Central Highlands Mining Services (CHMS) was established in 2011 to service the Central Highlands area. Through hard work and dedication, CHMS has become a well establish company in the Central Highlands district offering a variety of services from simple grounds maintenance jobs to larger projects such as dome installations and building relocations.
Our employees have experience in underground and surface operations enabling CHMS to provide labour for Longwall, Development and Outbye operations.
CHMS consists of newly established miners to experienced senior members with diverse working backgrounds. All are team have their Standard 11 and many qualifications and tickets allowing CHMS to do what we do!
CHMS are proud of our staff and their willingness to improve and take on new responsibilities. We have on site trainer/assessors that work with our team on their training and professional development needs.
DIRECTOR - Project Manager
John Tasker is the Director and Project Manager of Central Highlands Mining Services (CHMS), which he co-founded with his wife in 2011. A Tieri local with deep roots in the community, John brings a strong background in mining, maintenance, and construction, shaped by years of hands-on industry experience and a lifelong connection to the region.
Under John’s leadership and with the support of business partner Kyl, CHMS has grown from a small local operation into a team of over 50 skilled professionals. His practical knowledge, strong community ties, and commitment to building a reliable and safety-focused workforce have been key drivers in the company’s continued success and reputation across Central Queensland.
DIRECTOR - Project Manager
Kyl Richardson is an accomplished Project Manager and Company Director with over 30 years of experience in the construction industry and 13 years in mining operations. Renowned for his integrity, operational excellence, and forward-thinking leadership, Kyl has successfully managed multi-million-dollar projects from concept through to completion, consistently delivering high-performing outcomes under complex and demanding conditions. His strategic insight is complemented by a strong commitment to safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement. Whether shaping corporate strategy or managing day-to-day operations, Kyl builds trusted stakeholder relationships and fosters cohesive, results- driven teams.
His ability to navigate regulatory frameworks, lead cross-functional teams, and optimise project delivery makes him a respected and influential figure across both the construction and mining sectors.
Project Coordinator
Darren Smith is an experienced Project Coordinator currently overseeing operations at Oaky Creek North (OCN). With 14 years of dedicated service at Central Highlands Mining Services (CHMS), Darren brings a deep understanding of both underground and surface mining operations. He began his career as a cleanskin at OCN and has steadily advanced through various operator roles, gaining extensive hands-on knowledge across all facets of site operations.
In 2019, Darren completed his Supervisor qualifications, further strengthening his leadership capabilities. He became a qualified Trainer and Assessor in 2021, contributing to the development of crew competency and safety standards. Darren’s progression reflects his strong work ethic, adaptability, and commitment to continuous improvement, making him a highly valued member of the CHMS team.
Project Coordinator
Henk Damsma is a skilled Project Coordinator at Oaky Creek North (OCN), bringing 13 years of experience with Central Highlands Mining Services (CHMS). With 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Henk transitioned into mining as a cleanskin operator and quickly demonstrated a strong aptitude for both underground and surface operations. Since joining CHMS, Henk has progressed steadily through operational roles, earning his Supervisor qualifications in 2019 and becoming a certified Trainer and Assessor in 2021.
His diverse background, hands-on experience, and leadership capabilities make him a dependable and knowledgeable coordinator, focused on safety, team development, and efficient project delivery.
Business Manager
Stacy brings a diverse professional background, with an 18-year career in education prior to joining Central Highlands Mining Services (CHMS) in 2018. She began at CHMS as an Administrator, where her strong organisational and communication skills quickly became evident.
In 2021, Stacy transitioned into the role of Business Manager, where she now oversees the Accounts, Human Resources, and Work Health & Safety departments. Her leadership, attention to detail, and ability to coordinate across multiple functions have been integral to the smooth operation and continued growth of CHMS.
We are best practice employers with a team of dedicated and experienced managers and operators who have the capacity, flexibility and capacity to respond to our client’s requirements. Our employees have strong established and respectful working relationships that deliver a culture of safety and professionalism to a work site.
Central Highlands Mining Services are committed to completing jobs with minimal environmental impact. Our salvage operations have yielded excellent recycling and refurbishing results for our clients, reducing waste and costs associated with disposal.
The diversity of our team is our strength. Our first-class team has an accumulated total of over 100 years experience in construction, infrastructure, and maintenance projects across Queensland. Our team of operational staff are multi-skilled to provide highly effective project team.
CHMS have always been a big part of the local community from supporting local sports teams to becoming sponsors for most local events. CHMS are proud sponsors and participants in charity events and take pride in donating time and materials to worthy causes.