Our Team

A summary of key personnel and their experience is listed below.

Mick Bonacchi

Managing Director

Mick has been in the drilling industry for over 45 years and founded Austral Drilling after working as a Driller for the Public Works Department, Water Authority, Wallis Drilling and Maersk Offshore. He held the position of Senior Drilling Supervisor/Operations Manager for the WA Water Corporation from 1988 until 1995, before departing to start Austral Drilling.

He has successfully completed many challenging water drilling programs for mining companies throughout the state, along with major town water supplies, minor service bores for construction work and monitoring bores. He has also been responsible for the drilling and installation of bores at a majority of Aboriginal communities throughout Western Australia. In addition to being the Project Manager for many major water drilling projects he has also designed bores for many of the Hydro Geological Consultants in WA and has an invaluable and extensive knowledge of drilling conditions state-wide.

Mick holds a Class 3 Water Well Drillers License and has extensive experience in all facets of drilling including rotary air, mud, and downhole hammer.

BRETT SHERRIFF

General Manager

Brett has been in the drilling industry for over 20 years working in exploration and more recently within the mining division with major corporations such as BHP, Rio Tinto, Roy Hill.

Prior to his current role Brett worked for BHP in the world-class control centre, IROC, which provides BHP with real-time view of its entire WA iron ore supply chain. 

Brett’s passion for high quality drilling and innovation will continue to steer Austral Drilling on a path of continual growth and development.

TONY BONACCHI

Operations Manager

Tony currently holds the position of Operations Manager at Austral Drilling. His experience spans over 40 years within the Water drilling and Exploration industry. He has extensive knowledge in rotary, air and mud, down hole hammer and auger drilling including SPT, TWT sampling, diamond drilling, aircore, vibro core and other methods.

Tony manages, coordinates and schedules current and future projects, as well as liaising with a diverse range of clientele including but not limited to mining companies, government agencies, stakeholders, traditional landowners, geologists, and hydro consultants. Tony continues to stay current with safety and industry standards.

Tony is well regarded with the drilling industry, often consulting in drilling and construction methods to both clients and subcontractors.

ROSA HOGAN

Rosa has been a part of Austral Drilling since 2007 as HSEQ Manager. During this time, she has been instrumental in developing, implementing, and maintaining compliance with ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and ISO 45001.

Rosa ensures that all Policies, Procedures and Safety standards remain current and meet or exceed the requirements of the relevant National Standards. Safety is the number one priority at Austral and through leadership and training she ensures all employees are up to date with required training and safety methods.

Rosa provides support and strategic direction to the Administration and Management team to ensure that the organisation continues to achieve its objectives and obligations.

Rosa has also been responsible for Austral successfully obtaining A Grade contractor pre-qualification with Water Corporation, Alcoa World Alumina Australian Operations and Worley Parsons Resources & Energy and works closely with HSEQ Consultants on a regular basis ensuring Austral’s continual improvement and growth.

GLENN VANHEES

Drilling Supervisor

Glenn has been in the drilling industry for 13 years. Glenn has a wide range of drilling experience and has been Driller in-charge on many drilling projects throughout WA for Mining Companies and Government Agencies.

Glenn has extensive experience in all facets of drilling including large diameter rotary, air and mud, down-hole hammer, air core, casing advancement and other methods and has drilled water bores to 800m.

Over 30 Years Experience in the Drilling Industry