SAF Australia Team - About Us - Microwave Radio Specialists

SAF Team

SAF Australia’s network equipment is excellent, but our greatest assets are our people. We work hard to build our business relationships and provide great customer service.

We add value to our products and services by caring for our clients at every step in the process. Our systems, training and culture ensure that you have an incredibly positive experience when working with our administrative and technical staff.

We’re people just like you…meet the SAF Australia team!

Get in touch so we can help you improve the reliability and performance of your network.

Meet the team

Nic Holdgate

Managing Director

Nic established SAF Australia in 2006 to supply high-quality microwave network solutions. He has worked in technology and management roles across Defence, telecommunications and manufacturing. Immediately prior to SAF, Nic worked with PacSat the Australian designer and manufacturer of microwave antennas. He has an electrical engineering degree and MBA.

Nic main passion outside work is paragliding, mixed with biking and hiking when the weather is not suitable for flying. He and his wife, Anna, are the proud parents of four children. Nic loves the challenge of working with evolving technologies and finding ways to do things better.

I love my work! I get to travel to some truly outstanding places, meet and work with many fantastic people and provide a service that makes a real difference to organisations.

“Life is long. Until it is not.”

Renāte Andersone

Sales Manager

Renate is SAF Australia’s Sales Manager with over 20 years’ experience working with SAF radios. She works closely with our customers to ensure SAF Australia solutions meet their needs. Her work involves link design, ACMA licensing and optimum product selection to suit each customer’s connectivity needs.

Renate worked in Latvia for five years with SAF Tehnika, the EU manufacturer of SAF microwave radios. She was initially a Partner Account & Customer Service Manager, later moving to a role as APAC & Middle East Sales Manager.

Renate made the move to Australia in October of 2009 and started working with SAF Australia. She brings a Bachelor’s degree in Sinology, a Masters in Orientalism, a Professional Diploma in Conference Interpreting and a Diploma of Photography & Photo Imaging.

She is also interested in art and likes to play tennis.

“Focus on the solution, not the problem.”

Joy Patel

Technical Manager

Joy joined SAF in 2022. Previously, he worked in Melbourne as the Operations Manager for the Property Management Company, Glad Group. In his role as SAF’s Technical Manager, Joy oversees the implementation of new projects, and maintenance and support for existing customers.

Joy has an Electrical and Electronics Engineering degree and is currently studying for an MBA in his spare time. Originally from India, Joy has made Australia his home since 2017. His passions are his family and his car.

“Success comes down to focus and hard work.”

James Moodie

Technician

James joined SAF Australia in May 2023, after more than 20 years in the Construction Industry. He has managed Teir 1 construction projects nationally and worked as a supervisor in the mining sector. James brings considerable construction experience and project management skills to the SAF team.

As a SAF technician, James manages many of our large infrastructure projects such as new towers, and our vehicle and equipment assets. In additional he plays a key role during installation projects and in providing ongoing technical support.

“A day without learning is a day without living.”

Jodie Wills

Logistics Manager

Jodie joined the SAF Australia team in July 2020 as an Apprentice Technician. After the birth of her second daughter, she became SAF’s Logistics Manager. In addition to managing SAF’s Warehouse and inventory, Jodie assists the technical team.

Jodie has an IT Degree. She has worked in a variety of roles including systems technician, retail and customer service roles, PT and CrossFit coach, security and administration roles with the RAAF and NSW Government, and an electrical apprenticeship.

Outside of work you will find Jodie spending time with her family at her local CrossFit box or hitting the trails in preparation for their next obstacle course race.

“Happiness is a choice, not a result.”

Mick Murray

Accounts Manager

Mick looks after the finance and administration side of SAF. He has been with SAF since 2020. Mick has a ‘Bachelor of Business – Accounting’ and is a past member of CPA Australia.

Prior to joining the SAF team, Mick worked for a small family business in Tasmania and as an assistant financial controller for the commercial printer, Moore Business Systems.

His greatest achievement to date, was becoming a husband and father, and raising three children, in the home that he owner-built!”

“Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful.”