down Under winner Andre Griepel (Lotto-Belisol) out-sprinted Norway's Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky) and Australian Heinrich Haussler (Garmin-Barracuda) to win the 51km (30-lap) circuit race in 1hr:03min:16sec.

Earlier in the afternoon Rebecca Werner triumphed over a powerful field of women riders in the first round of the 2012 Santos Women's Cup. Sponsored by Santos and organised by Cycling SA, the Santos Women’s Cup will run through the week with round two taking place in Prospect on Monday.

Watch a video of all the action from the Down Under Classic.

Santos staff share their reasons for riding

Santos — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Cancer Council SA, official Charity Partner of the Santos Tour Down Under, gave special mention to Santos staff in a statement issued today thanking the many corporate teams supporting Ride for a Reason.

Money raised through Cancer Council’s Ride for a Reason will help fund critical cancer research, invest in cancer prevention programs and provide support for people with cancer, their families and friends.

Participants can dedicate their ride and honour the people they know who have been impacted by cancer, while raising funds for future cancer research breakthroughs.

In their statement, Cancer Council SA quoted several Santos staff members who shared their personal reasons for riding in this year’s event.

Ride for a Reason teams will be tackling the 138-kilometre BUPA Challenge on Friday, January 20. Santos will be represented by 200 employees across 10 teams.

Register to dedicate your ride, fundraise and honour someone impacted by cancer at www.rideforareason.com.au or phone 1300 65 65 85.

Governor’s 10 ready to ride for a reason

Santos — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT

CEO David Knox joined fellow Governor’s 10 team members, including 2004 Tour Down Under winner and Ride for a Reason Ambassador Patrick Jonker, on an early morning training run up Norton Summit in preparation for their fast-approaching ride in the BUPA Challenge Tour.

The Governor’s 10 is one of the many teams that will Ride for a Reason in the BUPA Challenge Tour to raise funds for Cancer Council SA, the official charity partner of the Santos Tour Down Under.

Santos will again be well represented, with 20 Santos teams of 10 riders each registered for this year’s ride. Several riders have already been raising funds for several weeks by riding stationary bikes in the Santos Centre foyer.

To show your support for your workmates and Cancer Council SA, you can search by team or individual name at www.rideforareason.com.au and make a donation to this important cause. All money raised will be used to fund high quality cancer research through the SA Cancer Research Collaborative.

Global TV deal for Santos Tour Down Under

Santos — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Tour De France owner Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) has joined forces with Events SA to sell global television rights to the Santos Tour Down Under with a potential audience of 5 billion people in over 190 countries.

It’s all part of ASO’s strategy to globalise cycling. By organising the Tours of Qatar, Oman and Beijing and helping with TV production and distribution for the Tour of California and now the Santos Tour Down Under, ASO is actively contributing to cycling's rise in popularity, not just as a sport, but also as a means of sustainable transport in cities.

This year’s Santos Tour Down Under will also host Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme for the very first time.

Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Mike Turtur said “It will be fantastic for the Director of the Tour de France to be here in Adelaide during our race. We have invited Christian over the past few years so it is a coup to have him at this year’s event.”

The Santos Tour Down Under will be broadcast worldwide with the 2011 event receiving 284 hours of international and local television coverage.

The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under kicks off January 15, with the final stage and presentations taking place on Sunday, January 22. Visit peloton.santos.com and tourdownunder.com.au for the latest news and full race details.

Cameron towers above the rest

Santos — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Reigning Santos Tour Down Under champion Cameron Meyer is standing tall – ten stories tall, in fact, as Santos Centre gets wrapped up in the 2012 event.

As the biggest bike race in the southern hemisphere and the biggest sporting event in South Australia, it’s only fitting that the Santos Tour Down Under make a big deal of its reigning champion.

Last year it was Andre the Giant. This year Australia’s own Cameron Meyer adorns Santos Centre in the lead-up to the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under.

The building wrap has made a big impact already, with InDaily producing a video featuring legendary race caller Jimmy Jacques and distributing it to their online subscribers.

Visit peloton.santos.com to view the video and get all the latest news during the build-up to the race.

Shakespeare WA opens to full house

Santos — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The third season of Santos’ support for Shakespeare in the Park got off to a humorous start with The Comedy of Errors playing to a full house at the Kings Park Botanical Garden in Perth on Friday night.

William Shakespeare’s comedy based around two sets of identical twins is one of three productions Shakespeare WA is offering local lovers of the Bard this summer, with a reinterpretation of The Tempest and a parody of all of the playwright’s plays entitled The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) also on the bill.

Over 200 people attended the invitation-only opening night, with Santos guests from ConocoPhillips, Freehills and members of the WA Government among those treated to pre-show canapés and drinks by Shakespeare WA.

A number of new actors from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) gave high energy performances to paint the hilarious and chaotic consequences of mistaken identity.

The season runs until Saturday 4 February, with Santos hosting an Employee Night on Wednesday 25 January and a Corporate night on Thursday 2 February.

For more details visit shakespearwa.com

Santos' hardcore riders train with Shane

Santos — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Champion cyclist and Santos Ambassador Shane Kelly recently led 25 keen Team Santos cyclists on the second edition of the 'hardcore ride' in preparation for the 2012 Bupa Challenge.

Undaunted by overcast conditions and heavy fog along part of the route, the riders tackled a challenging course from Norwood Parade up and over Ansteys Hill, down the Gorge and through the notorious switchback known as ‘Le Corkscrew.’ The support team of Kathryn Mitchell and Wendy Hall kept the team refuelled during the run.

For a full rundown of the day's events, check out Shane's blog.

Santos North Western Tour gets into gear

Santos — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Last week Santos and Cycling NSW announced the Santos North Western Tour, a major new road cycling event running from Narrabri to Tamworth.

The inaugural race will take place in 2012 from June 21-24. From 2013 onwards the tour will be staged in early April.

The Santos North Western Tour will become Cycling NSW’s “blue ribbon” road race. Cycling NSW CEO Kevin Young says having Santos on board as the major sponsor will attract Australia’s best National Road Series teams, greatly helping the event's chances of becoming one of the premier dates on Australia’s National Road Series Tour calendar.

The race is expected to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars of economic benefit for the region. Santos Manager Community and Government Affairs Sam Crafter said Santos was pleased to expand its support for cycling in New South Wales, reflecting the company’s growing presence in the region.

“The Santos North Western Tour builds on our existing sponsorship of the Keagan Downes Memorial Sundowner in Gunnedah to create an exciting regional tour throughout the communities where we live and work in New South Wales. This partnership reflects Santos’ commitment to investing in New South Wales’ regional communities,” Sam said.

The differentiating factor between the Santos North Western Tour and other existing National Road Series Tour events in Australia is that the Santos North Western Tour will cater for both Men’s and Women’s teams, which supports Cycling NSW’s current strategy focused around developing women’s cycling in NSW and Australia.

>>Link to Cycling NSW.

Santos an Asia literacy ambassador

Santos — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Earlier this year, Santos hosted local Adelaide high school students participating in the Asia Literacy Ambassadors program.

The program is part of the University of Melbourne’s Asia Education Foundation, which Santos supports in its aim to build interest in, and an understanding of, our Asian region with high school students.

“It’s all about establishing and supporting partnerships between businesses and schools to stimulate and increase student and school demand for Asian literacy,” said Julia Madden from the foundation.

“By sharing stories of working in or dealing with Asia, students get to understand the diverse career and life opportunities available to employees who are knowledgeable about Asia, who speak an Asian language and have the skills and dispositions needed to effectively engage with the people and cultures of Asia, offshore and domestically.”

Senior employees involved in Santos’ Asia business took time to talk to the group from Le Fevre High School.

Christian Bennett, former Manager Gas Marketing, spoke about the importance of the Asian region to Australian companies generally and Santos in particular. Sav Spagnuolo, Exploration Manager Vietnam, about exploring for hydrocarbons in the Asian region. Steven Hoyle, Group Executive LNG Marketing, spoke about selling hydrocarbons in the Asian region, while Martyn Eames, Vice President Asia Pacific, talked about working in and with Asian countries and companies. Senior Human Resources Adviser Samantha Wilkinson gave the students practical tips on securing their dream jobs.

The Asia Education Foundation produced a short documentary on the Santos workshop.

>> Watch the DVD.

Juvenile Fire Lighters’ Intervention Program

Santos — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Earlier this year, Santos, in partnership with the Australian Professional Firefighters Foundation (APFF) and ItShare, donated 31 second-hand laptops valued at over $15,000 to the Juvenile Fire Lighters’ Intervention Program (JFLIP).

The program, developed by the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), aims to reduce the number of deaths, injuries and the millions of dollars of property damage caused by juvenile fire lighting and experimentation.

One of the most successful tools in the JFLIP is a collection of videos that illustrate devastating potential of fires and consequences, however it is often difficult for the MFS to hold these sessions due to a lack computers.

With the help of Santos, the APFF and ItShare, the MFS can now better integrate videos and multimedia into the program and increase its effectiveness.

Santos is proud to support the JFLIP and to develop a greater awareness of fire safety in local communities.

Major CSG initiatives unveiled

Santos — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:30:00 GMT

The University of Queensland, QGC, Santos and Arrow Energy have committed up to $20 million to create a Centre for Coal Seam Gas (CCSG) to further increase the knowledge and skills base of the growing coal seam gas industry. The CCSG aims to be the pre‐eminent global authority on CSG, drawing on the capabilities from some 16 Schools and Centres across UQ as well as other universities in Australia and overseas.

The Santos GLNG Project also announced an Australian-first million-dollar-plus-partnership with SkillsTech Australia to establish a specialised Coal Seam Gas (CSG) and Gas Transmission Pipeline Operations Training Centre in Acacia Ridge, Brisbane.

The Centre will offer 60 places for gas field operations and 10 for underground gas transmission pipeline operations. President Santos GLNG Mark Macfarlane said the program was further evidence of the opportunities the CSG to LNG industry is creating for Queenslanders.

The Santos GLNG Project is looking to recruit trainees between now and early next year with first courses due to start March 2012. Applicants can apply through www.glng.com

>>Link to Training Centre media release.

>>Link to UQ Centre for Coal Seam Gas media release.

Support those riding for a reason

Santos — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:30:00 GMT

One in four people will develop cancer by age 60. That is the reality today, but through research and a healthy lifestyle we can change this.

One person passionate about making a change is Santos' Subsurfaces Manager Forbes McIntosh, and his team who are riding each day in the Santos foyer, 60 Flinders Street, to raise money for Ride for a Reason as part of the Bupa Challenge Tour.

Last year those that participated in the initiative raised over $10,000 and this year we can do better! All money raised will go to the Cancer Council SA where it will be invested in vital research to prevent, treat and cure cancer.

Employees will be riding between 8:00am and 9:00am, and 12:00pm and 1:00pm every weekday until Friday 16th December 2011. Come and see Santos' CEO David Knox peddling for charity on Friday 9th December at 8:00am!

You can support the Santos riders by making a donation to the collection tins in the Santos Centre foyer or online at http://www.rideforareason.com.au/

Perth employees connect with the homeless

Santos — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Santos volunteers in the Perth office have turned out in full force to support the annual Homeless Connect project, an initiative offering Perth's homeless a range of goods and services from food and clothing to dental and medical checks.

The Lord Mayor of Perth, Lisa Scaffidi, opened the “one stop shop”, at Russell Square and Hellenic Community Centre, praising Santos for its fund raising efforts at and thanking the volunteers for the willingness to give their time, help and skills to the homeless.

The day included a Santos Beauty Centre where 'guests' could go for a haircut, foot massage or a little reiki (a Japanese relaxation technique), provided by Santos reiki gurus Michelle Morrison and Laura Johnson.

Natalie Wallace and Erin Sutton helped those guests wanting to turn their hand to arts and craft work, Bronwyn See assisted with legal services, while Courtney Barker assisted in the food tent, and Claudia Carmignani and her team helped pack up.

Homeless Connect is the chosen staff charity for Santos’ Perth office, with staff already eager to plan next year’s quiz night, which will help raise money for future events. This year the Santos Oil and Gas Industry Charity Quiz raised $26,000 for Homeless Connect.

Santos once again thanks the Perth staff for their outstanding efforts and community support. Homeless Connect is an important partner in Santos’ efforts to establish and maintain and mutually-beneficial relationships with the community.

Santos Great Bike Ride success; Clontarf bike ride raises $10,000

Santos — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Employees in the Perth office have lately spent serious time in the saddle for good causes, with 40 riders joining 3,500 others in the Santos Great Bike Ride and others helping the Clontarf Foundation raise $10,000 in a fundraising ride from Norseman to Esperance.

Santos Great Bike Ride

More than 3,500 cyclists took part in this year’s Santos Great Bike Ride, held for its eighth year around Perth’s scenic Swan River, raising money for local charities.

The event is open to cyclists of all ages and abilities offering three different distances – 10, 53 or 106 kilometres – starting and finishing at Langley Park. This year, Santos was represented by 40 employees and their families who enjoyed the warm conditions and clear skies.

Despite strong afternoon winds, Offshore Operations Superintendent Dave Crane clocked the 13th fastest time on the 53-kilometre route, arriving back at Langley Park after 1 hour, 24 minutes and 43 seconds, just two minutes after the winner.

WA & NT Vice President John Anderson posted a comfortable time of 2 hours and 3 minutes for his lap of the river, while WA & NT Finance Manager Sean Walls was the quickest team member for the two laps, posting a very respectable 3 hours, 20 minutes and 1 second.

The Santos Great Bike Ride is another way in which Santos is promoting a healthy lifestyle and giving back to the community. The ride aims to raise awareness and vital funds for three very important causes – the St John of God Hospital’s Horizon House project, Hope for Children, and the Heart Foundation.

Santos’ support complements its association with the Santos Tour Down Under, a UCI World Tour event and Australia’s premier cycling race, which kicks off in less than seven weeks.

Clontarf Foundation’s Norseman to Esperance bike ride

Santos’ community partner the Clontarf Foundation raised more than $10,000 recently on its Norseman to Esperance bike ride, assisted by a support crew from Santos’ Perth office.

The Clontarf Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that raises money for local WA communities, in particular improving the education, self esteem, life skills and employment prospects of young Aboriginal men.

The Santos staff accompanied nine boys from Clontarf’s South East Academy along the ride, during which temperatures soared to 39 degrees for parts of the route through the gold fields to the south coast – but this didn’t faze competitors or staff.

Santos employees Seow Kim Wah, Dave Crane and Barry Myers rode alongside the boys, while Michael Hackett patiently drove the support vehicle at 20 kilometres an hour for the entire 200-kilometre journey.

Santos would like to thank the Perth office for their hard efforts throughout the ride and their contribution of $1,150 towards the boys' fund raising efforts. The Clontarf bike ride is one of the many activities that makes up Santos’ community support program in WA, including the Santos Great Bike Ride, Kings Park Festival and Shakespeare WA.

Inaugural Santos Legends of Cycling Dinner raises $20,000

Santos — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:30:00 GMT

The Santos Legends of Cycling Dinner, held for the first time last Thursday in Perth, got off to a flying start with two of Australia’s biggest names in the sport captivating the crowd of 200 at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

The star attractions at the dinner – which promoted the annual Santos Great Bike Ride and various charities – were Robbie McEwen, a 12-time Tour de France stage victor and winner of three Green jerseys, and WA-born Cameron Meyer, five times World Track champion and the reigning Santos Tour Down Under title holder.

Interviewed individually and then together by ABC sports broadcaster Karen Tighe, both Robbie and Cameron had the audience enthralled with their tales of high speeds, treacherous tracks and weird room-mates.

Money raised from auctions at the dinner went towards Santos Great Bike Ride charities – the Heart Foundation, Horizon House and Hope for Children – as well as the Tour de Gracetown, which helps people affected by cancer, and the Henk Vogels Cycling Foundation, which assists young emerging West Australian cyclists.

ASO delivers high energy performance for Santos families

Santos — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:30:00 GMT

More than 300 Santos employees and their families recently enjoyed a stunning display of musical prowess by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra featuring lively animal classics held at the Grainger Studios in Adelaide.

Put on as part of Santos’ principal partnership with the ASO, the free family concert included the classic Peter and the Wolf and the Musical Zoo.

The hugely successful Prokofiev’s Peter & The Wolf, in its 75th anniversary year and loved by children all over the world, had each character in the narrated story played by different instruments in the orchestra. After that, up-beat and easy going songs told the story of a young girl’s trip to the zoo, where she encountered many musically depicted animals, but none making the sound she was searching for.

David Sharp, ASO Conductor said: “It’s a great thrill to be able to present this to Santos who have been such wonderful supporters of the orchestra.”

>> Watch the video here.

Santos Tour Down Under enters hall of fame with third SA Tourism award

Santos — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:30:00 GMT

The 2011 Santos Tour Down Under again confirmed its place at the top of the State’s sporting calendar, taking out the Major Festivals and Events award.

A win across three consecutive years means the UCI WorldTour Santos Tour Down Under is now automatically a Hall of Fame entry.

The 2011 event attracted record crowds of more than 780,000 and injected more than $43 million into the local economy.

“This accolade proves how successfully the event has grown, from modest beginnings in 1999 into what it is now – undoubtedly one of the State’s biggest tourism drawcards,” said Events South Australia General Manager, Hitaf Rasheed.

“South Australia has a world-class calendar of cultural and sporting events and festivals and to win this award three times straight against such strong competition is a great credit to all those involved with the event.

“The Santos Tour Down Under prides itself on being much more than a sporting event; it is a huge festival of cycling which brings the whole State to life with street parties, a gala dinner and the Bupa Challenge Tour – the popular recreational ride where cycling fans can ride a stage of the race route just hours before the professionals.”

“The Tour also provides the chance to showcase South Australia’s unique regions and spectacular coastline to the world with more than 280 hours of race footage broadcasted internationally,” she said.

The Santos Tour Down Under recently gained national recognition after the 2011 event was crowned Australian Event of the Year and Best Tourism Event at the Australian Event Awards, ahead of Oprah Winfrey’s Ultimate Australian Adventure and Melbourne’s Formula 1 Grand Prix (for the latter award).

“These awards reflect the hard work of everyone involved in the Santos Tour Down Under including in particular the South Australian Government, the event team, emergency services, sponsors including naming rights sponsor Santos, councils, contractors, volunteers, fans across Australia who line the streets and the media who support it,” Ms Rasheed said.

The Santos Tour Down Under will now be in the running to be named the country’s best major festival and event for the third year in a row at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Cairns in March.

A win at the national awards would see the Santos Tour Down Under receive automatic entry into the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame.

The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 15-22 January 2012.

Santos wins at Asia Pacific Learning Awards

Santos — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Santos received two awards for its learning and induction programs at the 2011 Asia Pacific LearnX E-Learning and Training Awards held in Brisbane recently.

The company won a platinum award for Best Blended Learning Solution and a gold award for Best Induction Program.

These awards recognise the outstanding achievement by Santos’ learning and development and organisational development teams in developing a blended learning and new employee induction program.

Illustrating the merit in the awards, others vying for honours included Bupa Australia, BHP Billiton, Commonwealth Bank, and the Department of Immigration.

LearnX is premier e-learning and training foundation, promoting innovative workforce learning and supporting technologies.

Santos GLNG workers saddle up for charity

Santos — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:30:00 GMT

In October some of the GLNG project's more adventurous employees took part in the Stock Up For Hope Charity Drove.

Over 400 head of cattle were moved from Moura to Emerald via Rolleston and Springsure, arriving in time for the Cattle Sale at Emerald Saleyards last week.

This biennial event sees corporate executives, cattle farmers, chaplains and property owners join together to drove cattle and raise funds to support young people in regional Queensland.

The Drove travelled through a number of landholder properties on the GLNG project's pipeline route and property owners joined the group for a camp fire dinner, some country music and the occasional turtle race.

GLNG's CSG Drilling and Completions Manager, Kelvin Wuttke, participated in the Drove and said it was a fantastic way to spend time with a great group of people and raise funds for charity.

“All money raised is donated to support young people, so even though my horse riding skills are atrocious and there was a lot of pain after two and a half days of solid riding, it was definitely worth it!” Kelvin said.

“It also provided a great opportunity to spend time with landholders and answers some of their questions.”

Every cent from the cattle sold is going towards helping regional youth through the SU QLD school chaplaincy program.

The program ensures school chaplains across Queensland are able to provide a listening ear and pastoral support to thousands of young people.

New medical bus for Gladstone

Santos — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Santos were delighted to hand over the keys to a new medical service bus last week which will provide much needed assistance to Gladstone residents requiring specialist out-of-town treatment.

Santos is working in partnership with the Combined Rotary Clubs of Gladstone, to offer this free community service for patients who are referred for medical consultation or treatment by specialists located at the Mater, the Base and Hillcrest Hospitals in Rockhampton.

The Santos GLNG partners provided $130,000 to purchase the bus, which has wheelchair access and will provide a further $120,000 over two years to pay for ongoing costs. The Combined Rotary Clubs of Gladstone will operate the vehicle.

Travelling long distances for medical treatment can be a difficult process, both physically and emotionally.With the purchase of this vehicle and ongoing support, Santos hopes to make life just a little easier for people facing that tough situation.

The bus will be housed and operated from the Senior Citizens Centre at Port Curtis Place, using the administration facilities of the Gladstone Central Committee of the Ageing.

This commitment follows an earlier $1.1million injection into health services at the Gladstone Hospital.

Taking up the challenge for charity

Santos — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:30:00 GMT

A number of Santos employees again took part in the Adelaide Trailblazer Challenge earlier this month, a physically demanding trek through the Adelaide Hills to raise money for charity.

The annual challenge, held this year on 8 October, raised money for charities including Operation Flinders, a South Australian-based program that provides positive direction for young offenders and young people at risk. Other beneficiaries are the Rotary Club of Adelaide, Novita Children’s Services, World Youth International and Sight for All.

Participants teamed up to walk, run and clamber over 18, 34, 50 or 100 kilometres, starting at Pinky Flat near the city centre and heading along the Linear, Yurebilla and Heysen trails running from Pinky Flat in the city to Mt Lofty in the Adelaide Hills.

Mark Chadderton and Evan Morrish teamed up to complete the 50-kilometre course in 8 hours and 15 minutes, improving their previous time by about 45 minutes, placing them eighth out of the 140 teams who completed the 50 kilometres. They raised about $500.

The team comprising Jim Wilton and two of his ‘old’ university mates completed the 50-kilometre course in 10 hours – also a 45-minute improvement on last year’s effort – putting them in 26th place for that category. Their trek was punctuated by an exciting rendezvous with a cranky brown snake.

Jim’s team raised about $3,000, which will enable two young people to participate in Operation Flinders’ eight-day program in the far northern Flinders Ranges – a unique opportunity for participants to trek 100 kilometres through the spectacular landscape and develop their self-esteem, leadership, motivation, team work and responsibility.

Approximately 300 young people participate in the Operation Flinders program each year. The program relies primarily upon the corporate sector and public support for funding.

Santos and OzAsia Festival: Australia’s best arts partnership

Santos — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Santos and the OzAsia Festival have won Australia’s highest accolade for partnerships between business and the arts, taking out Partnership of the Year at the Australia Business Arts Foundation’s national awards.

The awards, held in Perth on Tuesday night, were attended by 700 of Australia’s business and arts leaders.

Described by the judges as a ‘natural fit’ for an Australian energy company with a presence in six Asia-Pacific countries, as well as Asian customers and partners, the partnership with OzAsia also collected the AbaF Partnering Award earlier in the evening and was the only South Australian winner from a field of 36 finalists, comprising six state award-winners across six categories.

This partnership also picked up the Best Achievement in Marketing, Communication or Sponsorship Award at the Australian Event Awards in Sydney last week.

The AbaF award judges said: ‘This vibrant, standout partnership delivers strong engagement with employees and the SA community and at the same time lifts the partners’ international profiles. A perfect alignment of objectives and significant outcomes that work so well for both partners.’

For over 10 years, AbaF has helped build the capacity of the arts, business and donors to connect. Its annual awards celebrate the nation’s best examples of partnership between business and the arts.

Santos has won state and national AbaF awards and commendations over the past three years for its partnerships with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Shakespeare WA, Adelaide Festival and Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.

ABC’s 7:30 program profiles Santos and OzAsia

ABC’s 7:30 TV program recently interviewed Martyn Eames, Vice President Asia Pacific, in a feature on Santos’ partnership with the OzAsia Festival, along with other South Australian AbaF finalists.

>> Watch the 7:30 segment.

James' silence raises $8,000 for The Peter Couche Foundation

Santos — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:30:00 GMT

James Baulderstone, Santos’ Vice President Eastern Australia, recently volunteered to remain silent for a whole hour to raise funds for The Peter Couche Foundation’s Don’t Speak: Silence For Stroke, raising a total of $8,088.

During his soundless hour, James took to walking the floors of the Santos Centre to collect donations from employees, and the rest of the money has been raised through online donations.

The Don’t Speak: Silence For Stroke campaign raises money to support pioneering research at the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Institute, aimed at developing brain repair therapies for stroke victims.

Peter Couche was a highly successful South Australian stockbroker and father of three based in London when, at the age of 42, he suffered an irreversible brain-stem stroke during a business trip to Singapore. The stroke left Peter a quadriplegic with locked-in syndrome – his mind is active and alert, but he can't speak and has little muscle control.

James’ participation in Don’t Speak: Silence For Stroke complements Santos’ existing three-year, $60,000 support for the Peter Couche Foundation. Through these initiatives, Santos can help make a real difference in the lives of stroke victims and their families.

You can donate online, here: www.everydayhero.com.au/james_baulderstone

Santos Tour Down Under and OzAsia Festival honoured as nation’s best

Santos — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:30:00 GMT

The 2011 Santos Tour Down Under took out the most prestigious award at last night’s Australian Event Awards in Sydney, being named the 2011 Australian Event of the Year.

The Tour also received the Best Tourism Event award for a third consecutive year – further recognition of South Australia’s unique world-class cycling festival. The Santos Tour Down Under was recognised ahead of outstanding finalists, Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure and the 2011 Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Best Tourism Event category.

The quality and alignment of Santos’ partnership with the OzAsia Festival was also acknowledged at the awards, winning Best Achievement in Marketing, Communications and Sponsorship. This follows Santos and OzAsia winning the Australian Business Arts Foundation’s (AbaF) SA Partnering Award recently, and being in the running for the national award.

Other recent accolades for Santos’ community partnerships and engagement include the Surat Basin Community Engagement Award; the AbaF WA partnering commendation for our partnership with Shakespeare WA; and the Come Out Festival and ‘CACSA Contemporary: The New New’ exhibition winning the SA Premier’s Ruby Awards.

Guernsey auction raises funds for Aboriginal health

Santos — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Santos employees raised more than $1,200 for Slight For All, an organisation that works with Aboriginal communities to treat preventable eye diseases, through an internal eBay-style auction of guernseys worn by participants in the Santos-sponsored Aboriginal Power Cup.

The colourful guernseys were designed by students participating in the Aboriginal Power Cup, which aims to encourage Aboriginal students from city and regional locations to achieve set benchmarks in personal development, academic excellence and football. The three-term program culminates with a major football carnival at Alberton Oval in June each year. The four football teams (two boys teams and two girls teams) with the best overall achievement play off for the Aboriginal Power Cup at AMMI Stadium as the curtain-raiser event to the Power AFL game.

The auction site saw some strong bidding, with some staff setting their alarm clocks so they could put in a late night bid before the auction closed at midnight.

Many thanks to all who participated. And special thanks to those who secured a guernsey.

Fun runners post strong results in Adelaide and Brisbane

Santos — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Santos’ athletic proficiency was on show in September, with more than 270 of the company’s finest taking part in the Adelaide City-Bay and the Bridge to Brisbane fun runs.

Perfect conditions welcomed more than 200 Santos participants in the recent Adelaide City-Bay Fun Run – a number surpassing the record set last year of 185 entrants.

The first Santos runners over the line in the men’s and women’s 12 kilometre runs were Andrew McCouaig (45:04) and Sarah Westmoreland (56:19). Tony Scholefield (28.01) was the first six kilometre men’s runner over the line and Mary Miles (31.36) the first woman.

Santos covered entry fees and hosted a breakfast for all Santos participants in conjunction with the Asthma SA team after the race.

At the annual Bridge to Brisbane fun run held earlier in the month, 70 Santos participants defied a howling westerly wind to post some good results.

The first Santos runners over the line in the men’s and women’s 10 kilometre runs were Piotr Puchala (43.34) and Dee Walsh (50:01). Bradley Clemments (26:48) was the first five kilometre men’s runner over the line, while Philippa Kassianos (31.54) the first woman.

Santos covered entry fees and hosted a breakfast for all Santos participants, including a joint event in Adelaide with community partner Asthma SA. Congratulations to everyone who took part.

Supporting the JDRF

Part of Santos’ participation has involved fundraising for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

So far the team has raised more than $400 for the JDRF – and there’s still time to put in.

>> Go to the Everyday Hero website to donate.

Djalkiri exhibition now showing at Santos Museum of Economic Botany

Santos — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:30:00 GMT

The Santos Museum of Economic Botany is now exhibiting Djalkiri: We are standing on their names – Blue Mud Bay, the product of a vibrant and intensive cross-cultural exchange between five highly esteemed Yithuwa Madarrpa artists and four renowned artists from across Australia.

A unique art and cultural exhibition showing a magnificent series of prints, the exhibition is open daily until 6 November 2011 and admission is free.

Djalkiri means ‘footprint’, however, in the context of Yolngu law it speaks about the ‘spiritual foundation of the world’. We are standing on their names refers to walking together in the footsteps of ancestors. This significant exhibition illustrates the importance of the cultural connection between people and place. The links between environment, well being and livelihoods are critical in all cultures, while the imagery of ancestral presence and the strong cultural foundations within Djalkiri are signs this exhibition will make an indelible mark.

The Museum of Economic Botany and the exhibition program are proudly supported by Santos.

>> Visit the exhibition’s website.

Fun runners post strong results in Adelaide and Brisbane

Santos — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos’ athletic proficiency was on show in September, with more than 270 of the company’s finest taking part in the Adelaide City-Bay and the Bridge to Brisbane fun runs.

Perfect conditions welcomed more than 200 Santos participants in the recent Adelaide City-Bay Fun Run – a number surpassing the record set last year of 185 entrants.

Santos covered entry fees and hosted a breakfast for all Santos participants in conjunction with the Asthma SA team after the race.

At the annual Bridge to Brisbane fun run held earlier in the month, 70 Santos participants defied a howling westerly wind to post some good results.

Santos covered entry fees and hosted a breakfast for all Santos participants, including a joint event in Adelaide with community partner Asthma SA. Congratulations to everyone who took part.

Supporting the JDRF
Part of Santos’ participation has involved fundraising for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. So far the team has raised more than $400 for the JDRF – and there’s still time to put in.

>> Go to the Everyday Hero website to donate.

Santos GLNG Project invests $500,000 to boost volunteer fire fighting equipment

Santos — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The Santos GLNG Project has invested $500,000 to purchase new fire fighting equipment for the Rural Fire Service to assist volunteer fire fighters in the Maranoa region in preparing for the fast approaching fire season.

The new equipment consists of 65 slip-on units with speed loader stands, which can be easily transported on the back of four wheel drive vehicles, and 65 first aid kits.

Santos GLNG Project Manager Social Performance John Phalen today joined Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) South Western Region Assistant Commissioner Tom Dawson to distribute the last of the units to local volunteers.

“The Santos GLNG Project works closely with local community representatives and government to identify areas where we can give back to the communities in which we operate,” John said.

“Safety is our number one priority at Santos. When we heard from the local Rural Fire Service volunteers that they predicted a busy fire season, naturally we wanted to see how we could help them.

“We hope this equipment will help these local heroes, who put their lives on the line to protect their local communities.”

Mr Dawson welcomed the donation, which he said would contribute significantly to rural operations within the Maranoa Regional Council area, especially during the current bushfire season.

“This partnership has seen 41 rural brigades in the region receive vital firefighting equipment which will not only assist them this season but for many more to come,” Mr Dawson said.

“These volunteers work extremely hard to keep their community safe and are responsible for an area 58,830 km² in size with approximately 13,000 residents.

“As a result of this generous donation, each of these brigades has at least three slip-on units at their disposal, greatly boosting their ability to conduct firefighting operations.

“We are very appreciative of this generous opportunity provided by Santos.”

The equipment has been distributed to volunteers in the region by the QFRS Rural Operations.

OzAsia Festival draws record crowds; wins partnering award with Santos

Santos — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The fifth annual OzAsia Festival, partnered by Santos, drew record crowds this year with 35,000 attendances over two weeks, a 10% increase on 2010.

Santos has been the major festival partner of OzAsia since 2008, a natural fit as an Australian company with a presence in six Asia-Pacific countries.

OzAsia is a celebration of food, film, dance, music, drama and art from right across Asia, and serves to build the cultural understanding between Australia and its regional neighbours.

>> Watch the 2011 OzAsia Festival video.

The 2011 program featured 446 artists from Japan, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Tibet, Thailand, Vietnam, and the best from Australia. This included six world premieres, nine Australian premieres, seven South Australian premieres and 14 Adelaide exclusives. OzAsia also brought together top designers in food, furniture and fashion in FEAST by design.

This year, new partnerships were forged on the visual arts front with Samstag Museum of Art, Contemporary Art Centre of South Australia (CACSA) and The Art Gallery that, along with the Nuido World Embroidery Exhibition at the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Artspace, saw 24,909 patrons visit those exhibitions. This resulted in a grand total of over 60,000 people engaged with the 2011 OzAsia Festival.

Moon Lantern Festival

The festival’s favourite community gathering, the Moon Lantern Festival, enjoyed record attendances.

About 20,000 people converged on Adelaide’s Elder Park to enjoy the free performances, eat moon cakes, and watch the parade of 1,200 school children and community group members with home-made lanterns to celebrate and admire the beauty of the full moon.

This twilight event is an occasion to admire the beauty of the full moon on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Traditionally known as the mid-autumn festival, this local event is a popular celebration of abundance and togetherness, with communities and schools involved in the preparation of their own lanterns as well as the parade. In addition to the parade, the night entailed performances, food and market stalls, cooking and martial arts demonstrations, workshops and fireworks.

More than 40 Santos employees and their children joined the parade with their hand-made lanterns.

Moon lantern workshop and Indonesian dance and music workshop

As part of Santos’ support of OzAsia, employees and their children had the opportunity to take part in private workshops to make moon lanterns and learn Indonesian dance and music.

More than 40 Santos employees and their families attended the moon lantern workshop, great for children and adults alike, providing the chance to enhance creative skills under expert tutelage. The lanterns were then paraded at the Moon Lantern Festival.

The Indonesian Dance and Music Workshop was held the following weekend with more than 30 Santos employees and their families attending. The workshops were run by Indonesian dancer Ade Suharto and Indonesian musician and teacher Dodi Darmadi. Ade introduced two vibrant regional dances from Indonesia, while Dodi showcased his exciting Sundanese drumming, music and martial arts skills.

AbaF award

Each year, the Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) honours the best relationship between the private sector and the arts through the prestigious Australia Business Arts Foundation Awards.

Santos and the Adelaide Festival Centre won the AbaF Partnering Award for the 2011 OzAsia Festival. This is the third consecutive year Santos has won an award from AbaF.

Community engagement award for outstanding contribution

Santos — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The Santos GLNG project was recognised for its outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of Surat Basin communities by winning the inaugural Surat Basin Community Engagement Award at the Surat Basin Conference in Roma last week.

The award recognises the hard work by team members from across the project on a daily basis to ensure the business makes a positive contribution to the community and Santos’ social license to operate remains strong.

This will be vitally important as the GLNG project moves forward.

Santos' commitment to landholder and community engagement, combined with our local presence and our daily engagement with landholders, community, local Indigenous groups and other stakeholders, was key to winning this award.

Going above and beyond the call of duty has been seen in the way Santos employees rallied to help out during the Queensland floods, leading the industry in the desalination of coal seam gas water to benefit local landholders, and supporting social infrastructure that will leave a positive legacy in the community, such as the Roma airport terminal upgrade and a new allied health precinct.

The criteria for winning the award included outlining the company’s future vision and commitment to delivering social benefits for the region and the measures already undertaken to address social issues in the community.

Congratulations to Manager Social Performance John Phalen and the Community Engagement team, as well as EQ Regional Manager Sam Klaas, Team Leader Community and Support Services Jamie Miller, and the rest of the Roma team.

The Santos GLNG project has committed the following to the Maranoa region to date:

$500,000 donated to the Rural Fire Service to purchase 65 slip-on units with speed loader stands and 65 First Aid Kits in preparation for the upcoming fire season.
$7 million over three years towards Surat Basin Gas Industry Aero Medical Evacuation and Retrieval Service.
$2.5 million to the Maranoa Regional Council for the upgrade of the Roma Airport terminal.
$1 million to building a new allied health facility at the Roma Hospital.
$5.8 million towards social and affordable housing for the Roma community:
$5 million towards development of new community and affordable housing.
$100,000 to extend funding of additional community housing officers for a further 12 month period.
$200,000 to assist in identifying and preparing new areas for housing growth.
$500,000 donated earlier this year to the Maranoa Regional Council for their supported accommodation programs which are already helping locals experiencing difficulties accessing rental housing.
In addition to these investments, the Santos GLNG project sponsors a number of events in the local area, including the recent Santos Food and Fire Festival.

Successful asthma campaign

Santos — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:30:00 GMT

As part of the recent Asthma Awareness Week, the Asthma Foundation SA ran a public campaign, with support from Santos, to build awareness of the seriousness of the disease and the support that is available to sufferers.

A series of advertisements appeared in The Advertiser, funded by Santos as the principal partner of Asthma Foundation SA.

The ads proved more than successful with 260 new enquiries to the Breathe Better Information line and website from people seeking more information about their own condition and symptoms, asthma and pregnancy, asthma in children, managing chronic asthma, and teachers requesting information to share with their students, of which some included:

• A 50 year old woman with classic asthma symptoms (cough, wheeze and tightness in her chest) finding it very hard to believe that she had asthma at her age. She thought she could not diagnosed be at the age of 50. She read about it in the paper and came to the realisation that she had to do something about it.

• A teacher from the Riverland who felt motivated to teach her primary school students about asthma. She requested an asthma control pack and showed a special interest in the DVD.

• A young woman who has had asthma most of her life but it has been well controlled. She has found that her asthma has become less controlled since her pregnancy and was looking for information specifically about pregnancy and asthma.

• A mother of a teenager with out of control asthma, reluctant to go to his doctor or take an interest in his asthma. Long chat about asthma management, triggers, plans, symptoms, medications, exercise induced asthma.

>> Visit the Asthma Foundation SA website.

Kings Park Festival Launch

Santos — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The 2011 Kings Park Festival has been launched with 'Santos Live Sundays' again a key feature of the month long event.

Western Australia Environment Minister, Bill Marmion, opened the festival along with Kings Park Board Chairman Richard Simpson, who spoke of the importance of Santos’ sponsorship, now in its second year.

Santos Vice President WA&NT John Anderson described Kings Park as an Australian icon that the company was delighted to support with its focus on the community, on volunteers and education, and on the promotion of native flora.

The 'Santos Live Sunday's' concerts include Botanic Blues and Roots, Tree-mendous Tunes and the Everlasting Jazz Picnic.

Santos City of Lights

Santos — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The Santos City of Lights is an exciting component of the 2011 Brisbane Festival, and the first laser light show of its kind in Australia. The lights fill the space between Kurilpa and Goodwill Bridges with a nightly choreographed spectacle of lasers and lights that can be seen across the city. Every night during the three weeks of Brisbane Festival, the main viewing area at South Bank’s Cultural Forecourt will be buzzing with festival atmosphere, food and beverage outlets and will be home to the Santos Lounge and various unique art installations.

This extraordinary spectrum of lights and lasers will radiate from roof tops, the river and bridges and is set against dramatic musical scores.

The Santos City of Lights is a free event running from 7pm and 8pm from 4 September through to 24 September.

Perth office shines at annual City to Surf

Santos — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Over a quarter of the Santos Perth office participated in the annual City to Surf fun run last weekend in perfect conditions.

The event has grown a lot in recent years and now includes four kilometre, 12 kilometre, half and full marathon distances. Santos’ employees all performed well, but special mentions go to WA & Offshore Australia Drilling and Completions Manager, Manny Sessink and Manager Carnarvon Oil & EH&S, Glen Herrera, who were brave enough to take on the half marathon.

In the weeks leading up to the event, Corporate Lawyer, Rochelle Youngson had been coaching some boys from the Clontarf football academy for the 12 kilometre event, along with a few Santos colleagues. Santos is a supporter of the Clontarf Foundation, which uses the passion young Aboriginal men have for Australian footy as a motivation to help them improve their education, discipline, self esteem, life skills and employment prospects. The Clontarf team enjoyed the run and joined the team in the Santos marquee after the race for some well-deserved refreshments and post-race wind down.

Congratulations to everyone who took part.

Daffodil Day a success at Santos

Santos — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos employees in Adelaide raised $1,630 on Daffodil Day last Friday, 26 August, which has been donated to the Cancer Council SA.

Staff set up a stall in the Santos Centre lobby to sell merchandise and accept donations from employees and visitors throughout the morning. The money raised will go towards providing a cancer patients with support and information resources to help them through their cancer journey, running the Cancer Council Helpline, training Cancer Connect volunteers who provide one-to-one support for people diagnosed with cancer, and visits to a community to educate health professionals and to visit and support patients and carers.

Troy Flower, Cancer Council SA General Manager Business Development, said “We want to thank everyone at Santos for your ongoing support. Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day is an important day for people living with cancer. The generosity of the Santos ‘community’ is very much appreciated as is the company’s commitment to the making a real difference. On behalf of those impacted by cancer, we thank you and your wonderful team.”

This year Daffodil Day aims to raise over $9.5 million to fund the cancer control initiatives, patient support and research services of Cancer Council's eight state and territory member organisations.

Santos Concert kicks off Darwin Fesitval

Santos — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The Darwin Festival got off to a wonderful start recently with the traditional Santos Concert attracting more than 3,000 Top Enders to the Amphitheatre to hear some of the Territory’s leading Indigenous artists.

The annual event opened with ‘The Young Guns’, a group of performers from the Bagot Community, and was followed by the soulful Dewayne Everettsmith. The final act was the Tjupi Band, a Desert Reggae inspired group, whose energetic and emotive tunes had the majority of the crowd on their feet.

At a special pre-concert function for festival, industry and government guests, the Territory’s Chief Minister Paul Henderson spoke glowingly of Santos and its long-time involvement with the Festival. Santos Western Australian & Northern Territory Vice President John Anderson told the gathering the company was proud to sponsor the event because it supported local talent, was free to all members of the community and celebrated the Top End’s rich cultural mix.

On the Saturday night, Santos hosted a dinner with senior bureaucrats before packing into the Lighthouse for some breathtaking acrobatics in the production of ‘Cantina'.

Earlier this year Santos announced a new three year partnership with the Festival taking its involvement with the iconic event to 18 years.

Ballera plays a key role in saving boy's life

Santos — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:30:00 GMT

A landholder near Santos’ Ballera plant in Queensland has written to thank Santos and the Royal Flying Doctor Service for their role in helping save her son’s life after an accident in April.

Michelle Reay – who lives with her partner Jon and their four sons on the Durham Downs cattle station – described in the letter how her two-year-old, Will, had ventured into the station meat house and apparently pulled a piece of machinery down on top of himself.

Hearing him screaming, Michelle rushed in to find Will pinned on the floor with severe head injuries. Michelle immediately called the health centre at Santos’ Ballera plant – the closest clinic – and Santos flew RFDS nurse Chris Belshaw on a HeliAust chopper straight to the property.

Chris checked Will’s vital signs and injuries, and called the RFDS plane to rush the boy to Adelaide. After three hours of surgery, Will was found to have no permanent brain damage and was able to return home. Michelle took Will back to Ballera the following week for a thorough check-up.

Santos hosts RFDS medical facilities to support its Cooper Basin operations, but landholders in remote communities use the clinics for regular check-ups and, thankfully, less frequently for emergencies.

“The hardest thing about living out here is the isolation from medical facilities,” Michelle said.

“Your support for this wonderful service made all the difference to my son’s life.

Santos leads the way in support of indigenous scholarship program

Santos — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Last week, Santos Vice President Strategy and Corporate Development, Peter Cleary, hosted some of Adelaide’s leading business people at a lunch to promote the outstanding work of the Yalari scholarship program.

Founded in 2004 by Waverley Stanley, Yalari works to bring about long-term generational change for Aboriginal people through education.

Yalari offers Aboriginal children from regional, rural and remote communities and towns across Australia the opportunity for a first-class secondary education through full boarding scholarships at some of the highest-achieving schools in Australia.

In South Australia, Santos is funding twelve Yalari scholarships over five years, with six students commencing in 2010, and an additional two students commencing each year in 2011, 2012 and 2013. All of the Santos-sponsored students are studying at Scotch College.

“As well as supporting this worthwhile initiative, it is important for Santos to take a leadership role in bringing other like-minded organisations on board,” said Peter.

“This event was all about helping Yalari build its relationships and contacts in SA, which we hope will lead to more scholarships, but most importantly to create jobs for Aboriginal people particularly in the energy sector."

SALA Festival comes to Santos Centre

Santos — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The Santos Centre foyer will host an inspiring exhibition of sculpture, paintings and jewellery created especially for the 2011 SALA Festival commencing today and running through until 28 August.

The SALA Festival is a statewide celebration of visual culture that provides a platform for more than 4,000 amateur, emerging and established visual artists to reach an audience that extends across 543 galleries, cafes, restaurants, wineries, retailers and many more unique and creative spaces.

The pieces have been created by talented tenants from Common Ground Adelaide, who have been mentored, nurtured and encouraged by emerging artists from the Helpmann Academy.

Common Ground, supported by Santos as a foundation partner, is a housing initiative that provides stable housing with support to people on low incomes and those who experience, or are at risk of, homelessness. The emphasis is on moving towards independence through health care, the arts, training, education and employment. Participation in the arts can be the catalyst that enables people to expand their skills, connect with the community and grow with confidence.

The Helpmann Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts assists emerging artists to make the leap into professional practice, by providing a range of programs and opportunities including exhibitions, awards, grants, mentorships and international exchanges. Common Ground and the Helpmann Academy established the mentorship program to provide an opportunity for emerging artists to assist other creative individuals to realize their potential.

Artist exhibiting works are Trent Woods; Mark Arstall; Peter Sharrock; Leanne Chiarantano; Fran Callen; Alicia Shillabeer, Eleanor Zecchin and Glenn Scott.

Some of the items in the exhibition are for sale, for more information http://salafestival.com/

Santos Tour Down Under extended as legend Eddy Merckx heads to South Australia

Santos — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The world cycling body has granted another extension to the Santos Tour Down Under to ensure it remains the opening stage of the UCI WorldTour.

Premier Mike Rann has announced that the STDU has secured a new four-year WorldTour Licence for the Event, until at least 2015.

The announcement comes as two of the sport's greats, five time Tour de France winner, Eddy Merckx and his Belgium compatriot, track and road all-rounder Patrick Sercu, confirmed they will attend the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under to be special guests at next year's STDU and headline the Legends' Night Dinner.

Announcing the licence extension, Premier Mike Rann said the UCI's decision ensures that the Santos Tour Down Under remained in the top league of international cycling.

“The announcement reinforces the success of the Santos Tour Down Under which has grown to be South Australia's biggest sporting event, the biggest cycling event in the southern hemisphere and one of the best cycling races in the world,” he said.

“Since 2008, when we became the first race outside Europe to be part of the ProTour, now WorldTour, the Santos Tour Down Under has grown dramatically in key areas, including crowd numbers, media coverage and economic impact.

“Attendance figures pre-ProTour were 357,000 compared with 782,393 in 2011, while the economic impact has grown from $11.5 million in 2007 to $43.3 million at this year's event,” Mr Rann said

UCI President Pat McQuaid said: “We are very pleased that the License Commission has extended the Santos Tour Down Under license until 2015, which means that this race will be part of the prestigious UCI WorldTour for the next four years at least.

“This is a particularly important time for cycling in Australia. The huge wave of popularity generated by Cadel Evans‟ historic win at the Tour de France this summer, after his World Championship triumph two years ago, has created an unprecedented momentum for our sport in Australia, which has contributed to the impressive growth of this event.

Santos Chief Executive David Knox congratulated Events SA on securing UCI WorldTour status until at least 2015.

“I am delighted that the Santos Tour Down Under continues to be ranked among the world's best cycling events.

“Santos is proud to support this world-class event attended by hundreds of thousands of people from across Australia and overseas, with a significant positive economic impact on the local economy,” Mr Knox said.

The new UCI WorldTour Licence was approved by the UCI License Commission at its recent meeting in Lausanne.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister John Rau said cycling fans across Australia have the chance to dine with Merckx and Sercu at the Legends' Night Dinner at the Adelaide Convention Centre, on Saturday, 21 January 2012.

“Merckx's professional career spanned from 1965 to 1978 where he won every major Classic and one-day event in road cycling,” Mr Rau said.

Having worn the yellow jersey for a record 96 days throughout his career, the Belgian had the nickname of "the Cannibal" and is considered as "the greatest and most successful cyclist of all time" by international cycling

Gunnedah community support rolling along

Santos — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos has continued its support of the Keegan Downes Memorial Sundowner Handicap cycling race, which was successfully held in sunny conditions on the last weekend in June.

A total of 132 people over seven categories completed the route from Coonabarabran to Gunnedah, with Richard Lang the fastest man (2hr 31:08) and Sue Forsyth the fastest woman (2hr 51:13).

At the presentation dinner that followed the race, former Olympic cyclist Shane Kelly joined SBS cycling commentator Mike Tomalaris on stage. The two entertained the crowd with a question-and-answer session that covered their respective careers, insight into the world of professional cycling, and hot tips for this year’s Tour de France.

As well as backing the race itself, Santos arranged for Shane to lead workshops in local schools to talk about his career, the importance of health and fitness, and overcoming life’s inevitable difficulties and setbacks.

Santos’ support of the Keegan Downes event complements the company’s major partnership with Australia’s top cycling race – the Santos Tour Down Under – and follows other recent sponsorships by Santos in the Gunnedah region.

Santos funded a big screen at the Gunnedah Show from 29 April to 1 May, which was used to display all of the activities happening at the event. It was particularly popular on the Friday evening, when it was used to screen the Royal Wedding.

The company also supported local participation in the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards, the oldest and largest poetry competition for school-aged children in Australia.

The Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society is based in Gunnedah, where her family owned several properties that she visited often. Despite the close connection to the awards, regional participation has been low. Santos provided for noted poet Jackie Hosking to conduct workshops in local schools in a bid to encourage students to write and enter.

Santos’ community support in Gunnedah is an important part of the company’s relationship with the local area, where Santos is undertaking exploration and appraisal activities for coal seam gas.

Industry recognition for Indonesia team

Santos — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos Indonesia was presented with two awards at the ninth anniversary celebrations for BPMigas earlier this month.

BPMigas is the state-owned organisation that oversees the business activities of the upstream oil and gas industry in Indonesia.

The first gong was a Career Development Monitoring Award for production sharing contracts (PSCs) under 50,000 barrels of oil per day, which recognised Santos' continuous efforts in the development of local employees and the management of its human resources. The second was recognition of Santos leading the PSC with the lowest production cost per barrel.

Meiti Wajong, President and General Manager of Santos Indonesia, was presented with the awards by BPMigas Chairman R. Priyono.

A ceremony was held at Ecopark in North Jakarta, and the day included festivities such as live music and dance, and a stage performance with some Indonesian famous comic celebrities.

Chairman R. Priyono cut the tip of the tumpeng – a conical yellow rice dish made for special celebrations – marking the institution's ninth anniversary as well as closing of the event.

Congratulations to Santos Indonesia on these awards.

Perth quiz night raises $26,000 for homeless

Santos — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The inaugural Santos Oil and Gas Industry Charity Quiz raised $26,000 for Homeless Connect, a one-stop-shop for homeless people in Perth.

More than 230 people from the industry, both operators and service providers, participated in the recent event, with a Santos team trumping 28 other tables to take out the honours.

It was tight at the top for most the night until an air guitar competition separated the contenders. Santos WA&NT Development Geologist, Ngaire Long, delighting the audience with work not seen since the days of Jimi Hendrix.

The quiz night auction was also a big hit, with items coming from the West Coast Eagles, the Western Force, Fremantle Dockers and a lunch at Parliament House with WA Mines & Petroleum Minister Norman Moore MLC that netted $1,020.

Homeless Connect is a once-a-year event where homeless people come together for a free meal, new clothes and shoes, medical and dental check-ups, a hair-cut and photographs to send to their loved ones. Santos staff in the Perth office will be on hand to help at this year’s event on 16 November.

Santos and Dieri sign milestone cultural heritage agreement

Santos — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos and the Dieri Aboriginal Corporation last week signed a cultural heritage management plan, recognising the significance of traditional owners in the management and protection of cultural heritage in the Dieri native title claim area of the Cooper Basin.

The signing ceremony – which took place at the Art Gallery of South Australia – represented the culmination of formal discussions that began in 2009.

Among the guests at the ceremony were Santos chief executive David Knox, Shane Kemp, Chairperson of the Dieri Aboriginal Corporation, Dieri Elders and the Hon Frances Bedford MP.

The plan brings Santos into best practice for cultural heritage management in its South Australian operations, and acknowledges the importance of engaging traditional owners in the management and protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage.

David Knox said that the company “is committed to working with Aboriginal communities in a way that respects their cultures and supports the development of their communities.”

“This agreement reflects the principles of our Aboriginal Engagement Policy and provides a foundation on which to build a long-term, mutually-beneficial relationship with the Dieri.

“I’d like to personally acknowledge the hard work and commitment of Shane Kemp and other members of the Dieri, and Jon Bok, Santos’ Aboriginal Engagement Team Leader, to bring this milestone agreement to fruition,” David said.

“We are looking forward to working with the Dieri on the next stage of our working relationship, focusing on employment, education, training, enterprise and capacity building.”

Shane said he saw the agreement “as the beginning of discussions with Santos. Our land has been good to Santos for many years and we are looking forward to our further discussion with Santos on matters of reconciliation.”

“It has been a long slow road to reach this agreement, which for the first time allows the Dieri people some control over their land. I am pleased to say, that we have been able to work through the difficulties and now have an agreement which I believe will be good, not only for Santos but for the Dieri People as well.

“The heritage of the Dieri People in our country is still strong and still there today. We still know the stories of the creation of that country, the stories of the spirits and places of significance to Dieri people.”

Improvements to Witchelina Station nature reserve with Santos’ support

Santos — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Progress has been strong over the past 12 months at Witchelina Station in central South Australia – which was turned into the state’s largest private nature reserve with support from Santos – and has included academic research and an upgrade of facilities.

In 2010 Santos contributed to the purchase of Witchelina Station, near Lyndhurst which covers an impressive 4,200 square kilometres – twice the size of greater Adelaide. Its conservation will protect several threatened species, ecological communities and geological landscapes not previously protected.

The purchase of the property was made in conjunction with the Nature Foundation of South Australia, the South Australian Government, and the Commonwealth’s Caring for Our Country program. Santos’ contribution is part of the company’s obligation under the Native Vegetation Act 1991, which requires land users to set aside funds for environmental benefit according to the land disturbance of their activities. This applies equally to Transport SA, farmers and resources companies.

Fortunately, 2010 saw approximately 400mm of rain fall at Witchelina, double the annual average, which has had a dramatic effect upon the plants and animals at Witchelina and given the property a huge boost on its journey of regeneration.

Despite being hampered by sodden, boggy roads, the past 12 months have yielded many highlights, including:

• Implementation of a goat control program to reduce grazing pressure impact on plants, including a highly successful goat muster with a local indigenous group. A total of 2,400 goats have been removed since February 2010 through a combination of activities. The benefits of faster natural regeneration will be evident in future vegetation monitoring work.

• Promotion of academic research on the property to better understand its conservation values and the ecology or arid environments. Nature Foundation research grants are available for specific research at Witchelina and one Flinders University PhD recipient has already added more knowledge to the understanding of the various sub-species of brown snakes.

• Work commenced on the upgrade of the homestead precinct. Examples including, retrieving poly tanks from bores to increase rain water capacity, servicing and maintaining old generators, rewiring old electrical circuits making them compliant with today’s standards, making some of the buildings more habitable to support research and other visitors, and the seemingly never-ending task to remove rubbish accumulated over many years.

• Involvement from neighbours to work with Nature Foundation to maintain and improve boundary fencing, including assisting with trucking of mustered goats and grading of roads damaged in the rains.

Nature Foundation’s Council visited Witchelina for a three day trip back in April to view progress and finalise plans for a diverse work schedule in 2011- 2012. This work will include:

• A major biological survey across the property toward the end of the year. Results garnered from this survey will be a key contribution to their conservation management plans as they continue to learn about the many habitats within its 4,200 square kilometre expanse.

• An ongoing monitoring program that records changes in variables such as plant recruitment, regeneration, and species diversity (plant and animal) over time is crucial to their capacity to demonstrate the environmental improvements at Witchelina. This will allow them to quantify their achievements, demonstrate precisely how Significant Environmental Benefits are being gained, and provide them with the data to continually adapt and improve our conservation techniques.

• Improvements to the homestead precinct will include major upgrades to power supply, accommodation and water supply. This is a high priority to improve the functionally of the property to their conservation management staff and also to encourage regular, world-class research to be undertaken at Witchelina.

Brought to you by Santos: Mike Tomalaris at the Tour de France

Santos — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos is sponsoring daily updates from the Tour de France by SBS cycling commentator Mike Tomalaris, which are being broadcast daily on Adelaide’s 5AA radio.

The updates bring the personal insight of one of Australia’s best-regarded cycling commentators into the colour and excitement of the world’s greatest cycling race.

As well as being broadcast every morning, the updates are available on the Santos Peloton website.

>> Listen here.

Santos’ sponsorship of the segments complements our major partnership with the Santos Tour Down Under – Australia’s premier cycling event.

Aboriginal Power Cup an inspiration for all

Santos — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Alberton Oval – the spiritual home of the famous Port Adelaide Football Club – resembled a vibrant festival recently as over 300 Aboriginal high school students converged for the annual Aboriginal Power Cup carnival.

Santos is major sponsor of the Cup, and this year 20 employees volunteered as goal umpires, talked with students at a careers expo, and shared their experiences at a leadership workshop.

>> Watch a video about the 2011 Aboriginal Power Cup.

The Aboriginal Power Cup is one of Santos’ key indigenous sponsorships. The company made a commitment in 2009 to help young Aboriginal people reach their full potential by generating training and employment opportunities in the energy sector.

While the Aboriginal Power Cup uses footy as a tool to engage Aboriginal students, it’s not all about the game.

The students participate in a broader program over terms 1 and 2 to complete one of two SACE (South Australian Certificate of Education) curriculum tasks including organising a coach, a trainer, a mentor, a training schedule, designing their team guernsey and polo shirt, producing a team song and planning and preparing a healthy eating program.

The participants will use the curriculum tasks as a base to learn new skills linked to education and healthy living, that will encourage them to continue with their education and make positive life choices.

The theme for 2011 was leadership development. Kerrynne Liddle, Santos’ Manager Aboriginal Community & Stakeholder Participation, led the Santos workshop with John Briggs, General Manager Intract Indigenous Contractors, and Wesley Middleton, Wangkamurra Cultural Heritage Officer at Ballera. Each shared their stories and encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities before them.

The Chairman of Power Community Limited, Simon Forrest, commended the speakers for their honesty and passion. He told guests at an official function before the Aboriginal Power Cup Final at AAMI Stadium that he was impressed to hear such inspirational stories which epitomised exactly what the Aboriginal Power Cup is all about.

The tournament culminated with the final games serving as the curtain-raiser to the Port Adelaide Power versus North Melbourne AFL match at AAMI Stadium. Windsor Gardens Vocational College triumphed in the girls’ final, while Salisbury High School took out the boys’ match.

The Aboriginal Power Cup is an initiative of the South Australian Government in partnership with the Port Adelaide Football Club, Santos, the South Australian Aboriginal Sports Training Academy and the South Australian National Football League.

>> Visit the Aboriginal Power Cup website.

Andrew Seaton's sleepout raises $9,300 for homeless

Santos — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Andrew Seaton, Santos’ Chief Financial Officer, participated in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout held at the Adelaide Zoo recently, raising a total of $9,336, including almost $3,500 of employee donations.

The event challenged business and community leaders to experience homelessness first-hand for one night, raise money, and change social opinions on this serious issue.

Some 82 CEOs participated in the Adelaide sleepout and almost 1,000 around Australia raising over $4 million to date.

Andrew said heavy showers and wind tested the cardboard constructions, but it wasn’t too cold so he managed to get some sleep.

“I met a bunch of very interesting people, including some who have been homeless which really makes you stop and think. It was a worthwhile experience.”

Staff also set up a stall in the Santos Centre lobby last Thursday to take donations totaling more than $650 from employees on their way to work.

All money raised has gone towards new projects and existing services, and allowed Vinnies to expand its programs to assist the homeless through crisis accommodation, domestic violence support and access to counselling, life and occupational skills, legal advice and education.

Andrew’s participation complements Santos’ major partnerships with Common Ground, where Santos has funded accommodation and services in Adelaide and Port Augusta to help break the cycle of homelessness, and Adelaide Zoo, where Santos has helped establish the Santos Conservation Centre, a community space to raise awareness about nature conservation issues.

>> You can still donate to Andrew's fundraising for Vinnies here.

About St Vincent de Paul Society

St Vincent de Paul Society's 40,000 members and volunteers work hard to assist people in need and combat social injustice across Australia. Internationally, the society operates in 130 countries and has more than 950,000 members.

A significant part of the society’s work includes helping those affected by the various stages of homelessness through accommodation services, refugee, asylum seeker and migrant service, mental health support, and home visitation.

Nearly half of Australia’s 105,000 homeless people are women and about 30% are children. The most common reasons for homelessness are family breakdown, unemployment, drugs, alcohol and domestic violence.

Santos employees rise to the challenge

Santos — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos employees raised more than $6,500 for the Asthma Foundation’s Take a Breather Charity Challenge: Rogaining recently, a five-fold increase on 2010.

A total of 442 people in 152 teams took part in the event, which raised more than $20,000 for Asthma SA. Santos had 16 teams entered-twice the number compared to last year-comprising 51 employees and their family and friends taking to the trails of Para Wirra National Park, about 50mins out of Adelaide.

David Bedson, chief executive of the Asthma Foundation of SA, said “the event was a huge success, and the fundraising by Santos employees was an outstanding result, accounting for 30% of total funds raised”.

Following the event, competitors were treated to a gourmet barbecue and a few relaxing drinks around a camp fire.

The team of Philip North and Greg Cowley led the Santos charge in the rogaining event, finishing first at Santos and 11th overall.

Phil said “we found the terrain very interesting and much tougher overall than we envisaged, and despite Greg being keen to run, I held him back with my “slow and steady” approach which ended up working well given the importance of navigation in the thick scrub. The event overall was very well run and the course was large enough so that despite the record numbers of entrants there was plenty of time where we were out on our own.”

Kevin Gent and James Marker competed in the cyclogaining event, finishing first at Santos a creditable eleventh overall.

Santos’ highest fundraiser team ‘Santos Catch 22’ consisting of James Griffiths, Elizabeth McBride, Matteo Rizzi, Alison Sargent & Helena Wu raised an outstanding total of $1,260 and were the third highest fundraisers overall.

All funds raised will go towards Asthma Research scholarships, providing free Asthma Control Packs and providing asthma emergency training to sporting and recreation clubs.

>> Visit the Take a Breather website.

Results in full:

Santos – Best strategic planning teams (6 hours event - By foot)

1st - Philip North & Greg Cowley (11th overall)
2nd - Jodie Blyzno, Wilf Lammerink, Andrew McPhail, Phil Blyzno (24th overall)
3rd - Jordyn Ellis-Bergh, Matthew Levesque, Nina Hagias, Paul Draper (55th overall)
4th - Andy Woods, Brett Matheson, Stuart Miller, Peter Newman, Sarah Matheson (61st overall)
5th - Anne-Marie Barbaro, Iain Burns, Lachlan Harris, Sarah Westmoreland (72nd overall)
6th - Jasi Watson, Adrian Spizzo (86th overall)
7th - James Griffiths, Elizabeth McBride, Matteo Rizzi, Alison Sargent & Helena Wu (88th overall)
8th - Keith Humphris, Leigh Humphris (94th overall)
9th - Brianna Telenko, Julie Mackintosh (96th overall)
10th - Janice Kwok, Debra Gonzago, Justin Chai, Bryan Gui, Lydia Wong (97th overall)
11th - Tom White, Neetu Dhatt, Soo-Ran Sherriff, Michael Shanahan (102nd overall)
12th - Pedro Siblesz, Andres Siblesz, Fuad Nehme, Fouad Nehme (104th overall)
13th - Peter Millitz, Zuraidah Zuraidah (120th overall)

Santos – Best strategic planning teams (4 hours event - Cyclogaine)

1st - Kevin Gent, James Marker (11th overall)
2nd - Katherine Turner, Heath Georgeff (13th overall)
3rd - Brooke Hann, Anthony Hann (16th overall)
4th - Marika Suszko, Naomi Wilson (19th overall)

Dean Bowman Brain Tumour Research Laboratory officially opens

Santos — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The Dean Bowman Brain Tumour Research Laboratory was officially opened at the University of Adelaide recently to investigate the causes behind one of Australia’s most aggressive and least understood cancers.

The laboratory is dedicated to long-serving Santos Treasurer Dean Bowman who died from a brain tumour in 2010. Established by the NeuroSurgical Research Foundation (NRF) with funding from Santos, the laboratory will focus on reducing the impact of brain cancer, which kills one Australian every six hours.

The new laboratory will provide world-standard equipment and fund much-needed research into brain cancer, which has an almost 100% fatality rate. More than 1,400 people die of brain cancer each year in Australia and it accounts for more than one third of cancer deaths in children aged under 10.

“Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in people aged under 40, yet research into this area is badly needed as survival rates have not improved in two decades,” said Professor Bob Vink, NRF Chair of Neurosurgical Research and Head of the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Adelaide.

“Having the latest equipment is vital if we want to remain at the cutting edge of medical research and maintain our 5-star world rating in clinical health research,” Professor Vink says.

2012 Santos Tour Down Under Official Launch

Santos — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under has been officially launched at events for the media, sponsors and participating councils.

South Australian Premier Hon Mike Rann MP unveiled the 2012 race routes with Santos CEO David Knox and Tour Race Director Mike Turtur, which will see suburban Prospect and the Hills town of Lobethal host race starts for the first time and the UCI WorldTour event return to Victor Harbor and Clare.

“I am extremely pleased next year’s Santos Tour Down Under will include new stage starts as well as a return to towns which have previously embraced the Tour experience,” Mr Rann said.

“For the first time in the event’s 14 year history, cyclists will finish Jayco Stage 5 at the top of Old Willunga Hill after a challenging Škoda King of the Mountain climb, which should be a spectacular finish,” he said. A new classification process, for Škoda King of the Mountain climbs, will be used for the first time at the 2012 event, with each climb given a rating between 1 and 3 determined by their level of difficulty.

Santos CEO David Knox said the company was pleased to help bring the energy of the world’s greatest cyclists down under for another year.

“The Santos Tour Down Under is a world-class event attended by hundreds of thousands of people from across Australia and overseas, with a significant positive economic impact on the local economy,” Mr Knox said. “The calibre of athlete the event attracts, the global coverage that it receives, its immense and growing popularity and the exceptional manner with which it is executed are all hallmarks of its success.”

The 2011 Santos Tour Down Under drew record crowds of more than 782,000 people lining the streets of Adelaide and regional South Australia.

Further details about how Santos employees can participate in 2012 will be provided in coming months.

The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under will be held from 15 to 22 January, 2012.

2012 Santos Tour Down Under Race Routes:

Sunday, 15 January - Down Under Classic – Rymill Park, Adelaide (51km)
Monday, 16 January – Rest Day
Tuesday, 17 January – Stage 1 – Prospect to Clare (149km)
Wednesday, 18 January – Stage 2 – Lobethal to Stirling (148km)
Thursday, 19 January – Colemans Group Stage 3 –Unley to Victor Harbor (134.5km)
Friday, 20 January – Bupa Stage 4 – Norwood to Tanunda (130km)
Saturday, 21 January – Jayco Stage 5 – McLaren Vale to Old Willunga Hill (151.5km)
Sunday, 22 January – Stage 6 Adelaide City Council Street Circuit - Elder Park, Adelaide (51km)

>> Watch Channel Nine's report on the 2012 Tour launch.

Chilean mine rescue inspires Women in Resources SA

Santos — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:30:00 GMT

A presentation on the leading role of two women in the Chilean mine rescue last year was the feature of a Women in Resources South Australia (WinRSA) function held at the Santos Centre, Adelaide, earlier this month.

The speaker was Dr Bob Johnson, chairman and founder of Maptek, a mine planning and design technology company. He discussed details not widely publicised, including the considered technical methods used by female employees Estibaliz Echeverria and Sandra Jara in the famous rescue effort. Ms Jara’s patient managing of the drilling operation was unpopular with many at the time, taking longer than thought necessary, but delivered the extraordinary results the world was hoping for.

“The successful mine rescue would not have been possible without the cooperation and pooling of ideas and resources from many people,” Bob said.

“Maptek was honoured and humbled to play a meaningful role in the process. We pay tribute to our three young South American colleagues who worked tirelessly in the face of enormous pressure.” The three Maptek staff involved were Alvaro Quezada, Ms Jara and Ms Echeverria.

About 80 people attended the event, including students, geologists, surveyors, engineers and many others working in South Australia’s energy and resources sector. It the second WinRSA function for 2011.

Women in Resources South Australia, established in October 2010, provides opportunities for women in leadership roles in the energy industry to network, discuss common issues, and promote the participation of women in the South Australian resources sector.

WinRSA is supported by Santos, Beach Energy, BHP Billiton, Finlaysons, Origin, PwC and SACOME.

CFO Andrew Seaton in Vinnies sleepout

Santos — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Andrew Seaton, Santos’ Chief Financial Officer, will brave the elements in this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout at Adelaide Zoo to help raise funds and awareness about homelessness.

The sleepout will take place on Thursday, 16 June, in capital cities across Australia. The event challenges business and community leaders to experience homelessness first-hand for one night, raise important money, and change social opinions on this serious issue.

Last year, nearly 700 executives in seven cities raised $2.9 million to directly assist people battling homelessness. All money raised has gone towards new projects and existing services, and allowed Vinnies to expand its programs to assist the homeless through crisis accommodation, domestic violence support and access to counselling, life and occupational skills, legal advice and education.

>> You can donate to Andrew's fundraising for Vinnies here.

About St Vincent de Paul Society

The St Vincent de Paul Society's 40,000 members and volunteers work hard to assist people in need and combat social injustice across Australia. Internationally, the society operates in 130 countries and has more than 950,000 members.

Sharing tools of the trade to boost females in CSG industry

Santos — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Encouraging young females to consider entering the coal seam gas industry was the aim of the 4Girls2 forum held recently in Miles and Toowoomba, Queensland, where Santos representatives Trina Beach, Cangie Wu and Alicia Harrington shared their career experiences.

About 160 year 10 girls, their teachers and career counsellors attended the forum from schools throughout the Surat Basin to learn about the industry. Reaching them prior to their subject selections for year 11 and 12 provided a great opportunity to open their eyes to career possibilities available to them on their own doorsteps in the CSG industry.

Female representatives from Santos, Origin and QGC shared their own professional journeys. They talked about the career pathways made available to them, the day-to-day work they undertake, what they enjoy about their careers and the subjects that students may need to consider to the enter the business.

The students participated in hands-on activities which showcased possible tasks they may face should they pursue a career in the industry, including water testing, hydraulics remote access and soil testing.

The feedback was positive and Santos will now look at contacting a number of students and their parents to invite them to a career information session to showcase opportunities available through Santos.

The 4Girls2 forum is one of a number of Surat Basin school-based programs administered by the Queensland Mineral and Energy Academy (QMEA) which is sponsored by Santos, Origin and QGC and forms part of Santos’ ongoing campaign to encourage more women into the industry.

Santos backs university student awards and classes in WA

Santos — Tue, 31 May 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos was centre stage at Curtin University’s engineering annual prize-giving ceremony in Perth recently, with the company sponsoring two of the Department of Petroleum Engineering’s awards for the 2010 academic year.

Winners of the inaugural Santos Prize were Chris Coman, for best overall course performance, and Jamie Cole, for outstanding performance in reservoir property mapping.

The head of Curtin University’s Petroleum Engineering Department, Professor Brian Evans, said the number of people studying the discipline had leapt from 18 masters students in 2008 (when the program started) to 88 undergraduate, 35 masters and 24 PhD students today.

Santos is sponsoring similar awards at the University of Western Australia, and is also supporting both universities by presenting tutorials.

In a recent tutorial, Santos’ project manager Michael Jacobsen and reservoir engineer James Telford looked at a field development plan. They discussed project management (including project gating, joint venture and commercial considerations, economics) and subsurface development (uncertainty management, reserves, well planning).

The class of approximately 35 students put questions and made comments during the two-hour session, before presenting a summary of their own project, a fictitious offshore field in the Middle East. Mike and James then answered questions and provided insight on how such a field might be developed.

The course lecturer, Dr Mohammad Kabir said the tutorial was well received, with the students gaining exposure to industry and an understanding of the relevance of their studies.

The Smith Family’s Back-to-School Appeal

Santos — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:30:00 GMT

One of Santos' major community partners, The Smith Family, is conducting its Back-to-School Appeal, which provides educational support to Australian children in need.

One in seven Australian children are unable to access the same educational, health or life opportunities that many of us enjoy.

Research shows that the most effective way to help financially disadvantaged children is to support their education. Through the Back-to-School Appeal, you can make a real difference.

“Sadly, there are over 600,000 children across Australia considered to be financially disadvantaged,” said Graham Jaeschke, Smith Family General Manager South Australia.

“To break the cycle of disadvantage, we need to ensure these children can access the learning opportunities many of us take for granted.

“We are grateful to Santos employees for considering this opportunity.”

To sponsor a child for as little as $39 per month, please click here.

Santos is a major supporter of The Smith Family, funding and participating in education and mentoring programs through its Learning for Life program.

PESA-SPE golf day raises $25,000 for RFDS

Santos — Mon, 23 May 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The 32nd annual PESA-SPE golf day, of which Santos was a principal sponsor, raised a total of $25,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The charity golf day has become a tradition within the oil and gas industry and once again was a great success. This year’s event was held last month at the Flagstaff Hill Golf Club, with 30 Santos employees and contractors among a total of 120 players taking part on a perfect autumn day.

In all, 35 sponsors – including Santos, Beach Energy, Transfield Services, Terrex Seismic, Origin, Neil Mansell Transport, Halliburton, Ensign Energy and Baker Hughes – contributed generously to the event. An additional $4,000 was raised on the day by the in-course ‘bookies’ who sell raffle tickets to the players based on their perceived ability.

From humble beginnings way back in the 1970s, this charity event has raised more than $235,000 for the RFDS. This association recognises the close relationship between this valuable service and the oil and gas sector.

Santos’ Andy Pietsch, who chaired the organising committee with Colin Cruickshank, said the day was a “great success”.

“This year, for the first time, a team Ambrose format was selected, and was overwhelmingly endorsed for future events. The dinner is always the venue for the after-round sharing of disappointment and missed opportunities, in keeping with the nature of the golf,” Andy said.

“A representative of the RFDS was a keynote speaker, and provided appreciation and insight into where funds go in sourcing new aircraft to continue the services that are provided by the RFDS. The night rounded out with the traditional auction of unallocated prizes, where yet more money was raised.”

Thanks and congratulations go to the organising committee, the sponsors and the players for contributing to another successful event.

PESA is the Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia, and the SPE is the international Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Santos triathlon team wins ‘best corporate colours’

Santos — Thu, 19 May 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Earlier this month, more than 30 Santos employees participated in The NISSAN/BRW Corporate Triathlon on the Gold Coast.

Helped along by idyllic weather conditions and a large crowd, Santos representatives of all ages participated in a 400-metre swim, 10-kilometres ride and 4-kilometre run starting at 6am sharp.

Putting in a strong team performance, the group was also awarded top prize for best corporate colours, thanks to Ralf Eckey and Catherine Brown, who paraded the skin-tight lycra for the judges.

Cyclo Sportif: up to the challenge

Santos — Wed, 18 May 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Two Santos teams took on Cycling South Australia's Cyclo Sportif over the past six months, enhancing the company's reputation for cycling prowess and style.

Cyclo Sportif is aimed at recreational cyclists looking for fun challenges to increase their fitness and riding ability in a safe and structured environment.

Over eight rounds from November 2010 to April 2011, 22 teams of five or more raced the clock over set distances in the Barossa and McLaren Vale that varied between 44 and 68 kilometres.

Teamwork was important: a team’s time was recorded when its last rider crossed the line. The object is to work together, putting the stronger riders at the front to provide the weaker riders with the 30% efficiency of sitting in the other riders slip stream. However the whole team has a pert to play in getting to the finish as quickly as possible.

The Santos Energisers team took out five first places in the mixed team category, making them the best-performing mixed team. Santos Energy and Speed achieved a first, two seconds and a third in the men’s B category.

Congratulations to all who took part.

Santos Energisers: Linda Gentilcore (captain), Kara Turner, Maria Sabine, Cangie Wu, Khalee Field, Jasi Watson, Greg Horton, Alistair Cameron, Greg Sykes, Jo Mawby.

Santos Energy and Speed: Hugh Banister (captain), Matt Clarke, Kym Knuckey, Mo Browning, Peter Moriarty, Adrian Spizzo, Ross Rowe and Adrian Sikorski.

Desert Country opens in Perth

Santos — Sun, 15 May 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The acclaimed Desert Country art exhibition, which is embarking on a national tour funded by Santos, was launched in Perth last Friday night.

Desert Country is the first exhibition to chart the 40-year evolution of the internationally acclaimed Australian desert painting movement. Santos’ contribution funded Desert Country’s initial exhibition in Adelaide and its current two-year national tour.

Art Gallery of South Australia director Nick Mitzevich thanked Santos for its support of the exhibition and of the company’s long-term support of the Gallery’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection.

Nick’s words drew a warm response from the more than 300 guests who attended the launch at the University of Western Australia’s Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery.

Santos’ Vice President WA & NT, John Anderson, spoke about the role of indigenous art in helping the wider community better connect with Australia’s traditional owners.

The exhibition illustrate the memories, ceremonies, country and the relationships shared by the people who live in the vast desert regions of South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. It runs in Perth until 31 July 2011.

Visit the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery website.

Santos employees raise $1,330 on Starlight Day

Santos — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos employees in Adelaide raised $1,330 on Starlight Day last Friday, 7 May, which has been donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Staff set up a stall in the Santos Centre lobby to sell merchandise and accept donations from employees and visitors throughout the morning. The money raised will help Starlight to deliver its much-needed programs to support children in hospitals – including Starlight Express Rooms, Starlight Fun Centres and the popular superhero Captain Starlight.

This fundraising complements Santos’ existing support for the Starlight Children’s Foundation as Foundation Partner of South Australia’s first Starlight Express Room, which opened at the Women’s and Children’s hospital last month.

Julie Mullen, Starlight SA State Partnerships Manager, said: “Starlight doesn’t receive any government funding, so the support and contribution from Santos staff for Starlight Day has been essential and fantastic – a great team effort. Thank you for helping us to make a positive difference.”

Santos named open source Global Innovator of the Year

Santos — Mon, 09 May 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos has won one of the most prestigious awards in the field of information technology, being named global Innovator of the Year at the annual Red Hat Summit in the US last week.

Software giant Red Hat is a major IT company on the world stage as the leading supplier of Linux, the system used for approximately 70% of servers worldwide.

The annual three-day conference hosts the awards to showcase the world’s best innovators in what is known as ‘open source’ software. (The term open source means the software is made freely available for use or modification and is usually developed by public collaboration (as opposed to private development) to progress information technology.)

Santos’ TurboVNC project beat companies including Nissan, DreamWorks InfinitiesSoft and Rancore Technologies to the honour, having already won the awards’ Optimized Systems category.

Notably, the Innovator of the Year award was voted on by industry peers and delegates at the summit – in other words, by those with a strong technical understanding of what the Santos project achieved – giving the award extra credence.

Santos entered to generate further support for the open source project that it is sponsoring, which would protect Santos’ investment.

Senior Geoscience Systems Specialist Darren Stanton attended the Red Hat Summit in Boston and accepted the award on Santos’ behalf. He paid tribute to the hard work of Santos’ Information Systems teams.

“In particular I would like to mention our Unix administrators Andy Fry, Daryl Tester, Quentin Smith, Alex Swanson and Adam Nye, and our Unix team leader Keith Skidmore. It’s definitely been a team effort and should be recognised as such,” Darren said.

The TurboVNC project has helped Santos’ geosciences teams through real-time national and international collaboration, simpler administration, better performance, lower costs, additional functionality, reliability, greater security and improved energy efficiency. More detail below.

Congratulations to Darren and the team on this exceptional achievement.

>> Read more about the Red Hat awards.

Forging new ground in information technology

In 2010, Santos became a major sponsor of the open source team that created applications called TurboVNC and VirtualGL. Used together, this software provides Santos’ geoscientists with high-performance 3D graphics for all geoscience data analysis.

Through its ongoing annual sponsorship, Santos has given the team the necessary financial resources to further develop and improve these applications. The arrangement is a genuine win-win – improved technology directly benefits Santos and the progression of its projects.

The technology is used by Santos to display seismic data from prospective oil and gas fields to offices around the organisation. Significant investments are dependent upon accurate and comprehensive data interpretation, which places enormous importance on this technology for the success of Santos’ operations.

To date, the move towards open source has saved Santos $2.5 million over five years in operating costs and increased the speed with which incoming data is processed.

Further advantages come through the complete portability of each user’s geoscience desktop. Regardless of their location, users can connect to high-performance 3D graphics. Furthermore, real-time national and international collaboration and peer support between geoscience colleagues has become a reality, irrespective of participants’ locations.

This new technology has greatly simplified many aspects of data management. All Australian-based users now share one set of applications, databases and seismic data, removing the need for discrete pieces of infrastructure and overnight synchronisation of data between Santos sites.

Celebrating GoMA’s latest and greatest

Santos — Sun, 08 May 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos’ Brisbane employees gathered at the city’s Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) recently to celebrate the huge success of the gallery’s 21st Century: Art in the First Decade exhibition.

The event was an opportunity for Santos to continue to show its support of GoMA as the gallery’s primary sponsor and served as a kick-start to the Easter break, with everyone indulgin in chocolate eggs and hot cross buns.

The exhibition, which ran from 18 December 2010 until 26 April 2011, was the largest contemporary exhibition ever staged by an Australian art institution and attracted a staggering 451,000 visitors from all over the world.

GoMA is now preparing for Surrealism: The Poetry of Dreams, which will be launched 11 June 2011.

New boat means smooth sailing for Gladstone’s yachties

Santos — Tue, 03 May 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Recreational sailors on Gladstone Harbour will enjoy safer boating conditions as a result of a new partnership announced between the Port Curtis Sailing Club and GLNG.

GLNG – on behalf of its project partners, Santos, PETRONAS, Total and Kogas – has provided $40,000 to the club for the purchase of a new safety vessel.

The funding will pay for a 5.5-metre rigid-inflatable boat equipped with a four-stroke outboard engine, centre console, sunshade and marine radio, and a road trailer.

The safety vessel will be deployed during regattas and busy sailing periods to monitor yacht club vessels on the water and ensure they remain within set areas. It will also allow skippers of industrial vessels to make contact with the club when they are operating on the harbour.

GLNG Operations Pty Ltd chief executive, Mark Macfarlane, said the new vessel would ensure the safety of yacht crews – especially junior sailors – when barges and large ferries were moving around the harbour.

“Gladstone is a busy, industrial harbour, and with growing international demand for Queensland’s minerals and resources – including LNG – it will only see increased movements of large vessels in the years ahead,” Mark said.

“In the short term, we recognise that ferries and barges carrying personnel and equipment to and from Curtis Island will also increase the risks to recreational harbour users, particularly inexperienced sailors.

“GLNG wants to work with the Gladstone community to leave a legacy from our project, and safety for the community is a key area of focus for us.”

Gladstone Yacht Club Manager Brian Dawson welcomed GLNG’s financial support to buy a safety boat for the sailing club’s use.

“With the funds provided by GLNG the club will ensure it has the best possible vessel to help ensure our young sailors stay safe on the water,” he said.

All hands on deck after Roma is hit with more floods

Santos — Sun, 01 May 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos has donated $25,000 to the Roma Combined Christian Churches Flood Appeal after floods hit the town again last week.

The donation is expected to assist with Roma’s ongoing flood recovery and further illustrates a commitment to the communities in which we operate.

Santos’ presence was also felt on a more personal level by business owners, with Santos employees actively lending a hand in and around Roma.

The Roma Dental Centre narrowly avoided flooding, and principal dentist Hezel Cohen was grateful for the number of Santos staff who willingly unloaded sandbags and helped protect their business.

“We were suddenly surrounded by numerous people wearing Santos shirts,” she said.

“It was a sobering, mind-blowing experience, that in the midst of disaster, people today are still willing to help each other out without expecting anything in return.”

Santos is proud of our employees’ efforts and hopes the donation to the Combined Christian Churches Flood Appeal can help other local businesses in their recovery.

Santos donated $50,000 to the 2010 Roma flood appeal.

Santos and employees donate $43,000 for natural disasters in NZ and Japan

Santos — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos employees have dug deep to contribute a total of $21,546 for the victims and recovery efforts associated with the recent natural disasters in New Zealand and Japan. Santos has matched these contributions.

Employees contributed $9,455 to the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Appeal and $12,901 for the Red Cross Japan and Pacific Disaster Appeal.

Santos matched the donations, which means $18,910 has gone to New Zealand and $25,802 to Japan.

While Santos does not have a presence in New Zealand, this contribution recognises that a number of Santos employees hail from New Zealand and have extended family living in Christchurch.

Likewise, in Japan Santos has strong commercial ties, including through its LNG portfolio and with buyers of oil and liquids from Port Bonython and Stag. Japan’s TEPCO, Tokyo Gas and Inpex are partners in Darwin LNG, with TEPCO and Tokyo Gas as customers. TEPCO and Osaka Gas have offtake agreements with PNG LNG, where Nippon Oil is also a shareholder. The matching of employee donations is also a sign of support at a difficult time, and recognises Australia’s wider trade and cultural links with Japan.

New partnership with Clontarf

Santos — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos has announced a new three-year partnership with the Clontarf Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation committed to improving the education, discipline, self esteem, life skills and employment prospects of young Aboriginal men.

Clontarf uses the passion Aboriginal boys have for Australian football to attract and keep them at school; but it is far more than a sporting program.

Each Clontarf Academy, formed in partnership with a local school, is focused on encouraging behavioural change, developing positive attitudes, and helping students to finish school and secure employment. Fundamental to this is the development of values, skills and abilities that will assist the boys to achieve better life outcomes.

The full-time, locally-based Clontarf staff – through a diverse mix of activities – mentor and counsel students while the school caters for their educational needs.

Santos WA & NT Vice President, John Anderson, said the company took an active role in the communities of which it was a part and was pleased to be associated with Clontarf and support its great work.

"The Clontarf team has done an amazing job since they started their first academy in Perth in 2000 with 25 boys to be now catering for almost 2,500 boys in 44 schools across WA, the Northern Territory and Victoria,” he said.

"It's a terrific success story and benefits not only young Aboriginal men and their families but the whole community.”

Santos’ partnership with the Clontarf Foundations adds to the company’s established community support program in WA, which includes the Santos Great Bike Ride, Kings Park Festival and Shakespeare WA.

Ballera staff discover rare species of katydid

Santos — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Enterprising employees at Santos’ Ballera operations have played a crucial role in the discovery of a rare species of katydid, which has become the first of its kind to go on display at the Australian Museum in Sydney.

Scott Cutting, a plant operator at Ballera, first noticed what he thought was an odd-looking grasshopper in the plant at the end of 2010. He took a photo and sent the picture to the Australian Museum, which recognised it as a rare katydid and asked for living or dead specimens for research.

Soon after, following a couple of dexterous but unsuccessful attempts by Ballera fitter James Wyatt to send captured specimens to the museum, instrument/electrical technician Ron Galbraith caught a katydid that alit on the screen door to his room. This one was named Warnie (after the Australian cricketer) for its green-and-gold colouring and rakish hair-style.

Instrument/electrical technician Glen Robertson and his family hand-delivered Warnie to the Australian Museum. Closer inspection revealed that Warnie was a female, but she kept her name and remains in her own enclosure as the only one of her kind on display in the country.

Warnie was formally identified as an example of the species Alectoria superba, also known as the Superb Katydid. The museum has recognised Santos staff as the collectors.

>> See Warnie on the Australian Museum website.

The Ballera team stayed on the hunt. Andy Stefanowicz, a fitter, caught another katydid at a compressor station, which Craig Cruickshank, a reliability planner, helped to deliver. This one was a male, prompting hopes of an entomological romance.

Sadly, he died of suspected natural causes only a few days after reaching the museum, but not before delivering the goods. Warnie laid eggs on plant stems in her enclosure in March. The story continues.

Santos unveils energy bike at APPEA conference

Santos — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos' famed energy bike has made its debut at the annual APPEA conference, attracting plenty of interest from the event's 3,000 attendees.

The energy bike, a popular feature of Santos' tents at the Santos Tour Down Under, measures the peak amount of wattage the rider produces in a short burst of cycling. Riders' results are ranked on a Top Gear-style scoreboard.

Santos CEO David Knox has been one of the more impressive performers to date, clocking 948 watts to retain a position in the top ten. The highest score so far has been 1,197 watts.

APPEA – the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association – is the representative body for the oil and gas industry in Australia. This year's conference is being held in Perth, and Santos again has a significant presence underlining its prominence in the Australian oil and gas sector.

Santos' has a booth that highlights the company's operations and community support in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, its broader strategy, operations and community program, and consolidates its cycling support.

Santos' Manager Climate Change & Sustainability, Susie Smith, spoke on the topic of low-emission technology, while Principal Adviser Indigenous Affairs, Craig Jones, discussed Aboriginal engagement in the resources sector.

To further develop its professional relationships, Santos has also hosted a breakfast for Santos employees in Perth, supported daily early-morning cycles around the streets of Perth led by professional West Australian cycling team Plan B, and hosted a cocktail function for key industry and government figures.

Come Out festival celebrates the creative energy of youth

Santos — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Over the past fortnight Santos employees and their families in Whyalla and Adelaide have been enjoying performances at the 2011 Come Out Festival, proudly sponsored by Santos.

In Whyalla, about 60 Port Bonython employees and their families were treated to a fantastic performance of The Lonely Mouse last week. Santos’ sponsorship funded the development and production of The Lonely Mouse, a show about belonging and not belonging, by the Whyalla-based D'faces youth arts company.

“The show was definitely a hit with the children,” said Kate Mann, Port Bonython Improvement Co-ordinator.

“A highlight was Tyrone Wood (son of Santos’ Stuart Wood, Reliability Superintendent) gettting rather excited when ‘the place where Dad works’ was thanked as a program partner.”

Meanwhile, about 60 Adelaide-based employees and their families attended performances of Wulamanayuwi Amantiya Wulamarni Pamanui – a new Aboriginal play with songs and puppetry commissioned by the Darwin Festival, and Hans Christian, You must be an angel – an innovative mix of theatre, puppetry, film and special effects.

At the Santos Centre in Adelaide, musicians from the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra entertained employees as they made their way into work, to launch one of the 30 pianos placed around Adelaide as part of the festival with the simple invitation: “Play Me, I’m Yours”.

The piano – exquisitely painted by Santos’ graphic designer Kristen Roberts –resided outside the Santos Centre for the past two weeks for passers-by to play.

SA’s first Starlight Express Room opens

Santos — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:30:00 GMT

South Australia’s first Starlight Express Room, established with support from Santos, was officially opened on Tuesday at the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Santos CEO David Knox was among the official launch party, which included Starlight Children’s Foundation CEO Louise Baxter, Children Youth and Women’s Services Acting CEO Phil Robinson, and National Starlight Board Member and former Olympic swimmer Kieran Perkins.

In 2009, Santos provided a one-off $300,000 donation for the room’s establishment, which completes the Starlight Foundation’s vision to have a Starlight Express Room in every major paediatric hospital in Australia.

Starlight Express Rooms are “medical-free havens” where kids can escape from the pressures of their illness and the austerity of the hospital to play computer games, create craft, join in group games, play music, be mystified by magic and behave like any normal child for a period of time.

All Starlight programs are centred on the social model of health which recognises the role of play, fun and social interaction as critical to health and wellbeing. They regularly feature the superhero Captain Starlight, who hosts all the fun in the Starlight Express Room, and is there at the bedside of children too sick to leave their bed or in isolation, to provide vital distraction and laughter.

In South Australia, there are almost 19,000 child admissions to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital every year, with 180 paediatric beds servicing not only South Australia but also the sickest children from the Northern Territory.

The Starlight Children's Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with chronic and life-threatening medical conditions. The foundation's programs are designed to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families with others facing similar challenges to create a community so that no one feels alone.

Santos’ support is in line with the company’s intention to form quality partnerships that make real differences in the areas of health and the community, and supporting the development of young people.

David Knox addresses UniSA graduation ceremony

Santos — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos CEO David Knox last week spoke at the graduation ceremony for students of the University of South Australia’s School of Management and International Graduate School of Business.

About 1,500 people attended the event at the Adelaide Festival Theatre.

David spoke about his experiences directly following his own graduation, the importance of openness, enterprise and innovation, and the opportunities that the local and international resources industry has to offer.

David’s address was facilitated through Santos’ partnership with UniSA and the University College London. Santos, UniSA and UCL have jointly developed an energy-focused MBA to address growing demand for professionals in the energy sector.

Under an arrangement that began this year, MBA students at UniSA seeking an energy and resources element to their degree can undertake part of their studies at UCL’s Adelaide campus, which itself was established with support from Santos.

To date, nine Santos employees have enrolled in a UniSA MBA and are taking advantage of the arrangement with UCL.

Santos continues BRW triathlon dominance in Adelaide

Santos — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Santos teams once again featured highly in the annual BRW triathlon held in Adelaide recently, with 80 Santos employees taking part and looking resplendent in their Santos tri-suits.

The weather in Adelaide was spectacular on the day and employees had strong support from family and friends.
There were some standout performances from Santos teams, led by the team Drown, Roll & Walk (Naomi Welk, David Habib and Andrew McCouaig), who won the mixed competition.

The Santos WWWs (Sarah Westmoreland, Jasi Watson and Naomi Welk) and the Santos Triple Bees (James Baulderstone, Hugh Banister and Trevor Brown) finished second in the women’s and men’s competitions respectively, proving that alliteration and athletic performance go hand-in-hand.

The BRW Gold Coast triathlon is only four weeks away, and equally great things are expected from the 36 Santos employees competing there. It should be another great day – good luck to all taking part.

Palaeontologists unearth a world of discovery

Santos — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Santos’ Liam Gallagher and Clare Murdoch intrigued more than 100 high school students with stories of how they use microfossils to locate hydrocarbons deep in the earth at the Palaeo Twilight session at the South Australian Museum recently.

Liam, a geoscientist, and Clare, a biostratigapher, took part in the event held during Palaeontology Week to help students learn about career pathways in earth sciences and palaeontology.

Activities included a torchlight tour of the museum’s fossil galleries, searching for fossils in dig pits, talks by SA-based palaeontologists, fossil preparation and dinosaur drawing workshops plus a performance by SA Museum’s singing Palaeontologist, Professor Flint.

Santos is a proud supporter of Palaeontology Week.

Santos joins Earth Hour

Santos — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Santos again joined the renowned Earth Hour initiative, switching off rooftop signs and non-essential lighting in its Adelaide and Brisbane offices last Saturday night.

Earth Hour is a World Wildlife Fund initiative pioneered in Australia, where in 2007 more than 2.2 million people and more than 2,000 businesses in Sydney switched off their lights for one hour to make a stand against climate change.

The event has since grown into the world’s largest community-driven campaign for the planet, with more than 4,000 cities in over 128 countries now taking part.

Individuals, businesses, communities and governments all have a part to play in creating a sustainable future. Earth Hour is an opportunity to show a commitment to take action to reduce environmental impact on the planet.

Earth Hour has done a lot to raise awareness about sustainability, but there’s more to it than switching off lights for one hour once a year. Many will commit to actions that go beyond the hour.

What can you do?

There are many simple, everyday changes to reduce our environmental footprint and home and at work:

switch off computers and screens at the end of each day
reduce printing
choose energy efficient appliances and light globes
switch off your appliances and lights when they’re not in use
take shorter showers and install a water saving showerhead
wash clothes in cold water – water heating accounts for up to 90% of energy consumed by washing clothes
use a clothesline instead of a dryer wherever possible
keep your swimming pool and spa covered when not in use
cycle, walk or catch public transport instead of driving
turn off heating and cooling when it's not required
close curtains or blinds when using an air conditioner
set cooling temperatures between 24-26°C – you can save up to 10% on running costs for every degree that you raise the temperature
set heating temperatures between 18-20°C – you can save up to 10% on running costs for every degree that you lower the temperature.

New Aboriginal Engagement Policy

Santos — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Santos now has an Aboriginal Engagement Policy, which seeks to assist the company in achieving enduring and mutually beneficial relationships with the Aboriginal communities in which it operates.

The policy focuses on the elements of native title, cultural heritage, employment and training, enterprise development, community capacity and corporate social responsibility. It was formally approved by Santos CEO David Knox in December 2010.

The policy provides the principles for the process of reaching agreements with Aboriginal groups associated with Santos operations. It also helps Santos establish effective native title arrangements and cultural heritage management plans, while providing employment and training opportunities and assisting with enterprise opportunities for Aboriginal people.

The policy seeks to identify the mechanisms which will provide commercial value for Santos while reducing risks such as project delay, escalating costs and potential for legal action. However, commercial value does not come at the expense of Aboriginal communities, rather, the structured approach outlined in the policy enables sustainable benefits to be achieved in association with Santos projects.

The policy has already proved effective in practice, as Craig Jones, Principal Adviser Indigenous Affairs, and Jon Bok, Team Leader Cultural Heritage, explain.

Craig Jones

“The values and principles described in our Aboriginal Engagement Policy (AEP) have guided successful agreements for GLNG. The project has achieved agreements for all native title and cultural heritage matters without the need for court proceedings or compulsory acquisition. We adopted a non-adversarial approach to negotiations and achieved mutually beneficial outcomes for Aboriginal communities and the company.

“The AEP seeks to help improve employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal people. A small example of this aim is Ryan Nixon, who was initially engaged with the GLNG project as a school based trainee in mechanical engineering at Roma. Ryan has now taken up a mechanical apprenticeship with the project.

“Santos is also currently working with South-West Projects on the procurement of civil works. This project will involve the creation of a joint-venture company (the new Aboriginal business with an established civil works company) to tender for projects within GLNG and central Queensland. The company will enhance access of local Aboriginal people to ongoing employment within the GLNG project and regionally.”

Jon Bok

“Last year, a cultural heritage workshop with the Iman group was the first time we brought together the representatives who negotiated the Iman Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) and their Cultural Heritage Officers who implement the CHMP in the field.

“We identified a range of issues that were affecting our ability to work effectively together, primarily the need for improved communication between all parties. We left the workshop with a new set of procedures between Santos and the group as to how the CHMP is implemented. We also took the opportunity to visit the GLNG pipeline route and look at a cultural heritage site identified during the group’s survey of the area. This is one location where the pipeline alignment has been moved to avoid any impact to the site.

“The feedback from this event was overwhelmingly positive. The workshop demonstrated more than just our ability to reach agreement with groups (the CHMP was negotiated in 2008) but our interest in developing and improving a long-term working relationship with one of our most important Aboriginal stakeholders in the GLNG project.”

2011 Santos Tour Down Under a record-breaker

Santos — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:30:00 GMT

This year’s Santos Tour Down Under attracted the biggest crowd in the event’s 13-year history, with 782,000 people lining the roads of Adelaide and regional South Australia from 16-23 January.

Other results highlighted by the South Australian government include:

$43.3 million into the South Australian economy, compared to $41.5 million in 2010.
782,393 spectators, up from 770,500 in 2010.
$1,169 spent by each event specific visitor from interstate and overseas, compared to $1,047 in 2010.
$154.3 million of media coverage, compared to $124 million in 2010.
284 hours of television broadcast, compared to 262 hours in 2010.

These results announcement follow the event’s win at the Qantas Australia Tourism Awards earlier this month, where the Tour was named the country’s best major event and festival, for the second year in a row.

Santos CEO David Knox praised this year’s event and said it was a privilege for Santos to be the naming rights sponsor.

“We are extremely pleased to be associated with the Santos Tour Down Under, it is an event embraced by the whole community,” David said.

“As an Australian energy pioneer, we are delighted to have brought the energy of the world’s greatest cyclists to South Australia for another highly successful Tour.”

South Australian Premier Mike Rann said, the “Santos Tour Down Under continues to go from strength to strength and is firmly entrenched now as the state’s biggest sporting event.”

“It is a fantastic event for South Australia, attracting cycling fans and visitors from interstate and overseas to our State and injecting millions of dollars into the economy.”

Independent research company McGregor Tan conducted the research on behalf of the event.

Botanic book up for international award

Santos — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:30:00 GMT

A souvenir publication on the Santos Museum of Economic Botany at the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide has been internationally recognised.

The global membership of the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries has nominated the book The Museum of Economic Botany at the Adelaide Botanic Garden : a Souvenir for an award for its outstanding contribution to the literature of horticulture or botany.

The book is among 46 titles that the Awards Committee will now consider for the 12^thAnnual Literature Award.

Santos is an ongoing supporter of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide, with funding going towards the refurbishment of the Santos Museum of Economic Botany, the staging of exhibitions, community education programs, seed conservation works, and a new artistic seat in the gardens.

Santos Tour Down Under best major event – again

Santos — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:30:00 GMT

For the second year running, the Santos Tour Down Under has been named the country’s best major festival and event at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

The 2010 Tour won the Major Festivals and Events category at the national awards ceremony in Perth last weekend.

The Santos Tour Down Under has grown to become the biggest sporting event staged in South Australia.

The 2010 Tour attracted 770,500 spectators, including thousands of interstate and overseas visitors, who helped inject $41.5 million into the South Australian economy.

Preliminary results for the 2011 event show record crowds of 772,000 people attended.

This is the third award for the 2010 Santos Tour Down Under, with the event also winning:

Australian Event Awards – Best Tourism Event (October 2010).
South Australian Tourism Awards – Major Festivals and Events category (November 2010).
Safe Work SA Best Public Event Safety award (October 2010).

The dates have been set for the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under, which will be staged in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 15-22 January 2012.

Santos invests $4 million in Roma community

Santos — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Santos has announced a $4 million investment towards upgrading the Roma Airport terminal, improving Community and Allied Health services, and increasing housing support in the Roma region.

The announcement took place at the Roma Airport, with Santos Manager Community Engagement, John Phalen, revealing the new terminal plans and presenting a cheque for $2.5 million to Maranoa Regional Council Mayor, Rob Loughnan.

“We are proud to be able to help the Maranoa Regional Council and the state government get the much needed airport upgrade off the ground,” said John.

The new passenger terminal will comprise a 900 square metre building incorporating a fully air-conditioned passenger lounge, and food and drink kiosk.

John also announced Santos’ commitment of $1.5 million to improve health and housing support in the community.

“Santos has been part of the Roma community for many years and we believe we should give back to the community that has supported us,” said John.

Rob thanked Santos for its support, saying it was a strong sign of the company’s commitment to enhancing the Maranoa community and showed tangible infrastructure benefits of the GLNG project.

“Congratulations to Santos for this outstanding commitment to a dynamic project which will benefit the entire south-west region and our communities,” said Rob.

The funds have been made available through Santos’ Community Investment Fund, established as part of the GLNG project. The funding is part of an ongoing program of community and infrastructure investments over the next few years.

An eventful day at the Rottnest Channel Swim

Santos — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Santos’ Perth team braved big swells, unhelpful currents, seasickness, jellyfish and a hammerhead shark as it took on the annual 20-kilometre swim across the Rottnest Channel recently.

The team of John Anderson, Peter Cleary, David Slocombe and Rochelle Youngson set off at 5:45am from Perth’s Cottesloe Beach on Saturday, 26 February. They made good early progress, despite some nasty stingers that required first aid.

A strong current picked up as the day went on, which dragged swimmers and boats to the south and made for very hard going through the afternoon.

To make things more challenging, the swell picked up and caused some serious seasickness among the team. But the hard-working support crew – Glen Herrera (skipper), Rikke Petersen (paddler) and a few others from law firm Blake Dawson – battled on.

At one stage, a police boat tore towards the Santos team with its lights flashing and horn honking, to warn of a hammerhead shark just near the boat. Rochelle, swimmer at the time, leapt onto the boat in lightning fashion and Rikke, paddling with her feet in the water, quickly retreated.

After a few minutes of straw-drawing, David was brave enough to get back in the water and the team continued on.

Nine hours of swimming later, Santos was just timed out for not reaching the 18-kilometre mark by the cut-off time.

The exhausted team completed the journey to Rottnest on the boat and enjoyed a well-earned dinner and some drinks with the Blake Dawson crew.

Celestial symphony a success

Santos — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:30:00 GMT

About 20,000 people attended this year’s Santos Symphony Under the Stars, held in Adelaide’s riverside Elder Park on Saturday night, 26 February.

The free public event is held annually and is Santos’ second-largest naming rights community event in South Australia after the Santos Tour Down Under.

This year the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Santos CEO David Knox welcomed the crowd and congratulated the ASO “on this tremendous achievement.”

“The ASO continues to contribute so much to the South Australian community. Santos is proud of its partnership with the ASO, and to support the Santos Symphony Under the Stars,” David said.

Santos has a longstanding relationship with the ASO – the company is in its 13th year as the orchestra’s Principal Partner. In a tribute to the partnership, the orchestra played Classical Gas.

About 80 Santos employees and their families volunteered at the event, handing out 20,000 blue glowsticks to the audience.

Santos also took the opportunity to host 90 external stakeholders at the concert, strengthening the company’s relationships with customers, government, industry and community partners.

The evening ended with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and fireworks, including a lance of the Santos logo.

>> Watch a video of the event.

Working with GoMA to raise money for Queensland flood relief

Santos — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:30:00 GMT

More than 40 Santos employees took time out of their past weekend to sizzle snags and work at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), as part of a re-opening event for the gallery's latest exhibition, staged to raise money for the state’s flood recovery.

Santos is the principle corporate sponsor of GoMA, and the company hosted the barbecue for the re-opening of the exhibition 21st Century: Art in the First Decade.

Santos employees cooked sausages and joined GoMA staff to supervise the exhibition’s interactive art works.

More than 10,000 people attended the re-opening celebrations. The sausage sizzle raised $1,600, which Santos will match. Proceeds will go to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Fund.

Spirit Festival a success with support from Santos

Santos — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 13:30:00 GMT

The Santos-supported Spirit Festival 2011 was held last weekend, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through music, dance, food, writing and art.

For the first time, it joined the Adelaide Fringe to expand its potential audience and enhance the Fringe’s cultural mix.

Santos’ sponsorship of South Australia’s premier Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander festival follows its intention to support organisations and events that promote the arts and Indigenous culture.

The Spirit Festival took place in Rymill Park at Adelaide’s East End from 19-27 February.

>> Visit the Spirit Festival website.

Santos Desert Country competition winner announced

Santos — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:30:00 GMT

The Santos Desert Country competition has been drawn with Barry Sheridan of Coromandel Valley announced as the winner.

Congratulations to Barry, who is now the proud owner of the ‘Seven Sisters’ painting by Desert Country artist Tjungkara Ken.

The competition, which received 6,000 entries, was held to complement Santos’ sponsorship of the Desert Country exhibition.

Desert Country is the first exhibition to chart the 40-year evolution of the internationally acclaimed Australian desert painting movement.

Following a successful season at the Art Gallery of South Australia, the exhibition will open in Perth in May.

Santos’ contribution will fund the staging of Desert Country in Adelaide as well as a two-year national tour.

>> Click here for details of the national tour.

Santos raises $55k for Cancer Council SA

Santos — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Santos employees who raised funds through the Cancer Council SA’s Ride for a Reason program raised an impressive $37,036.40, making the group the largest fundraiser in Ride for a Reason.

Santos made a late charge in the week of the Tour to outrank the Škoda team.

Fundraising took place in a number of different ways.

Forbes McIntosh is to be commended for his initiative involving a large team of Santos cyclists on stationary bikes, which netted $10,000.

At the Cancer Council Classic around Rymill Park – curtain-raiser event to the Tour – 21 Santos employees joined Cancer Council volunteers to raise $1,919. Santos matched funds raised that day at the circuit and online, and also at the circuit at the final stage of the Tour. Total funds matched by Santos were $15,173.

Prompted by a proactive internal campaign, 80 Santos staff who took part in the Mutual Community Challenge Tour also raised funds for the Cancer Council SA, the Santos Tour Down Under’s charity partner.

Recognition goes to Santos’ highest individual fundraisers – Bill Wood with $3,482 and Richard McCormick with $3,275.

Well done to all who rode, shook the tin and gave generously.

Santos employees build hope for homeless

Santos — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Sixty-three Santos employees and their families braved scorching heat to build furniture for Common Ground’s new Light Square hub last weekend.

The Santos contingent joined about 120 others from local companies to construct 800 beds and bedside tables, dining tables and chairs, lounges and coffee tables, which will be used to furnish 52 apartments in Common Ground’s new multi-million dollar building.

Founded in New York in 1990 by former South Australian Thinker in Residence Rosanne Haggerty, Common Ground is now introducing its model of supportive housing and related research-based services to disadvantaged people around the world.

Employees’ participation in the furniture build complemented Santos’ financial support of Common Ground – $3 million over five years – to help the organisation establish affordable housing for low-income and homeless people in Adelaide and, soon, in Port Augusta.

“This exceptional contribution and effort by Santos and IKEA and others will have a major impact on our ability to perform and provide the services and programs that form the basis of Common Ground’s model for helping the disadvantaged,” said Maria Fidge, CEO of Common Ground.

Santos also provided its marquee in-kind to support the efforts in Light Square.

GLNG project delivers direct benefits to Gladstone community

Santos — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Gladstone’s health and housing services will receive a major funding injection following the recent announcement that the GLNG project has been given final approval by its partners.

GLNG Operations Pty Ltd (GLNG OPL), on behalf of the joint venture partners Santos, PETRONAS, Total and KOGAS, has announced a contribution of $2.05 million for the support for Gladstone’s health infrastructure and services and rental and crisis housing accommodation services.

Gladstone hospital will receive $1 million funding for a $700,000 upgrade of the Gladstone Hospital’s high dependency unit (HDU) and $300,000 to establish a medical education unit to train junior medical staff in Gladstone.

GLNG also committed $250,000 to the combined Rotary Clubs of Gladstone for the purchase and operation of a mini bus to transport outpatients who are undertaking medical services including oncology treatment, kidney dialysis and other serious medical treatments that require them to travel from Gladstone to Rockhampton.

Gladstone Regional Council will also receive a significant boost with up to $800,000 funding for the Council’s Community Advisory Service to support housing programs for the vulnerable members of the Gladstone Community.

GLNG OPL’s chief executive, Mark Macfarlane, said this funding for the community was an example of the benefits the project would deliver to Gladstone.

>> Read the full announcement.

Employees join in Queensland flood recovery

Santos — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 13:30:00 GMT

The massive clean-up in Brisbane and surrounding areas is now in full swing, with many Santos employees stepping forward to demonstrate their care for workmates and others in the community who have been severely affected by the devastating floods.

It has been confirmed that 35 employees and contractors were evacuated as floodwaters threatened their properties and that of these, 16 suffered significant damage to their house and contents up to the total loss of all contents.

Over 180 Brisbane employees have volunteered to assist their workmates with the clean-up of the flood damage. A number of clean-up teams have been sent out and have done a fantastic job in helping affected employees and community members, including the RSPCA, with the clean-up and recovery operation.

A number of employees have also offered donations of goods and services through the Brisbane flood assistance team site. The team site contains valuable information for flood victims and those wishing to provide assistance such as links and forms for government financial assistance, health information and an area where people can list goods that they wish to donate.

Employees and contractors who wish to provide financial donations are encouraged to do so via the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal – details are available on the team site under Useful Information.

2011 Santos Tour Down Under: best and biggest yet

Santos — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 13:30:00 GMT

The 2011 Santos Tour Down Under – the second year of Santos’ ongoing partnership with the Tour – was the most successful yet, with a record 772,000 people attending the event over the past week.

As well as the crowds that have lined stage routes in Adelaide and regional South Australia, the national and international coverage of the 2011 Tour has been significant.

The race started last Sunday, 16 January, with the Cancer Council Classic, before the six-stage Tour concluded yesterday on the streets just north of the Adelaide CBD.

Australian Cameron Meyer did just enough to win the 2011 Tour by two seconds – the equal-closest win in the Tour’s 13-year history. Santos Director Jane Hemstritch presented Cameron with the Ochre Leader’s Jersey as part of the final awards ceremony yesterday.

Cameron, a multi-gold-medal winner at the Commonwealth Games, is already a familiar face to our Perth team, having addressed staff ahead of last year's Santos Great Bike Ride.

Santos employees again volunteered in impressive numbers, with 155 putting in time at Santos’ end stage and Victoria Square booths and in Tour parade merchandise vehicles to represent and promote the company within the community.

The popularity of cycling at Santos was made evident by the 212 entrants in the Mutual Community Challenge Tour last Friday. With about 7,500 others, they pushed themselves to the limit through the Adelaide Hills along the route between Norwood and Strathalbyn.

In addition, many employees took the time and effort to raise money for Cancer Council SA through the Ride for a reason initiative.

Santos CEO David Knox thanked everyone from Santos "who joined in the spirit of the event," which was "enjoyable, exciting and lifted the profile of Santos."

Taking on the challenge

Santos — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 13:30:00 GMT

More than 200 Santos employees are taking part in the Mutual Community Challenge Tour through the Adelaide Hills this morning.

Employees from right across Santos’ operations are in Adelaide for the popular event, which allows the public to ride a stage of the Tour just hours before the professionals.

Santos’ entrants are joining about 8,000 others along the route from the suburb of Norwood to the town of Strathalbyn. The more serious competitors are riding the full 135 kilometre route, while others have chosen the 91, 62, or 35 kilometre courses.

This year’s Challenge Tour is supporting the Ride for a reason initiative, which encourages entrants to raise money for Cancer Council SA. Employees have been fundraising individually, and joining other while others have volunteered at the Cancer Council Classic race and at the Santos Centre.

In Stage 3 of the Tour yesterday, Australian Michael Matthews won the final sprint in the Hills town of Stirling, making it three stage wins from four for the Aussies. Tasmanian Matthew Goss has taken the Ochre Leader’s Jersey.

Santos’ Forbes McIntosh and Richard McCormick presented the Goss with the ochre jersey. Forbes has led a major fundraising program at the Santos Centre, while Richard was the highest individual fundraiser from Santos, collecting $3,275.

Another 24 employees volunteered their time in Santos’ end-stage tent at Stirling and at the Tour Village in Victoria Square, city, and to promote the company through the Tour cars along the stage route.

Swift Ben takes Tour’s second stage

Santos — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Santos’ Sally McLennan presented the Ochre Leader’s Jersey to overall leader Robbie McEwen yesterday, following a Stage 2 race that was most notable for the crash that brought down favourite Mark Cavendish. Englishman Ben Swift took the stage win.

Sally took on the challenge of helping McEwen into the ochre jersey – he missed the arm hole once or twice – at the presentations held following the completion of the stage in the river town of Mannum.

Elsewhere, Santos’ Ian Pedler and Jasi Watson were lucky enough to spend the day in a Tour guest car with Neil Stephens, a former Australian road cyclist, Tour de France stage winner, and former director of Spanish team Caisse d’Espargne. Neil is also a leader in the Green Edge consortium aiming to establish an Australian cycling team.

“It was fantastic. Neil was only the second Australian to win a Tour de France stage. We heard a few stories from his days as a professional and were able to experience full access to the peloton” Ian said.

In the first Tour leg ever held east of the Murray River, Deb Farrugia, Jodie Blyzno and James Prater took responsibility for adjudging the best-dressed town along the route, with Tailem Bend making the best impression.

Today’s Stage 3 will take riders from the inner-city suburb of Unley through McLaren Vale and around to the finish line in the Hills town of Stirling.

>> Visit the Santos Peloton.

Hot Goss takes Stage 1 of Tour

Santos — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Stage 1 of the 2011 Santos Tour Down Under took a similar look to Sunday’s Cancer Council Classic, with Matt Goss taking the honours and Santos’ volunteers hitting the road.

Goss – noted by experts as a likely contender for the 2011 crown – edged out two-time Tour winner Andre Greipel.

Twenty-three employees took time to volunteer at Santos’ end-stage booth in Angaston and at the Tour Village, and to promote the company through the Tour cars that lead the peloton along the route.

Santos’ Eastern Australia business unit’s commercial and marketing team took the opportunity to host a group of customers for the day. A group of about 75 bussed to Mawson Lakes to watch the start of Stage 1 and wander along pit straight.

The group then headed to the Barossa town of Angaston for lunch and to watch the sprint finish. This was a great example of Santos using its partnership with a high-profile event to build its business relationships.

Today the Tour makes its way from Tailem Bend to Mannum.

Visit peloton.santos.com.

Cancer Council Classic kicks off 2011 Santos Tour Down Under

Santos — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:30:00 GMT

The 2011 Santos Tour Down Under kicked off yesterday with 108,000 people watching the Cancer Council Classic around the streets of Adelaide’s East End. Santos volunteers were out in force helping to raise money for cancer research.

Tasmanian Matt Goss took the Classic honours in an exciting race held in perfect conditions. During the event, 30 Santos employees joined volunteers from the Cancer Council SA to collect donations for the Ride for a reason initiative. They raised $12,981 at the track and via online donations. Santos will match this amount raised yesterday and the amount raised at Stage 6 on Sunday.

This effort adds to individual fundraising by employees taking part in the Mutual Community Challenge Tour and those who have given up their lunch hours to ride stationary bikes in the Santos Centre foyer to promote the program and raise more funds.

Also during the Classic, seven volunteers manned Santos’ end-stage booth, handing out merchandise, promoting the company, and managing the popular energy bike challenge. Another seven hosted Santos’ tent in the Tour Village in Victoria Square during the day.

On the Sunday morning preceding the Classic, employees and their families took part in a series of timed laps around the track at Victoria Park, just near the Classic route. Santos Tour Down Under ambassador Shane Kelly joined the group of 60 and challenged all comers to a race.

On Saturday evening at the Santos Centre, Santos hosted the international media contingent in town to cover the Tour with a Taste of South Australia event featuring local food and wine.

Santos continues partnership with Shakespeare WA

Santos — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Shakespeare has returned to Perth’s Kings Park for another summer with support from Santos, with production company Shakespeare WA bringing to life the English playwright’s romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet.

Opening night for the event attracted a good crowd of more than 500, with Santos’ guests enjoying good food and wine on picnic rugs while being entertained under the stars by an impressive cast.

The season runs until 5 February, with Santos holding an evening for employees on 20 January and hosting corporate guests on 2 February. Santos is also supporting a related in-schools educational project.

Santos' partnership with Shakespeare WA began last year, and continues the company's long-running support of the arts.

Santos pledges $50,000 to assist flood recovery in Carnarvon and the Gascoyne region

Santos — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Santos has today pledged to donate $50,000 to help the families who have suffered hardship or severe property damage as a result of the devastating floods in Carnarvon and the Gascoyne region.

The donation will be made to the to the Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund, the official state emergency fund which fast-tracks assistance to those suffering hardship.

Santos Vice President Western Australia John Anderson said Santos was an active member of WA’s corporate community and it was important to assist local communities in times of crisis.

“This must be a terrible time for the people of Carnarvon and the Gascoyne, picking up the pieces after the flooding. We hope those affected know we are thinking of them,” John said.

While Santos has no operations in Carnarvon or the Gascoyne region, it is a major producer of natural gas in WA.

Giant Andre adorns Santos Centre

Santos — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:30:00 GMT

As naming rights sponsor of the Santos Tour Down Under, Santos has paid tribute to 2010 Tour winner Andre Greipel by installing the largest graphic ever seen in Adelaide across 10 storeys of its headquarters in Flinders Street, only 400 metres from the Tour Village.

The image is made up of 400 square metres of printed vinyl panels stuck to 150 windows. It is 25 metres high and 15 metres wide, and has attracted plenty of attention from passers-by and the media.

The images to the right show the scale of the image and the meticulous four-man installation process involved.

Watch a video about the installation.

This is the second year of Santos’s ongoing support of the Tour, and the 2011 event promises to be the best yet. Some of the world’s elite are in town to compete, including Lance Armstrong in his final professional race outside the US, last year’s winner Andre Greipel, sprint king Mark Cavendish and local heroes Stuart O’Grady, Robbie McEwen and Jack Bobridge.

The 2011 Santos Tour Down Under will run from this Sunday, 16 January, to the following Sunday, 23 January.

More than 200 Santos employees will volunteer their time during the event and more than 200 have entered the Mutual Community Challenge Tour, raising money for the Cancer Council SA along the way.

The general public can get amongst the action by visiting the Tour Village in Victoria Square, open every day of the Tour from 4-8pm. The Village will feature a fantastic outdoor bar area with interviews, entertainment, and of course the Santos booth and its We have the energy bike competition.

Visit the Santos Peloton.

Santos pledges $500,000 to assist Queensland flood recovery

Santos — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Australian energy company Santos today confirmed it would donate $500,000 to help Queensland communities recover from the current extensive flooding across the state.

Santos will make a contribution to the following initiatives:

$200,000 to provide direct assistance to Queensland farmers through an Agforce support program
$75,000 to the Central Highlands Regional Council
$75,000 to Banana Shire Council
$50,000 to Maranoa Regional Council
$100,000 to the Premier’s Relief Fund
Chief Executive David Knox said the thoughts of people across Santos were with all Queenslanders hit by the floods.

“This is a very difficult time and our hearts go out to those families affected,” Mr Knox said.

“We are continuing to provide the use of our helicopters, all terrain vehicles and boats to assist in clean-up efforts, and are pleased to add to this with financial support.”

Santos has extensive coal seam gas operations around Roma, and is the largest shareholder in the proposed GLNG project to be constructed in Gladstone.

Santos Vice President Queensland Rick Wilkinson said: “While Santos’ coal seam gas production has not been impacted, the company is pleased to assist our neighbouring Central Highlands and Banana shires, which have been more severely affected by the floods.”

GoMA launches 21st Century exhibition

Santos — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:30:00 GMT

‘21st Century: Art in the First Decade’, currently showing at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art, continues the award winning partnership between the Queensland Art Gallery and Santos.

Santos’ commitment as Presenting Sponsor of GoMA’s annual summer blockbuster exhibitions began with ‘The 6th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ (APT6), which was seen by over 500,000 visitors last summer.

‘21st Century’, includes more than 200 works from over 140 artists from Australia, Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Over 80% of the work on show is from the Gallery’s own expanding collection, and several stunning new installations have been specifically developed for this exhibition.

These include Carsten Höller’s happiness producing machine Left/Right slide 2010, French artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot’s beautiful sound installation inhabited by live finches From here to ear (v.13) 2010, and Martin Creed’s Work No. 956 2008, which invites visitors to enter a gallery exactly half-filled with purple balloons.

This free exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art will run until 26 April. There’s also 21st Century Kids Summer Festival which will be held at GoMA from the 13 to the 23 of January from 10.30am to 2.30pm daily. A paid science fiction cinema program will also run at GoMA from 26 December to 27 February.

>> To listen to Rick Wilkinson’s, Vice President, Santos Queensland speech from the Official Opening please click here

Riding for a reason

Santos — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos employees are spending lunch breaks riding stationary bikes in the foyer at the Santos Centre, Adelaide, to raise funds for the Santos Tour Down Under charity, Ride for a Reason.

Each day, three employees will be riding between 12pm and 1pm, including CEO David Knox on Wednesday, 22 December.

All money raised will be donated to the Cancer Council SA to fund high quality cancer research at the SA Cancer Research Collaborative.

Donations can be made online.

The following people gave up their lunch breaks for this worthy cause.
• Andrew McPhail
• Forbes McIntosh
• Hugh Banister
• Melissa Vallee
• Ross Rowe
• Andrew McCouaig
• Tom Radzevicius
• Derek Seret
• Alison Sargent
• Steve Lawton
• Elio Lanzilli
• Richard Beare
• Trevor Brown
• David Knox
• Mark Burgoyne
• Craig Schulz

Thank you to Forbes McIntosh and Andrea Reid for all of their hard work organising this fundraising activity.

Video – Santos-Queensland Art Gallery partnership

Santos — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:30:00 GMT

STVDIO, Australia's new arts TV channel, has produced this video about 2010 AbaF Partnering Award winners Santos and Queensland Art Gallery.

The video is being aired on channel 132 on Foxtel and Austar, and features interviews with Santos Vice President Queensland Rick Wilkinson and Queensland Art Gallery Director Tony Ellwood, who discuss the multi-year partnership and its strategic focus on the Asia-Pacific region.

The relationship between Santos and the Gallery dates back to 1990, and was last year extended with Santos becoming presenting sponsor of the Gallery’s annual summer exhibition. The upcoming summer exhibition, 21st Century: Art in the First Decade opens this weekend.

>> Watch the video on Vimeo.

Prestigious awards for contribution to SPE

Santos — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos has become the first Australian organisation to receive the prestigious Regional Distinguished Corporate Support Award for the Southern Asia Pacific Region from the international Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).

The award was conferred at the recent SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference, held in Brisbane for the first time in 10 years. SPE President Behrooz Fattahi presented the award to Santos’ Chief Reservoir Engineer Teof Rodrigues.

Since 2007, the award has been recognising outstanding support by an organisation and distinguished service to SPE members in the region through excellence in leadership and commitment of time, energy and professional resources. Previous winners include PT Pertamina in 2009 and Weatherford (Indonesia) in 2008.

Also at the conference, Daniel O’Brien, a Senior Production Engineer in Santos’ Brisbane office and chairman of the SPE’s Queensland Section, accepted the 2009-10 SPE President’s Award for Section Excellence.

This award is given to only six overall winners from 177 chapters worldwide. It recognises exceptional performance by SPE sections in membership development, member programs, technology dissemination and cooperation with other civic and professional organisations.

The conference, which this year had 875 attendees and a record 600-plus papers submitted, also included the SPE Asia Pacific Regional Student Paper Contest sponsored by Santos. Daniel served as the Chairman of the Conduct Committee while Santos’ Darren Nicolson, Hoagie Merry and Mike Wagner also played important committee roles.

Santos and SAPOL win Australian Safer Communities Award

Santos — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:30:00 GMT

The South Australian police force’s Critical Infrastructure Support Group – a joint project between SAPOL and Santos – received a state award at the 2010 Australian Safer Communities Awards.

The group’s program this year focused on practicing its responses to suspected terrorist incidents at remote locations and in extreme weather.

As part of the program a series of exercises based in Moomba took place over the past year, finishing with the Pilatus III exercise which presented SAPOL officers with a mock bomb threat at Moomba.

The exercise tested SAPOL’s investigation and response process, and explored the subsequent effects on SAPOL, Santos and the state that may result from such an incident.

Santos’ support has strengthened the company’s relationship with SAPOL and improved both organisations’ readiness for emergency situations.

The Australian Safer Communities Awards recognise innovative practices and achievements that make communities safer, stronger, more resilient and better prepared. The awards are sponsored by the Federal Attorney-General’s Department in conjunction with the states and territories.

Some of the Santos people involved were Craig Harris, David Pritchard, Wayne Sutton, Scotty Edwards, Justin Baxter, Peter Best and Charles Underwood.

Treated coal seam gas water benefits local cattle

Santos — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Local landholders in Queensland are seeing first-hand the benefits of treated coal seam gas (CSG) water with cattle thriving on forage crops planted as part of Santos’ Fairview Irrigation Project.

Santos has planted 234 hectares of forage crops, such as leucaena, for use by local graziers since the irrigation project began in October 2008.

Earlier this year, the first 500-plus local landholder cattle were released into the leucaena plantation and have since been grazing on rotation.

Santos’ Eastern Queensland Regional Manager Sam Klaas said the cattle “are thriving on the leucaena, which provides them with a sustained level of high protein and which leads to accelerated weight gain.”

“In fact, these cattle gain weight almost twice as quickly as grass-fed cattle. The leucaena’s water requirement cycle is also in synch with the CSG water release.

“As many people know, water is released as part of the CSG production process. The volume of water released in the initial stages is higher, and it diminishes over time.

“This fits with the leucaena’s irrigation requirements. The crop requires a high volume of water to get going and then less over time.”

The Fairview Irrigation Project complies with EPA requirements and provides a beneficial reuse for water released through the GLNG project. It also benefits local graziers.

“Most locals have reacted positively to the project and have been keen to get involved, which is great because we’re always looking for ways to work together with landholders now and into the future,” Sam said.

Local irrigation of forage is also an attractive proposition for many reasons. Importantly, irrigation projects are scalable and can be safely established close to gas fields.

Santos’ soccer stars on show

Santos — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos has won its fourth Adelaide Corporate Challenge indoor soccer title in five years, dominating the season to continue its reign of supremacy. Meanwhile, Adelaide’s surface and subsurface teams battled it out for bragging rights on the outdoor soccer pitch.

Indoor champs
The Santos team won eight games and lost only one, before dispatching the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 4-1 in the final.

Congratulations to all players and a special mention to goalie John Cser, who allowed only eight goals through for the entire season and continued to play for three weeks after leaving the company to relocate to Tasmania.

Joel Stockill led the scoring for Santos with 12 goals for the season, closely followed by last year’s Golden Boot Marcus Godfrey and captain Serkan Arkan (eight each).

Internal soccer challenge
Santos’ Adelaide-based subsurface and surface teams faced off recently to demonstrate the wonderful integration and friendly rivalry of the disciplines.

The match was played in high spirits, and on show was a mix of talented federation and amateur players and some golden oldies. The game was superbly refereed by Health and Lifestyle Coordinator Martin West.

The subsurface ‘team of champions’, managed by Teof Rodrigues and captained by Lukasz Krawczynski, looked certain to carry the inaugural trophy away after a well taken goal by Joel Stockill. But it was only enough to spur the surface team, managed by Craig Stallan, who decided to replace himself in goal and stride up the park to bring his ‘champion team’ level with a cracking 20-metre drive.

The subsurface team were rocked, and were finally buried by a winner scored against the run of play by Andrew McCouaig. The final score 2-1.

The popular fixture will be held biannually.

Former Governor-General Michael Jeffery visits Cooper Basin

Santos — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Major General Michael Jeffery, former Governor-General of Australia, recently visited the Cooper Basin to inspect the Royal Flying Doctor Service operations at the Moomba Health Centre.

Major General Jeffery, who is now National Chairman of the RFDS, was joined by Joan Treweeke, President of the RFDS South Eastern Section (SES), Clyde Thomson, Executive Director RFDS SES, and Dr Anne Wakatama General Manager Health Services, RFDS SES.

Major General Jeffery was shown the workings of the health centre and given a tour of the process plant control room by Greg Germein, Santos’ Process Superintendent.

Andrew Yule, Santos Operations Support Team Leader, and Charles Underwood, RFDS Clinical Nurse Specialist, gave a combined presentation which discussed the delivery of this service.

The RFDS South Eastern Section has been supplying emergency and primary health services to Santos in the Cooper Basin for over 25 years, and has greatly benefited Santos employees, contractors and local station residents.

Mo Bros and Sistas set fundraising record

Santos — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:30:00 GMT

A record 106 Santos Mo Bros and Mo Sistas took part in Movember to raise awareness of men’s health, successfully raising over $31,000 for Beyond Blue and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

The number of participants and total funds raised this year are more than that of 2009. If the six teams in the Santos network could combine their efforts they would be in the top ten fundraisers in Australia.

Movember breakfasts were held throughout Australia, with prizes awarded for the winning mo’s. Adriano Masullo deserves a special mention as the Santos employee who raised the most money – and sported some dashing detail in his mo this year.

Tour preparation ride with Shane Kelly

Santos — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:30:00 GMT

With the 2011 Santos Tour Down Under fast approaching, a training ride with Olympic cyclist Shane Kelly was a perfect preparation opportunity for 28 Adelaide based employees.

The team started from the Santos Centre at 6:30am on a rainy Sunday morning, and went on to cover large sections of the 2011 Mutual Community Challenge course, including the notorious Checkers Hill near Forreston.

Four hours and over 100 kilometres later, they arrived at the new Santos Conservation Centre at the Adelaide Zoo for a well deserved brunch.

Shane, who is an ambassador for the Santos Tour Down Under, will again write regular blogs in the lead up to and during the Tour.

The 2011 Santos Tour Down Under will be held from January 16–23.

Santos Indonesia receives career development award

Santos — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos Indonesia has received a Career Development Monitoring Award for its career development and human resources management.

Santos Indonesia’s Human Resources Manager, Ms Etty Purwanto, accepted the award at an annual human resources conference attended other operators in Indonesian production sharing contracts.

The conference was conducted by BPMIGAS – the Indonesian government’s oil and gas regulator. About 160 representatives gathered to review the past year and plan for the future.

Santos was second to BP Indonesia in the category of companies with a production rate below 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The winners in the over 50,000 boepd category were Medco E&P and Chevron Pacific Indonesia.

Judging was based on compliance with BPMIGAS and state manpower rules and regulations for expatriate management and industrial relations, as well as a review on human resources management comprising performance, competency, rewards, and succession management.

Santos joins Smith Family Toy and Book Appeal

Santos — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos has joined the Smith Family Toy and Book Appeal, which is aiming to deliver 17,000 Christmas packs to disadvantaged children Australia-wide this festive season.

A Christmas tree in the lobby Santos Centre in Adelaide has been decorated with Toy and Book Appeal gift tags.

Toys and books are being donated from right across Santos’ Australian locations.

Santos’ support of the toy and book appeal adds to its support of other Smith Family programs, including the Next Steps program for high school students.

Thank you to our employees for helping us to spread the joy of Christmas far and wide.

Santos Apprentice of the Year Awards 2010

Santos — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos’ outstanding apprentices were recognised last night at the Apprentice of the Year Awards ceremony at the Santos Centre in Adelaide.

This was the first year that participants from Santos eastern Queensland operations at Roma and Fairview were part of the apprentice program.

During the week leading up to the ceremony, the group took time away from their technical development to focus on broader personal and career development. Kevin Judge, Manager Moomba Gas Plant, shared his professional journey in leadership, challenge and team development. Matthew Primus, former captain and now coach of AFL club Port Adelaide, spent time with the group addressing issues of work ethics, team work, performance, delivery and goal-setting.

The awards ceremony allowed apprentices and trainees, their families, Santos’ apprentice providers Statewide Group Training and Golden West Employment Solutions, site leaders and mentors to come together and celebrate the efforts and achievements of all involved in the program.

Congratulations to the three individual award winners:

Outstanding scholar: Matthew Williamson, fourth-year electrical, Roma. Matthew is now moving into training in his second trade – instrumentation.

Best team player: Chris Ferrall , fourth-year mechanical, Moomba. Chris officially comes on board the Santos team in January as a permanent tradesperson in the Moomba plant.

Santos Apprentice of the Year: Sean Lamont,second-year communications. Sean is completing his third trade in communications with the Information Services group at Ballera.

Eastern Australia’s General Manager Development, Colin Cruickshank, and General Manager Plant Operations and Reliability, Nick Lagonik, congratulated the entire group on their commitment and dedication to learning.

Special mention was made of Santos’ indigenous trainee program, welcoming participants from Roma, Port Bonython and Port Adelaide. Nick and Colin also praised the efforts of site-based mentors whose commitment to sharing their expertise and knowledge is critical to successful apprentice and trainee development.

For more information about apprentice opportunities at Santos, contact:

South Australia, south-west Queensland and the Northern Territory – Statewide Group Training.

Eastern Queensland – Golden West Employment Solutions.

Cooper Basin raises over $5,000 for burns victims

Santos — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos’ Cooper Basin employees and contractors raised more than $5000 as part of the Shake the Boot charity campaign, which will go towards the Adelaide Women's & Children's Hospital Newland Ward Burns Unit.

Shake the Boot is an annual, state-wide fundraising event held by the APFF to raise money to assist burns survivors.

Boot-shaking in the Cooper Basin was led by Santos emergency services officers, who are members of the Australian Professional Fire-fighters Foundation (APFF), which runs the fundraising campaign.

The APFF is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to burn prevention as well as survivor support and recovery programs in South Australia.

This year, more than $30,000 was raised by members of the APFF, which include the Metropolitan Fire Service, Adelaide Airport, Santos Cooper Basin Emergency Services and other professional fire fighters from across the state.

David Pritchard, Cooper Basin Team Leader Emergency Services, said: “We would like to sincerely thank all those people who helped make our second APFF Shake the Boot fundraising event a huge success once again. The outcome is testimony to the great kindness and benevolence of the entire workforce here in the Cooper Basin.”

Two more awards for Santos partnerships

Santos — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

The Santos Tour Down Under and the Special Olympics National Games were recognised at the South Australian Tourism Awards last week.

The Tour took out the major festivals and events category, edging out the Clipsal 500 and the Adelaide Fringe, while the Special Olympics won the festivals and events category.

This 2010 Santos Tour Down Under drew record crowds of more than three quarters of a million people, including nearly 40,000 visitors from interstate and overseas – providing a $41.5 million boost to the State's economy.

The Special Olympics, held in April this year, saw more than 800 athletes with an intellectual disability and 3000 families, friends and supporters converge on Adelaide. The event provided over $3 million in economic impact to the state and also generated $3.9 million in media coverage and an estimated $2.7 in future tourism.

Plenty of Santos employees donated their time to make both of these events a success. Thank you to all.

Santos Great Bike Ride a great success

Santos — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Nearly 4,000 cyclists took part in this year’s Santos Great Bike Ride in Perth, which raised about $250,000 for local charities.

Riders took to Perth’s Langley Park last Sunday along three distances: 10, 53 or 106 kilometres. The eager completed one or two laps along the Swan River to Fremantle and back, the more leisurely cruised to the University of Western Australia and back to the city centre.

The Santos crew of about 20 representatives finished without incident. Project Manager Mike Jacobsen led the charge, coming in first for Santos and amongst the overall leaders in a slick time of two hours and 45 minutes for the 106-kilometre route.

The partnership extends Santos’ cycling support from the Santos Tour Down Under in Adelaide and the Keegan Downes Memorial Sundowner cycling race in Gunnedah. Santos’ association with these events follows the company’s intention to support events that promote health and fitness and bring value to the community.

Watch the video about the 2010 Santos Great Bike Ride.

Record participation for 2010 Walk the Moomba Pipeline challenge

Santos — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

A record 600-plus employees tested themselves and their pedometers in the 2010 Walk the Moomba Pipeline competition.

The record field generated some great competition, with Adelaide-based team Footsteps just beating the Brisbane-based Aussie Chillies for first prize. The Footsteps members – Tony Lewis, Sam McMillan, Paul Dunn, and Andrew Corrick – walked an average of nearly 20,000 steps per day.

The winner of the inaugural Vice President’s Cup was VP WA&NTJohn Anderson, whose averages were boosted greatly by the huge participation and high step count of his Perth contingent. Around two-thirds of Perth staff signed up for the competition and all put in a fantastic effort.

The winners by location were:

Adelaide
Sub Sea Steppers: Dennis Bennett, Chii-Rong Wu, Bich Thuy Ngo Hoang, Will Cibich

Brisbane
Aussie Chillies: Vasanthi Weber, Joshua Brimblecombe, Laurie Eddie, Vasu Vasudevan

Perth
Bashed Crabs: Kirsty Ludbrook, Claudia Carmigniani, Katie Brennan, Jo Flowerdew

Cooper Basin
Team Marj: Julie Mertin, Rolland Ward, Anthony Pini, Monique Barich

Eastern Queensland
The Woods: Ted Thurley, Jackson Tellis, Rick Popik, Mike Madey

Port Bonython
Port Bonython Panthers: Kate Mann, Matt Dickeson, Laura Mann, Gavin Healey

South Australia took out the first ever State of Origin competition, with the highest average step count.

Support juvenile diabetes research

Participants and supporters raised money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. Santos will match all donations dollar for dollar, and the JDRF will also receive about $3 from the federal government for every dollar donated.

In combination with other fun-runs around Australia, Santos and employees donated $8,140 to the JDRF.

Santos hosts Channel 7 news at Curtis Island

Santos — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Queensland public affairs team hosted Gladstone’s Channel 7 news team on a tour of Santos’ Curtis Island site this week, as part of an ongoing stakeholder engagement plan in support of the project.

The media engagement strategy includes a focus on engaging with regional media to create a direct link with the communities in which we operate.

Channel 7 is set to launch a central Queensland news service soon (to be broadcast from Rockhampton) and they have posted a reporter and cameraman to Gladstone to cover the burgeoning region.

The local team will file up to three stories a day from Gladstone for the nightly news, with LNG set to be a major focus for coverage.

The two were hosted by Ian McGoldrick, John Phalen and Helen Simpson, and travelled by boat from Gladstone harbour to Santos’ Hamilton Point West site at China Bay. It was then a two-kilometre trek to the cleared area of the site where work will initially start once a final investment decision (FID) is reached.

Once there, John conducted an interview outlining the scale of the project and the benefits it will bring to the region.

Channel 7 were also able to shoot footage that they can use both in regional and national bulletins when an FID is reached.

Shane Kelly pumps up Santos Great Bike Ride

Santos — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

With less than to go before the annual Santos Great Bike Ride, Olympian cyclist Shane Kelly took members of Santos’ Perth office for a training ride ahead of the big event.

A group of 20 cyclists – including a few friends from Rio Tinto – joined Shane for a 30-kilometre ride around parts of the Swan and Canning Rivers.

It was the one-time world champion’s first trip back to Perth since 2002, and he was happy to share some commonsense advice ahead of Sunday’s ride: “The main tip I would give is wear comfortable clothing, especially riding knicks, and hydration … don’t wait until it’s too late.”

The Santos Great Bike Ride, which kicks off at 6am on Sunday 21 November, raises funds for the St John of God Foundation Horizon House Project, Hope for Children and the Heart Foundation, and offers participants the option of three distances – 106, 53 or 10 kilometres.

More than 4,000 people are expected to take part in this year’s event.

Shane is an ambassador for the Santos Tour Down Under, and will again pen regular blogs for the Santos Peloton in the lead-up to, and during, the 2011 event.

Groundbreaking study looks at water solutions to top up Roma town water

Santos — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

A GLNG project study is investigating the possibility of introducing treated pure water into Roma’s existing underground aquifer which supplies the town’s water needs, including drinking water.

The groundbreaking study, known as the Roma Managed Aquifer Recharge Study, is the first of its kind in Australia.

Santos is leading the project and is part of project team, which includes environmental consultant URS and Australia’s premier research agency, the CSIRO. It has the support of the Maranoa Regional Council.

Santos’ Manager Water Strategies, Shaun Davidge, said if the trial was successful, the project would provide a major boost to Roma’s current underground water supply.

“Water from the current Gubberamunda Formation aquifer, which has been the traditional source of Roma’s water supply, is used for a significant feedlot as well as for industrial and urban suppliers in the region,” Shaun said.

“Pressure in the Gubberamunda aquifer has been declining for several years as a result of urban, industrial and stock-watering usage. We believe that introducing a new treated pure source of water could have a positive effect on the pressure levels of the aquifer, as well as bring up the levels of water storage, which will contribute to the sustainability of the Roma water supply.

Shaun said this study was an example of what can be achieved by industry when done in consultation and cooperation with the Maranoa Regional Council and local landholders.

“Following detailed reviews, technical investigations and stakeholder consultation, the project team drilled a test injection well at the site along with two observation bores.

“Throughout the study, the team will work closely with the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management.”

Shaun said the project was based on initial testing to determine the optimum rate of injection into the Gubberamunda aquifer, and is accompanied by construction of a reverse osmosis plant on the site, development of wells to provide water and installation of pumps to inject the purified water into the aquifer.

“The water for the project will be pumped from nearby CSG appraisal wells (not associated with the Gubberamunda formation) and piped to the reverse osmosis plant,” he said.

“During the trial injection test, about 1000 kL per day will be injected into the aquifer, and once the scheme is approved, this rate could increase to 10,000 kL per day – that’s the equivalent of about four Olympic-sized swimming pools.

“The injected water will be at the same concentration as the existing water in the aquifer. CSIRO, who are recognised world experts in this field, are conducting extensive tests to ensure that the injection will not introduce any contaminants to the aquifer, nor cause any adverse water quality reactions.

“As a safeguard, water will be extensively monitored for both quality and pressure in the injection wells, nearby monitoring wells, Department of Environment and Resource Management monitoring wells, and Roma water supply wells.”

Employees volunteer at community art event

Santos — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Seven Santos employees volunteered at the recent launch of the Contemporary Art Centre of SA’s latest exhibition – The New New.

The New New is a multi-sited Adelaide city project that presents the very latest in quality South Australian contemporary visual art. The work of 44 artists is showing in 12 venues, including the CACSA and other galleries, Rundle Mall, the Glenelg-to-city tram, the University of Adelaide and city squares.

The opening night was a popular affair, with more than 500 people attending and another 100 queuing outside. Volunteers handed out free exhibition guides (sponsored by Santos) to attendees inside and out.

The free exhibition will run until 21 November.

>> Read more about The New New.

Santos on sustainability index for third straight year

Santos — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index Asia Pacific for the third consecutive year.

The index represents the top 20% (in terms of sustainability performance) of the 600 largest companies in developed Asia Pacific countries.

The annual review of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index is based on a thorough analysis of sustainability performance, including corporate governance, risk management, branding, climate change mitigation, supply chain standards and labour practices.

The family of Dow Jones sustainability indexes are intended to provide investment managers with reliable and objective benchmarks to manage portfolios. They include leaders in sustainable practice from 45 sectors at global and regional levels.

The index maintains Santos’ position as a sustainable investment prospect in the Asia Pacific region.

Desert Country: a history of desert painting

Santos — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

As the principal partner of the Art Gallery of South Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection, Santos is proud to support Desert Country – an exhibition that charts the 40-year evolution of the internationally acclaimed Australian desert painting movement.

Santos’ contribution will fund the staging of Desert Country in Adelaide and a two-year national tour. It also provided for a free-to-the-public opening weekend.

On the Thursday night after the exhibition opened, Santos employees and their families were treated to a private viewing with tours led by curator Nici Cumpston, and fantastic indigenous dancers and hip-hop crews in the gallery’s courtyard.

Santos has been a long-time supporter of the gallery through its sponsorship of the Santos Atrium – the gallery’s principal space to display indigenous art – and many special exhibitions.

Desert Country runs at the Art Gallery of SA until 26 January 2011 before touring in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia.

Safety award for Santos Tour Down Under

Santos — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

The Santos Tour Down Under has received the Best Public Event Safety Award from SafeWork SA.

This award recognises individuals or organisations which demonstrate an innovative, planned and integrated approach to the health and safety of all people involved in a public event.

Gary Beelitz from Events SA (the organisers of the Tour) and Santos’ Kim Keane were at the recent dinner ceremony to accept the award.

Judges noted the challenges in staging an event on the scale of the Tour, which involved managing up to 16 service contractors, local stakeholders, emergency services, race officials, volunteers and the general public.

As part of their strategy, Tour organisers produced a comprehensive risk management plan and conducted emergency training with staff.

SafeWork SA is responsible for occupational health, safety and welfare and some industrial relations in South Australia, and said the Tour was “an internationally recognised event (and) a worthy recipient of this award.”

Trail blazers rise to the challenge

Santos — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Eleven Santos employees took part in the Adelaide Trailblazer Challenge recently, walking, running and clambering their way over long distances to raise more than $3,000 for charity.

The challenge aims to raise money for Operation Flinders, a South Australian-based charity that provides positive direction for young offenders and young people at risk. More than 1,000 people competed this year.

Santos participants teamed up to walk, run and clamber over 18, 34, 50 or 100 kilometres, starting at Pinky Flat near the city centre and heading along the river to Athlestone and into challenging terrain of the Adelaide Hills.

Martyn Eames, Adam Kremer, Pam Ooi and Cangie Wu took on the 18-kilometre trail through to Athelstone.

Three separate Santos teams took on the 50-kilometre trail. Evan Morrish and Mark Chadderton took just over nine hours to complete their journey, jogging the first flat section before grinding it through the hills. Khalee Field, Greg Sykes and Keith Humphris overcame blisters and a big lunch to complete the same distance in approximately 12 hours.

Jordyn Ellis-Bergh and Kasey Shaw teamed with a group of friends to once again take on the 50-kilometre trail. After a tough 15 hours, blisters, fatigue and one retirement through injury, they made it to the finish.

For Cameron Brown, it was third time lucky. Cameron and team mate Ryan Milton managed to avoid rolled ankles, cramp and the odd snake to work their way over 100 kilometres to Kuitpo Forest in 13 hours and 45 minutes to secure first place – 1 hour and 35 minutes ahead of their nearest rivals.

“The three big climbs between Athlestone and Mt Lofty are always the biggest test,” Cameron said.

"It's all about surviving the early climbs and still leaving a little bit in the tank for the back 50 kilometres down to Kuitpo Forest.”

Mark Chadderton said the event “gets bigger and better every year.”

“It’s great to support a charity such as Operation Flinders while testing your physical and mental strength over long journeys. Training for next’s years’ event has already started!”

Gardens launch new exhibition and recognise Santos

Santos — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

The Botanic Gardens of Adelaide has officially launched its new exhibition, the Garden of Ideas, and recognised its partnership with Santos with a new installation.

The Garden of Ideas will showcase more than 80 rarely seen botanical themed works including oil paintings, watercolours, lithographs, drawings, plans and lavishly illustrated books from 14 October to 27 February 2011.

The exhibition is being presented as a joint project at the Santos Museum of Economic Botany at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, and at Carrick Hill in Springfield.

>> Read more about the Garden of Ideas.

The gardens have recognised Santos’ contribution with the installation of an artistic but functional seat made by local Adelaide designer John Nowland.

With a contemporary design intended to complement its location in the Schmoburgk Pavilion, the seat is made of etched glass, timber and aluminium, and measures an impressive 5 x 2 metres. The imposing structure will be used by the many visitors and school children that use the pavilion and take part in community education programs.

Botanic Gardens Director Stephen Forbes said the seat represents the significant support that Santos provides to the exhibition program and the Santos Museum of Economic Botany.

“The support from Santos enables the Gardens to show fantastic exhibitions and displays that help to inform and educate the community on the benefits of plants and economic botany right in the heart of the Adelaide botanic Gardens,” he said.

“The completion of the seat is one of the last pieces of the puzzle in the restoration of the museum and provides a long awaited seat on the pavilion.”

National recognition for Santos-QAG partnership

Santos — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 13:30:00 GMT

The significant partnership between Santos and the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art received national recognition with the Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) Partnering Award.

Santos VP Queensland Rick Wilkinson was in Sydney to receive the award.

Santos and the Gallery have worked together since 1990 and last year extended this partnership, with Santos becoming presenting sponsor of the Gallery’s annual summer exhibition program – the gallery’s largest single corporate investment. This summer’s exhibition 21st Century: Art in the First Decade will open at the Gallery of Modern Art in December.

This latest recognition follows a Queensland Abaf Partnering Award for the same partnership and South Australian AbaF awards for Santos’ support of the 2010 Adelaide Festival and its long-standing alliance with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Santos’ partnership with Shakespeare WA received a Good Practice Recognition Award in the WA awards.

Innovative auction raises funds for indigenous health

Santos — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos employees raised more than $1200 for Slight For All, an organisation that works with indigenous communities to treat preventable eye diseases, through an internal eBay-style auction of guernseys worn by participants in the Santos-sponsored Aboriginal Power Cup.

The colourful guernseys, designed by the students, were signed by legendary AFL footballer and AFL Hall of Fame inductee, Gavin Wanganeen.

The auction site saw some ferocious bidding, with some staff setting their alarm clocks so they could put in a late night bid before the auction closed at midnight.

>> Visit the Sight for All website.

Ying best presenter at Gas Speak

Santos — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos’ Ying Luo received the best presentation award at the Australian Gas Industry Trust’s Gas Speak conference in Canberra.

The Brisbane-based graduate field support engineer’s presentation, Field Support Engineering in Eastern Queensland CSG, was about her day-to-day work at Santos.

Gas Speak has been a highly regarded industry event since 1982, providing young staff with the opportunity to develop their communications skills, industry understanding and contact networks. This year, about 30 delegates from a range of companies attended the three-day forum to present papers, take part in discussions and spend time with experienced mentors.

Lance chooses 2011 Santos Tour Down Under as his last ride

Santos — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Lance Armstrong has chosen the 2011 Santos Tour Down Under to be his final race on the International Cycling Union’s ProTour.

The decision is a major coup to an event that has grown significantly in the past two years, in large part due to Lance’s presence.

Santos CEO David Knox congratulated the state government and race organisers for securing Lance for his final ProTour ride.

"I have no doubt the Santos Tour Down will once again attract worldwide media coverage and a huge audience for the 2011 event," David said.

South Australian Premier Mike Rann said the 2011 Tour would be “an amazing opportunity for cycling fans across the globe to head to Adelaide and be part of history as Lance competes in his farewell ride as a professional on international soil."

"The impact Lance has had on the Santos Tour Down Under and the interest in cycling in South Australia has been astounding," he said.

In 2009 – Lance’s first appearance at the Tour Down Under – the event’s contribution to South Australia’s economy increased by 125 per cent to $39 million from the 2008 event. A total of 36,200 people from interstate and overseas travelled to Adelaide specifically to watch the event, compared with 15,100 people the year before.

The man himself said he was looking forward to coming back to Adelaide.

"I'm excited to be competing in my last professional ride outside the US at the Santos Tour Down Under," Lance said.

"It will be my third time to the event, and I’m sure I will enjoy it as much as I have the first two times. I will never forget the reception we received in Adelaide when we kicked off the LIVESTRONG global campaign. I look forward to racing and also checking in on the progress in South Australia."

>> Join the Santos Peloton for the 2011 Santos Tour Down Under.

Santos Tour Down Under best tourism event

Santos — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 13:30:00 GMT

The Santos Tour Down Under was named the Best Tourism Event at the Australian Event Awards in Sydney last week.

It was the second successive year the Tour has been honoured at the awards.

This year, nearly 40,000 people travelled from interstate and overseas specifically for the event, injecting $41.5 million into South Australia’s economy.

The Tour generated 262 hours of international television coverage, and the South Australian government estimated the total value of editorial media coverage at $124 million.

Santos CEO David Knox said the 2011 event “will be even bigger and better again.”

“The calibre of athlete it attracts, the global coverage that it receives, its immense and growing popularity and the exceptional competence and energy with which it is executed are all hallmarks of its success,” David said.

The 2011 Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 16-23 January 2011.

>> Visit the Santos Tour Down Under website.

>> Join the Santos Peloton cycling community.

Smart reuse of Santos TVs pays off for community

Santos — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos has donated televisions from its One Tree camp in the Cooper Basin to the Australian Refugee Association.

Rather than dispose of the small televisions, which were removed as part of the refurbishment of the camp, Santos sought out a community group that could benefit from them or the proceeds from their sale.

The Australian Refugee Association, which has been providing services for refugees and the migrant community for over 35 years, collected the televisions and raised a much-needed $1000 for their programs through an auction.

“The service is not funded through any government grant and relies heavily on volunteers and donations,” said Australian Refugee Association CEO Peter Laintoll.

“The people who receive our assistance are always grateful that there is someone who cares enough in our community to make a positive difference to their lives,” he said.

Cooper Basin flora trek yields rare finds

Santos — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos last month hosted two botanists from the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide on a successful four-day research and collection trip through the Cooper Basin.

The Seed Conservation Centre team was out to collect seeds and press plant specimens for eventual mounting at the State Herbarium in the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide.

Heavy rains and flooding in the Cooper Basin prompted the search for rare and threatened species, some of which had not been observed in the region since the 1950s. The Seed Conservation Centre’s focus is on seed banking and research into the germination of vulnerable and endemic species.

Despite some travel restrictions caused by flooded roads, the team still managed to cover a sizeable area from north of Innamincka to south of the Strzelecki Crossing. Their search yielded a number of rare finds, including a hairy pussytail that had not been recorded in the region, and a desert daisy which had never been recorded in South Australia.

Amy Slocombe, an environmental adviser with Santos who accompanied the team, said the field trip was “a fantastic success.”

Santos provided flights, transport, accommodation and meals. The company’s assistance complements its partnership with the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide, which has included funding to refurbish the Museum of Economic Botany and support of community education programs.

Santos vehicle helps promote SA resources sector

Santos — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:30:00 GMT

The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy’s (SACOME) promotion of the resources sector in South Australia has received a boost with the donation by Santos of a four-wheel drive.

SACOME is the voice of the resources sector in South Australia and representatives regularly travel throughout South Australia visiting remotely based members and schools, and attending community events.

Without an appropriate vehicle, the trips – especially into remote areas – were often difficult. SACOME councillor and Santos Manager Commercial Eastern Australia, Andrew Freeman, and the public affairs team found a suitable 4WD that was being retired from duty in the Cooper Basin. The vehicle was hand-picked by Santos’ Superintendent Cooper Basin Operations Support, David Paul, and Enzo Vitucci from Northpoint Toyota.

With a service, a thorough valet and some new signage, the vehicle looks just the part for its new role in promoting the resources sector.

Santos joins Kings Park Festival as major partner

Santos — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos has become the major partner of the iconic Kings Park Festival, an annual celebration of people and plants in Perth’s botanic gardens.

The 2010 event is being staged throughout September and into October, and continues the festival’s role as a leading proponent of environmental education to the community. The festival attracts more than half a million local, interstate and international visitors.

Under the partnership agreement, a series of free concerts and theatre held each Sunday in September will be known as Santos Live Sundays.

John Anderson, Vice President Western Australian and Northern Territory, said the Kings Park Festival partnership added a new dimension to the company’s growing presence in Western Australia.

“This is an iconic event in an iconic location,” he said. “What has struck me personally is the fabulous work done by Kings Park in the conservation of Western Australia’s incredible flora. As an Australian company we should feel proud to support an organisation like this.”

Santos’ WA employees and their families attended the Santos Live Sundays program last weekend, and the company will host external stakeholders at the Everlasting Jazz Picnic on the public holiday Monday in WA on 27 September.

The Kings Park Festival is in its 47th year and runs from the 1 September to 10 October 2010. More detail on the Santos-sponsored free music and theatre performances are available on the Kings Park website, www.kingsparkfestival.com.au.

Apprentices excel

Santos — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Two Santos apprentices have achieved external recognition recently, with Wes Murray a finalist at the South Australian Training Awards and Chris Ferrall selected to take part in the Today's Skills, Tomorrow’s Leaders program.

Wes, a mechanical fitter at Dullingari, was a finalist in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category at the 2010 South Australian Training Awards recently.

The awards are SA’s peak recognition for vocational education and training, celebrating innovation and excellence in the training sector. They recognise individual achievements and encourage people to realise their potential and build their careers.

Wes joined the Santos Apprenticeship Program as a second-year apprentice fitter through the company’s apprentice and trainee provider, Statewide Group Training. He completed his apprenticeship in May 2010 and was immediately offered a permanent position with Santos at Dullingari as a member of the reliability team.

With the ongoing support of those around him Wes is continuing to increase his knowledge and skills with ongoing study and is committed to further developing his career with Santos.

Chris, a fourth-year mechanical trade apprentice, employed by Statewide Group training and hosted in the Santos Apprenticeship Program, was selected to take part in the recent 2010 Today's Skills, Tomorrow’s Leaders program.

The week-long career development initiative brings together 20 of Australia’s outstanding apprentices and trainees selected from a field of 40,000.

The program is conducted on campus at the Australian Institute of Sport and provides an intense week of leadership training. Each participant was challenged to take their training success to the next level and was given practical tools to make their goals a reality.

During the week, participants visited Parliament House to talk to senior federal ministers, shadow ministers and MPs about issues affecting Australia’s skills development. They also met Australia’s Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce.

Moon Lantern Festival the soul of OzAsia

Santos — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:30:00 GMT

More than 18,000 people attended the Moon Lantern Festival – the free community event that is the “soul” of the OzAsia Festival, partnered by Santos.

This wonderful event, held each year on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, has become one of South Australia’s favourite annual community gatherings.

The twilight event in Adelaide’s Elder Park was packed with families taking in live music, dance, food and the moon lantern parade. More than 35 Santos employees and their children joined the parade with their hand-made lanterns.

As part of Santos’ support of OzAsia, employees and their children had the opportunity to take part in private workshops to make moon lanterns and learn Malaysian drumming. More than 40 people attended the moon lantern workshop, while 30 attended the drumming workshop run by renowned Malaysian group Hands Percussion.

Santos is again the major partner of the festival, which builds cultural understanding between Australia and its regional neighbours through food, film, dance, music, drama and art. The company’s support complements its significant and growing presence in Asia through its operations, business partners and customers.

>> Watch a video of the Moon Lantern Festival.

Gallery of Modern Art a prize-winning partner

Santos — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos has won the Business Partnering award from the Australian Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) for Queensland, for its support of the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA).

The award recognises partnerships between cultural organisations and businesses employing more than 200 people.

Santos has a long partnership with the Queensland Art Gallery, culminating in a landmark five-year sponsorship agreement worth $1.5 million, the gallery’s largest ever corporate sponsorship.

The first exhibition of the new partnership, the Sixth Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, drew more than half a million visitors. With both partners deeply engaged with the Asia-Pacific region, the partnership is an alignment of energy and interests.

Having taken out the Queensland partnering award, Santos and the gallery will be a part of the national finals in Sydney in October. Santos’ partnership with the Adelaide Festival, which won the SA award in the community category, will also be a national finalist in October. Rounding out a trifecta of success, Santos’ partnership with Shakespeare WA received a Good Practice Recognition Award in the WA awards.

Record Santos numbers in City-Bay Fun Run

Santos — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos has again put in a record showing at Adelaide’s City-Bay Fun Run, with 185 participants joining about 31,000 others for the annual event. The total squeaked past the record set last year of 182 Santos entrants.

Congratulations go to all who took part, with special mentions for the first Santos runners over the line in the women’s and men’s 12 kilometre runs, Jasi Watson and Andrew McCouaig.

Santos covered entry fees hosted a breakfast for runners and walkers with the Asthma SA team after the race.

Supporting the JDRF

Part of Santos’ participation has involved fundraising for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

So far the team has raised more than $1,300 for the JDRF. Santos will match all donations dollar for dollar.

>> Go to the Everyday Hero website to donate.

ASP student wins award with help from Santos

Santos — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 14:30:00 GMT

A student of the Australian School of Petroleum (ASP) at the University of Adelaide, who completed his honours project in collaboration with Santos, has received the Australia-Malaysia Business Council of South Australia’s top honour, the Patron’s Award.

Mohamed Hakin Kamid completed his Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum) at the ASP, which Santos has helped establish with $25 million of funding.

In completing his honours project, Mohamed worked with Santos’ Manager Petrophysical Services, Keith Boyle, and Chief Production Technologist, Imran Abbasy. His research focused on measuring temperatures at the bottom of wells, which can help discern the state of reservoirs and the amount of hydrocarbons they can produce.

Mohamed has also received merit awards from the Society of Petroleum Engineers in Adelaide and Perth. His recognition is an example of successful collaboration between Santos and the ASP, and an acknowledgement of the quality of that partnership.

Port Bonython an artist’s muse

Santos — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos’ Port Bonython plant is the subject of paintings by South Australian artist Robert Habel on display in the foyer of the Santos Centre, Adelaide.

Titled A Night Painting at Point Lowly, the paintings are Robert’s interpretation of the Port Bonython facility located on the Point Lowly peninsula, near Whyalla at the northern point of the Spencer Gulf.

Robert and his filmmaking colleague Cole Larsen were attracted to Port Bonython’s industrial feel, and completed their work on the plant site through one cold night in the winter of 2007. By working outdoors and in front of his subject, Robert hoped to bring to his paintings some of the essence of working on site.

An accompanying video made by Cole, Point Lowly Carnival Nights, is a series of two-minute films that interprets the evening of painting.

Robert and Cole have collaborated on art projects for 15 years. They have had a long interest in human interventions in the landscape and regularly make paintings and films about new technologies and industries such as mine sites, solar and wind farms and urban and industrial developments.

The exhibition in the Santos Centre coincided with the 2010 SALA Festival, a free visual arts festival held throughout galleries and public spaces across South Australia each year.

Santos-backed scholars graduate from Indonesian fisheries academy

Santos — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Ten beneficiaries of Santos scholarships at the Sidoarjo Fisheries Academy in Indonesia graduated recently following three years of study.

The graduates are from the Giligenting district of the Sumenep regency in Madura, and over the course of their study have gained a range of skills including handling and processing, hatchery, quality control, aquaculture and water management.

At the graduation ceremony in Sidoarjo, the Deputy Regent of Sumenep and head of the Sumenep Community Development Committee, Mohammad Dahlan, said the students would have the training to create their own businesses and boost the local economy.

Santos has partnered with the Sumenep regency and the Fisheries Academy to provide scholarships since 2007. The scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation and a studies allowance for exams, materials, field internships extracurricular activities.

Following the graduation ceremony in Sidoarjo, a memorandum of understanding was signed for Santos to continue the program for the next three years.

Santos’ support of these scholarships follows the company’s community support strategy that includes a focus on education.

Santos and Adelaide Festival win community arts award

Santos — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos won the Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) Community Award for SA for its partnership with the Adelaide Festival 2010.

Each year, the Australia Business Arts Foundation Awards in SA celebrates the best strategic and creative connections between the arts, business and donors in South Australia.

The two specific events for which Santos received this award – A Little More Light and The Northern Lights – attracted a combined audience of 476,000 people.

>> Read more about these events.

More than 100 Santos employees volunteered at both events. Congratulations and thanks to all involved.

Last year, Santos and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra received the Marsh Partnering Award from AbaF for their decade-long partnership.

Santos staff raise $1130 on Daffodil Day

Santos — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos employees in Adelaide raised $1130 on Daffodil Day recently, which will be donated to the Cancer Council SA.

Employees Iain Campbell (staff geophysicist), Lanair Hedger-Smith (technical assistant) and Jenni Clifford (staff geophysicist) set up a stall in the lobby of the Santos Centre to sell fresh daffodils and merchandise, and accept donations from everyone on their way into work.

This fundraising signals Santos’ growing relationship with Cancer Council SA, which is the official charity partner for the Santos Tour Down Under.

Cancer Council SA is the state's leading non-government cancer control organisation, dedicated to ensuring that South Australians are reducing their cancer risk and receiving the best cancer care.

Thank you to Ian, Lanair, Jenni and everyone who contributed.

>> Read more about Cancer Council SA.

Santos recognised at APPEA safety conference

Santos — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos received a high commendation for a submission on fatigue risk management at the 2010 APPEA National Oil & Gas Safety Conference in Perth recently.

The submission Fatigue Risk Management System was recognised for the high level of research and employee involvement that went into developing the program. Well done to all who were involved, and all who are currently using the system to manage fatigue-related risk.

Santos was also acknowledged for its submissions Development of Online Training for Hazard Management Using Stepback and Job Hazard Analysis and Tanker Unloading Manual Handling Improvements at Lytton Terminal. Congratulations to all involved.

APPEA – the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association – is the representative body for the oil and gas industry in Australia.

APPEA chief executive Belinda Robinson said: “The APPEA Safety Innovation Awards recognise and reward ingenuity and creativity. More importantly, they also demonstrate our industry is continuously developing and updating its practices.”

GLNG signs largest set of indigenous agreements in Australian resources history

Santos — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:30:00 GMT

The GLNG project yesterday joined Aboriginal traditional owners in Gladstone to sign the project’s seventh and final Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA), completing the largest set of agreements with Aboriginal groups in Australian resources history.

The final agreement, called the ‘Murribindi Gap B’ agreement covers the GLNG pipeline corridor roughly between the Expedition Range in the west and the Dawson Range in the east.

Collectively, the 42 signed agreements (including the seven ILUAs) are the largest set of agreements with Aboriginal peoples in Australia’s resources sector history.

President GLNG and Queensland Rick Wilkinson said the agreements are similar to those Santos has with pastoral or agricultural landholders and involve arrangements for land use and access, and the way the project will manage impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage.

“The agreements provide surety to everyone – Santos, the GLNG project and traditional owners – that issues such as native title have been considered effectively and appropriately,” Rick said.

“The big positive from my point of view is that our process has been highly collaborative and we have managed to achieve the agreements based on respect for the traditional owners and a common objective of reaching agreement through negotiation.”

Santos’ Principal Adviser, Indigenous Affairs, Craig Jones said the large number of agreements was needed as the GLNG project covers such a wide footprint – from the gas fields in Roma along the pipeline route and to the proposed LNG facility in Gladstone.

“Along with native title and cultural heritage considerations, the Santos team is working closely with traditional owners to discuss important topics like employment, training and enterprise development,” Craig said.

“The employment, training and enterprise outcomes will assist Aboriginal communities to achieve important development outcomes in to the future.

“They’ll also assist GLNG to build capability in the region and manage potential future skills shortages in the LNG industry.”

One of the signatories for the Aboriginal traditional owners, Donna Sandow, said she was happy with the negotiation process and felt the agreement addresses employment and training interests ahead of construction of the GLNG project.

“We had the opportunity to meet several times with Santos and our legal representative to discuss the project at length,” Donna said.

“We appreciated that Santos supported our requests, like a working party and an employment and training workshop – which allowed us to consider our options.

“The agreement’s employment and training component is an excellent foundation for us to address employment and training needs.

“Our agreement also gives us the opportunity to continue to work with Santos in accessing other opportunities that are available with this project like 300 jobs for indigenous people along the pipeline route.”

GLNG helping local students

Santos — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos’ GLNG office in Gladstone is helping local students build their experience in the workplace as part of a program that seeks to make the transition from school to work easier.

The program is run by EQIP (Education Queensland and Industry Partnership) Gladstone and involves students complementing their studies with hands-on work experience with local businesses.

A group of year 11 students from EQIP spent time in the GLNG office working alongside staff, preparing promotional material and gaining an insight into the project’s development and local involvement.

GLNG senior community relations adviser Helen Simpson said, “providing real work experience for the students is one of the ways GLNG goes about boosting the skills and capabilities of young people in the region.”

The GLNG project is being developed by Santos and its partner PETRONAS, and involves producing coal seam gas in eastern Queensland, piping it to Gladstone and converting it to LNG for export.

Protecting outback fisheries

Santos — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos is helping authorities to protect unique outback fisheries, which have been boosted by the major floodwaters flowing through the region.

For the first time in 20 years, water is flowing from Cooper Creek to Lake Eyre, bringing with it fish like Lake Eyre Golden Perch, Cooper Creek Catfish, grunters and yabbies.

Fisheries authorities from South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria have joined to increase the number of officers on patrol to ensure illegal fishing does not occur.

To support the program, Santos has put stickers on all its Cooper Basin vehicles promoting the 24-hour Fishwatch number, 1800 065 522.

South Australian Fisheries Minister, Michael O’Brien, said, “it’s quite a rare and unique ecosystem in this area of Australia, that’s why it’s so important we protect the local fish stocks from those looking to exploit the rules.”

Santos rules the pool

Santos — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos employees have yet again shown their excellence in sporting endeavours, taking out the 1000 metre fastest team and fastest senior swimmer awards in the 2010 Aquatic Team Challenge in Adelaide.

The Aquatic Team Challenge is run by Life. Be in it and be active at the North Adelaide Aquatic Centre. Competing on a fortnightly basis over seven weeks, teams of up to five people choose to swim either 500 or 1000 metres. Points are awarded for fastest times and improvement.

The Santos team comprised Judith McRobb, Hugh Banister, Gary Smith, Andrew Moore and Peter Moriarty (team captain).

“Having the chance to start slow and gradually improve was a bonus as a few of us were a bit rusty,” said Peter.

The Santos team was the fastest over 1000 metres, and may have taken out the overall team and fastest female swimmer award had Judith not left to get married. Hugh won the award for overall fastest senior male.

Santos supports Geoscientists Without Borders

Santos — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos is supporting a research program aimed at locating sustainable groundwater resources for Aboriginal communities in Australia’s remote outback.

The research is being conducted by Geoscientists Without Borders (GWB), a program set up by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Foundation that aims to benefit communities in need and the environment around the world.

This program is the SEG’s first project outside of the Unites States and is being run in partnership with the University of Adelaide.

It will involve using geophysical surveys to locate sustainable groundwater resources for local Aboriginal communities who currently rely on boreholes in deep aquifers within fractured rock for non-potable water supplies.

Data will be collected across an array of sites to develop three-dimensional images of electrical conductivity structure to a depth of up to one kilometre. This will yield a better method of identifying groundwater resources, and reduce the number of dry wells.

This month, a memorandum of understanding was developed with the Nipapanha Community Council to undertake geophysical surveys in the Nepabunna area, and early surveys show good progress.

Santos’ Chief Geophysicist Dennis Cooke was heavily involved in getting the project off the ground, liaising with the SEG Foundation, its GWB research program and the University of Adelaide. He is also involved in exploring different projects to pursue in this field with the University of Adelaide.

Santos’ support of this GWB research is an example of the company’s intention to benefit the health and wellbeing of communities in close proximity to our operations.

Supporting junior cycling rising stars

Santos — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos and the Central Districts Cycling Club recently partnered to present the 43rd annual Junior Cycling Tour of Adelaide at Macclesfield in the Adelaide Hills.

Junior male and female cyclists aged between 10 and 16 from around Australia, plus a lone Kiwi, travelled to Adelaide to compete in the four-stage cycling event on 10 and 11 July.

Past participants and winners have gone on to represent Australia including Santos Tour Down Under stars Stuart O’Grady and Jack Bobridge. Talented female cyclists Alexis Rhodes and Tiffany Cromwell also competed in the Junior Tour.

The weather on the Saturday morning was less than ideal with strong winds, driving rain, near freezing conditions and roads strewn with debris. Some courses were modified for safety reasons, so the competitors were able complete all four stages over the two days.

Santos’ Hugh Banister presented the Santos Winner’s Jerseys to the leading male and female riders in the under 17, under 15 and under 13 age categories and King of the Mountain.

The winners were:

Under-17 boys: Lindfield Bradley
Under-15 boys: Callum Scotson
Under-13 boys: James Higginson
Under-17 girls: Jessica Mundy
Under-15 girls: Alexandra Manly

Santos is pleased to help develop the cycling stars of the future by supporting the Junior Tour, and wishes to congratulate all who were involved in this successful event.

>> Visit the Cycling SA website.

Inspiring science and engineering careers

Santos — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Earlier this month, 60 of Australia’s brightest young high school science students visited Santos to learn about the many careers and opportunities on offer in the energy industry.

The students were part of the National Youth Science Forum, which provides year 11 students considering careers in science and engineering an opportunity to visit relevant organisations to help them make informed choices about their future.

While at Santos, the students heard from Alex Dorsch and Cangie Wu, who are both part of Santos’ graduate engineering program. Geology graduate Adam Hill spoke about his role as a senior geologist with the WA & NT exploration group, while Derek Seret, another engineering graduate, gave an insight into life as a senior reservoir engineer with the gas exploitation team.

Santos has hosted students from the National Youth Science Forum for a number of years. The program is also supported by Rotary Australia.

The National Youth Science Forum helps students moving into year 12 who wish to follow careers in science, engineering and technology by introducing them to research and researchers, by encouraging the achievement of excellence in all their undertakings, and by helping to develop their communication and interpersonal skills.

>> Visit the National Youth Science Forum website.

Santos brings energy to Fun4Kids Festival

Santos — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos recently supported the highly acclaimed Fun4Kids Festival, an annual not-for-profit event held in Warrnambool, Victoria.

The Santos Artspace was a prominent part of a two-and-a-half acre indoor village, and was specifically designed to engage and amaze children with interactive, creative and performance-based media, as well as provide space to explore new ideas.

Children were able to join in the building of a recycled cardboard city (The Great Big Build), as well as meet animals, explore a world of illustrations and experience festival favourite, storyteller and comedian Kym Lardner.

The Fun4Kids Festival has received many awards and is widely recognised as one of Australia’s best children’s festivals.

Santos’ sponsorship of the Fun4Kids Festival reflects the company’s strategy to support activities and events that are valued by communities in which we operate, in this case the western districts of Victoria where the Casino, Henry and Netherby gas fields are located.

Asian Studies Conference provides insight into Asia's outlook

Santos — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos has reaffirmed its strong ties with Asia, sponsoring the Asian Studies Association of Australia’s 18th Biennial Conference 2010 held at the University of Adelaide this month.

A key feature of the conference was the keynote speech by Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid, chairman of Malaysia Airlines.

Dr Munir Majid, who is also Senior Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics, spoke on the topic Asia: where will it be in the 21st century? He was introduced by Santos Manager Community and Corporate Responsibility Stuart Symons.

Tan Sri highlighted the need for Asian nations to assert themselves in global finance to better reflect other increases in Asian strengths, and suggested an Asian bond market should be one such goal.

As an Australian energy company with a strong presence in six Asian and Pacific countries, it is fitting that Santos support an event which features the exchange of ideas around so many aspects of Asian life.

The sponsorship also reflects Santos’ growing relationship with Malaysia through our partnership with PETRONAS in the GLNG project.

Santos Place building awards

Santos — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Two companies involved in the construction of Santos Place were recognised at the Queensland Master Builders’ Brisbane Housing & Construction Awards recently.

Bovis Lend Lease, which completed the fit-out of Santos’ office space, was judged to have exceeded industry standards in occupational health and safety, and received the award for Innovation in Workplace Health and Safety. Hutchinson Builders got the gong for Excellence in Sustainable Building.

For Bovis Lend Lease, this was the second time they have received an award for the fit-out project, having been recognised previously by the Queensland branch of the Australian Institute of Building. The fit-out project is up for another two awards – from the Queensland Master Builders’ state awards and the National Australian Institute of Building.

This recognition of best practice at Santos Place complements Santos’ commitment to safe and sustainable workplaces for its employees and to reducing its environmental footprint.

Santos supports Gunnedah cycling

Santos — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 14:30:00 GMT

For the first time Santos has sponsored the Keegan Downes Memorial Sundowner cycling race in New South Wales, reflecting the company’s growing involvement with the Gunnedah community.

More than 150 riders took off early on 26 June, with Newcastle cyclist Matthew Augutis taking the title after a pack sprint finish. The handicap race covered 114 kilometres between Coonabarabran to Gunnedah.

Santos’ funding allowed the event to increase its prize money and use an automatic timing system for the first time.

Santos’ Principal Public Affairs Adviser in NSW Sam Crafter said the Sundowner was “a great race and great promotion of our involvement in cycling”.

Olympic cyclist Shane Kelly, who wrote regular blog posts on the Santos Peloton website during the Santos Tour Down Under, attended the race as an ambassador for the company.

“Shane was a fantastic draw-card with all of the cyclists as well as volunteers and spectators,” said Sam.

The support extends Santos’ cycling support from the Santos Tour Down Under in Adelaide and the Santos Great Bike Ride in Perth. Santos’ association with these events follows the company’s intention to support events that promote health and fitness and bring value to the community.

Santos helps establish SA’s largest private nature reserve

Santos — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos has contributed to the purchase of Witchelina Station, near Lyndhurst in central South Australia, which has been turned into the state's largest private nature reserve.

Witchelina covers an impressive 4,200 square kilometres – twice the size of greater Adelaide – and its conservation will protect several threatened species, ecological communities and geological landscapes not previously protected.

The purchase of the property was made in conjunction with the Nature Foundation of South Australia, the South Australian Government, and the Commonwealth’s Caring for Our Country program. Santos’ contribution is part of the company’s obligation under the Native Vegetation Act 1991, which requires land users to set aside funds for environmental benefit according to the land disturbance of their activities. This applies equally to Transport SA, farmers and resources companies.

Santos’ funding of $450,000 was put in part towards the purchase, with the rest to be used for initial management and development of the reserve.

The Nature Foundation of SA is now the owner and manager of the reserve. Survey work is planned to get a detailed picture of the reserve’s biodiversity and native species. It is thought there may even be discoveries of new plant and reptile species.

2011 Santos Tour Down Under launched

Santos — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:30:00 GMT

The 2011 Santos Tour Down Under has been officially launched at a ceremony in Adelaide.

South Australian Premier Mike Rann unveiled the race routes for the 2011 race, with news that the Tour will visit new areas as well as returning to some old favourites. For the first time, the UCI ProTour event will head east of the River Murray, with a stage from Tailem Bend to Mannum.

“The Santos Tour Down Under creates huge benefits for South Australia and it’s great to bring the Tour experience to new towns and regions while ensuring the quality of the race is maintained,” Mr Rann said.

Santos CEO David Knox said the company was pleased to again be associated with the most important cycling event in the southern hemisphere.

“Last year’s Tour was the best ever, and I’m sure that in 2011 the Santos Tour Down Under will be even bigger and better again,” Mr Knox said.

The launch of the 2011 Santos Tour Down Under race routes coincides with the start of the Tour de France, which begins tomorrow. Among the cyclists that raced in January 2010, 37 will be competing in the Tour de France.

The 2010 race saw the strongest field of riders ever assembled for the race with many then going on to have a very successful racing season. World Champion Cadel Evans is currently leading the UCI’s individual world rankings, Lance Armstrong finished second in the Tour de Suisse and third in the Tour de Luxembourg and 2002 Santos Tour Down Under winner Michael Rogers won the Tour of California.

Tourism Minister John Rau says the 2010 event was also the most successful race on record in terms of participation, with more than 8,000 cyclists taking part in the Mutual Community Challenge Tour recreational ride.

“Registrations are now open for the 2011 Mutual Community Challenge Tour and with four distance options created for the ride on 21 January, even more people will have the chance to take part,” Mr Rau said.

The 2011 Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 16-23 January 2011. For more information, visit www.tourdownunder.com.au.

The race routes of the 2011 Santos Tour Down Under are:

Sunday, 16 January – Cancer Council Classic - Rymill Park, Adelaide (51 km)
Monday, 17 January – Rest Day
Tuesday, 18 January – Stage 1 – Mawson Lakes to Angaston (138 km)
Wednesday, 19 January – Stage 2 – Tailem Bend to Mannum (146 km)
Thursday, 20 January – Stage 3 – Unley to Stirling (129 km)
Friday, 21 January – Mutual Community Stage 4 – Norwood to Strathalbyn (124 km)
Saturday, 22 January – Jayco Stage 5 – McLaren Vale to Willunga (131 km)
Sunday, 23 January –Stage 6 – Adelaide City Council Street Circuit (90 km)
The total Santos Tour Down Under UCI ProTour race distance (Stages 1-6) is 758 km.

Santos employees up to the challenge

Santos — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos employees raised a total of $1,575 for the Asthma Foundation of SA at the organisation’s Take a Breather Charity Challenge: Rogaining.

A total of 376 people in 103 teams took part in the event, which raised more than $30,000 for Asthma SA. Santos was well represented, with employees and their family and friends forming ten teams to take to the trails of Bundaleer Forest near Jamestown, north of Adelaide.

David Bedson, chief executive of the Asthma Foundation of SA, thanked “everyone from Santos for participating and fundraising for the Asthma Foundation of SA”.

“We’re absolutely delighted with the success of the Take a Breather charity challenge.”

Following the event, competitors were treated to a gourmet barbecue and a few relaxing drinks before camping overnight.

The team of Adrian Marshall, Brad Maas and Greg Cowley led the Santos charge in the regaining event, finishing 13th overall, while Amy Slocombe and Lachlan Clark were the company’s only representatives in the cyclogaining event, finishing a creditable ninth overall.

Santos is providing $600,000 over three years to the Asthma Foundation of SA as part of the company’s extensive community support package. Santos also paid employees’ registration fees as part of its strategy to support staff in their fundraising efforts.

>> Visit the Take a Breather website.

Santos receives gold award for corporate reporting

Santos — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos has been recognised for the quality of its corporate reporting for the eighth year in a row, receiving a Gold Award at the Australasian Reporting Awards in Sydney recently.

It is the fifth year in a row Santos has received a Gold Award from the ARA. In the three years before that Santos received one bronze and two silver awards.

The award recognises the quality of information provided in Santos’ 2009 Annual Report and its level of disclosure about the company’s performance and outlook.

The ARA is a not-for-profit organisation established 60 years ago to encourage effective communication of financial and business information.

Aboriginal Power Cup – more than just a footy carnival

Santos — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:30:00 GMT

The 2010 Aboriginal Power Cup carnival and education development program, which uses Australian Rules football to encourage Aboriginal students in their studies and careers, reached its finale last weekend.

The Aboriginal Power Cup was run during the first two terms of this school year, helping to develop life skills such as teamwork, leadership and a healthy lifestyle. A condition of participation in the tournament is that students attend school, which has resulted in increased attendance across all participating schools.

The program was developed by the Port Adelaide Football Club, the Attorney-General’s Department, the SA Aboriginal Sports Training Academy (SAASTA) and the SANFL in 2008 in response to Monsignor David Cappo’s To Break the Cycle report into youth offending.

The Cup program has run for the past two years, and in February this year Santos announced it would contribute $750,000 over three years to help the Cup program expand further.

The business end of the 2010 Aboriginal Power Cup – the football carnival itself – was played out last Friday and Saturday with a series of matches at Port Adelaide Power AFL club’s training base Alberton Oval.

The schools with the best overall academic and attendance records during the Aboriginal Power Cup program earned the particular honour of taking to AAMI Stadium to play the curtain-raisers to the Port Adelaide versus Sydney Swans AFL match on Saturday night. In the girls’ game, Christies Beach defeated Windsor Gardens by 13 points, while in the boys’ game Para West triumphed over Murray Bridge by 80 points.

Alongside the carnival at Alberton Oval was a career development and educational component, at which Santos staff hosted a booth with information on careers and opportunities at Santos. Thank you to the employees who helped out: Jodie Blyzno, Carla Turich, Marie-Louise Lees, Bronwen Fisher, Mark Cahill, Stuart Duncan, Darren Armitage, Leigh Porter and Kathryn Mitchell.

Santos also arranged a workshop with guest speakers Evan Morrish, a Santos graduate engineer, Arrin Hazelbane, a Year 11 student from Darwin studying at Adelaide’s Rostrevor College on a Smith Family scholarship, and Julian Burton, former Sturt footballer and Bali bombings survivor.

All three spoke about their own experiences, overcoming challenges, the importance of education, hard work and diligence, making the right choices and never giving up on achieving your goals.

>> Visit the Aboriginal Power Cup website.

Santos backs Aboriginal scholars through Yalari

Santos — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos is supporting the Aboriginal organisation Yalari, which assists Aboriginal students from remote and rural Australia to gain access to first-class secondary education.

Santos’ contributions are used to fund six scholarships for students enrolled in top Adelaide schools Scotch College and Annesley College. The students – Rae Skeen, Joseph Althouse, Bradley McAdam, Jacob Nichaloff, Talisha Wright and Kaleishia Ross – are from as far afield as Darwin and Halls Creek.

Santos’ Aboriginal Training & Employment Adviser Che Cockatoo-Collins and Manager Commercial Andrew Freeman recently met a group of students on Yalari scholarships at Scotch College during the school’s celebration of National Reconciliation Week.

Che and Andrew talked to the students about their experience with the program, the importance of education and looking to the future. Santos will maintain contact with the South Australia-based Yalari students to provide career advice and guidance throughout their schooling.

Yalari was established in 2005 by Waverley Stanley and his wife Llew Mullins, and today supports 180 children around Australia in 34 partnership schools. Santos’ support began in the first term of the 2010 school year and is part of the company’s strategy to increase Aboriginal workplace participation by making meaningful contributions to Aboriginal training, education and employment programs.

>> Visit the Yalari website.

GLNG helps mark World Environment Day at Ecofest 2010

Santos — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos' GLNG project hosted a tent at Ecofest 2010 in Gladstone on 6 June, with the local community out in droves at the event in the city’s Tondoon Botanic Gardens.

The GLNG tent was popular with adults and kids alike, with its Chinchilla White Gum display and environmentally friendly GLNG tote bags filled with Frisbees made from recycled plastic, colouring-in books made from recycled paper, sunscreen and solar-powered key rings.

GLNG’s presence at Ecofest 2010 gave the project another opportunity to engage the local community and promote its environmental credentials, in particular the major plantation established using coal seam gas water near Fairview.

Ecofest is the Gladstone Regional Council’s way of working with industry, business and the community to highlight and celebrate environmental initiatives taking place in the region.

Combining education and fun, there was plenty on offer for people of all ages with information booths, bushwalking, crafts, games, animals on display and live entertainment.

Excellent results at Queensland Corporate Games

Santos — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos achieved great results including two bronze medals at the 2010 Queensland Corporate Games recently, marking a successful debut for the company in that event.

Nearly 70 of our fittest and finest athletes displayed their exceptional prowess at the 2010 games, which took place from 14-16 May at a range of venues around Brisbane.

Taking on other corporate competitors, Santos competed in badminton, basketball, cricket, golf, netball, running, soccer, tennis, tenpin bowling and touch footy.

Highlights included:

5km run, men, under 30 – Clayton Warner (bronze)
5km run, men, age 30-39 – Rob Lord (bronze)
badminton doubles – Bagus Setiadi and Hasan Siddiqui (fifth)
badminton doubles – Eadie Azahar and Azizul Jamaluddin – (sixth)
badminton doubles – Norazman Mohd Isa and Yosef Raharjo – (seventh)
basketball – (seventh)
running 5km, women, under 30 – Michelle Lim – (eighth).

Congratulations to all Santos competitors, with special mentions to Hasan Siddiqui, who led the Santos team and organised entrants for events, and Clayton and Rob for their medal-winning efforts.

Santos teams up with Smith Family to help students help themselves

Santos — Sun, 30 May 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos recently hosted a group of Adelaide students involved in the Smith Family’s Next Steps program, which aims to help high schoolers make the transition from school to work.

Twenty Year 11 students from Craigmore High School spent the past two Wednesdays in the Santos Centre learning about job and training opportunities, how to write a good resume and how to prepare for a job interview. Santos employees from a range of roles spoke to the group about the sorts of jobs they might aspire to.

Public Affairs Senior Adviser Kathryn Mitchell, who arranged the sessions, said: “Our challenge was to encourage these young people to see the value in education and training by showing them some of the opportunities available to them while also equipping them with some important life skills. They were a fantastic group of students.”

The students’ most daunting task came last week when they conducted practice job interviews with Santos’ human resources team.

“While you could see the terror on their faces, it only took a few minutes for them to settle into the task and really start to understand the value of being able to conduct a good interview,” Kathryn said.

“Watching them walk back from their interviews brimming with pride and confidence was a highlight – you could see they had a real sense of achievement.”

Santos’ involvement with the Next Steps program comes as part of our corporate support of the Smith Family.

Research has found that 70% of disadvantaged students can nominate an occupation they would like to do, but almost half do not know how to get there.

In response, the Smith Family has set up Next Steps to support students in the school-to-work transition. The program aims to give young people a clearer idea of their abilities and interests, the opportunities available and the pathways they can follow.

The success of the Santos Next Steps Workshop is completely due to the enthusiasm and commitment of the Santos staff who so willingly agreed to be involved. Special thanks to Stef Jones, Todd Sando, Kristen Roberts, Rob Puckridge, Ken Rhodes, Reid Toogood, Christian Bennett, Amy Slocombe, Elisa Colak, Che Cockatoo-Collins, Iggy Gaudio, Evan Morrish, Nazneen Saunders, Elio Lanzelli, Nick Lemon, Geoff Wood, Andy Pietsch, Martin West and almost the entire HR team. Thank you everyone.

The Smith Family’s Regional Programs Manager, Richard Melvill, said “few organisations are as well equipped as Santos to help deliver the Next Steps message and the program was a huge success.”

A second Next Steps Workshop will be held at Santos in August for Year 10, 11 and 12 students from Kaurna Plains High School.

Starlight Day gets a boost from Adelaide staff

Santos — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos employees in Adelaide raised $900 on Starlight Day recently, which will be given to the Starlight Children’s Foundation for a project at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Staff set up a stall in the lobby of the Santos Centre to sell merchandise and accept donations from everyone on their way into work.

This fundraising builds on Santos’ existing relationship with the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Santos is a Foundation Partner and has already contributed $300,000 towards the first Starlight Express Room in South Australia. This facility will be opened later this year at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and will make hospital stays a little easier for seriously ill children.

Santos supports Junior Cycling Tour of Adelaide

Santos — Sun, 16 May 2010 14:30:00 GMT

The Central Districts Cycling Club has announced a three-year partnership with Santos for support of the annual Junior Cycling Tour of Adelaide.

The Junior Tour was first held in 1968 which is the year before Santos first sales of natural gas from the Cooper Basin in the far north of South Australia.

Previous participants and winners of the Centrals Junior Tour have gone on to represent Australia, including: Stuart O'Grady, Brett Aitken, Luke Roberts, Dale Parker, Gene Bates, Jay and Corey Sweet, Alexis Rhodes, Rosalee Hubbard and Tiffany Cromwell and recently local World Junior Team’s Pursuit Champion, Jack Bobridge.

Club President Graeme Zucker said “It is fantastic to have Santos on board and supporting the 43rd Junior Tour. Santos is well known among cyclists for its involvement in the Santos Tour Down Under, a Pro Tour Cycling Event.”

The event has a proud history and a number of past winners have gone on to represent Australia. Who knows, 2010 may uncover another Jack Bobridge or Alexis Rhodes.

In 2010 the race leader for each age division and King of the Mountain will wear distinctive jerseys that have been produced with the support of Scody.

The 2010 Santos Centrals Junior Tour will be a four-stage event, held at Macclesfield in the Adelaide Hills, on 10 and 11 July. Entry is open for U13 to U17 juniors.

For more information visit http://www.centrals.org.au
Online entries are now open through http://www.cycling.org.au
Santos Peloton: http://peloton.santos.com

Turn your black thumb green

Santos — Tue, 11 May 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered how to grow that perfect tomato or longed to make pumpkin soup with ingredients straight from your garden, but your thumb is black instead of green?

The Botanic Gardens of Adelaide and Santos has heard your cry and is coming to the rescue of novice gardeners with the release of Bruce Morphett’s long awaited new book – Kitchen Garden: a Beginner’s Guide.

Santos has supported the publication of the book through its broader sponsorship of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide.

According to Mr Morphett, growing your own food is not only easy, but satisfying as well.

“Many people have no idea where to start when it comes to a kitchen garden, and can feel quite overwhelmed by the process,” he said.

“However, even a few potted herbs on your window sill are a good place to start.

“From here you can progress to some larger tubs with tomatoes, citrus trees, pumpkins, carrots or parsnips…whatever takes your fancy really.

“There’s no need to dig up large areas of your garden to establish a veggie patch, by starting small you can build up your confidence gradually.”

Mr Morphett said that while there are many kitchen garden books available, there are few that are specific to South Australia.

“We have a very unique climate in this state, not only in terms of temperature and soil type, but also water availability,” he said.

Kitchen Garden: a Beginner’s Guide (RRP A$19.95) is available now from The Botanic Shop. Phone 08 8232 8896.

Indonesia staff celebrate Kartini Day

Santos — Sun, 09 May 2010 14:30:00 GMT

To celebrate Kartini Day in Indonesia recently, Santos’ Jakarta office staged a talk show to recognise and learn about some of Santos’ female employee, their jobs and their lives.

Human Resources Manager Julietty Purwanto hosted the event, which featured speakers including Santos Indonesia President and General Manager Meiti Wajong, Budget and BPMIGAS Reporting Manager Anselma Tyasanti, Procurement, Logistics and General Affairs Manager Dody Mochtar, and the Development Department’s Euis Kusuma.

Talking about the challenges faced by women in the oil and gas industry, Meiti said women were natural managers who maintained a healthy balance between their work and family lives.

She said women should not restrict themselves according to gender stereotypes, and should see themselves on equal footing with male colleagues.

“Human character is specifically unique. Making prompt and right decisions is the domain on both men and women and does not depend on gender, it depends on how much supporting data are available,” she said.

Kartini Day is a national celebration of Raden Ajeng Kartini, a Javanese woman born into an aristocratic family in the 19th century, who was a pioneer in women’s rights during the Dutch colonial era. She fought for Indonesian women to have equal standing to men.

To remember Kartini, the women dressed traditionally in beautiful kebayas and sarongs. Lita Plautila from General Affairs received the award for best dressed.

Take on the Asthma Foundation’s Take a Breather challenge

Santos — Thu, 06 May 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos is supporting the Asthma Foundation of South Australia’s Take a Breather Charity Challenge: Rogaining, which is being held next month.

Take a Breather will be held in beautiful Bundaleer Forest near Jamestown north of Adelaide. Rogaining is an outdoor strategy and adventure sport for all ages, in which participants walk, run or ride in teams of two to five, navigating with map and compass to collect hidden markers. Courses range in distance from 5km to 40km.

Asthma is one of the most widespread long-term health problems in Australia with one in nine children and one in ten adults affected. Participants can raise money for the Asthma Foundation, which will go towards the foundation’s services and education to South Australians living with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Santos supports the Asthma Foundation as part of its extensive community support package and is encouraging its employees to take part.

With your help we can make Take a Breather successful, rewarding and fun.

Find out more at the Take a Breather website.

Event details

When: Saturday 26 June
Time: 8.30am to 5pm
Where: Bundaleer Forest, Jamestown (2.5 hours from Adelaide)
Cost: $30 adult, $20 student/concession, $80 max per family.

Registration fee includes:

camp site fees (should you wish to stay overnight)
rogaine course refreshments
barbecue dinner on Saturday evening after the event
Sunday morning breakfast (should you wish to camp overnight).

Fairview plantation reaches one million trees

Santos — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Students from Injune State High School have joined forces with Santos to celebrate the planting of one million trees at Santos’ Fairview plantation north-west of Roma in Queensland.

Chiara Parker-Price (14), Brandt Harland (13), Louise Goodall (13), and Matika Laycock (12), took time out from a tour of the gas field last Friday, 30 April, to plant a Chinchilla white gum to mark the major milestone.

Santos' Area Manager Queensland CSG Fields Sam Klaas said the Fairview project has now reached the half-way mark of its target of two million native Chinchilla hardwood trees and agricultural feed crops over an area of 2,200 hectares.

The Fairview irrigation project is a key part of Santos’ strategy to manage the water produced at its Queensland coal seam gas fields, particularly in the context of the development required for GLNG.

It is the first large-scale plantation project approved for the beneficial use of water produced in the extraction of CSG.

Greatest quantities of CSG water are liberated in the earlier years of gas extraction, and the rate of water production then reduces over time.

This cycle matches the time of greatest need for water by the trees during the establishment phase, and then a reduced requirement as they become more established.

Currently, project activities produce approximately 11 megalitres of water per day, 50% of which is used in the Fairview irrigation project.

Potential uses for the trees include commercial timber harvesting or carbon sequestration, or both. The trees produce a rich-red, high-density hardwood with uses including feature furniture and load-bearing applications.

The first trees planted are now 16 months old and many of these have reached 4.5 metres – the tallest among them nearing six metres. By the time they are 25 years old, and fully mature, the trees are expected to reach an average of 35 metres.

None of our trees were inundated during the major floods earlier this year, and they handled six weeks of saturated soil conditions well.

Cooper Basin staff at Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games

Santos — Sun, 02 May 2010 14:30:00 GMT

A team from the Cooper Basin emergency services department collected 14 medals at the recent 2010 Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games in Hobart.

Lining up against 1300 other competitors in a range of events, the five-man team collected medals in every event they entered.

The medal tally was the result of 12 months of hard training to ensure the team was at its competitive best.

Santos was the team’s major supporter, with Chubb Fire, Protector Allsafe, Drager Safety and Fire Rescue Australia also contributing to uniforms and equipment.

Seasoned campaigner Damian Pontt extended his thanks for the continued support, saying “we had a fantastic time in Hobart, and we’re looking forward to once again representing Santos and the department at the 2012 games in Christchurch.”

Competitors and results:

Ten-pin bowling
Damian Pontt, Gary Churcher, Brett Franklin, Dan Solowij.
Result: silver, B-grade category.

Power lifting
Damian Pontt: gold, 145kg bench press; gold 180kg dead lift, 82.5 kg class.

Darts
Dan Solowij, Damian Pontt.
Result: bronze, 601 pairs.

Indoor rowing
Gary Churcher: bronze, singles, 45-49 age group; silver, doubles, 30-40 age group.
Damian Pontt: silver, singles, 35-39 age group; silver, doubles, 30-40 age group.

Replant: a new generation of botanical art

Santos — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos Museum of Economic Botany
1 April to 20 June, 2010
Open daily 10am – 4pm
Free entry

Replant is an excursion through the eyes of six different artists into the remarkable world of plants in the tropical north of Australia.

This exciting folio of limited edition etchings explores the unique characteristics of species that survive and prosper through the climatic extremes of monsoonal rains, dry weather and wild fires.

Gathering at Daly River, 230 km southwest of Darwin in March 2006, the artists explored the scientific, cultural and social aspects of Indigenous plant species with traditional knowledge custodians and ethno botanist Glenn Wightman.

Together they distilled ideas and visions in an acutely observed survey of Top End flora and environment.

The group then returned to Darwin to the printmaking studio of master printmaker Basil Hall to resolve the work.

Replant reflects the traditional role of women as gatherers of food and holders of knowledge, combined with the rise of printmaking as a significant medium for Indigenous artists.

Santos proudly supports the Museum of Economic Botany and the exhibition program.

Hats off to Santos PAs

Santos — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Personal assistants in Santos' Brisbane offices celebrated International Administrative Professionals Day in style yesterday, with more than 20 taking a break from their desks to visit the exhibition Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones at the Queensland Art Gallery.

Santos President GLNG and Queensland Rick Wilkinson said it was a deserved opportunity for the PA team to celebrate the vital role they played in ensuring the success of Santos in Queensland.

“Our PAs are the real powerhouse at Santos, particularly helping us deliver the pioneering GLNG project which will see coal seam gas exported to Asia on a massive scale,” Mr Wilkinson said.

“They simply have the energy and commitment to meet the exciting challenges as our company builds our LNG business.”

The Hats anthology was chosen to strengthen Santos’ link with the art gallery, with the company recently announcing a landmark five-year sponsorship program with the Gallery of Modern Art.

Since 1952, the International Association of Administrative Professionals has honored office workers by sponsoring Administrative Professionals Week (APW).

April the 21st is celebrated as International Administrative Professionals Day, an annual event to recognise the valuable contributions of office support staff in business.

The APW theme for 2010 is Power of Commitment, which encompasses everything about administrative professionals and values.

Santos volunteers at Special Olympics opening ceremony

Santos — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos employees volunteered at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Special Olympics Australia National Games in Adelaide on Monday, 19 April.

The 28 volunteers helped organisers during the hours leading up to the ceremony and handed out Santos clappers to the audience. The ceremony was held at the Distinctive Homes Dome and featured live performances, the parade of athletes, the athletes’ oath, the lighting of the cauldron and the official opening by South Australian Governor Kevin Scarce.

Well done and thank you to all employees who took part: Andrew Johnston, Angela Catlett, Cangie Wu, Claire Behan, Craig Fraser, Grant Hensley, Helena Wu, Hugh Banister, James Fiebig, Jane Cahill, Jilio Olalla, Jodie Pilgrim, Kelli Guy, Khalee Field, Lanair Hedger-Smith, Laura Blake, Luciana Silva, Mathias Satyagraha, Matteo Rizzi, Michelle Wales, Patricia Morotti, Rachael Hill, Ron McNab, Sarah McDonnell, Scott Knoblauch, Stephenie DeNichilo, Vaughan Lewis, and Wilf Lammerink.

Santos is a proud sponsor of the Special Olympics Australia ninth National Games, which are be held in Adelaide from 19-24 April. More than 850 athletes with an intellectual disability are competing for the chance to be chosen to represent Australia at the 2010 Special Olympics Summer World Games in Athens, Greece.

Santos’ sponsorship is part of the company’s community strategy to support events that have a positive impact in the community and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Santos hosts PNG dignitaries on Australian education visit

Santos — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:30:00 GMT

The PNG Minister for Education, Hon James Marape MP, and the Deputy-Governor of Southern Highlands Province, Pastor Isaac Joseph MP, were hosted in Adelaide recently by representatives from Santos.

Mr Marape and Mr Joseph were taken to meet Gregory Balavue and Rebecca Kiage, two PNG students studying at the new University College London School of Energy and Resources Australia (UCL SERAus).

This is the university’s first overseas school, and serves as a hub for learning and research for the energy and resources industry in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Santos, one of the major shareholders in the PNG LNG project, is contributing $10 million over seven years to establish the university’s new school, and provide funding for research, staff and scholarships.

Mr Balavue and Ms Kiage are two recipients of these Santos scholarships. Both are PNG university graduates and are in Adelaide studying full-time masters degrees in energy and resources policy and practice.

The two were successful candidates among applicants from around the world, including an extraordinary 700 applications from PNG. As well as these two scholarship recipients, several other PNG students were offered places as fee-paying students on the masters degree.

Scholarship opportunities at UCL SERAus are advertised globally each year.

Following this visit, Mr Marape and Mr Joseph toured the University of Adelaide’s Australian School of Petroleum (ASP), also established with support from Santos.

Santos has committed to a $25 million contribution over ten years for the establishment of the ASP, which is believed to be the largest single industry sponsorship ever given to a public university in Australia.

Santos’ contribution to the ASP has funded the establishment of the school, the professorial chair, and engineering, management and geoscience courses.

Both Mr Marape and Mr Joseph commended Santos for its significant investment in educational support, and for making opportunities known to PNG students.

Mr Marape said, “The true legacy of the PNG LNG Project will be in the human capital of the people of Papua New Guinea”.

Santos continues indoor soccer dominance

Santos — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos has continued its winning streak in the Adelaide Corporate Challenge indoor soccer competition, taking out its third title in four years.

The team finished the season with six wins, a draw and two losses. Crucially, they brought their best form into the final to record a comfortable 4-1 triumph.

Marcus Godfrey was Santos’ own Wayne Rooney, pocketing a lazy 21 goals for the season.

Congratulations to all players, old and new, who were involved this season and contributed to Santos’ continuing success in these competitions.

Share the energy at the 2010 Special Olympics Australia

Santos — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Santos is a proud sponsor of the 2010 Special Olympics Australia IX National Games, which will be held in Adelaide from 19-24 April.

More than 850 athletes with an intellectual disability will meet in Adelaide with their coaches, families and volunteers for a week of competition and celebration. All the athletes will compete for the chance to be chosen to represent Australia at the 2010 Special Olympics Summer World Games in Athens, Greece.

Santos’ sponsorship of the 2010 Special Olympics Australia is part of the company’s community strategy to support events that have a positive impact in the community and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Visit the Special Olympics Australia website.

In the lead-up to the games, the Law Enforcement Torch Run is making its way across South Australia towards the opening ceremony on 19 April.

The torch started its journey on the Gold Coast on 19 March and has so far crossed three states in the hands of more than 1,000 participants.

For more details, including registration to run, go to www.runwiththelaw.com.au.

INDOfest: celebrating Indonesia

Santos — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos is a major sponsor of INDOfest, a showcase of Indonesian culture, held on Sunday 11 April, in Adelaide’s Rymill Park.

Attractions at this free public event include cooking demonstrations, food and craft stalls, free workshops, and live entertainment.

The festival aims to encourage a greater understanding of one of Australia’s nearest neighbours and to enhance the relationship between the two countries.

Supporting INDOfest complements Santos’ own close ties with Indonesia. The company’s Indonesian operations are part of the Santos’ core business, accounting for 10% of total annual production.

Visit the INDOfest website.

Santos supports Roma flood appeal

Santos — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos has pledged $50,000 to the Roma Combined Christian Churches 2010 Flood Appeal, which comes in response to the town’s worst flooding in recorded history.

The announcement was made by local Anglican priest Father Stuart Webb at a community barbecue at Roma’s Cultural Centre last Friday evening.

Maranoa Mayor Robert Loughnan personally thanked Santos for its contribution to the local community in the wake of the floods, as many employees helped locals to safety and with clean-up efforts.

Sam Klaas, Santos’ Area Manager Queensland CSG Fields, said that "as a long-term member of the Roma community, Santos is more than happy to contribute to the flood appeal”.

“A number of our local team members were directly impacted and many others were involved in relief efforts.

“The entire Roma team has welcomed the decision by Santos to support the flood appeal as a means of providing direct assistance to those in need."

Join Earth Ride Adelaide 2010

Santos — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos is sponsoring Earth Ride Adelaide 2010 – a free community event that gives bike riders the chance to cycle through car-free streets in the Adelaide CBD.

Earth Ride Adelaide 2010 will run from 9am-2pm on Sunday, 28 March in the Adelaide CBD.

Earth Ride is held in conjunction with Earth Hour and aims at promoting environmental sustainability, including sustainable transport options.

Incorporating the outer city squares, Earth Ride will take bike riders on an entertaining and educational journey through car-free city streets. The squares of the Adelaide CBD will be themed (water/air/earth/fire) and Victoria Square will have a series stalls displaying environmental challenges and solutions.

For more details, maps, and registration, visit Santos Peloton.

Santos’ head offices will also participate in Earth Hour on Saturday, 27 March by turning off their lights.

Santos to invest in Roma Airport

Santos — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos has announced plans to partner with the Maranoa Regional Council and invest up to $2.5 million to upgrade the Roma Airport as part of its GLNG project.

GLNG will involve piping gas from its coal seam gas (CSG) fields around Roma, in eastern Queesland, to a gas liquefaction plant in Gladstone.

Santos President of GLNG and Queensland, Rick Wilkinson, said Roma was the major hub for the company’s CSG activities.

“Santos has been supporting Maranoa communities for over 40 years through a range of sponsorships, events and community initiatives,” Rick said.

“The Roma airport will be the main transit gateway for the construction workforce associated with the GLNG project, so we see this investment as a strategic business opportunity, as well as a great outcome for the local community. It just makes good sense.”

Rick said the funding would be made available to the Maranoa Regional Council for the construction of a new airport terminal and car park facility.

“We have been working very constructively with the council and are pleased to partner with them in this project. Importantly, we will provide up to $500,000 up front to allow the council to proceed with necessary concept design and construction planning. The balance will be made available later this year after the project receives a positive final investment decision. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the Maranoa community.”

Maranoa Mayor Robert Loughnan said Santos’ funding demonstrated its commitment to reinvesting in a region so central to their operations.

“Eighteen months ago, Council approached both levels of government and key players in the local coal seam gas industry to support upgrading the airport, at a total cost of $11 million,” Cr Loughnan said.

“The airport is currently struggling to meet demand, and there is a need to increase capacity, extend the runway and modernise facilities for the benefit of all users.

“Santos is the first party to commit to funding, and this again shows their support for the continued development of our community and key infrastructure”

Palaentology Week at the SA Museum

Santos — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos is supporting Palaentology Week 2010 at the South Australian Museum, which runs from 20-28 March.

Palaeontology Week gives you and your families the chance to discover the amazing world of fossils. This nine-day fossil festival is bursting with free events and activities for all ages.

Meet 'dinosaur hunters' and hear about the latest Australian international dinosaur discoveries.
Pull up a chair for informal conversations with palaeontologists.
Go behind the scenes and see fossil preparation and research.
Palaeo Twilight: meet palaeontologists and researchers and hear how they became involved in their field.
Specialist presentations.
Displays from the SA Museum's fossils rarely seen by the public.
Identify your own fossils.
What else was out there? Discover bats, spiders, crocodiles and more.
Palaeo Film Fest, including special documentaries.
Events in fossil regions around SA.

Santos is proudly supporting a science discovery program at the SA Museum, including the Face to Face with Palaentology workshops.

This sponsorship is part of our strategy to encourage young people to study science, which in turn could lead to careers in the energy industry.

>> Visit the Palaentology Week 2010 website.

Santos triathletes have the energy

Santos — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos employees have again excelled themselves in the annual BRW Triathlon, recording good results in Adelaide and Perth in recent weeks.

The triathlon was split into a main event and a sprint event. In the main event, each team member completes the full three legs. In the sprint event, each team member completes a single leg.

In Adelaide, about 60 employees turned out at the West Lakes circuit to complete a 400 metre swim, 9 kilometre cycle and 4 kilometre run.

Results included:

The Santos Triple Bees (Hugh Banister, James Baulderstone and Trevor Brown) won the male category in the main event, with a total time of 01:53:32.
The Santos Amazons (Jasi Watson, Brooke Hann and Melissa Vallee) came second in the female category in the main event, with a time of 2:31:28.
The Santos Drowning, Rolling, Crawling team (David Habib, Naomi Welk and Andrew McCouaig ) won the mixed category for the sprint event, with a time of 00:36:23.
Most importantly for some, Santos won the prize for the best-dressed team for its stylish tri-suits, modelled (right) by Judith McRobb and Chris Wood.

In Perth, another good turnout headed to the Swan River on 7 March for the 400 metre swim, 10 kilometre ride and 4 kilometre run.

Results included:

The Santos Sprinters (Rochelle Youngson, Dave Crane and Eddy Glavas) finished 30th overall and 14th in their category in the sprint event.
The Santos Sidetrackers (Peter Dodd, Beth Forde and Steven Furze) came an impressive 61st in the Primary Industry and Mining category with a total time of 2:47:01.
The Santos Seniors (Michael Hackett, John Anderson and David Slocombe) also impressed with a 67th category place in a total time of 2:58:38.

Well done to all who took part.

Travel into the heartland of Australia’s indigenous art

Santos — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos has funded a fellowship for the Indigenous Curator at the Art Gallery of South Australia, Nici Cumpston, who recently travelled through Aboriginal communities and art centres in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

The purpose of the fellowship was to give Nici a deeper insight into some of the country that inspires indigenous art, meet the artists and witness firsthand how they create their works of art.

Santos is investing more than $1 million over five years in a new multi-dimensional indigenous program at the Art Gallery of South Australia to make the gallery’s significant collection of indigenous art available online and to support a major touring exhibition of Central and Western Desert painting.

Nici has produced a brief journal about her travels through truly spectacular country that is all at once beautiful, rugged and harsh, and seeing works of art that are truly inspiring.

Read Nici Cumpston’s journal from her travel fellowship. (837 kb)

Perth staff in Rottnest Channel Swim

Santos — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:30:00 GMT

A team of Santos’ Perth employees have taken part in the annual Rottnest Channel Swim, a 20-kilometre slog from Perth’s Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island.

The not-for-profit Rottnest Channel Swim Association donates money to the Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue Group, Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation, Starlight Foundation and Royal Flying Doctor Service, and allows swimmers' to raise funds through our online fundraising service, Everyday Hero.

The Santos team – David Slocombe, Rochelle Youngson, and John Anderson – was joined in the water by Emma Jones from law firm Blake Dawson. Santos’ Glen Herrera and Blake Dawson’s Geoff Gishubl skippered two support boats with James Bruining (Blake Dawson) and Rochelle’s husband Andrew Coen as crew. Jon Williamson and his partner Jude escorted the swimmers on kayaks.

After months of planning and hours of slogging it out in the pool, a 4am start saw the support boats (Mother Goose and Rubber Duck) and swimmers on the beach early. With 2,300 swimmers in the race, teams left in batches at 15-minute intervals to avoid congestion.

The Santos team took off at 7:30am, in the most competitive group in the overall field.

Rochelle said: “The ocean was pretty choppy from the start, but after the 10km mark it started to get very rough out there. We were swimming into a two-metre swell, a strong cross current and 30 knot winds. At times it felt like we were being pushed back towards Perth! It made for very hard work and it was often difficult to breathe with white cap waves slamming the swimmers and the kayak. We got timed out at the 18km mark after eight hours of swimming.

“The swimmers all swam the last 400 metres together and came out onto the beach together as a team – exhausted but relieved to be finished!”

The team is already planning to enter next year, and is encouraging colleagues from across Santos to join them in this iconic event.

Visit the Rottnest Channel Swim website.

Roma team battles floods to evacuate locals

Santos — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos’ local Roma employees responded quickly to help people to safety as Roma endured its worst flooding in over 80 years, with a quarter of the its 1,500 residents affected.

Roma-based Queensland coal seam gas fields area manager Sam Klaas said the crisis demanded a rapid response, and the local Santos team rose to the challenge.

“The chopper was busy evacuating people from rooftops and Santos personnel were involved in various capacities assisting with evacuations and overall coordination.

"The Roma team has done an incredible job in the community throughout the week during the recovery phase of the disaster. They have worked tirelessly in assisting many locals in pulling up carpet and removing ruined items from their homes as well as assisting in the coordination of helicopter evacuations and food drops at isolated properties.

Santos has been part of the Roma community for more than 40 years – and long-term employees were surprised by the speed of the rising water.

“Some of our guys – such as David Peak (Roma supervisor), John Flesser (operator) and Todd Jump (material controller) – used their personal boats to ferry people to safety well into the night on Tuesday,” Sam said.

“Bungil Creek rose to 8.1m – the highest peak in Roma since records began in 1924 and more than half a metre higher than the previous record. Their selfless actions and focus on safety speaks volumes about the character of the people who work for us.

“A number of our people were isolated by floodwaters and some had to be evacuated when the water entered their homes – but I’m happy to report that all of our Santos people (and their families) in Roma are now safe and sound."

The floods have had minimal impact on production, but have shut down drilling and completions work, flowline construction, and other development activities for a few weeks.

GLNG community newsletter

Santos — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:30:00 GMT

The latest edition of the GLNG community newsletter, GLNG News, has been released, with information on consultation work, Gladstone harbour, LNG safety, and regional updates.

As part of Santos’ intention to engage with communities and stakeholders about the GLNG project, the newsletter is being distributed via the Gladstone Observer newspaper, to post boxes in local communities, via GLNG shopfronts and other public places in Roma and Gladstone, and to government stakeholders and media.

Read GLNG News.

Adelaide Festival lights up in style

Santos — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:30:00 GMT

The Adelaide Festival kicked off with two Santos-supported events: the free fireworks spectacular A Little More Light, and the popular Northern Lights attraction.

A crowd of 70,000 packed into Victoria Park to witness A Little More Light, performed the renowned Groupe F pyrotechnics. A team of 70 Santos employees handed out 23,000 blue glowsticks to the crowd, lending a distinctive Santos vibe to the evening.

Across town, the Northern Lights display also proved extremely popular. South Australian Premier Mike Rann had officially switched on the attraction along North Terrace in the city on Friday, 26 February.

One of the most popular attractions of the Festival's entire 50 year history, Northern Lights paints Adelaide's historic architectural icons on North Terrace with light and colour every night until Monday 5 April.

As well as supporting this event, Santos is hosting a free photo both staffed by employee volunteers. Members of the public can get a professional photo taken in front of the Northern Lights and receive a free print on the spot, every Friday and Saturday night until March 13th.

Collect your photo from Northern Lights here:

Friday 26 February 2010

Saturday 27 February 2010

Friday 12 March 2010

Saturday 13 March 2010

Port Bonython extends regional education, training and employment program

Santos — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:30:00 GMT

As a part of Santos’ commitment to education, training and employment in the local community, the Port Bonython plant has taken on school-based apprentice Jordan Weetra.

Jordan, a 16-year-old student at Edward John Eyre High School in Whyalla, will join the maintenance team at Port Bonython as an apprentice electrician.

This program is unique as it allows Jordan to work towards the completion of Year 12 and attend TAFE in electrical studies while working part-time at Port Bonython.

Port Bonython has a very strong record of fostering the development of young talent within Santos. The plant has featured prominently in state and national apprentice awards and its apprentices have taken out Santos’ Apprentice of the Year awards two years running.

This approach to mentoring and technical development will kick-start Jordan in his career and at the same time deliver on Santos’ current and future needs for highly skilled people. It also contributes to the local community, local economic development, and Santos’ commitment to Aboriginal employment and training.

Santos, UQ form CSG research and education alliance

Santos — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos and the University of Queensland have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to push research and education programs that will help develop Queensland’s coal seam gas (CSG) industry.

The MoU builds on the existing relationship between the two parties, who have been working together on CSG since 2000.

“UQ is in a position to provide the industry with new insights, ideas and results that will contribute towards more efficient utilisation of coal seam gas resources, improve the environmental profile of the industry, and assist in dealing with community issues,” UQ business engagement executive director Professor Gordon Dunlop said.

“We expect to commence new, large research projects with Santos in the areas of reservoir characterisation, gas extraction, gas processing, water engineering, environmental sustainability and social engagement in which the university has significant expertise.”

The MoU will pave the way for further development and expansion of UQ’s research capabilities in CSG. It will increase research personnel and ensure that UQ research continues to evolve in line with industry needs and requirements.

Santos’ President GLNG & Queensland Rick Wilkinson said the deal would reinforce Santos’s working relationship with UQ on a range of CSG issues.

“We believe real benefits will flow from an alignment of UQ’s considerable capabilities in research and development with Santos’ current and future needs for information and technology, along with a future supply of CSG engineers and geoscientists with high level, practical skills.”

Continued improvement in technology is expected to make gas extraction from coal seams easier and more efficient, helping to meet the global demand for cleaner energy.

Rick said the outcomes of the partnership would help provide the foundations for Queensland to be recognised as a global centre of excellence on CSG and liquefied natural gas.

“Mega-projects such as those underway in Queensland have the capacity to change the economic landscape of the state.

“It is important that industry works with communities and educational institutions to provide opportunities to take full advantage of this situation by developing pathways into the industry.”

Santos-supported QAG & GOMA exhibition on ABC TV

Santos — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:30:00 GMT

ABC television’s Artscape program recently covered the 6th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art exhibition at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, of which Santos is Principal Partner.

Watch Artscape: Art of Horror.

Santos has committed to a major five-year partnership with the QAG, Queensland’s central cultural institution, making Santos the gallery’s leading corporate partner.

The $1.5 million sponsorship is Santos’ most significant sponsorship in Queensland to date and represents the gallery’s largest single corporate investment.

Read more about Santos’ partnership with QAG and GOMA.

We haveth the energy

Santos — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos will be the major partner for Shakespeare WA for the next three years, continuing the company's commitment to supporting the arts and contributing to areas in which it operates.

Shakespeare WA – Western Australia’s new classical theatre company – performs Shakespeare’s famous plays in Perth’s Kings Park and Botanic Garden during summer, hosts a film festival, tours and visits schools.

To round off its 2010 summer season, Shakespeare WA has put a modern twist on The Taming of the Shrew, set in 1960s Perth and performed under the stars.

This partnership is part of Santos’ strategy to support organisations and events that are valued by communities and make meaningful contributions to cultural life.

Backing biodiversity in SA

Santos — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos is supporting the opening of the new South Australian Biodiversity Gallery at the SA Museum, which opened today, 12 February.

Five years in the making, the Biodiversity Gallery captures a snapshot of the wide expanse of South Australia’s unique animal life. It uses a mix of traditional taxidermy, state-of-the-art synthetic modelling, and electronic displays to bring the state’s natural landscape to life.

The Biodiversity Gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Entry is free.

www.samuseum.sa.gov.au

Santos fuels Aboriginal Power Cup

Santos — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Santos is joining the Port Adelaide AFL club, the Attorney-General’s Department, the SA Aboriginal Sports Training Academy and the SANFL to support the Aboriginal Power Cup and boost leadership programs and opportunities for Aboriginal secondary school children.

The Aboriginal Power Cup football tournament encourages Aboriginal students in their studies, and helps develop life skills such as teamwork, leadership and a healthy lifestyle. A condition of participation in the tournament is that students attend school – last year, school attendance rose 23% among students who took part in the Cup program.

The Cup has been held for the past two years. Santos’ investment of $750,000 will enable the Cup program to expand further over the next three years.

Andrew Antony, Santos’ Indigenous Affairs Manager, represented Santos at the announcement at Power’s Alberton Oval.

“Santos is involved in a number of initiatives in this area and the Aboriginal Power Cup program is a good fit with our strategy that is focused on increasing Aboriginal workplace participation, particularly in the energy sector,” Andrew said.

“We think the program can achieve even more by adding dedicated leadership and transition to employment programs, and we are pleased to be working with the Power and the State Government on the project.”

Port Adelaide players and former club captain and AFL star Gavin Wanganeen will visit schools to take students through a range of educational exercises including team building, leadership, healthy living and career choices.

Santos Tour Down Under a resounding success

Santos — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:30:00 GMT

The 2010 Santos Tour Down Under has been hailed a success by the riders, commentators, experts, administrators, and the record 762,000 people who attended the event.

The Tour culminated yesterday in central Adelaide, with German Andre Greipel taking the crown for the second time. Santos chairman Peter Coates was on stage in Elder Park to present Greipel with the winner’s ochre jersey.

As well as being the naming rights sponsor for the event, Santos ran a promotional stand in the Tour Village in Victoria Square and a mobile marquee that travelled to each stage finish. Both received plenty of attention of their own – particularly the energy bike, which challenged people to generate electricity using their own legs. These marquees were manned by Santos employees, who shared their passion for cycling and the Tour with the public.

Santos’ cyclists also played their part, with more than 170 joining a record 8066 riders in the public ride along Stage 4. A significant portion of those riders covered the full 160km route, including the gut-busting climb up Gorge Hill Rd. Congratulations to all who took part.

A challenging Tour

Santos — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:30:00 GMT

More than 170 Santos riders have taken part in the Mutual Community Challenge Tour this morning, among an estimated crowd of 8000 entrants in the public ride.

The Challenge Tour gives the general public the chance to ride Stage 4 of the Tour just hours before the professionals. Many from Santos rode the full 160km route; there are two other distances on offer, 111km and 35km.

Photos of the event are available on the Santos Peloton website.

Commemorating Moonie

Santos — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:30:00 GMT

In a joint effort with the local Moonie community and council, Santos has supported the creation of a display to preserve the history of the regional Queensland town, where Santos has operated since 1961.

Santos representatives recently joined Western Downs mayor Ray Brown, councillors and council staff to officially open the display.

A series of interpretive panels gives locals and visitors a glimpse into the town’s proud past. Also, historical machinery in the form of a Luftkin pump and an oil and gas separator – both donated by Santos – have been restored and put on display.

Mayor Brown said: “I was very proud to open the interpretive signage and Luftkin pump at Moonie in conjunction with Santos. The Moonie community has long had a close relationship with this major energy company.”

Santos has had a presence in the region since the Moonie field was discovered by the Moonie-1 well in 1961. Production began in 1964, following construction of the Moonie-Brisbane oil pipeline.

Moomba Pipeline Challenge raises $2000 for JDRF

Santos — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Nearly $2000 was raised for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in this year’s Moomba Pipeline Challenge.

The 2009 Challenge ended recently, and with 70 teams competing it was the biggest ever. To complete the Challenge, teams of Santos employees have to walk the equivalent of the length of the Moomba to Adelaide pipeline – 755.1 kilometres.

Forty teams completed the full distance. The fastest teams took as little as two weeks to cover the ground.

Thanks go to all who participated in this year’s challenge and for helping to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Overall, $1,932.70 was raised.

Santos opens new office in Roma

Santos — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Santos has officially opened its new community shop-front in Roma, to provide the local community with information on its coal seam gas operations in the region.

Centrally located on McDowall Street, the office will feature information on the company and its operations in the Surat and Bowen Basins, job and procurement registration and a conference area for community meetings.

Maranoa Regional Council mayor Robert Loughnan officially opened the venue.

Roma is in the heart of Santos’ Queensland coal seam gas operations, which in time will supply the GLNG project.

Also in Roma, Santos is backing the Roma Bungil Art Centre for three years. A new public sculpture has been unveiled at the entrance to the centre as part of a three-year plan by the Roma Arts Committee to promote more public artwork.

Santos backs Queensland Art Gallery for five years

Santos — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Santos has committed to a major five-year partnership with Queensland’s central cultural institution, the Queensland Art Gallery, making Santos the gallery’s leading corporate partner.

The $1.5 million sponsorship is Santos’ most significant sponsorship in Queensland to date and represents the gallery’s largest single corporate investment.

The partnership builds on the longstanding relationship between Santos and the Queensland Art Gallery, which dates back to 1995, and will see Santos become the presenting sponsor for the gallery’s annual summer series of exhibitions and sponsor of the Children’s Art Centre.

Santos expects the partnership with the Queensland Art Gallery to deliver exciting exhibitions and programs for the community at large that celebrate the rich diversity in Queensland and the Asia Pacific region.

The first exhibition for the partnership is the 6th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art. Running from December 2009 through to April 2010, this internationally acclaimed exhibition will present more than 100 artists from 25 countries, and will feature more than 500 art works and films.

Santos Great Bike Ride in Perth

Santos — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:30:00 GMT

More than 4000 people took part in the 2009 Santos Great Bike Ride held in Perth in November.

Families, corporate teams and club riders joined each other in perfect conditions to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views around the Swan River. Santos was represented by 30 employees and their families.

The Great Bike Ride was established in 2004 and is one of the city’s most popular community cycling events. It is hosted by the Rotary Club of Perth and raises funds for the St John of God Foundation Horizon House Project, Hope for Children and the Heart Foundation.

Open to cyclists of all ages and abilities, the Santos Great Bike Ride offers riders three distances – 10km, 53km or 106km. All three rides start and finish at Langley Park and follow a spectacular route around Perth’s Swan River.

Santos is proud to support an event that is enjoyed by so many people and that promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Supporting the Santos Great Bike Ride complements Santos’ major sponsorship of the Santos Tour Down Under, a UCI ProTour event and Australia’s premier cycling race.

Stock Up for Hope success in Queensland

Santos — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:30:00 GMT

The Stock Up for Hope charity drove, an event supported by Santos, has this year raised over $350,000 to support school chaplaincy services in regional Queensland communities.

A group of Santos employees took part in the drove, which began in September and culminated in the largest cattle sale in the southern hemisphere. Money was raised throughout the drove through donations, corporate participation, the cattle sale and an auction held at the gala dinner to close the event.

The sale, gala dinner and auction took place in Roma, the location of one of Santos’ regional Queensland offices in the heart of the company’s coal seam gas operations.

As well as donating (through its contractors) 20 head of cattle worth about $1000 each to the cattle auction, Santos hosted a community event at Injune racecourse in September. This event featured a barbecue dinner and competition to guess the weight of prize steer Old Mate. More than 130 local attended, with special guests including former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson, Stock Up for Hope CEO Duncan Brown, and Scripture Union CEO Tim Mander.

All money raised will go to Scripture Union Queensland, the fastest-growing children’s and youth organisation in Australia.

>> Click here to visit the Stock Up for Hope website.

Establishing another champion of exploration and discovery

Santos — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:30:00 GMT

The Royal Institution of Australia (RiAus) has opened the doors to its newly refurbished headquarters in Adelaide, with significant help from Santos.

Exploration and discovery have made Santos one of Australia’s leading energy companies. So we’re proud to be Foundation Sponsors of the RiAus, an organisation dedicated to providing people with a place to explore and discover the wonders of science in everyday life. Housed in the old Stock Exchange, RiAus aims to "bring science to people and people to science".

Santos’ support for the RiAus here in Australia is fundamentally linked to our business. As an energy company, science is at the heart of everything we do. Our industry depends on it and so does the wider community. We are compelled to encourage the pursuit of science and have contributed $5 million to the establishment of the RiAus as a Foundation Partner of this celebrated institution.

The RiAus will increase the level of scientific debate and literacy amongst the wider community and this is a timely development given the global challenges we all face.

Santos and ASO win ABAF award

Santos — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Santos and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra received the Marsh Partnering Award from the Australia Business Arts Foundation for their 10-year partnership.

The ABAF awards celebrate partnerships that go beyond sponsorship to deliver positive benefits to the wider community. The ceremony was held on 8 September at the Adelaide Festival Centre.

Santos has been the ASO’s largest private-sector supporter during its 10-year partnership. The company has provided more than $2.5 million in that time, and earlier this year announced that it would extend the partnership with a further $1 million over the next three years.

Santos and the ASO’s community program includes the annual Santos Symphony Under the Stars in Elder Park, a free open-air concert that attracts about 25,000 people.

Santos funding for Adelaide Botanic Gardens

Santos — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:30:00 GMT

The Botanic Gardens of Adelaide will receive $2 million from Santos to fund three important initiatives:

The restoration of the Museum of Economic Botany, an important and engaging presentation of the role of plants in our lives.
The establishment of the Kitchen Garden program, a community education initiative to increase food literacy.
The Seed Conservation Centre project, where significant and threatened seeds are stored to protect them against the threat of climate change.

This contribution to the Botanic Gardens is one of six new initiatives that form Santos’ South Australian Community Fund.

Santos Conservation Centre at Adelaide Zoo

Santos — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:30:00 GMT

The Santos Conservation Centre will be established as part of the new entrance to the Adelaide Zoo, backed by a $2 million contribution from Santos.

The centre will feature an exhibition space and theatre, will be freely accessible by the public, and will present issues and activities that raise community awareness of nature conservation.

It will house semi-permanent and rotating exhibitions, featuring local community conservation work, the evolution of zoos from menageries to potent conservation organisations, connections with ecology and water, mutli-cultural expositions, music, art, drama and other workshops that link to nature.

The zoo’s new entrance will be located in the parklands close to the River Torrens, facing Botanic Park, creating a strong connection between the zoo and nature.

The Santos Conservation Centre is one of six new initiatives that make up the company’s South Australian Community Fund.

Breathe easier: Santos contributes to asthma campaign

Santos — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Santos funding for the Asthma Foundation of SA will be used in a range of activities that increase the awareness of asthma in the community, and help people with asthma better manage their condition.

The innovative programs run by Asthma SA will receive $600,000 over three years to increase its capacity to deliver these programs.

The partnership has allowed Asthma SA to develop and distribute 16,000 Asthma Control Packs to parents of children in child care centres, schools, and the general community. Asthma SA has also launched a major public awareness campaign to promote the packs and asthma first aid training.

The Asthma SA funding is part of Santos’ backing of six new initiatives that form the company’s South Australian Community Fund.

Santos wins fourth straight gold reporting award

Santos — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Santos has again been recognised for its high standard of corporate reporting, winning its fourth consecutive Gold Award at the 59th Australasian Reporting Awards.

The award recognises the quality of Santos’ 2008 Annual Report , particularly its high level of transparency and disclosure of company activities, performance and outlook.

Gold Awards are given to companies that show overall excellence in annual reporting. Reports must meet the high demands of the ARA criteria, fully disclose key aspects of core business, address current legislative and regulatory requirements and be a model for peer reports.

Santos was one of 48 organisations to receive a Gold Award, from more than 300 entries.

Santos backs Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

Santos — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Santos has expressed support for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), endorsing its principles and criteria as a way to improve the transparency around payments and revenues in the extractives sector in developing countries.

Santos’ business strategy has delivered significant growth in Australia and in the Asia Pacific region over the past 5 years. The company now has interests in Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea and Kyrgyzstan.

Support for this initiative reflects the success of this strategic direction and is consistent with our governance principles and the manner in which we seek to develop relationships with communities and governments.

Click here to visit the EITI website.

Oarsome display by Brisbane employees

Santos — Sun, 17 May 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Two Santos teams finished third and fourth in the Crewzing Corporate and Community Regatta, held in Brisbane on 17 May.

Santos entered one men’s and one women’s team (the only all-female crew for the day) in the event which raises money for Diabetes Queensland, Youngcare and the Brisbane State High School Rowing Club.

In perfect conditions both teams made it to the ‘A’ final, and against some tough opposition the men finished in third place and the women in fourth. Santos was also given an honourable mention for being one of the best-dressed teams.

The crews were coached by three Year 12 boys from Brisbane State High School, who spent two early mornings a week for six weeks helping the new rowers hone their skills.

Santos plants two million trees in Queensland

Santos — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Santos is planting two million native trees in what will be one of Australia’s largest Chinchilla White Gum plantations, near Fairview in eastern Queensland.

The plantation will be nurtured by water produced during the extraction of coal seam gas for the GLNG project. Coal seam gas is natural gas trapped in coal seams deep underground. When the gas is released, water trapped with it in the coal seam comes to the surface. Using this produced water effectively has long been a challenge for companies in Australia and overseas.

Already, more than 515,000 trees have been planted, with a further 715,000 to be planted in the next three months. There are plans to increase the size of the plantation, which will also include agricultural feed crops, three-fold. When complete, the plantation will cover over 2,234 hectares.

University College London launches Adelaide campus

Santos — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:30:00 GMT

The UCL School of Energy and Resources Australia (UCL SERAus) is the university’s first overseas campus in its 180-year history.

Santos’ contribution will go towards establishing the UCL SERAus in the heart of Adelaide, scholarships, research funds, and the professorial chair.

UCL SERAus will become a collaborative hub for academics, industry and government to work together in tackling long-term issues such as carbon emissions and clean energy.

The school plans to offer an industry-focused MSc in Energy and Resources and a range of development courses, and will undertake research and policy development in energy and resources issues.

Santos strong in corporate triathlon

Santos — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 14:30:00 GMT

More than 40 Santos employees took part in the BRW Corporate Triathlon at West Lakes, Adelaide, with excellent results.

Teams of three competed in two categories – the general category in which all three team members tackled the 400 metre swim, nine kilometre bike ride and four kilometre run, and the sprint category in which team members did one leg each.

The Santos Chicks Rule team (investor relations’ Brooke Hann, geophysicist Jasi Watson and permit administrator Jodi Lester) won the female general category; the Corporate Power team (CEO David Knox and VPs James Baulderstone and Trevor Brown) came fourth in the male general category; and the WANT team (exploration contractor Ian Young, senior geologist Elio Lanzilli and senior geoscience assistant Dave Petrus) finished fifth in the sprint competition.

Women in resources accolade

Santos — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Emma Yeoman, a senior coal seam gas completions engineer in Santos’ Brisbane office, was the overall runner-up in the Queensland Resources Council’s International Women’s Day awards for 2008.

Emma joined Santos as a graduate and has worked for the company for seven years. This award recognises her contribution to the resources industry and her role in encouraging the attraction and retention of women in the industry.

Each year, the QRC celebrates the achievements of women in the resources industry. This year’s overall winner was Sandra Collins, manager of Cement Australia’s East End Mine near Gladstone, the first woman to have managed a mine in Queensland.

Santos celebrates Queensland’s 150th birthday

Santos — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:30:00 GMT

This year will mark the 150th anniversary of the historic establishment of Queensland as an independent state.

Santos has been a part of Queensland’s resources industry for over 50 years, and in that time has shared this state’s pioneering spirit.

To celebrate, we’ll be joining regional communities surrounding our operations in Roma and Gladstone – our two main regional sites. We’re also sponsoring a fireworks display in Thargomindah, in the Bulloo Shire Council west of Roma.

We feel proud to be celebrating the sesquicentenary of a state we’ve been a part of for so long.

Establishing the Royal Institution of Australia

Santos — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Santos has given $5 million towards the establishment of the Royal Institution of Australia (RiAus), an organisation which will promote scientific knowledge in the wider community.

The RiAus’ headquarters will be the heritage-listed former Adelaide Stock Exchange building in Adelaide’s city centre. The building is being refurbished and is due to open in October 2009.

The RiAus is an offshoot of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, the flagship organisation of science communication in the UK for over 200 years.

www.riaustralia.org.au

500 jobs: Aboriginal Employment Strategy

Santos — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:30:00 GMT

A new employment initiative has been set underway by Santos, with the aim of having up to 500 Aboriginal employees working with the company and its contractors in the next few years.

The Aboriginal Employment Strategy will be backed by the $10 million Santos Indigenous Fund, set aside for employment and training in the energy sector.

In a cooperative approach between Santos and its contractors, the extra opportunities will be supported by the development of the Santos Contractor Aboriginal Training and Employment Scheme.