We pay tribute to our founders who played a key role in establishing CICA.
Bob Parker
Bob Parker began his career in the crane industry in 1958 at the age of 19, working with Maros Constructions, a crane and rigging company. Over the years, he progressed within the company, becoming an estimator and eventually the manager of its Queensland operations. Bob played a pivotal role in establishing the Queensland branch of CICA and served as a delegate on the national body. What began as a 'working party' was formalised at the 1979 conference, leading to the formation of CICA National. In recognition of his dedication and contributions to the crane industry, Bob was awarded the Con Popov Memorial Award in 1999. Bob Parker passed away in 2020, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the industry he helped shape. He was a respected leader, mentor, and friend to many.
Robert Way
Robert Way was a true pioneer of the Australian crane industry, widely recognised for his foresight in identifying safety and operator training as critical issues in its early development. Beginning his career in the crane sector in the 1950s, he went on to establish Robway Safety Systems, a company that continues to be a leader in crane and safe load monitoring systems today. In recognition of his contributions, Robert Way became the first-ever recipient of the Con Popov Memorial Award in 1998. Rob Way passed away in 2020, leaving an enduring legacy in the industry he helped shape. He is deeply missed but not forgotten by his family, friends, and colleagues.
Allan McPherson
Allan McPherson entered the crane industry in 1965, operating an overhead gantry crane at Parkeston Railway Transhipment Yard in Western Australia. He later worked with mobile Fowler Cranes before re-joining the Australian Army. In 1969, Allan joined O’Connor Cranes in Kwinana, quickly progressing to Branch Manager by 1972. He played a key role in forming the Crane Association of Western Australia (CAWA) in 1979 and still maintains an active role, advocating for the industry. In recognition of his contributions, Allan received the Con Popov Memorial Award in 2000.
John Gillespie
John Gillespie was the Managing Director of Gillespies Crane Services and Director of Gillespies Cranes Nominees P/L and other companies in the group. With over 40 years of experience, John began his career with Gillespies Crane Services in 1969. He served on the CICA Board for over 25 years, including a remarkable 16-year tenure as CICA President, with 10 consecutive years from 2004 to 2014. John remained an active CICA Board Director and continued to contribute at the state level as a past president and committee member for the CICA NSW Committee. In recognition of his outstanding service to the industry, John was awarded the Con Popov Memorial Award in 2002. Sadly, John passed away in August 2021, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the crane industry.
Jeff Brundell
Jeff Brundell began his career as a draftsman before transitioning into sales within the construction equipment industry. In 1982, he joined Harnischfeger as Sales Manager for the Kobelco range, marking the start of his long and distinguished career in the crane business. Jeff became General Manager of Century II, which was later acquired by PPM. When Terex Cranes purchased PPM in 1994, Jeff continued as Managing Director. After Terex acquired Franna and moved its Australian headquarters to Brisbane, Jeff moved to Potain. Following Manitowoc's purchase of Potain and Grove in 2001, he became Managing Director of the combined Australian operation. Active in the Australian Crane Marketers Association (ACMA), Jeff played a key role in the merger of ACMA and CICA in 1990. He served as CICA National President for two terms, driving significant change through collaboration with authorities and industry bodies. In recognition of his tireless contributions, Jeff was awarded the Con Popov Memorial Award in 2003.
