Meet the Talbingo Tag Hut Team

Steven Pasco, Maddy Hurkett and Wendy Boraso manage 24-hour operations at the Talbingo Tag Hut, Lobs Hole.

Across the project, Access Controllers issue and maintain two-way radios, cap lamps fitted with trackers, and self-rescuers, also known as portable breathing machines. They participate in regular safety checks and ensure people heading underground have full PPE and are clean shaven.

Maddy previously managed multiple childcare centres, a different experience but one that prepared her well. She says in 18 months she has rarely had to deny access due to mask fit concerns.

“Workers looking to gain access to the tunnels understand their responsibilities with appropriate PPE, some needing reminders very occasionally,” Maddy said.

“There are often times I deny tunnel access to the TBM because it’s reached its 24 personnel capacity. In that case, I’ll call people once spots open. Everyone’s understanding and respectful of this,” she said.

Even in their quiet times, Access Controllers monitor 14 screens,

the worker tag boards, foot traffic, phones, and environmental and equipment alerts. Wendy appreciates the technology at her fingertips.

“I ponder the past and how they worked so hard to create the Snowy Scheme. My husband's late father worked on the original project. It was his first job as an engineer in Australia, we think, after leaving France in 1954,” Wendy said.

“I love helping make people’s jobs a little easier where possible. Remembering names was a good brain exercise for me in the beginning. It’s nice to be called by your name when there’s a big workforce.”

Pasco, as most people know Steven, is a carpenter by trade and helped fit out the Talbingo Tag Hut two years ago. He previously worked in the MAT Portal yard crew and says his current role has strengthened his communication skills.

“Clear positive communication is critical in underground safety, as with all areas of the project. This job requires good people skills and we have to be assertive,” Pasco said.

“We’re always switched on, and at the end of a shift it’s just as important to switch off. We can do that because we know between the three of us, we’ve got tunnel access under control.”

Maddy says at any time she knows who is in the tunnels, where they are and what works both the Drill and Blast team and the TBM team are doing.

“There is significant responsibility involved, but I’m well-prepared to handle any situation. I know the protocols, and I trust my training and judgment,” Maddy said.

“I may be biased, but I think our crew and the crews we work with are some of the best on site.”

If you pass the turnstile and visit Talbingo Tag Hut, you’ll find it’s never empty. Attendants eat meals there and arrange cover for their occasional breaks.

Thanks Tag Hut Access Controllers for helping us stay safe underground!