Leadership Team
Our people are our success.
The team, both operational and support functions, is fully committed to providing a first-class service to our clients and known throughout the industry as the driller of choice.
Central Queensland Exploration offers over 100 years of combined drilling experience within its management team.
Don Irvine
Managing Director
Don brings over 35 years of drilling experience both domestically and globally. Initially working in the Surat and Bowen Basins, Don joined Woodside and British Petroleum, managing operations in numerous locations. Don actively promotes a high standard of performance through a safety-first culture throughout CQE, working closely with our clients to deliver safe and compliant services.
Karen Trezise
Director and Finance Administrator
Karen heads our finance team, working closely with our clients and suppliers and has been doing so since the company commenced operations. Karen has laid solid foundations through software implementation, ensuring the accuracy of all financial matters within the company. Karen takes an active role within CQE, promoting the mental health and overall well-being of our employees and their families.
Darrin Melton
Operations Manager
Darrin started in the drilling industry in 2004 at the age of 18 and has since amassed 20 years of experience throughout the Bowen, Surat, Galilee and Clarence Moreton basins. Darrin has experience with and in-depth knowledge of a wide array of drill rigs and environmental conditions. Darrin brings exceptional knowledge of drilling techniques across a range of geological conditions with safety and risk mitigation at the forefront. As CQ Exploration’s Operations Manager, Darrin’s experience and expertise have fostered a strong understanding of what is required to drive success, performance, and safe production whilst managing client and company relationships.
Taylah Murray
HR Manager
Taylah has been a part of the CQ Exploration team since April 2022. Taylah currently holds a Certificate IV in Human Resources Management. Taylah is responsible for the routine functions of the Human Resources department including recruitment, onboarding, travel logistics, and crew coordination. Taylah manages the training and development of personnel, ensuring support is provided to staff daily as they complete Nationally Accredited Certificates. Taylah researches internal and external training services, providing guidance and direction to CQ Exploration ensuring business compliance and performance to industry standards.
Douglas Newton
Drilling Manager
Doug is an accomplished driller and has more than 18 years of experience in the drilling industry, within both the coal and gas sectors. Doug has been with CQ Exploration for 12 years. Doug is a qualified mechanic by trade and holds a Certificate IV in Drilling Operations and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessing. Doug’s achievements lead to a management opportunity within CQ Exploration as the Drilling Manager. Doug’s new role goes beyond planning and logistics and incorporates complete management. Doug monitors and influences company deliverables with a focus on client customer service whilst taking responsibility for identifying and mentoring CQ Exploration’s next generation of drillers.
Simon Harris
HSE Manager
Simon started in the drilling industry in June 2011, working in various field and management positions. Simon’s experience with multiple clients throughout the Sydney, Bowen, Cooper and Surat basins has allowed him to develop a diverse range of portable skills. Key skills include a Certificate III in Drilling Operations, and current enrolment in a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and a Certificate IV in Workplace Health and Safety. Simon is responsible for maintaining CQ Exploration’s ESHMS and liaising with clients, team members and stakeholders to deliver safe production.
