You can plan all you like, but sometimes the weather has other ideas.

On a sunny day in October, our Bacchus Marsh Quarry team was gearing up for a major community engagement event. With over 250 guests expected, ranging from toddlers to grandparents, the team had spent months planning every detail – from safe site operations to a wide range of activities and showcases.

There were display tents, kids’ play areas and even a dedicated showbag tent. One of the highlights was a side-by-side display of the old and the new: the team’s 2025 CAT982 loader parked proudly next to the original Boral-branded 1967 Ford F600. Nearly 60 years apart, and a great photo opportunity on the day.

But not everything went to plan.

The team had set up the site the day before, having considered the forecasted wind conditions, and were ready for a smooth start on Sunday morning. What they didn’t expect was that overnight and into the early hours, winds would almost double those forecast, gusting up to 67 kilometres per hour, sending marquees flying and forcing a rapid rethink.

At the early morning toolbox meeting, the team assessed the situation and conducted a full safety audit. The local fire service crew, who were on site as part of the event, also provided valuable input.

Some activities were cancelled, while others were adapted. The welcome tent became a welcome ute with showbags handed out from the back. Marquees were recovered or taken down, and the team rallied to make sure the event could still go ahead safely.

Quarry Manager Cain Mowbray said, “We pulled together and delivered a great event for our Bacchus Marsh families and the community. I’d like to thank everyone involved. I could see our guests thoroughly enjoyed the day despite the winds lasting right through to pack up.”

Congratulations to Cain, the Bacchus Marsh team and everyone from across Boral who pitched in to support the day. A great example of how assessing risk and acting quickly can keep safety front and centre even when conditions change – and a shining example of both our Teamwork and Safety Values.

“These events aren’t just about showcasing what we do; they’re about listening, sharing, and building trust. When we open our doors or join local celebrations, we demonstrate transparency and a genuine commitment to being part of the communities we serve," said Kate Woodbridge, National Community Relations and Engagement Manager.

By sharing our story and inviting the community behind the scenes, we strengthened relationships that matter and celebrated the people and projects that connect us.