Inaugural construction machinery show urges public to Dig Deep

What started out as an idea for a small operator’s challenge to raise funds for charity soon became a full-blown construction machinery show in the form of Dig Deep, an event set to be held for the very first time in Keysborough, Victoria, on May 29, 2022.

Civil contractors, Michael Harding and Patrick Doheny, wanted to fill a gap in the sector after realising there wasn’t a dedicated construction machinery event in Victoria. But more than that, they wanted to create a family-friendly event that not only brings the industry together but also gives back to the community.

A committee of professionals working in the construction sector was soon established, and Dig Deep was born.

In its inaugural year, Dig Deep hopes to raise $1 million for Australia’s leading mental health support organisation, Beyond Blue.

Speaking to constructionsales.com.au, Dig Deep committee member and construction marketing expert, Boutaina Richardson, said a similar event in Ireland inspired Harding and Doheny to hold something closer to home.

“The original idea behind the event was to potentially get 10 civil contractors together, host an operator challenge, raise money, and the money raised would go to charity,” she said.

“But as we spoke to more people, the idea just kept growing and now we have a full event.”

Richardson said the committee picked Beyond Blue as their charity of choice as they believe more awareness needs to be raised about mental health within the construction industry.

“Mental health in construction is huge; there's a big stigma there that needs to be broken,” she said.

“Sometimes people don't know the best way to go about addressing their problems. We don't know how to talk to someone, we don't tend to ask people if they’re okay.

“This event is about bringing the community together, helping people that need it, and having fun along the way.

“Beyond Blue is highly respected and well known, and we know a lot of people reach out to the organisation, the money raised can help a lot of people.

"For our first event, we couldn't have picked a better charity to go with. We wanted to highlight the fact that if people in the industry or their partners, neighbours or friends ever need help, Beyond Blue will be there 24/7.”

The one-day event will be held at 324 Perry Road in Keysborough, in Melbourne’s southeastern suburb, with tickets available to purchase online. General admission costs $20.50 while tickets for children aged from five to 16 years cost $5 (not including GST and booking fee). Children five years and under are in for free.

All profits raised from tickets, exhibitors and sponsorship proceeds will go towards Beyond Blue.

So far, leading machinery companies including Kubota, William Adams, Hitachi and Volvo Construction Equipment have signed up to exhibit their products and services.

There will also be machinery demonstrations, promising a great day out for lovers of construction equipment.

However, according to Richardson, the event is not just for machinery enthusiasts.

“This won’t be a traditional machinery show,” she said.

“There will be machinery everywhere, but what we're doing a bit differently is each of the exhibitors will be incorporating something different at their stands. Some exhibitors will have face painting, some will have a wellness relaxation zone, some will have a barbecue set up.

“So, it's an event for everybody in the family.”

For one, Kubota will be setting up a dedicated fun park for kids, complete with go-karts and other child-focused activities.

Another main attraction is the William Adams Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge, where some of the most experienced machinery operators will come together to compete for a chance to attend the CONEXPO-CON/AGG construction trade show in Las Vegas in 2023, where they will battle it out with operators from around the world for the title of world champion.

There will also be a food truck zone where visitors can stretch their legs and grab a delicious bite when the tummy starts rumbling.

Richardson said the support Dig Deep has received from exhibitors and the community so far has been huge.

“The exhibitors understand that there is a need firstly, for a construction show in Victoria, but also a need to raise much-needed awareness for mental health in construction,” she said.

“There's also a lot of excitement from young construction fans and kids who want to see the machines and see them moving as well.

“We're hoping to get around 5000 attendees on the day, which would be absolutely huge for us.”

The committee is aiming to hold a Dig Deep event every year from here on, with proceeds going to a variety of charities in the future.

If you can’t physically attend the event on May 29 but still wish to contribute to the cause, you can do so by donating via Dig Deep’s website.

“Ultimately, we want the industry to #keepdiggingkeeptalking,” Richardson said.

“Let’s keep going and keep working, but let’s keep talking as well.”

Date: Sunday, May 29, 2022

Location: 324 Perry Road, Keysborough VIC 3173

Time: 10am to 4pm

Admission: Adults – $20.50; children (ages 5 to 16) – $5.00; children under 5 – free

SEE ALSO: 2022 Australian earthmoving and construction events calendar