This is the final episode of the season, and I’m joined by my friend and former colleague, Caitlin Hobbs; a safety and risk professional who is leading the way in how our industry approaches psychosocial safety on site.
Caitlin and I started our mining careers together as graduates in Mount Isa — me in geology, her as a safety advisor — and it’s been amazing to watch her continue to level up and now be nationally recognised for her work in mental health and safety. She’s even been invited to speak at a major psychosocial risk management conference later this year, which is such a huge milestone and so well deserved.
I wanted to have Caitlin on the podcast because she brings the safety perspective on how psychosocial risk is actually managed on site- something I was still curious about after last week’s episode with Erica, our HR rep. If you haven’t listened to that one yet, I really recommend starting there, this episode is a perfect follow-up to that conversation.
In this episode, we talk about:
🔹 What’s changing now that psychosocial risk is part of safety legislation
🔹 Why burnout isn’t just “stress” - and how to call it what it is
🔹 What you can actually do - practically and personally, if you or someone you work with is struggling
🔹 How safety and HR can work together and what’s still missing
These last two episodes have felt like I’ve been mining a real knowledge gap. In mining, so much information doesn’t get shared between departments or across site, and that disconnect can leave people unsure, unsupported, or feeling like they’re the only one going through something.
I wanted these episodes to be something you could come back to, or something you could share with someone who might need it, just as much for you as they are for me. It’s hard watching friends or colleagues go through something tough and not knowing what advice or information might actually help.
🛑 Content note:
We do talk about suicide in this episode in the context of workplace mental health. Please take care while listening, and if you or someone you know needs support, here are some places you can reach out to:
Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au
EAP (Employee Assistance Program): Employees often receive information about the EAP during onboarding or through their company's intranet. Alternatively, they can contact HR directly or find EAP details on internal portals.
Department of Mines:
QLD - Resources Safety & Health Queensland
1300 581 077
psychosocial@rshq.qld.gov.au.
WA - Work Safe
1300 307 877
wscallcentre@demirs.wa.gov.au
NSW - Resources Regulator
1300 814 609
cau@regional.nsw.gov.au
SA - Safe Work SA
1300 365 255
Fill out Workplace Concern Form online - https://forms.sa.gov.au/#/form/64bf315d1315d7fbdc4be2fa/app/684696e79717af890c29f7a0
VIC - WorkSafe Victoria
1800 136 089
NT - WorkSafe
1800 019 115
Free Legal Advice:
WA
Legal Aid WA
Circle Green Community Legal
QLD
Legal Aid Queensland
SA
Legal Services Commission for South Australia
NSW
LawAccess NSW
VIC
Victoria Legal Aid
Victorian Mining Warden
NT
Legal Aid NT
Thanks so much for listening to this season of Mining the Gap. I’ve absolutely loved having these conversations, and I want to say a big thank you to all of my amazing guests — Louise, Richard, Hayley, Tegan, Kym, Brooke, Erica, and Caitlin. You’ve each brought so much insight, honesty, and heart to this season, and I’m really proud of what we’ve created together.
I’m not quite sure what’s next, but I’m excited to find out. So for now, this is bye from me, and I’ll see you soon.
In this conversation, we discuss the complexities of HR, particularly in the context of workplace safety and the challenges faced by employees when navigating HR systems. We explore the emotional toll of workplace issues, the importance of documentation, and the need for effective reporting mechanisms. Erica shares her personal experiences and insights on how to empower oneself in a broken system, emphasising the importance of support networks and the role of psychosocial safety in the workplace.
Takeaways
Erica's Advice
Fair Work Ombudsman
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/call-us
Department of Mines:
QLD - Resources Safety & Health Queensland
1300 581 077
psychosocial@rshq.qld.gov.au.
WA - Work Safe
1300 307 877
wscallcentre@demirs.wa.gov.au
NSW - Resources Regulator
1300 814 609
cau@regional.nsw.gov.au
SA - Safe Work SA
1300 365 255
Fill out Workplace Concern Form online - https://forms.sa.gov.au/#/form/64bf315d1315d7fbdc4be2fa/app/684696e79717af890c29f7a0
VIC - WorkSafe Victoria
1800 136 089
NT - WorkSafe
1800 019 115
Free Legal Advice:
WA
Legal Aid WA
Circle Green Community Legal
QLD
Legal Aid Queensland
SA
Legal Services Commission for South Australia
NSW
LawAccess NSW
VIC
Victoria Legal Aid
Victorian Mining Warden
NT
Legal Aid NT
Whistleblowers: Mining employees can typically find their company's whistleblower hotline through several avenues: their company's website or internal communications, or by contacting their HR department or designated ethics officer. If a specific company's hotline information is not readily available, a search on their website, industry resources, or even through ASIC's reporting form might lead to the correct contact information.
EAP (Employee Assistance Program):Employees often receive information about the EAP during onboarding or through their company's intranet. Alternatively, they can contact HR directly or find EAP details on internal portals.
Additional support and advice is out there, if you need help finding it, please reach out to your professional and personal support networks. Remember, ‘Don’t report it, just move on’ is not advice, it’s a warning that the system is broken. And it’s exactly why we need to speak up.
In this conversation, Tegan shares her journey from a celebrity stylist intern in LA to a successful career in the mining industry, highlighting her experiences and the challenges she faced along the way. She discusses the motivation behind her podcast, which aims to share stories from the mining sector and empower women in the industry. Tegan also reflects on her recent transition to starting a recruitment agency focused on inclusivity and diversity, emphasising the importance of cultural fit in hiring. The discussion concludes with her vision for future events and community engagement, aiming to create a supportive network for women in mining
Takeaways:
Check out Tegan and her Podcast The Mining Mum on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/theminingmum/
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0pG0VpYw4efjNnV6NoQD7r?si=1dc99591e75d414a
In this conversation, Brooke North shares her journey from a young geology enthusiast to a professional in the mining and exploration industry. She discusses the challenges she faced early in her career, her transition to Fleet Space, and the innovative technologies being developed to enhance mineral exploration. The conversation also touches on the importance of client management, the role of AI in geology, and the future of mining in a rapidly changing world. Brooke emphasises the need for education and awareness in the industry, as well as the importance of finding a balance between work and personal life.
Takeaways:
Check Out Fleet Space for more information:
https://www.fleetspace.com/
Flavia Tata Nardini, Fleet Space Co Founder and CEO:
https://www.fleetspace.com/team/flavia-tata-nardini
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DDiRmet5-g&ab_channel=Austmine
In this conversation, Kym O'Leary, founder of COgear, shares her journey of creating a workwear brand that addresses the unique needs of women in the workplace, particularly in industries like mining. She discusses the challenges she faced, the innovative solutions she developed, including the tear-away hem concept, and her vision for empowering women through comfortable and functional workwear. Kym emphasizes the importance of patience, persistence, and building connections in the entrepreneurial journey.
Takeaways
See Kym's website for her full range of workwear!
https://www.cogear.com.au/
Find her on Instagram too:
https://www.instagram.com/cogearau/
In this episode of Mining the Gap, we sit down with the inspiring Hayley Campbell (@sparketcadet), a woman who’s sparking change in the mining industry. With 14 years of experience in various roles across mining, Hayley took a brave leap at 30 after facing redundancy, opting for a complete career change to pursue an electrical apprenticeship.
Hayley shares the highs and lows of her career journey, from overcoming challenges in the mining sector to stepping into the trades and becoming a role model for other women. In a male-dominated industry, Hayley is leading the charge to support women, sharing her experiences as a woman in mining and FIFO, and building a community of like-minded individuals who empower and uplift each other.
This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a reminder that it’s never too late to take a risk and start something new.
Key Takeaways:
• The importance of resilience in the face of setbacks.
• How women in mining can break down barriers by supporting each other.
• Hayley’s perspective on career reinvention and its rewards.
• The role of mindset in making bold career shifts and pursuing your passion.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to change direction in your career or how you can support others in your industry, this episode is for you!
⸻
Follow Hayley: @sparketcadet
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sparketcadet?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@sparket_cadet?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
In this episode of Mining the Gap, Dr. Richard Lilly shares his unique journey from industry to academia, highlighting the importance of bridging the gap between these two worlds through the NEXUS program.
The disconnect between academia and industry is a challenge across many fields, but in mining and exploration, it can mean the difference between developing the next generation of mining professionals—or losing them to other industries. Dr. Richard Lilly has dedicated his career to closing this gap.
A geologist with extensive industry experience, Richard now lectures at the University of Adelaide and is the founder of the National Exploration Undercover School (NExUS), a program designed to equip early-career geoscientists with the skills and knowledge needed to find the ore deposits of the future.
Some questions this episode evokes:
⛏️ Would you halve your own salary to pursue your passion?
⛏️ Did you know, Gen Z’s are expected to have 6 different careers and 18 employers? What can industry do about these statistics?
⛏️ Have you ever thought about your career as a map of the London Underground tube map? Where, you can start anywhere and finish anywhere!?
Resources and Links:
Connect with Dr. Richard Lilly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-lilly-82899475/
Learn more about the NExUS Program: https://set.adelaide.edu.au/nexus/
Being a tradeswoman comes with unique challenges—navigating male-dominated workplaces, dealing with burnout, and finding the right support. In this episode, Louise shares her journey from apprenticeship to coaching, opening up about the realities of workplace dynamics, mental health, and the power of mentorship. She offers practical insights on building confidence, addressing workplace issues, and accessing the right resources to thrive in the industry.
Key Takeaways
✅ Workplace challenges, including burnout and sexism, are real—but so are the solutions.
✅ Coaching, mentorship, and open conversations are key to empowerment.
✅ Mental health and self-care are essential in high-pressure environments.
✅ More resources are needed to support tradeswomen in their careers.
Contact Louise
Instagram: LouiseAzzopardiCoaching
Website: https://louiseazzopardi.com/home-1
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tw.owning.their.power
Welcome to Mining The Gap Podcast! Here we'll dig deep into the gaps that exist within our industries, and chat to those who are working to close them. We have a line up of exciting guests with unique perspectives, who are mining gaps you may have never thought of before. We hope this podcast inspires you to dig deep into the gaps you've noticed, as progress starts with action, and action starts with you.
