From subsea cable systems to fibre routes through remote Australia, Vocus has a long history of delivery infrastructure when connectivity matters most. Horizon cable is one of the latest examples of that work.
Stretching 2,000 kilometers between Perth and Port Hedland, Horizon cable route connects communities across some of Western Australia’s most remote regions.
But while the project spans vast distances, its success came down to the people who bought it to life. From planning through to delivery, teams across Vocus worked together to create infrastructure that will support regional Western Australia for years to come.
Built for the job
Delivering a project of this scale required strong coordination, teamwork and a shared commitment to getting the job done safely and well.
"There were always new hurdles," says Vocus Work Health & Safety Advisor Alan Culham. "What made a difference was how the team kept adapting. Whatever came up, they found a way through."
That mindset became a defining feature of the project. No two days looked exactly the same, but the teams' focus remained constant.
Working where the conditions call the shots
Most days started before sunrise, with crews preparing alignment, cutting through rock and laying fibre metre by metre. Heat, dust, flies, and isolation were all part of life on site.
“The team spent weeks at a time living in a small caravan and getting on with it,” says Construction Manager Nick Geyer. “It takes resilience. You make do with what you have and stay focused on the end goal.”
Working in remote locations also created a strong sense of camaraderie. Teams relied on each other as much off-site as they did on-site, building relationships that helped carry the project forward.
Across the project, crews excavated more than 274,000 tonnes of rock, enough to fill 44 Olympic swimming pools. As the route progresses, teams drew on their experience to keep work moving efficiently across a range of environments.
Doing it safely, every day
For many involved, one of the proudest achievements wasn’t measured in kilometres of fibre installed, but in the culture the team built along the way.
Despite working in remote environments alongside heavy machinery, the project achieved zero lost time injuries for Vocus team members.
“It’s a pretty remarkable outcome,” says Alan. “It comes down to mindset. People looking out for each other and making the right decisions day in, day out.”
Spending long periods away from home meant team connected mattered. Regular check-ins were about more than project milestones. They were a chance to stay connected and make sure people were supported.
For Nick, creating that environment was a priority.
“I was always watching them, listening to them,” he says. “And when something mattered, a child’s birthday or family commitment, we made sure they got home.”
What it all adds up to
The Horizon cable route now supports network diversity and resilience across regional Western Australia, but its impact goes beyond the infrastructure itself.
Along the way, the project highlighted the importance of strong local relationships, community engagement and having experienced teams on the ground who understands the regions they serve. The experience, knowledge and partnerships developed through Horizon will help shape future infrastructure projects at Vocus.
For Nick, that’s what he’ll remember most.
“I’m proud I saw it through from start to finish,” he says. “But more than anything, I’m proud of the team. They were dedicated, backed each other and delivered it safely.”
