Steady As It Goes In The Outback - Edward Jackson & Lochlan Anthony: Hydraulink Weipa

‘Growing up in a small town, I took the first opportunity I could get, landing an apprenticeship with a local company. In those early years, I learned the ins and outs of diesel engines, trucks, heavy machinery, mining equipment, you name it. Completed by trade in 2018 than I decided to take a leap of faith and branch out on my own as Steady Contracting.  I worked long hours, often in tough conditions, but I loved what I did. I started small, just me, a Ute, and a few loyal clients who trusted my work. I offered mobile diesel repair services and promised quick turnaround, fair prices, and no shortcuts. Word spread, and before long I was working seven days a week and turning away jobs. In 2020, I hired Lochlan, who started with me as my first diesel fitter, and things grew steadily from there’.

‘Fast forward to today, we’ve built the business into a fully operational workshop and field service company with a team of over 50 staff, including diesel fitters, auto electricians, LV mechanics, apprentices, admin, and support crew. We service industries from transport and logistics to mining. What sets us apart is the culture and we’ve built a team that values quality, reliability, and loyalty’.

‘As the business continued to grow, we kept a close ear to the ground, always listening to what our clients needed. One consistent challenge we noticed was the lack of local access to hydraulic hoses and fittings. Recognising this gap in the market, we began exploring ways to expand our services beyond diesel and mechanical repairs. After careful research and conversations with clients, it became clear that partnering with a trusted brand (Hydraulink) in the hydraulic space was the right move’.

‘Outside of work, both Lochlan and I value our downtime just as much as the hustle. We know firsthand how demanding this industry can be with early starts, long days, and the pressure of keeping machines (and businesses) moving. That’s why we make a conscious effort to switch off when we can and spend time doing the things that matter most. For us, that means being around family and close mates, enjoying a cold drink after a hard week, taking the boat out for a fish, or heading off camping when we get the chance. Those moments help us reset and keep things in perspective’.