Narrabri Santos team members win top awards

Narrabri’s Abby McClure and Andrew Snars picked up the top gong at Santos’ recent National Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability Awards in Adelaide.

The pair were joint winners of the CEO’s Award for Santos Values Leader of the Year, the highest individual award of a ceremony held ahead of the oil and gas company’s annual general meeting last week.

Abby was recognised for ‘proudly representing Santos in the local Narrabri community, often going over and above what is expected in her role as operations coordinator.’

“At the Narrabri Festival of Rugby earlier in the year, in addition to her usual work activities, Abby helped prepare for the festival, including putting up facilities on the day and then competed in the event as a member of Narrabri Rugby Club,” Santos chief executive officer and managing director Kevin Gallagher said.

“Every day Abby is a shining example of being focussed on delivering her commitments, the pursuit of excellence and striving to create a better future.”
Narrabri Rugby Union Club president Mick Coffey provided a recorded testimonial to Abby in support of her receiving the awards as did Michael Hewett, Santos’ field risk adviser in Narrabri.

“Abby without a doubt champions the values that Santos would cherish with 100 per cent commitment,” Mick said in the recorded message played on the night.

“She’s ever conscious of making sure the community is benefitting and that our future always remains bright. Her integrity and accountability ensures the community is always consulted, safe and engaged.”

Abby said she was honoured to receive the award and to be part of a progressive company.

“My recognition wouldn’t have been possible without the inspiration and mentoring I’ve received from my senior leaders and colleagues,” Abby said. “The values of integrity, accountability and pursuing excellence are values that align closely with my own personal beliefs and it shows an emerging paradigm of how we should treat one another to shape our culture and apply our beliefs not only to our work but our every day life.”

Andrew was recognised for his work over many years working with landholders in both Roma and Narrabri as the regional manager.

“Andrew’s commitment to creating a better future for everyone and to striving for excellence in safety, environment and reputation is second to none,” Mr Gallagher said.

“He is a leading example of someone who holds all of us at Santos to account for our commitment to our local communities.”

Peter Maunder, a landholder at Wallumbilla, along with councillor Cameron O’Neil from Maranoa Regional Council, provided testimonials to support Andrew’s nomination.

“I’ve dealt with Andrew Snars as a landholder for many years, in my opinion he is dedicated to the Santos organisations and its values,” Peter said in a recorded message.

“When required he has assisted in communicating on behalf of landholders to all parts of the business and to negotiate outcomes for all.

“He shows courage, is clearly accountable to not only the business but also the community in which he works.”

Andrew said he was humbled to receive the award and had benefitted from having some great leaders during his time working across Queensland and NSW.

“I’ve had the benefit of observing and learning from some great leaders over my career, who have been great examples of living the Santos values,” Andrew said.

“I know when these ideals are held in such high regard at all levels of leadership, it is very easy for us all to continue to apply these values through our life and our work in general.”

The Santos directors’ EHHS awards are held annually and aim to recognise and reward those who go above and beyond their day job to achieve excellence in innovation, efficiency, teamwork and leadership.