It is with great pride that Hedweld announce that Director and Founder, Ian Hedley at a ceremony last night was inducted in to the Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame.
Ian was raised in Singleton on a sheep farm. He is very proud of the region and is a direct descendant of explorer George Loder (1796 – 1834). He attended the local primary and Singleton High School. His childhood was filled with fixing tractors and cars, and in his early adolescence he was a jack-of-all-trades. In 1980, Ian commenced the Hedweld business as a sole trader at Mt Thorley. Ian married Jan in 1989 and from their home at Milbrodale they raised 2 daughters. Ian is an advocate for positive growth of the area.
As Hedweld’s Managing Director for the past 40 years, Ian has employed and upskilled hundreds of people. Hedweld currently employs 70 staff and hosts 16 trainees and apprentices. Steve Kattau, Leading Hand and Hedweld employee since 1990 said, “Ian and I have worked together for 3 decades, I started at Hedweld doing my apprenticeship and have never looked back. Now I am the guy that Ian bounces ideas off. His passion for innovation usually starts with a scribble on a scrap of paper and we work out if a product can be made. He has built such a great company that now my 2 sons also work at Hedweld. It is an amazing opportunity for young people in the area to get training and employment and it is great Ian has been recognised for this.”
For the past 3 years Ian has been an active member of the MTW VPA Community Consultation Committee looking to make improvements to the Bulga district. He has been involved in the Milbrodale Mountain Classic Off Road Racing Event for over 30 years as both a racer and land owner. Through Hedweld, Ian sponsors many Singleton businesses, teams and individuals – he has truly given back to the region.
Kristy Hedley, Managing Director said “obviously I am biased but that doesn’t diminish the stellar career that my father has had. All of my life he has given to the people of Singleton – his time, support or advice and I am very proud of the company, people and products he has built… and very proud of him. In the 200th year of Singleton, the 40th year of Hedweld and Ian’s retirement year, I truly believe this is a fitting acknowledgement of his contribution to the area he loves so passionately.”
Photo: Singleton Mayor Sue Moore congratulating Ian Hedley on his induction.
