MWA’s Latrobe Field Day on 12 February 2026 provided more than an opportunity to showcase the latest Caterpillar equipment. It also highlighted the importance of developing the next generation of skilled operators working across Tasmania’s councils.
Among those attending the event at the Latrobe Youth Club were Waratah-Wynyard Council’s Manager Works & Services, Adam Whitfield, and Shania Hanson, a young civil construction employee with ambitions to become a final trim operator.
Shania joined Waratah-Wynyard Council on 8 January 2024 after leaving school and commencing a Civil Construction Traineeship. Since then, she has gained experience across a broad range of civil works, including pothole patching, pipe laying and sign installation. She was also part of a small team that constructed a roundabout in Somerset, with the project delivered well under budget.
Adam said Shania’s attitude and willingness to learn had made a strong impression.
“Shania is a wonderful employee and a pleasure to have on the team. I see strong potential in her because she’s very detail-oriented, eager to learn, and willing to have a go at anything.”
A closer look at the latest Cat grader
The Latrobe Field Day also marked the first Tasmanian showcase of the Caterpillar 140-16A Next Generation Motor Grader, attracting considerable interest from council representatives and operators.
The machine displayed at the event was a Cat 140 Tier 3, factory 3D-ready unit featuring a redesigned operator station focused on comfort and visibility.
It also incorporates factory-integrated technology options for grading, e-fence functionality, and remote machine management, together with smart camera technology that offers multiple viewing angles, including a 360-degree view.
Another major development is Caterpillar’s newly designed High Performance Circle (HPC), featuring a fully sealed, maintenance-free swing bearing design.
For Shania, however, spending time around the machine also reinforced her ambition to further develop her grader operating skills.
Supporting Shania’s next step
During discussions with Adam and Shania at the MWA stand, it became clear that Shania is highly motivated to increase her confidence and proficiency in operating Waratah-Wynyard Council’s existing Caterpillar 140 Grader.
To support that goal, William Adams has committed to providing Shania with dedicated one-on-one training with an experienced Operator Demonstrator.
The training will cover key areas of machine operation, including safe operating practices, daily inspections and maintenance procedures, and the effective use of the grader’s integrated technology systems.
The training, which builds her technical knowledge and practical operating skills, is designed to help Shania improve confidence, productivity, and operational efficiency as she continues working towards her goal of becoming a final trim operator.
More than a machine delivery
Operator support is an important part of the service William Adams provides to Tasmanian councils.
With every new Caterpillar machine delivered to a council in Tasmania, access to William Adams’ dedicated Operator Demonstrators can be included as part of the purchase. This gives operators expert guidance on safe machine operation, daily inspection and maintenance requirements, and how to get the most from their new equipment’s technology and capabilities.
Support can also continue beyond the initial handover, with tailored follow-up training packages available to meet individual council requirements.
For emerging operators such as Shania, that combination of practical experience, quality equipment and specialist training creates an opportunity to continue building the skills required for a long-term career in civil construction.