Shaun Gibson: NPI Regional Manager - East
Safely mobilised in April 2025, the NPI service stream supports 20 mine sites, two rail locations and two ports across the Pilbara. Across the portfolio, 125 team members and support staff help maintain the critical infrastructure and assets that keep sites safe, functional and operating efficiently every day.
From preventative maintenance and infrastructure reliability to long-term asset improvements, the work delivered by NPI directly influences the experience, wellbeing and sense of safety felt by thousands of people across site.
This year’s World FM Day 2026 theme, ‘Cultivating Belonging Through Built Environments’, recognises the important role Facilities Maintenance plays in shaping environments where people feel safe, supported and connected.
For Shaun, the role goes far beyond maintaining infrastructure.
“It’s about leaving every space in a better condition than we found it,” Shaun says. “Knowing that even small improvements contribute to a safer, better experience for everyone who uses that environment.”
Creating environments people can rely on
While many people may never directly see the work Facilities Maintenance teams deliver, Shaun believes their impact is felt across every part of site life.
“Maintenance is always the hidden team,” he says. “Often out of sight, working in the background repairing issues before they become failures.”
For Shaun, success is often measured by what doesn’t happen - disruptions avoided, failures prevented and sites continuing to operate safely because of the preventative work completed every day.
“If it’s done well, maintenance teams are rarely heard of,” he says. “They quietly keep the lights on.”
As Regional Manager, Shaun sees his role as an important connection point between site teams, leadership and clients, helping ensure challenges are addressed collaboratively and long-term solutions are delivered.
“There are days where you wonder if you’re making an impact,” Shaun says. “But working with our clients to resolve issues and ensure permanent solutions are delivered does create positive outcomes.”
Creating environments where people feel they belong
For Shaun, belonging starts with creating environments where people feel comfortable, respected and valued.
“A place where people can feel themselves,” he says. “Feel appreciated and valued.”
It’s a philosophy that strongly aligns with this year’s World FM Day theme and reflects the growing role Facilities Maintenance plays in shaping everyday experiences on site, particularly within remote FIFO environments where the quality of infrastructure and living environments can significantly impact wellbeing.
Over the last decade, Shaun has seen Facilities Maintenance rapidly evolve through technology, sustainability initiatives and smarter infrastructure solutions.
From energy-efficient lighting and solar integration to automation, apps and AI-enabled systems, Facilities Maintenance continues to improve operational efficiency while enhancing the experience of the people who live and work across site.
He also reflects on the important role Facilities Maintenance teams played throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting quickly to strengthen hygiene standards, improve air filtration systems and introduce additional safety measures across operational environments.
“Facilities Maintenance has played a significant role in shaping where people live and work,” Shaun says. “The industry continues to improve standards and improve the experience for end users.”
Supporting the day-to-day experience on site
The impact of Facilities Maintenance can often be seen in the everyday moments that help sites operate safely, efficiently and comfortably.
Across remote FIFO environments, reliable infrastructure and well-maintained facilities play an important role in supporting the wellbeing, morale and overall experience of people living and working on site.
Whether its maintaining accommodation, ensuring essential services remain operational or improving shared spaces and infrastructure, the work delivered by NPI helps create reliable, well-maintained spaces people can depend on every day
“People might not always notice when things are working well,” Shaun says. “But they definitely notice when they’re not.”
Consistency and reliability remain central to the way NPI teams operate because even small improvements can have a meaningful impact on the experience of those across site.
Recognising the people behind the work
Although Facilities Maintenance often happens behind the scenes, Shaun is passionate about recognising the people who make it possible.
He believes celebrating the smaller, everyday wins is just as important as recognising major achievements, because those moments are what keep operations moving safely and efficiently.
“I try to make a point of celebrating the small wins,” he says. “Because in NPI and Facilities Maintenance, those everyday successes are what keep operations running smoothly.”
He also values the resilience shown by teams working through challenges together. “It’s a reminder of the resilience within our teams and the progress we continue to make,” Shaun says.
And for every person working within Facilities Maintenance, from cleaners and tradespeople to supervisors and managers, Shaun has one clear message:
