Meet The Team
Managing Director
Philip Martin
Former Geraldton import Philip Martin established and runs Abrolhos Steel, the big name in Mid-West steel.
Philip is no stranger to the city and the water polo pool and boating circles.
Philip established the branch more than 20 years ago when it was called Steelmark/Smorgon’s and remained at the helm for four years before shifting to Perth and Tamworth and back to Perth.
The former British water polo international who made a name in Western Australia when he became the first swimmer to tackle and conquer the Rottnest Channel swim with the butterfly stroke, says he is more well known in Geraldton for a singular failure.
“We were out boating one day with Dave Shea and the boat sank. There was Dave’s insurance broker on board so he was well covered and we were lucky enough to be rescued by Geoff Watson, of Geraldton Trophy Centre, who was fishing from his catamaran nearby.
“It was incredible how many bungs I was given by friends and now that I am back it’s amazing what people remember and don’t let you forget,” Philip said.
On taking over the reins of the business, Philip said: “I saw this as an excellent chance to renew acquaintances and establish my mark on the steel industry in which I have been involved for about 20 years, both in Western Australia and Queensland.
“I started the branch and jumped at the opportunity to become involved in the region once again.”
The new company started trading on October 1, 2015 and the changeover was seamless with the office and warehouse staff being retained. It has since been renamed Albrolhos Steel, more in keeping with the region.
“I see an excellent future for the metal industry in the Mid-West, the gates are open to allow for ease of access for customers and I believe we have plenty of support for what is a locally run-and-owned business.”
Philip said that it has been good playing water polo with long-standing friends and plays in the local competition, while committing himself to Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other business groups.
Construction Project Manager
Jack Startin
Jack Startin is the Construction Project Manager at Abrolhos Steel, starting in early September 2025.
Jack hails from Broadstairs in Kent, England and has completed a degree in business management from the University of Lincoln, also spending time working for a business consultancy as an Engagement Manager.
“The role with Abrolhos is about listening to clients and what they want and how we can position ourselves to meet their expectations as well as being able to adapt to the environment.”
Abrolhos Steel has recently completed some large projects and is actively engaged with projects as far afield as Laverton.
Jack says he likes the lifestyle in Geraldton, having visited last Christmas and “two or three times” as a youngster with his parents.
“It seems like in Geraldton there are a lot of sports club. I’ve played rugby, tennis, squash, golf and I like to try my hand at anything sporting.
“Working in the Midwest also gives me a chance to see what Western Australia has to offer and the rest of Australia when possible.”
Swimming is in the family with his mum and dad keen ocean swimmers. “Last year I liked going to the Aquarena and swimming in the 50m pool".
“I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and seeing how I can assist our clients with their needs”.
Sales Manager
Phil Dunning
Phil Dunning brings a wealth of knowledge in the industry.
Phil spent 23 years at OneSteel in Geraldton between 1994-2017, among an impressive CV.
Before that he was working for 12 years at Iluka’s mine at Eneabba.
Further back and he spent 10 years with Westrail at Yalgoo when the line was still running.
“I saw that close, then went to Three Springs, on to Esperance and then to Salmon Gums before heading to Eneabba.”
Phil hails from Cossack near Port Samson, so has remained close to his roots.
His OneSteel career started in the store, progressed to truck driving, the office, out on the road for 12 years as a rep and back into the office as the sales manager. He relieved in Karratha and Port Hedland when managers were on holidays.
The past two years he has been spotted taxi driving in Geraldton.
“The interaction with people is what I love – talking with people and helping to solve problems. Taxi driving was good for meeting people. You do get to create a lot of friendships; people rely on you. I like the interaction. I don’t mind sales.”
When Phil’s not on the phone boosting for orders, he loves fishing and lawn bowls.
“Lex is my partner and I have three older kids and two stepkids who keep me busy.”
Phil describes his perfect day as: “Lighting a camp fire, drinking a beer and laying under the stars.”
He says he best does this at Carrarang Station, four and a half hours’ drive north of Geraldton.
Warehouse Supervisor
Rob Roffey
Rob arrived at Abrolhos Steel in October 2020, coming from courier driving with GH Country Couriers and before that as a warehouse supervisor for Statewide Steel. Before that he was a storeman for Smorgon Steel (1998), the precursor of Abrolhos Steel. That means he has turned full circle in his career.
“it’s great coming back to the job I knew and enjoyed.
“I enjoy the variety of work we get through at Abrolhos and I enjoy working in a field I’ve been in since way back in 1998.”
Rob has been heavily involved with the firefighting scene. “I’ve done 15 years as a volunteer firefighter and I’ve also been involved with the Batavia Coast Miniature Railways.
“My father used to work on the G Class locos at Midland Railways as a boilmaker and he now owns a miniature G Class that can be seen puffing along the tracks every first Sunday of the month at the Railways’ headquarters in Spalding Park.
“When I’m not doing that I’m out fishing and spending a bit of time with my wife, Dawn.”
Storeman
Mick Rock
Mick Rocks. Just ask him. Mick Rock is an Abrolhos Steel Storman and has been at the depot since 2004, watching the swings and roundabouts of the economic cycle.
“I’ve seen the boom and bust with people going mad when it’s good and then the quiet times when it’s a lot more subdued.”
Born and bred in Geraldton, Mick was educated at Mt Tarcoola Primary, then John Willcock and for two years at Wesley College in Perth. A born athlete, Mick has risen to national selection with the Australian Country water polo team on numerous occasions and was a former State schoolboy rep.
Mick still plays A Grade for B52’s and is a life member of the club. He has played A Grade since a 14-year-old — more than 25 years — and has represented Geraldton at the State Country Champs every year except when he spent four years travelling the world. Surfing is another love, hitting the waves off Geraldton on an almost weekly basis.
He has also surfed in Indonesia, USA, Portugal and England. “It’s a lifestyle thing and probably the thing I love doing the most outside family (wife, daughter and son) and water polo.”
Storeman / Driver
Craig Burnett
Some people will do anything for a bit of sunshine.
In Craig Burnett’s case it was to travel from the other side of the world to find his little slice of heaven.
The task was not that easy. He knew Australia was the place to be, but it took him five years to settle on Geraldton as his idea of utopia. “It’s beautiful all-year-round weather with friendly people.”
Craig, who deals with all the deliveries for Abrolhos Steel and can be seen behind the steering wheel of the truck around the city, says Geraldton is “the perfect town to live in by the ocean”.
That sunshine was something he saw little of in his native Scotland, hailing from the city of Fife.
Craig has been at the depot from the start of operations in 2001 and says he loves his job. “That’s the best part of the job. I love it.”
He says that dealing with engineers or the small handyman, and everyone in between made the job more satisfying.
Craig brought South African-born wife Lynette from Scotland — they met there — and now have two children — son Lewis and daughter Hannah.
Craig’s not much on fishing or golf, satisfying himself by pottering around the home or working in his shed, making things. His latest project was to put a motor on his son’s pushbike, “but it didn’t quite go as expected”.
His children have been avid sailors and he and Lynette have supported them in their recreation.
Other than that, he and Lynette like travel, mainly to catch up with relatives in Scotland and South Africa.
Relaxing at home with friends, walking the dog on the beach and day trips out of town for lunch are other frequent past-times.
Finance Accounts Controller
Katrina Turner
Kat shifted from Perth 13 years ago, embracing the coastal lifestyle in the sea change. With eight years’ experience at BOC, she also brings a diverse background that includes time with the Geraldton Yacht Club and working as a personal trainer.
Outside the office, Kat is passionate about football, keeping fit and has a real soft spot for animals. She loves the laid-back culture and enjoys life without the hustle and bustle of Perth. While travel is definitely on her wish list, she’s happy staying put for now and enjoying the journey.
Sales Coordinator
Sarah Daff
Sarah recently made the move from Hamilton, Victoria, where she grew up around farming and sheep, relocating in late 2025 with her partner — happily trading in the cold weather for a much warmer climate. Adjusting to a bigger town and coastal living has been an exciting change, especially as it’s her first time living by the sea.
With a background in retail, Sarah was ready for something new and has embraced a fresh start in a new state. Outside of work, she loves staying active and has already found a new gym to join. She enjoys snorkelling, hiking, swimming and making the most of everything the outdoors has to offer. Sarah is looking forward to settling in and seeing what the future brings.
Sales Coordinator
Debra Curtin
Deb grew up in Geraldon. She brings a strong customer-focused background, with 16 years at Geraldton Regional Hospital across multiple roles; 10 years in child care customer service, three years at Midwest Windscreens, and a short stint at Greenough Regional Prison working in finance and HR.
Outside of work, Deb is enjoying life with her partner after buying their first home last year. She’s also a proud mum, with her daughter heading off to Edith Cowan University.
New to the metal industry, Deb enjoys the challenge of learning something different —especially all the numbers and measurements — and appreciates the cruisy, easy-going culture of the team. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her doing CrossFit, making the most of the outdoors, or catching up with friends.
Accounts Receivable
Tamara Walton
Born in the west, she spent some time in Queensland and returned to WA to Carnamah before settling down in Geraldton.
Tamara has been on the Abrolhos team since July 2023 and has worked in a variety of industries, saying: “I have found my niche here. I enjoy the work and the atmosphere.”
Storeman / Driver
Ken Murray
Storeman Ken Murray loves to catch a fish from time to time and finds Geraldton just the place for pulling up the four-wheel-drive vehicle and throwing a line off the beach.
Motorbike riding is also a pursuit, but the lure of the beach and sunshine culture led the wandering Ken to the Coral Coast.
Hailing from country New South Wales, Ken worked for 13 years with a fabrication workshop as a driver in Tuncurry-Forster and lived in nearby Taree.
Before that he gained a buzz from eight years in a sawmill. Other work experience includes fencing and shed fabrication.
Ken sees life in Geraldton and bringing on board his extensive experience to Abrolhos Steel as the next chapter in his chequered working career.
“Geraldton is right on the beach and not too far from the big-city amenities of Perth,” he says.
“The staff at Abrolhos Steel have made me welcome. They are good people and it’s a good company and there’s plenty of work to do.”
Storeman / Driver
Scott Piesse
Scott was born in Merredin, Western Australia, and has lived in a number of places over the years, including Watheroo, Muntadgin, Lancelin, Serpentine, Rockingham, Dalkeith and Northampton. That varied background has given him a broad perspective and plenty of life experience.
Before joining Abrolhos Steel, Scott worked as a mobile plant operator, driller’s offsider, and in various machinery operator roles. His background has helped build a practical skill set and a strong work ethic.
What attracted Scott to Abrolhos Steel was the diversity of the job and the opportunity to work with a good mix of people. He enjoys the variety that each day brings and likes being part of a team. Outside of work, Scott enjoys hanging out with friends, fishing, doing very little (when he can), and having a good laugh.