NSW Global Operator Challenge winner announced

Operator Tim Lamb from Edgeworth has become NSW’s best Cat^® machinery operator following the thrilling State Final of the Caterpillar^® Global Operator Challenge, held at WesTrac’s dig pit in Tomago.

The 34-year-old, who works with Daracon Group, outperformed nine other finalists in the challenges, designed to test the skill, accuracy and agility of competitors.

Tim was crowned state champion and will join WA’s champion Max Harris on an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan, where they will compete against international operators at the Asia-Pacific Regional Finals in October.

WesTrac NSW construction general manager Ryan Boslem says operators competing in the NSW final had to put their skills to the ultimate test across three challenges using three different Cat machines.

“This year’s challenge was our toughest one yet, with operators having to navigate a tight obstacle course over rough terrain, while also keeping safety front of mind,” he said.

“These highly skilled operators have come from various construction companies across NSW, and we’ve been hugely impressed with the talent this year, with these 10 finalists being selected from more than 100 applicants.

“A huge congratulations to Tim, we look forward to cheering him on as he heads to Japan to represent our state.”

From there, only three operators will be selected to travel to Las Vegas next year, where they will complete against the world’s best operators in the Caterpillar Global Operator Final held at CONEXPO 2026.

This year, the challenge also aligns with Caterpillar’s 100-year anniversary which will be officially commemorated on April 15.

WesTrac NSW/Australian Capital Territory chief executive Adrian Howard says the event is an ideal opportunity to mark the milestone by showcasing the state’s best operators using the latest Cat equipment.

“The Global Operator Challenge puts the spotlight on just how far Cat equipment has come, and this next century will undoubtedly bring a new level of evolution to how mining, construction, energy and transportation industries operate, supported by our most advanced equipment and technology,” he said.

“We are extremely proud to have hosted this exciting event at our Tomago facility, and on behalf of the entire team at WesTrac, I’d like to thank all competing operators, as well as the businesses and spectators for supporting the NSW final.

“We wish both Tim from NSW and Max from WA every success when they head to the Asia-Pacific Regional Finals in Japan later this year.”

The Global Operator Challenge was launched by Caterpillar in 2019 with WesTrac participating for the first time in 2022.