GAM always paid the award (and then some) when I was there years back.
The boss was never shy in distributing the odd "Crownie" either if you pulled your weight.
There are good operators out there, by that I mean ones that do pay the award, operate GOOD machinery and treat you like a human, it just takes a bit of looking to find them.
Word of mouth will soon let you know who the good ones are.
Good luck!
Cheers,
I'm Gone!