Newsletters

New Additions to Chinchilla Team

Aonghais Bacon

Field Service Technician

What can you tell us about yourself?

I’m 22 years old, born in Scotland but raised in Australia from the age of two. My love for the great outdoors is a source of personal pride. Whether I'm on a horse trotting through the bush or engaged in breaking in new ones, you'll often find me on the land.

What attracted you to the Energy Sector?

One could say I have oil & gas coursing through my veins as a third-generation worker in the industry. From a young age, I've been captivated by my father's profession, eagerly absorbing his stories, and even indulging in the tales of my grandfathers' drilling exploits shared over a casual beer at our family gatherings.

My professional journey gained momentum during our residence in Kuwait, where I began my career with an Italian wellhead company as a trainee workshop assistant. Returning to Australia, I was fortunate to secure a position with Savanna Energy Services, specialising in the workover sector on rotational basis. Following an 18-month tenure, during which I progressed from lease hand to floor hand, this opportunity arose with R&D Solutions and I was pleased to take it.

Why the change?

The attraction of changing disciplines stemmed from my interest in the product range and variety of applications on offer in our industry. Running new equipment and systems with interesting technological features, spanning from drilling and completions to the end-of-well lifecycle – and including cutting-edge tools such as the Lee Energy Systems Gator perforator and Omega wireline equipment, among others – was an exciting prospect.

What’s been most interesting since you joined the team?

My training has been both rigorous and intellectually stimulating. Leveraging my prior experience has proven invaluable in comprehending the intricate applications within this new domain. The transition to R&D Solutions was seamlessly facilitated by the wealth of expertise shared by my new colleagues and the atmosphere of constant self-improvement set by the senior management team. Such a supportive environment has proven immensely refreshing.

Giles Doll

Field Service Technician

What can you tell us about yourself?

I consider myself easy to connect with. Although I tend to be more of a listener, I’m always ready to engage in conversation. Family is my top priority! When I'm at home and not available, you'll probably find me biking through the countryside or riding with friends and my local HOG group.

What attracted you to the Energy Sector?

I didn't have much knowledge about the energy sector at first, but I got involved through a friend of my father's. I began my career in India and eventually built the confidence to work internationally. The initial work was challenging and physically demanding, but I was able to handle it. What captivates me the most are the financial rewards, travel opportunities, and the chance to collaborate with people from diverse cultures around the world.

Why did you wish to return to Australia?

My experience during COVID made me realize the importance of being close to family and friends while working abroad. Being away from home in a foreign country was challenging. Furthermore, many aspects of international work have shifted, and when my last company offered me the option to relocate to Abu Dhabi or Doha, it was the tipping point that motivated me to pursue opportunities back in Australia.

How has your first month with the company been and what are you enjoying most?

My first month has been quite busy. I've had the chance to meet numerous team members and visit different locations. Most importantly, I've been entrusted under supervision with operating the gator tool which I enjoy the most as it allows me to be actively be involved in the work.

What’s different about R&D Solutions

Everyone here is incredibly friendly and always willing to answer my questions, provide training, and help me get up to speed. I’ve felt well-supported in every aspect. It’s great that I can easily pick up the phone and reach out to anyone in the company, something that would have been difficult in some of my previous workplaces.