Who Are GDD?

Geological Data Design (GDD) was incorporated in 1984, as part of Software Design Consultants Pty Ltd (SDC), to provide operational, management and technical data management development and consulting services specifically to the resources industry.

The company was founded by Tony Shellshear and Tom McMurray who had lead the technical services and data management section of Marathon Petroleum Australia until they exited Australia in 1984.

The current principal, Tony Shellshear, brings with him extensive experience in both the exploration and mining environments, gained globally across both base and precious metals, as well as the coal industry. This includes field operations as well as open pit and underground environments.

GDD’s reputation has been built on formal technical qualifications and many years of experience, which enables the organisation to address the broad technical requirements of the resources sector.

Founding Director

Tony Shellshear (B.App.Sc (App.Geol.) Grad. Dip. Comm. Comp.) has been a geologist for over 40 years and is a long-standing member of both the AusIMM and GSA, holding a committee role with the GSA for the last 10 years.

During Tony’s time working in the industry, he witnessed the persistent need for quality data management systems after assisting companies such as Capricorn Coal and Placer Dome Porgera and Kidston to develop and implement custom designed systems to manage their multi-million dollar assets. Tony turned his focus towards developing data management systems with broader capabilities that could be utilised by resource companies across a range of commodities.

As well as holding a position on the committee of the GSA, Tony is involved in a variety of community projects including presentations and demonstrations at educational facilities to create interest in the areas of geology and mining in students, and the preparation of rock and mineral specimen sets for schools.

Community Service

GDD currently host the GSA ‘Roxette’ Project, a community service rock and mineral specimen set initiative, providing kits for high-schools and other learning institutions

GDD have also donated both time and resources to organisations such as Queensland Guides, Scouts Australia and the Anglican Church.

Other projects include the creation of systems and websites for various community groups including aged care facilities and neighbourhood watch.