Committee

President - Jason Varcoe

“Jason is a Chartered Professional Engineer and has been in Onslow since 2010 working for NTC Contracting. Jason is now the Managing Director of NTC and has lead the company through dramatic growth during that time as well as managing all of NTC’s major projects from inception to completion.

Jason has a wealth of experience in Civil Construction, Contracts Management and all the facets of running an emerging business.

NTC has been a core business of Onslow since the 1950’s and Jason is excited to be in the president role to help the Onslow business growth and use some lessons learnt within his business flow down to OCCI members.”

Vice President - Rachel Easton

In 2012, Rachel, initially a backpacker, found herself in Onslow and began her career at the Onslow General Store. Today, she holds the position of Store Manager.

Rachel has experienced firsthand the various transitions Onslow has undergone. She has witnessed significant events such as the construction frenzy during the Wheatstone Project, the unfortunate incident of the store fire and its subsequent rebuild, the postconstruction calm and then the challenges presented by the pandemic.

Rachel is a committed community supporter, always ready to assist wherever possible. Her goal is to collaborate with OCCI to ensure that all stakeholders are provided with equal opportunities for business success. She is focused on supporting the town and community while promoting a culture of cooperation and mutual support among businesses and individuals.

Committee Member - Christine Morris

Christine moved to Onslow at the end of 2019, along with her husband Daryl.

They relocated their business Morris Machining Services from Geraldton which they started together in 1999. They rebranded their business name to Ashburton Engineering to fit in with the new location. She currently runs the office and helps out in the workshop.

Christine not only works for her own company, but is known to help others out, and you can sometimes find her at the Sports Club or the Post Office.

Christine loves her boating, fishing and camping, so is thoroughly enjoying the lifestyle change in Onslow.

Committee Member - Colin Munro

"Munro Contractors" has been an essential business in Onslow since 1983 and employs a diversified range of qualified and licensed tradesmen inclusive of plumbers, carpenters, gas fitters, operators and trades assistants. I have owned and operated this business as the sole proprietor for the past 35 years.

I understand the need to create the right environment for small to medium businesses to grow and prosper in Onslow as they are the drivers of the local economy and provide jobs and opportunities for young families looking to make their future in the region. Our sense of community and our livability must be protected, none of my employees are FIFO all live and reside in Onslow. While business conditions are challenging and the cycles are ever changing we need our local residents and new business partners to buy from and support local businesses."

Committee Member - Darren Maher

Darren moved to Onslow in 2022, where he commenced working with Onslow Marine Supply Base (OMSB) as a Leading Hand. Darren has a vast amount of experience within logistics and warehouse management as well as having spent the last 6 years within the WA Police Force working in the Midwest Gascoyne region.

Darren is keen to support the local Onslow community by encouraging local business and industry to engage in community events, activities, clubs, groups and services. Darren believes that all members of the community have a responsibility to create a safe, connected and healthy community and hopes that both his role with OMSB and as an OCCI committee member will allow him the opportunity to foster stronger relationships between local business and the community.

Committee Member - Katie Chapman

"Total First Aid Solutions is an Onslow based First Aid business that specialises in the deliver of quality First Aid training. I have lived and worked in Onslow, WA for over 5 years in the ambulance and hospital environment and am passionate about the health and safety of our community members and visitors.

As a mobile business, I am able to provide this essential training to suit in workplaces or client preferred spaces, whether that be face-to-face or a combination of that and online learning. I am also able to travel outside of Onslow, within the Ashburton Shire, to deliver courses''.

Committee Member - Kevin Hughes

 

I have spent over 35 years in Supply Chain Management and obtained my qualifications in the Army. Originally from Sydney, I joined the Oil & Gas sector in 1993 and took on various international Supply Chain managerial assignments all over the world, which included Algeria, Nigeria, Russia, and many parts of the Asia Pacific region prior to returning to Perth and joining Chevron in 2009. I spent the first 6 years of my career with Chevron supporting the Gorgon Project and was Supply Chain Superintendent on Barrow Island for 5 Years, prior to taking up my current position at Wheatstone as Site Services Supervisor.

 I requested a move to Onslow to take up a residential role with my wife Linda, as I wanted to spend more time with her and move away from the rigors associated with the FIFO lifestyle. We are both community orientated people and love the lifestyle and serenity that Onslow offers. In my role at Wheatstone, I am committed to support and seek out opportunities for local business in support of Chevron.

Committee Member - Mel Seymour

"Mel began his career in electrical contracting in Perth, 2008. He was then driven to move to Onslow for both work opportunities and to further business growth and company expansion in 2012.Just electrical when arrived in Onslow, which then expanded and added refrigeration.

As the Managing Director of one of Onslow’s many successful businesses, Mel is deeply involved with the Onslow community and continuously encourages and supports the town and its projects with professionalism and efficiency.

DICE Solutions is one of Onslow’s most prized features as it is not only a community-based business but the town’s main electrical contractor."

Committee Member - Tara Column

Tara moved to Onslow in 2020 with her husband and 3 daughters looking for a sea side change after spending 7 years managing a remote tourism facility in the East Kimberley. She is very passionate about the community and is actively involved in various committees. Her role within MEGT (Australia) Ltd includes recruitment, mentoring and managing local and FIFO Apprentice/Trainees. Tara thoroughly enjoys being part of the OCCI committee as it allows access to valuable resources, networking opportunities and helping Onslow businesses grow.  

Committee Member - Scott Siekierka

My transition to an Onslow-based enterprise, after a substantial tenure in management within the Education and Sports sectors, marks a significant shift that embraces both a return to roots and a venture into commercial leadership. My journey from a small Wheatbelt community to the East Coast and back to Western Australia provides a blend of perspectives crucial for understanding the nuances of local business, societal dynamics, and community engagement.

Although challenging, the opportunity to lead the development of a local, commercially viable and socially attuned company that provides meaningful opportunities and tangible pathways for residents is an enjoyable balancing act. The OCCI committee represents the diverse commercial interests surrounding Onslow, providing a microcosm of the current business and societal requirements.