A Safety, Risk and Environment Manager

Q: Where are you based?

A: Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, Port of Hay Point near Mackay QLD

Q: Can you explain what your role entails?

A: Lead a full service, strategic Safety, Risk and Environment function that partners with the business divisions in formulating, designing and implementing contemporary health, safety, environment and quality strategy, policy and practice.

Q: What sparked your interest to work in the resources sector?

A: I had been in government roles assessing and auditing resource industries and wanted an opportunity to gain an understanding from being “inside the fence” to see if I could influence greater, make more meaningful changes for the industry, workers and environment.

Q: Was there someone/something that inspired you to pursue your current career?

A: Advice from my mentors have definitely contributed to where I am today but also having the support from my family and friends.

Q: Can you explain the pathway you took to your current job?

A: I completed a Science degree with an Honours project researching the impacts from gold mining which led to further research in water management issues in the Murray Darling Basin before moving to Queensland and taking up a role in the State Government to regulate industries under the legislation, including the resources sector where I am now proud to be a link in the supply chain to provide our high quality coal to countries all over the world for manufacturing and power generation.

Q: What challenges do you face in your job?

A: Working in the enviro field at a coal terminal that ships through the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and being in the coal industry in a regional area are definitely challenges that have shaped my passion for showcasing how far the coal industry has come but also how much further our coal terminal has gone and is keen to go to keep improving.

Q: What do you enjoy about your job?

A: Working with so many different people from all walks of life – from hosting Uni students on tours, meeting with Senior Regulators in Brisbane, talking with community groups, workers on site who are keen to learn – all for the greater purpose of gaining knowledge to improve our business and the resource sector’s performance.

Q: What has been your experience being a female employed in the resources sector?

A: I don’t see my gender as being either a negative or a positive issue for me to be able to interact with other workers to do my job.

Q: If there was one key message that you would leave with students considering a career in the resources sector, what would it be?

A: Seize opportunities – don’t overthink whether you can do it, are good enough, what it will lead to… And find someone who will be your mentor to guide you through and be a sounding board when you need it.