The best of Australian cuisine and customer service was on display at a recent dinner held in remote Western Australia, delivered by our Living Services team. 

Following a site visit to the SKAO (Square Kilometre Array Observatory) site – located on the traditional lands of the Wajarri Yamaji around 700km north of Perth – around 100 council and government officials from 15 countries attended the SKAO Council Dinner. 

Hosted by SKAO Director General Phil Diamond, guests also included Australian government officials and representatives of the Wajarri Yamaji Aboriginal Corporation.

Ventia National Project Director Peter Green says that Director General Diamond expressed his appreciation to the Ventia team for their efforts, both on the night and in the weeks and months before in the set-up of the construction village. 

In a great example of cross-sector support and capability, our Living Services team stepped in when the delivery of a 200-person construction village was delayed and delivered a 100-person fly camp (a temporary advanced camp) in time for the commencement of construction of the SKAO site in July.  

The camp includes accommodation rooms, kitchen and dining, gym and recreation facilities for up to 140 people.  The speedy completion of the camp – affectionately known by all as ‘Space Camp’ - enabled construction to be brought forward a month, with the first meals being served three days after camp construction was complete.  

“Catering for a large group of high-profile delegates at the Council Dinner was another feather in the cap for the team,” Peter says. “It is the first time the SKAO International Council has come to and met in Australia, and I am so proud of the amazing event the team pulled together.” 

“A tremendous amount of work and commitment have been put in by each and every one of the team!”