Secondary
INDUSTRIAL SPRAY
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
GUIDED JOURNEY: AXIS Employment youth consultant Karl Mitton with Damon Perry, who found employment and training through AXIS Employment’s Transition to Work youth program.
Tuesday, July 1
Axis opening doors
AXIS
Employment’s Transition to Work, TtW, youth program assists people aged 17 to 25 years into work or education with intensive, pre-employment support to develop practical skills, connect with education or training, find local job opportunities and relevant community services.
Damon Perry is one of many TtW success stories after connecting with youth consultant Karl Mitton and starting his journey to employment.
Mr Perry started with TtW last year with a limited employment history.
He was unsure of his career goals and needed assistance to secure suitable work.
Mr Perry started at a tyre fitting business, but due to personal issues the job did not last.
Mr Mitton helped link Mr Perry with community supports to assist him through that period.
Mr Perry moved from Stawell to Horsham and Mr Mitton worked to build his confidence, and created a role with a local paving business, where Mr Perry interviewed and impressed the owner.
The role was tailored to Mr Perry’s strengths, and he started work in February this year.
He has become a valuable part of the business, with AXIS Employment organising and funding Mr Perry’s forklift and front-end loader tickets to ensure his skills continued to match what was required for the business.
Mr Perry said he loved his job.
“Karl at AXIS Employment is really easy to deal with,” he said.
“He makes sure things get sorted, taking away the stress of having to organise courses and employment myself.”
Mr Perry’s story is an example of how the TtW program can empower young people to take control of their futures.
Scaffolding personal growth
Doxa Youth Foundation’s camps and cadetship program supports young people from challenging circumstances by providing access to transformative experiences that build confidence, resilience, and a sense of opportunity.
Established in 1972, the Doxa Youth Foundation has been a cornerstone of opportunity for young people across Victoria.
Through Doxa Camps, primary and secondary students participate in enriching outdoor education experiences, either in Melbourne or at its Malmsbury camp site.
The camps provide a space for young people to grow, connect, and discover their potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The Doxa Cadetship Program is designed for year-12 students who are transitioning to university and have demonstrated talent, resilience, and drive despite facing significant challenges.
The program offers comprehensive support and guidance throughout their university journey, opportunities to engage with industry professionals through work placements and networking events, and access to personal development and training that enhances employability.
Financial assistance is also provided to help ease the cost-of-living while studying.
Doxa cadet Lily Day said when she was in year-12, she was in the same confusing position as thousands of other students across the country.
“I was trying to work out what I wanted to do after school,” she said.
“Hunting through the many piles of pamphlets that were sitting in the corner of the maths classroom, I found a book-
let about Doxa. Being a farm kid about to relocate to Melbourne it seemed like a great opportunity, so good my mum at first couldn’t believe it was real, but I applied anyway.”
Ms Day said she remembered her first interview, the year after she had started university and Doxa.
“I was at KPMG, a large international consulting firm located on the 37th floor on Collins Street, Melbourne, wearing a cheap suit I had gotten for high school mock job interviews, looking around at a world very different from the cattle farm I called home,” she said.
“Getting the Doxa Cadetship was a turning point in my life. I had spent little time in Melbourne and knew so little about cybersecurity in the corporate world.
“The training I got from Doxa and KPMG gave me so much confidence and security while I was already learning to navigate such a different world from the small farm life I was raised in.”
Ms Day said knowing how to drive a front-end loader or how to help bring in a ewe’s milk during lambing season did not help trying to navigate peak hour on public transport or trying to work out what business casual versus business formal meant.
“I now work in business resilience in tech risk at KPMG and love my life in the big smoke, and I can thank the staff at Doxa for helping me get to where I am now,” she said.
Doxa Youth Foundation will be at the Western Victorian Careers Expo. For more information people can visit www. doxa.org.au or email info@doxa.org.au.
Tuesday, July 1
Wimmera Events Centre,
Jobs and careers for all stages
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
People of all ages looking to change employment or begin tertiary education can take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of more than 80 businesses, training providers and industry representatives at the annual Western Victorian Careers Expo.
Beginning in 1986, the expo is Victoria’s largest, attracting about 2000 people each year.
It is organised by a sub-committee of the Wimmera and Southern Mallee Careers Association to provide guest speakers, exhibits, a jobs market, and hands-on activities.
The organising committee includes members of the association, as well as representatives from Wimmera Southern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network, WSM LLEN; Department of Education and Training; Federation University; Skillinvest; Wimmera Events Centre; Wimmera Southern Mallee Development; and the Tertiary Information Service.
Organiser David Crooks said the free event was a valuable source of support and information for parents, jobseekers and people considering a career change.
“It’s a common misconception that the careers expo is only relevant to secondary school students – that could not be further from the truth,” he said.
“If you are seeking employment, or you are unhappy in your current role, the expo is the ideal setting to explore the different careers that are out there, and speak with people who can put you on the right path.
“We put a lot of work into ensuring we showcase a diverse selection of industries and offer something for people in all stages of their careers, and have become a one-stop-shop for vocational information.”
The exhibits
University degrees, on-the-job learning in trades, immediate-start work, supported employment services and volunteer emergency services will showcase the opportunities available to people of all ages and abilities.
Study and employment opportunities close to home, to nationally, can be explored at the expo – from working at McDonald’s to serving with the Australian Defence Force, people can speak to representatives one-on-one to find out more about areas of interest.
“We
put a lot of work into ensuring we showcase a diverse selection of industries and offer something for people in all stages of their careers, and have become a one-stop-shop for vocational information”
– David Crooks, right
Seminars
This year the seminar program has been replaced with larger information sessions covering numerous topics, including tertiary information and vocational pathways sessions.
These provide an opportunity for industry, business and organisations to connect with students, jobseekers and career changers to support their career journey and pathways.
Hosted events are scheduled in the auditorium at 10.30am for vocational pathways information, tertiary information services at 11.15am, and keynote speaker Alana Kilmartin at noon.
Interactive
This year’s expo will see the return of the interactive Try VET Centre after its successful debut last year.
Located in the Alan Heard Pavilion, it will feature the region’s three registered training organisations, Federation University, SkillInvest and Horsham College.
The Try VET Centre will deliver course information, hands-on and virtual-reality activities and engaging events throughout the day, in a space
created to showcase and promote VET offerings across a range of industries including engineering, agricultural machinery, land and water management, emergency services, hospitality, and construction.
Mr Crooks said the VIC VICE virtual reality exhibit in the pavilion was expected to again prove popular.
“This is cutting-edge technology that was developed by Goulburn Murray LLEN in partnership with VICLLENs,” he said.
“Last year, we featured VIC VICE at the expo for the first time and the response was incredible – there were
people lined up all day to try out the headsets and experience different workplaces through 360-degree video and video game-style features.
“Our regional LLENs have been enjoying rolling this technology out in local secondary schools and we will have staff from Central Grampians LLEN on hand at this year’s expo to allow the wider community to give it a go.”
Free bus
People are invited to use the free bus service to attend the expo; it leaves Horsham’s YMCA carpark at 10am and returns at 12.30pm.
Author’s refreshing approach
Author Alana Kilmartin will headline as guest speaker at this year’s Western Victorian Careers Expo at Wimmera Events Centre on July 1.
Ms Kilmartin will share key messages from her book, ‘Unserious Careers: A Fun Guide to the First Five Years of Your Career’.
The book is aimed at schoolleavers and contains actionable steps that young people can take to help navigate the transition from school to adult life.
Expo organiser David Crooks said students would find Ms Kilmartin relatable, humorous and inspiring.
“We are delighted to have Alana joining us as guest speaker,” he said.
“She is sharing her own life experiences and providing practical advice for designing a career that doesn’t sacrifice enjoyment for success.
“Sometimes young people feel a lot of pressure to make life-changing decisions before they finish school, so I think they will find Alana’s approach quite refreshing.”
Ms Kilmartin is visiting 250 secondary schools across Australia as part of her Unserious Careers 2025 Roadshow, which includes eight presentations at Wimmera schools.
Alana Kilmartin
OPPORTUNITIES: Wimmera CMA’s Bryana Bisset, centre, with Stawell College students Emily Grant, Amelia Martin and Kelanee Lovett at the 2024 expo.
Tuesday, July 1
Fostering life-Longy connections
Longerenong College’s course structure continues to evolve to keep pace with agriculture sector standards, while offering efficient pathways for its students to enter the workforce.
College general manager Jacinta Langdon said staff were committed to providing quality training to students to ‘cultivate careers in agriculture’.
“The college has changed the way we offer courses,” she said.
“We now offer a range of one-year courses that allow two qualifications to be achieved each year,” she said.
“So, after two years, a student can enter the workforce with four qualifications.”
The college offers Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management, Diploma of Applied Agronomy on campus or online, Certificate IV in Wool Classing, Certificate IV in Agriculture, and Certificate III in Agri
culture.
Short courses are also offered throughout the year, including specialised training in chemical handling and weed management.
The qualifications provide a robust skill set, preparing graduates for careers in diverse sectors of agriculture, from animal production, wool classing and agribusiness management to crop and pasture production and applied agronomy.
Through industry connections of college trainers, students can access the latest technology, practices and techniques in all aspects of agriculture.
A broad range of industry specialists visit and present to the students regularly throughout the year.
“Our trainers also take the students on a variety of excursions to show them new facilities and the latest research in the industry,” Ms Langdon said.
Campus life
on top of an academic experience. Ms Langdon said past students enjoyed returning to the campus for reunions and updates.
“We have alumni reunions regularly at Longerenong, past students love coming back to see what the students are learning now, and how the college has evolved,” she said.
“One of the constant messages we hear from reunions is that the past students have lifelong industry connections from all parts of the agriculture industry.
“They studied together at Longerenong College, and they deal with them in business for the rest of their careers.”
Longerenong College has established solid relationships with various industry partners, which allow students to gain valuable hands-on experience through placement opportunities during their studies.
Due to the high quality of Longerenong graduates, many industry partners offer post-graduate career opportunities to students upon completion of their qualifications.
Tours
Prospective students will have the opportunity to visit the college with a bus tour leaving from the careers expo on July 1.
Living on campus offers students the chance to build lifelong friendships and forge strong industry connections
“There are so many new and interesting opportunities in agriculture that were never imagined 15 to 20 years ago, such as warehouse robotics, spray and heat mapping drones, and the myriad of new career paths in precision farming automation.”
The college will also host an open day from 10am until 4pm on Sunday, August 3
HANDS-ON: Longerenong College agronomy trainer Rob Velthuis assists Noah Hildebrand, from Glenburn, and Jesse Osborne, from Mandurang, analysing soils.
Archie Nhill College
I wouldn’t mind going into a career in the agriculture or health and fitness industries as they are two things I am passionate about.
Lola Riddell Wimmera Lutheran College
I’d like to go to a Melbourne university and study ancient history.
Bailee Nhill College
I would like to be a large animal vet as I would like to help animals feel better, work closely with farmers and stay in a rural area.
Sivani Saseendra St Brigid’s College Something to do with corporate business or medicine.
Evan Hahn Wimmera Lutheran College
I’m hoping to study music in Melbourne and maybe psychology.
Wimmera students share their career aspirations
It’s never too late
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
People of all ages and experiences can find a career with Victoria Police, from essential community roles, police custody officers, protective service officers, to policing.
Initial training has been reduced to 25 weeks, with no educational requirements and minimal pre-requisites required for people aged 18 years and older.
Horsham constables Lisa Sproule, Chloe Dunmore and Russell Munn applied for Victoria Police at different stages of their working lives.
Constable Sproule acted on a calling at the age of 42.
“I was a stay-at-home mother with four children – aged six, 13, 15 and 20,” she said.
“Joining the police force was something I had thought about since I was 18. I lived with my uncle in Melbourne, who was on the job, but for one reason or another, I had a reason not to do it.
“Then one day at the age of 42, I decided it was now or never.”
Constable Sproule said although she thought she may not get far through the application process, she applied.
“It was a bit of a challenge, but I just kept proceeding and passing and now I’m here,” she said.
“I was in Melbourne for eight months of training all up, I came home every Friday night for the weekend. My husband did a great job with all the kids, he kept the ship running.”
When she applied, Constable Sproule agreed to return to Horsham on a direct start program, which allowed her to remain in her hometown while bolstering staff numbers.
“It’s good working here, they are great people to work with, and it’s under two minutes’ drive to work,” she said.
“Joining at an older age means you have life experience. You have already been through a lot of things in your own life, which helps when you’re dealing with different members of the public.”
Constable Dunmore finished school in 2015 and worked in sports administration before joining the police in February last year.
Tuesday, July 1
Careers with Smallaire
Smallaire is holding an interactive site at the Western Victoria Careers Expo where you can have a go at welding for yourself.
Get hands on experience with the help of a professional team that works with clients across Australia and oversees, including the United States, Russia, Holland, South Africa and more
“I had some friends who were going through the training and they asked me if had I considered joining, which I hadn’t,” she said.
“I put in my application just to see what would happen. I knew that the application time was a little bit lengthy; it took me nine months to get in.
“I just did the application and hoped for the best. I’m pretty happy with the decision I made, I love my job now.”
Joining at 26, Constable Dunmore said her life experience contributed to her capacity to assist people in her work life.
“I think it’s good to get life experience,” she said.
“It probably depends on what you’ve done. I did a lot of travelling overseas, which gives you a bit of a cultural advantage in understanding the diversity that you’re going to be dealing with, like conflict management and things like that –even experience in retail jobs will help.”
Originally from Ararat, Constable Dunmore nominated to work at Horsham, giving her exemption from the ballot that could have placed her anywhere in the state.
“I came here off my own bat just to learn country policing – and it was a good decision,” she said.
Constable Munn, now aged 41, has been policing for about four years.
He said when he applied, the timing to join the force was right.
“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, so in the end I just decided to do it,” he said.
“I was working at the cinema and wanted a change of pace, and I just flowed through the process of applying, but it took about 14 months.”
Growing up in Horsham, Constable Munn said returning to his hometown has had its advantages.
“It’s been an advantage to know the streets, some of the people, and where everything is,” he said.
People can find more information on Victoria Police career options, pre-requisites and position descriptions at www.police.vic.gov.au/policeofficer-careers.
“I’m fully-qualified in metal fabrication with Smallaire. Smallaire offers a great environment with a nice wide variety of work to do everyday... you learn a lot of different skills. By the time you get to tradeschool, Smallaire have already taught you a lot of the skills you need to know, so school is a breeze.”
He is now an OH&S Officer and Metal Fabricator Supervisor
Grant Dumesny was an award-winning apprentice of the year in 2014. He left after his apprenticeship to try other elds of welding and now has returned to Smallaire as he enjoys working for us so much.
Jock Baker, left, has worked for Smallaire for more than 30 years. He began work in the factory, became a supervisor, completed his metal fab apprenticeship with us as an adult, and has since become the general manager of Smallaire. He is also a shareholder.
Smallaire lets you gain optimum experience and allows staff to grow.
We offer mature-age and school-based apprenticeships.
Josh Leith
SATISFIED: Horsham police constables Chloe Dunmore, Russell Munn and Lisa Sproule have made the right decision when it comes to their career. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Archie Wimmera Lutheran College
sports science related.
Elke Sparke St Brigid’s College
to do with business, like law.
Wimmera students share their career aspirations
Exhibitor List
EAST GRAMPIANS HEALTH SERVICE
Tuesday, July 1
Wimmera
East Grampians Health Service’s apprentice carpenter, Arie Cavanagh, is revelling in the opportunities provided by the position and the skills she is learning on the job.
Arie commenced a Certi cate III in Carpentry at Federation TAFE in 2023. It is a four-year apprenticeship that involves on-the-job training, in line with attending trade-school at Federation TAFE in Ballarat for up to three weeks of each year.
At trade-school, Arie focuses on the skills she is less exposed to when working on-the-job at EGHS.
Arie is mentored by EGHS’ quali ed carpenter, Ashley Leggett, who followed this same career path at EGHS from a young age.
“Ash challenges me to take on new things and to deepen my thinking about certain tasks,” Arie said.
EGHS training and development manager Claire Sladdin said EGHS o ers a range of non-clinical industry career paths.
“We are delighted to promote these with positive stories like Arie’s,” Ms Sladdin said.
Arie describes not being able to sit-still at school, so an apprenticeship in a trade such as carpentry was the perfect opportunity for her to engage in ‘hands-on’ learning.
“I have learnt so much and enjoy everything about my job. From the renovations happening
at EGHS to providing home care modi cations such as building ramps and steps for elderly people in our community, I really like the variety it o ers,” Arie said.
Arie is most proud of a recent large renovation of o ce spaces completed at EGHS. This is where she has developed a range of carpentry skills that now feel like second nature. Re-using materials as part of this build is something Arie found rewarding and satisfying, especially when it was successfully achieved.
“EGHS is thrilled to o er young people like Arie the opportunity to work in a non-clinical eld of work within the health service,” Ms Sladdin said.
“Arie feels as though she is a valued member of the maintenance team. This strengthens our investment in members of our community and showcases how EGHS continues to ‘grow our own’.
Arie is an excellent ambassador for EGHS and for other young people to consider nonclinical positions/trades within a health service environment.
Seasonal roles open
Peopleinterested in the environment and working outdoors, supported by a great group of people, should consider applying to be a seasonal firefighter with Forest Fire Management Victoria.
The seasonal roles are an opportunity to learn new skills and gain qualifications during the summer, and are a great start to a gap year, or the first steps in a career change.
The seasonal crew in the Wimmera comes from diverse backgrounds – First Nations people connecting with Country, people with children, students straight out of secondary school, or people looking for a change of scenery from an office to the great outdoors.
In the Wimmera, seasonal firefighters are based at Horsham, Edenhope, Halls Gap, Wail and Cavendish.
The focus varies during the season from work in state forests and parks to bushfire response.
During the 2024-2025 season, bushfire response was the priority in the Wimmera, with
large fires in the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks.
Jacob Glare has been based in Horsham for the past two seasons, and said he liked working outdoors.
“I was told this was the job to start off with and see where it led from there,” he said.
“I’ve just loved it since my first year.”
Tegan Lowe has experience across different parts of the state, and was based in Horsham throughout the past season.
“The job title and the role brings you in, but it’s the crew that makes you stay,” she said.
“I love working as part of the team.”
Applications for Forest Fire Management Victoria, FFMVic, seasonal roles as a seasonal forest and fire operations officer are open from July 3 to 27 and can be completed online at jobs.careers. vic.gov.au/pff.
People can register interest and receive updates when applications open at www.ffm.vic.gov.au/ who-we-are/firefighting-and-employment.
SUMMER WORK: Forest Fire Management Victoria’s seasonal firefighters Alex, Joffa, Tegan, Rhyce and Ben enjoy working outdoors in a team environment.
Tuesday, July 1
Showcasing careers in the media
Horsham-based staff at ACE Radio’s MIXX FM, 3WM and The Weekly Advertiser will be available at the careers expo to promote career opportunities in the media industry.
ACE Radio, owned by Rowly and Judy Paterson, of Willaura, was formed in 1984 and has grown over the years to include 21 radio stations, The Weekly Advertiser newspaper, ACE Digital, and ACE Direct Sales, employing more than 200 people across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
ACE Radio also accepts work experience students to see for themselves how commercial radio and regional newspaper works, and learn first-hand from staff.
MIXX FM announcers Hugh Dougherty and Kayla Wilson will broadcast on-site at Wimmera Events Centre between 10am and 2pm on July 1, allowing the public to see the infectious energy they bring to the airwaves each weekday.
Other ACE Radio team members, across radio, print and digital, will also be in attendance to share their experiences of working in a wide range of media roles.
ACE Radio 3WM and MIXX FM content director Anthony Thompson said the expo was an ideal opportunity for people to gain an insight into the many and varied opportunities in media and entertainment, which could start with one of ACE Radio’s regional stations.
Mr Thompson said radio offered a significant diversity of roles that were vital to delivering entertaining and engaging content on-air and online.
“We utilise a vast skill set across our team, from planning, sales and scheduling to design, audio production and videography even before we get to onair presentation including announcing and broadcast journalism,” he said.
“We work as a team to ensure that our skills and passions combine to entertain and inform listeners and support local businesses.
“Especially in a time where there are
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With a strong sense of community, lifelong friendships and support every step of the way, Lincoln is where futures are shaped.
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so many options for people to get their information and entertainment, we are driven to reward our listeners with the best possible product we can provide.”
Mr Thompson said MIXX FM broadcasting live from the careers expo was always a highlight.
“We’ve had so many great people show a real interest at the past careers expos, and we get genuinely excited that we can offer that first experience and a possible pathway for more local people to begin their journey in forging long and successful careers in the media,” he said.
Find your place at
The Weekly Advertiser editorial director Lauren Henry encouraged those interested in a media career to speak to ACE Radio staff.
“We offer so many different roles, in Horsham and across our network, and our company values employing local people, so it’s a great way to get your foot in the door and open up a career in the media,” she said.
The Weekly Advertiser’s editorial team includes editors, journalists and photographers – all roles that work across both print, digital and social media.
“We have a great team of experienced professionals, including our production staff who excel in graphic design skills and work with our account managers to create compelling advertisements for our clients,” she said.
“Our photographer and journalists get to go out of the office to cover stories across our region, reporting the news to our wider region, and our editor and sub-editor work together to present the polished version through our print edition and online.”
Ms Henry said a variety of different skills and personality types could be used in the varying media roles.
“It all starts with finding stories, so having a connection to the local community can be advantageous, but you also pick up skills on the job to expand your networks and contacts,” she said.
“Being a journalist or a photographer is a fun career – you learn so much every day, meet people you never thought you would, and if you choose to do so, can work across various mediums to present your stories.”
Ms Henry said newspapers had evolved in her 20-plus year career, and had adapted to expand its audience by creating digital content as well.
“The Weekly Advertiser is a strong regional newspaper with a bright future,” she said.
“Media outlets play an important role in presenting people’s opinions, creating discussion about key topics in our region, and advocating to government.”
We’ll be at the Wimmera Career’s Expo, come see us!
Lincoln College
ON AIR: MIXX FM announcers Kayla Wilson, pictured, and Hugh Dougherty will broadcast on-site at Wimmera Events Centre between 10am and 2pm on July 1, allowing the public to see the infectious energy they bring to the airwaves each weekday.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
READY TO ASSIST: The Skillinvest team will be on hand to assist with all things apprenticeships, traineeships, and labour hire.
Drop into a trade
Students nearing the end of their secondary school journey can find assistance with Skillinvest, which will host an apprentice drop-in centre at the Western Victorian Careers Expo.
Skillinvest is a leading provider of apprenticeships, traineeships, labour hire, and training that offers a comprehensive range of options designed to support jobseekers through the early stages of their career journey.
At this year’s expo, Skillinvest, with almost 40 years of experience, is shining a light on career pathways for school leavers, showcasing how apprenticeships and traineeships offer a practical, hands-on pathway to gaining qualifications, workplace experience, and financial independence.
The drop-in centre is a dedicated space where students can discuss their options directly with a Skillinvest apprenticeship consultant.
Students can ask questions and gain clarity on how apprenticeships or traineeships can help them build a strong foundation for their future.
Students can also register their details with Skillinvest for further support.
Skillinvest general manager of operations Glen Pohlner said Skillinvest played a crucial role in supporting apprentices and trainees throughout their journey.
“Skillinvest helps individuals secure placements, provides training opportunities, and ensures people gain valuable on-the-job experience, all while offering ongoing support,” he said.
“Apprenticeships and traineeships are excellent alternatives to university, enabling students to develop industry-specific skills while gaining financial independence ahead of their university peers.”
A Skillinvest member will also be on a question-and-answer panel during a vocational pathways information session to answer all queries about apprenticeships and traineeships.
For younger students, Skillinvest will also be involved in the VET Try-A-Trade area, a handson space located in the Alan Heard Pavilion, where students can explore VET learning opportunities in fields such as automotive, building and construction, agriculture, and equine.
For more information, people can visit skillinvest.com.au or call 1300 135 008.
Pictured are, from left, Kim Adams, Daryl Eastwell, and Brendan Schier.
Akeisha laying foundations
I
n just a few short weeks, Akeisha Mackley has made a confident start in her role as a water services operator with GWMWater in Horsham.
As a young woman entering an operational field traditionally dominated by men, she brings both enthusiasm and determination to the job – qualities that were inspired by her father Paul’s long-standing career in the industry.
Growing up in Horsham, Akeisha always had a broad range of opportunities available to her.
However, choosing a career wasn’t always clear-cut.
“I never knew what I wanted to do when I was younger,” she said.
“I just knew I couldn’t sit down all day, every day, at a desk.”
It wasn’t until she began Structured Workplace Learning, SWL, through Horsham College that she realised water operations might be her calling.
As part of SWL, she worked at GWMWater every Tuesday in her final year of school, gaining handson experience in the field.
“I loved coming in and not knowing what was planned for the day. It really helped me make the choice for my future and career,” she said.
Akeisha’s father, a rural team leader with GWMWater, played a significant role in shaping her career aspirations.
“He always came home covered in mud, unless he was training,” she said.
“Hearing all the stories he’d tell my mum intrigued me even more.”
Even childhood drives past water leaks her father had repaired left an impression.
“It amazed me how he did his job,”
Akeisha said.
Now, just weeks into her new position, Akeisha is fully embracing the challenges of the role.
“My first few weeks were constant – there was always something to do,” she said.
“The boys in the yard have been really welcoming.
“They talk me through everything they do, so I have a perfect understanding of what’s expected.”
Akeisha quickly learned that no two days in water operations are ever the same.
While scheduled inspections take place regularly, urgent leaks and repairs often change the daily plan.
Adaptability is key, and Akeisha thrives on the unpredictable nature of the work.
Historically, operational roles have been filled mostly by men, but Akeisha said she was not fazed by this.
“I knew what to expect stepping into this field, but that didn’t change my mind. If you’re passionate about something, you should go for it,” she said.
Akeisha is optimistic about more young women entering the industry.
“Everything is evolving, and more women are finding jobs outside,” she said.
“It can be challenging to find some-
where you fit in, but I got lucky with the staff I’m surrounded by.”
For young women considering careers in trades or operations, her advice is clear: “Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. You’re as strong as you make yourself out to be. Anything is possible if you really want it to be.”
As she looks to the future, Akeisha hopes to secure a permanent position with GWMWater following her traineeship.
“It’s something I’m really passionate about, and I can definitely see myself continuing in this career,” she said.
Akeisha’s journey is just beginning, but if the past few weeks are anything to go by, she’s already proving that water operations are no longer a male-only domain.
With her passion and drive, she is helping pave the way for the next generation of women in the field.
SAME PATH: Akeisha Mackley and her father Paul both work at GWMWater.
Career aspirations
Alan Kuriakose St Brigid’s College I’d like to be a physio.
Jessica Nhill College I would like to either do a hairdressing course or a beauty therapy course at TAFE when I finish school, but may take a gap year first.
The Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project
We are planning a 42-year operation near Minyip that will create longterm, meaningful careers for local people and benefit the Wimmera
• Interesting & varied work in a critical new sector
• Local employment in a residential-based operation
• Monday-Friday schedules for most positions
• Training & development pathways
• Competitive salaries & conditions
www.thedonaldproject.com.au careers@thedonaldproject.com.au 03 5385 7088 23 Church St, Minyip VIC 3392
www.thedonaldproject.com.au
• Mining
• Production
• Maintenance & engineering
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Tuesday, July 1
Wimmera Events Centre,
The sky’s the limit At home with DMS
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Horsham
McDonald’s restaurant managers Madison Churchill and Leah Graham both started after-school jobs with the fast food chain at the age of 15, and are now preparing to travel to Prague in the Czech Republic for a restaurant managers’ convention.
While both are now 23 and continue to advance their careers, neither one originally thought their part-time jobs would give them career pathways.
Ms Graham, who started at Mildura, said she enjoyed the challenge of the work.
“Being a 15 or 16-year-old trying to run the drive-through, trying to make things work and make things move, was a really good challenge,” she said.
“I was always interested in being a leader, I’ve always had that aspect within myself.
“It was one Friday night my former licensee asked if I wanted to do management, and although I was moving to Horsham, I realised I actually wanted to do it.
“The work can be repetitive, but there is also a new challenge every day to keep us on our toes.”
From Stawell, Ms Churchill said she finished high school at the age of 17 and was set to continue at McDonald’s until she ‘decided what she wanted to do’.
She was promoted to restaurant
T
hey say life is a beach. It was for seasoned community engagement professional Sue Horn – before she traded the Gold Coast for Minyip.
A former Qantas flight attendant who has travelled the world, Ms Horn embraces change.
But this corner of the Wimmera was new territory.
From the moment she arrived at Donald Mineral Sands’ Minyip office last October as senior community engagement lead, she felt right at home.
“I knew within days these were my kind of people,” she said.
“The DMS team is so supportive, and the broader community has this genuine spirit. Even when people disagree, there’s real respect for each other.”
Ms Horn has since bought a home in Murtoa and settled in.
community views, but believed in the long-term benefits it promised.
HEADING ABROAD: Horsham McDonald’s managers Madison Churchill and Leah Graham are heading to Prague to network with other managers, celebrate award-winners and learn about next year’s new and upcoming promotions.
manager while at Stawell, has already attended overseas trainings – finding the US has ‘huge sizes and the best cookies ever’ – and has her eyes set on further career advances.
“I want to try to get into head office, but at the moment I am just taking this challenge with Horsham, and I’ll go from there,” she said.
Ms Graham said McDonald’s offered a range of career opportunities, from customer service to management, finance, law, and real estate, and gave young people a good start
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
in their work lives. “We’ve got a lot of juniors who come up, they’ve never had a job before, and they learn a lot of things like serving customers, dealing with stressful situations, changing things fast, angry customers – there’s a whole layer,” she said.
“I will be at the expo with some activities people can try – there will be a cheeseburger-wrapping challenge and some freebies, so come by and see me.”
“The Gold Coast was beautiful, but this feels like home in a way I never expected,” she said.
“I’m discovering new things about the community every day.”
With deep experience in complex engagement environments, including coal seam gas and infrastructure projects, Ms Horn is steady and empathetic.
She said she knew people did not earn trust overnight.
“Trust is built one conversation at a time – it’s about listening first, understanding real concerns, and being clear about what we’re planning,” she said.
Ms Horn, along with all the DMS staff who have worked in the Minyip office since it first opened in 2004, understand the project generated mixed
“We’re not here to convince anyone of anything,” she said.
“We’re here to listen, provide accurate, quality information, and be part of this community for the long haul.”
People can visit the DMS team at the careers expo stall next month to learn more about DMS’s Donald Project and employment opportunities.
DMS is developing the Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project, currently awaiting State Government work plan approval.
Together with its contractors, DMS will recruit across a range of disciplines. DMS has maintained a local presence in Minyip, since 2004. Find out more at www.thedonaldproject. com.au.
DMS senior community engagement lead Sue Horn
