Our Team
Direct Access and Equipment is a Tasmanian owned hire company with branches in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie. The company was formed in 2014 by Phillip Dickenson and Danny Lacey who have many years of experience in the industry and bring a strong knowledge of both the equipment and its use.
Direct Access and Equipment specialise in well maintained high quality equipment in the areas of access, elevated work platforms (EWPs), mini excavators, generators, lighting towers and compressors. We are continually increasing our scaffold fleet and now are pleased to announce our sales and service of all types of elevated work platforms.
Danny, Phillip and their team will work to ensure that you have the best gear to do the job in the most efficient way possible. Contact us to discuss your hire needs with someone who truly understands your requirements.
Company Directors
Danny Lacey – Director
Phone 0434 660 020
danny@directaccess.au
I began my career in the hire industry with Wreckair Hire in 1987 where I worked in various positions including Mechanic, Branch Manager, Account Manager and State Sales Manager. I moved to Sherrin Hire in October 2005 (later rebranded Boom Sherrin) to run their newly opened Tasmanian business, and the business enjoyed continual growth in equipment and people. In 2014 Phillip and I had the opportunity to purchase the Tasmanian operation which has become Direct Access and Equipment. Since opening the business, I have had great pleasure in developing Direct Access and Equipment with Phillip where we have replaced or updated nearly the entire fleet with the support of our fantastic customers.
In my spare time I escape to our shack at Sommers Bay where I am a member of the Dunalley Fire Brigade. When not putting fires out I try to get out on the water and catch a fish or two. I also enjoy travelling with my family when we get the opportunity.
Phillip Dickenson – Director
Phone 0434 660 520
phillip@directaccess.au
Starting in the hire industry in 1989 I have been fortunate to enjoy several roles. From Yardman Driver, Workshop Assistant, Drillers Assistant, Acting Branch Manager, Territory Operations/Sales Manager to present Company Director, the various roles have allowed me to understand not only what our customers’ needs are, but more importantly what our own people face on a day-to-day basis. Since starting Direct Access and Equipment, I feel the greatest achievement has been the continual updating of our equipment and recruitment of a fantastic work team.
In my spare time I love nothing more than spending time with our family motor sport team, and attending international concerts and events.
Don’t ever let yourself get to a stage in life when you think, “I wish I had, or worst still, why didn’t I?”
Hobart Branch
James Lacey – Operations Coordinator
Phone 03 6273 2506
hobart@directaccess.au
Since joining the family business it’s been a real privilege to understand the inner workings of the company. I enjoy learning something new every day, working alongside a team with diverse experience. My role at Direct Access gives me a great opportunity to connect with customers to ensure they have the best possible equipment for the task.
In my down time I enjoy having a kick with the lads and all things sport.
Lance Cornish – Internal/External Sales
Phone 0434 660 120
lance@directaccess.au
For most of my working life I have spent the majority in some form of customer service. This is why I have developed good interaction and customer satisfaction skills that have evolved over the years. The last 13 years has been with the one company where I have formed some great customer relationships which some have followed on into my current position.
In my down time I enjoy time with my family, reading books and playing the odd computer game or two.
Andrew Appelbee – Yardman/Driver
Phone 03 6273 2506
admin@directaccess.au
I have only recently joined Direct Access and Equipment and I’m really enjoying being part of the team. I have over 16 years of experience in the plant hire industry but I’m looking forward to familiarising myself with new types of equipment and further develop my skills.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time in my garden, camping and watching Essendon play.
Ricky Pritchard – Branch Mechanic
Phone 03 6273 2506
admin@directaccess.au
Since joining the team in Hobart I have enjoyed the variety of tasks required to work in this fast-paced industry. I enjoy the change of scenery in my day-to-day activities doing on site services for our customers and attending breakdowns. Coming from a background in the auto electric industry my skills have allowed me to have a good understanding of our machinery and the ability to nut out problems for us and our customers.
During time away from work, I enjoy tinkering with project cars and bikes and a spot of fishing.
Michael Carr – Branch Mechanic
Phone 03 6273 2506
admin@directaccess.au
I have almost 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. I came to Direct Access and Equipment to elevate my knowledge and reach new heights.
In my spare time I like to take my family camping, pat my dog, mow my lawn, make puns and watch cars go around in circles.
Amit Kumar – Branch Mechanic
Phone 03 6273 2506
admin@directaccess.au
I have over three years’ experience in the mechanical field and enjoy working at Direct Access and Equipment learning about new equipment and working on different machinery.
Outside of work cricket is my favourite way to spend down time. Balancing wrenches and wickets keeps my life exciting and fulfilling.
Burnie Branch
Martin Bassett – Branch Manager
Phone 0418 384 520
martin@directaccess.au
After some years away from the hire business, I am thrilled to have an opportunity to re-join the team at Direct Access. As the new Branch Manager at Burnie, my role entails the day to day running of the small, but always busy branch. I enjoy the competitive nature of the access hire business and take a huge amount of pride in the company I work for and maintaining the high standards and business image.
Aside from my work, I enjoy spending time with my children and keeping fit at the gym and boxing.
Michael Holmes – Branch Mechanic
Phone 03 6432 1788
burnie@directaccess.au
Michael joined us in August after spending many years in various mechanical roles both in Tasmania and across the mainland of Australia. Army trained. Michael has an eye for detail and brings years of experience and knowledge, especially with his diesel and electrical background work.
Michael enjoys his weekends camping and spending time with his family finding new parts of Tasmania to explore, Michael also enjoys working around his home and keeping the place in tip top shape.
Dean Chalmers – Branch Assistant
Phone 03 6432 1788
burnie@directaccess.au
I joined the Direct Access & Equipment team in 2022 after working around NSW as a Drillers Offsider. As a Branch Assistant, my role is wide and varied including the front office and preparing equipment for hire.
On weekends I enjoy taking my kids to sports and spending time with my family on the sunny West Coast.
Launceston Branch
Kerry Beechey – Branch Manager
Phone 0409 970 443
kerry@directaccess.au
After spending 30 years in the automotive industry Kerry brings a breath of fresh air in both his customer service and extensive understanding of machinery in general. “Whilst I had not personally used any of the machines we hire, it has not taken me very long to become familiar with what we have to offer,” If you require a quote or a site inspection give Kerry a call today.
When I am not at work I enjoy spending time on small projects at home and racing around the go kart track against “the senior” drivers state-wide. Motorsport has been in my family all my life and go karting certainly allows me to stay involved, especially with my family and friends.
Ellis Dickenson – Branch Assistant
Phone 03 6326 1422
launceston@directaccess.au
I joined the Direct Access and Equipment team in September 2021, several months after completing my motor mechanic apprenticeship in Longford, Tasmania. The opportunity to develop new skills and work for the family business on various types of machinery, including specialising in EWPs, were major factors when choosing my career change.
Outside work, I am a passionate speedway competitor in the national V8 Late Model class. When I am not racing, I am helping other competitors or my brother with his cars in our family race team.
“Give yourself every chance.”
10 Year Facility
Jay Woolley – State Workshop Manger
Phone 03 6326 1422
jay@directaccess.au
As workshop manager of the major works facility I undertake the 10 year rebuild program along with major repairs on the Direct Access and Equipment fleet. It’s a great position, and with a capable and efficient team we have produced some fantastic machines.
On weekends I like to spend time with my family and ride dirt bikes as a part of my WSM Freestyle team.