STAFF

International Women’s Day Women of WorkPac Stories – Lis Kelemete

BY: Tracey Mesken03/03/2020

​What is your name, job title and duration of time with WorkPac?Lis Kelemete – Business Centre Manager Townsville – 10 years in July. Tell us about yourself – Who is ‘Lis Kelemete’? I’m of proud Polynesian descent and my parents migrated from Western Samoa to Mt Isa Qld in the early 70s.  Born in Mt Isa, we moved to rural Clermont in Central Queensland when I was 3 and lived there for 16 years.  Went to an all-girls boarding school in Yeppoon, University in Mackay for 2.5 years before settling in Townsville where I have been for 17 years. I am happily married with 3 children (aged 10/12/14) who have taught me so many lessons that I’ve been able to use in my everyday life. The most important lesson being a mother has taught me?  How to make the horse drink the water!When I’m not at work or in denial about having a social life, I’m at home enjoying family life, attempting to keep fit and play Women's Grid Iron.  I love RnB and listening to podcasts on personal development and currently listening to the ‘The Leadership Dojo’. Tell us about your role as a Business Centre Manager. What does a typical day look like in your role?  I always start my mornings off with a morning update/email to my team covering off clear team goals, the days agenda of outstanding vacancies and open the floor for any questions or follow-up the team may have for me and the day naturally rolls on from there. I often like to share motivational and inspirational quotes with my morning updates/emails because I’m an avid believer in the power of ‘Language’ because there is power in the words themselves. One quote could be someone's life mantra or change to someone's day to remind them of their abilities!As a leader; you’re only as strong as your team and as a result, when you get the internal culture right, and you empower them forward; the result will always be a success. Take us on a journey through your career. How did you end up on this path and how did you get to where you are today?Before I entered recruitment, I came from a fashion retail background in management where I had been since I was 19 whilst studying. Being in a position of management, I discovered quickly that I enjoyed recruiting and headhunting people to complete my staff. So I started to look at recruitment vacancies, and it unfolded from there.I entered WorkPac as a Recruitment Coordinator in late 2009 and it was a trajectory of work projects throughout my career that really gave me the opportunity to demonstrate my skill set, strengths and leadership.This inevitably enabled a positive but diligent progression over 7 years from a recruiter to an Account Manager, to a Business Development Manager and now Business Centre Manager. I continue to love what I do for a brand and company that I wholeheartedly believe in.I love the competitive aspect of recruiting and selling.  Every role presents its own unique set of challenges – you determine the outcome. What do you enjoy most about your career/current role? What drives you and keeps you coming into work every day?  The variability of my job is what gets me up in the morning.  Each day presents unique challenges, and I am driven by the ownership and absolute autonomy WorkPac give me on my responsibilities.  No day is the same, recruitment is always changing and evolving so for me; every day is an adventure! Tell us about some of your most memorable career highlights and achievements. Being awarded 2018 Business Centre Manager of the year – Receiving National recognition amongst fellow high achievers was a pinnacle point of my career and the silver lining to an exciting but nail-biting rollercoaster journey.2019 - Our Townsville Business Centre & my team were the inaugural champions of ‘Social responsibility’ within the WorkPac business.I think the importance of giving to others creates so much meaning to life and that meaning never comes from what you get, it comes from what you give.  It’s not what you can do for yourself; it’s about how we can better the lives of others particularly those in our direct community that we know or we get to know.  It creates a ripple effect and our team continue to exemplify this well within our community engagement. What do you like most about being part of the WorkPac family? What makes WorkPac a great place to work?I thrive on effective collaboration and communication and WorkPac conductively provides this. I work in a great collaborative environment and there is a genuine spirit of cooperation and shared goals from my team and our North Qld region that all revolve around helping each other and chasing our common goals. We support each other and work together to create feedback and make our ideas a reality. How has WorkPac enabled you to grow?My journey with WorkPac has taught me never to second guess my capabilities.  Don’t hold back because your strengths will add value to any situation. What are some barriers you’ve faced in your career and/or life, and how did you overcome them? Making the tough decision to job-swap with my husband to focus on building a career whilst ensuring our children still had one of us caring for them around the clock.  This was inevitably my husband for 8 years!..….Hats off to stay-at-home dads!As the sole breadwinner for our family; I entered the recruitment industry in Mackay working for a different recruitment agency in the middle of the GFC and was paid monthly whilst still actively breastfeeding!  My toilet breaks were pumping any excess milk to store and freeze for my son.  My role was 360/end-to-end recruiting and it was important for me to show I was 100% committed so I ensured I was always the first person at work and the last one to leave.Without my husband's unconditional support for my career and equality; I wouldn’t have the current career satisfaction that I do today. Based on your experience, what advice would you give other women looking to pursue a successful and fulfilling career? That when opportunities arise; your default response should be “YES”.  Sometimes things may not work out but if you are always being open to ideas and opportunities; this can only lead to progress. Can you name a woman that has been a mentor or inspiration to you? Why?The most influential woman in my life goes without saying, and that is my mum.  She has always taught me to work hard but most of all; just to be a good human being BUT never ever forget to laugh and have fun. As a child; she sacrificed so much for my siblings and I; working numerous jobs round the clock whilst still managing to support us all through all our sporting and extracurricular activities all because she wanted us to learn teamwork; make friends and have a fun childhood. I can always count on her to make me genuinely laugh (or, in other cases, to laugh at!) What is your favourite quote?“Leadership isn’t about taking people where they want to go; it's about taking people where they need to go. And there’s a difference”~ Tony Harrington What does success mean to you? Success to me is having faith in your abilities and appreciating ALL the baby steps it takes to make a leap forward.  I believe in courage, perseverance and laughter in being the creator of your own success – because if you love what you do and do what you love – the by-product is success! Align yourself with co-dreamers; people who understand and support your dreams and aspirations. Could you share a reference or link to an inspiring book, movie, blog or video you enjoy that you think would inspire other women?What it takes to be a great leader  - by Rosalind Torres - Ted Talks What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in your career and/or life? Embrace error or ‘fail forward fast’; don’t dwell on your mistakes but learn from them (and don’t make the same one again) What are you looking to achieve next in your career and/or life?Ultimately, I’ve grown so much in my WorkPac career in the last 9.5 years and my aim is to always strive for continued growth and opportunities where I can build on my success in the business. What does International Women’s Day mean to you?International Women's day is a testament to the women we know, love and aspire to be.  I aspire to be the person my daughter looks up to; that she may never be afraid to be a ‘game-changer’ and be fearless in all her pursuits. This year's theme is #eachforequal.Please share your thoughts on how each of us can help move the world towards a more equal world for women (in business and in life)? I believe its important to create an inclusive and dynamic environment in all aspects of life whether it be in the workplace, school/college, sports, whatever the organisation or group; it has to be ensured that everyone has got an equal opportunity to succeed.  And this starts with you. International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th of March every year. Click here to learn more about International Women’s Day. 

WorkPac Water Drive for Granite Belt Drought Assist

BY: Tracey Mesken18/10/2019

​Across Queensland, those in regional areas are doing it tough. Years of drought have left many farmers under serious strain, not able to make ends meet as they struggle to feed their animals, maintain their crops, and even care for themselves and their families.The Granite Belt is one of the regions that has been hit hard by the drought. It is also a region that makes a strong contribution to the wider state, providing a diverse range of produce, and bringing in tourists through their wineries and various festivals and events. As tanks in the region have dried up many have now turned to using bore water, with the water supplies that are left set to run out by Christmas.The credit team at the WorkPac Service centre recognised an opportunity to help those in our state doing it tough, by supporting the Granite Belt Drought Assist. The movement was started by locals to support those who need it most, particularly the smaller producers not eligible for government assistance.To support the cause, the team organised a water drive, encouraging water donations from staff in the business. Thanks to those at our Service Centre and our Business Centres in Brisbane North, Brisbane South and the Sunshine Coast, they were able to collect 1800 litres for donation.The team dropped off four ute loads of water yesterday to a warehouse in Rocklea, where it will then be transported to the Granite Belt region on October 26th.Organiser of the Let’s Send Them A Truck Load initiative, Rachael Eddy explained that this is the second water convoy they have organised.She said “We have nine trucks already filled and we are hoping to be able to fill 10 truck loads in total. This will equate to 200,000 litres of water for people whose tanks are dry.She explained “The Granite Belt Drought Assist team distributes the water to registered member of the public.” They prioritised the distribution of water to those without town water, to families with children and the elderly.”“Our farmers and farming families, our regional friends in the west don’t give up and neither can we.”“This drought isn’t going to break with the next rain, unfortunately it will take some decent rain to do any good."“But not being able to have a shower, have clean water to drink, brush your teeth or mix your babies formula is something no Australian should be faced with.”We encourage anyone who can to get involved, whether it’s through a monetary donation or a water donation. If you are in Brisbane get it touch with Rachael Eddy via the Let’s Send Them A Truck Load – WATER Convoy Facebook Page. You can learn more about the Granite Belt Drought Assist team on their website. 

Where can a career with WorkPac take you? James reflects on his 10 year career journey

BY: Tracey Mesken14/10/2019

​From Recruitment Coordinator to Business Centre ManagerJames’ journey with WorkPac over the last 10 years has not only led him to several job roles, but to locations across the country. He first started with the business in 2009 as a recruitment coordinator at our Adelaide Business Centre, before quickly moving on to a recruiter role in Roxby Downs. He excelled in the role and was promoted to Roxby Downs recruitment coordinator team leader in 2011. During this time James was able to really see the value he could offer to the community through his work.“One of the times I felt like we were able to make a real difference in some of our employee’s lives was being involved in the prisoner release program in Roxby Downs. To see the gratitude of the participants who were able to reintegrate back into society with a consistent work roster, routine as well as social life and get a chance for a new start after some of their mistakes from the past was really rewarding. Without this opportunity the reintegration into society would have been far more difficult.”In 2012 James was offered a role as Business Centre Manager of our Tom Price Business Centre, located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. He took a leap of faith and made the move from South Australia to Western Australia, where he stayed for three years and drove the Business Centre to new levels of success, something he accredits to a consistent approach.“I think the biggest contributor to the success of the business centre was consistency. This was not only about consistency in our delivery and accessibility to clients and staff, but most importantly consistency of our team. We built a fantastic team in Tom Price with a culture of hard work, fun and recognition. I remember there was even one year when every person in the business centre got nominated for a Dudley award (WorkPac’s annual internal awards). That same team and culture also saw the business double in revenue two years in a row”.From Business Centre Manager to Operations ManagerDespite his success in the Business Centre Manager role, a chance encounter with his future wife while visiting his home state led James back to Adelaide in 2015, where he took a role as Business Development Manager“I moved to Tom Price as a young single guy but 18 months in that role while I was back home in South Australia, I met my beautiful future wife Gabrielle. We did the long-distance thing for 18 months before that began to wear thin, prompting my working journey to go full circle and land me back in Adelaide. We have now been married for 3 years and have recently welcomed a baby boy Alby Thomas! One of the great things about the WorkPac business is that there are often opportunities available across the country, providing work options as things change in our personal lives”.The business recognised James’ strong leadership abilities, and in 2015 he was promoted to operations manager, where he has helped lead our Business Development Managers to success.“Since moving into the Operations Manager role I have had the most satisfaction from the feedback across our team on the establishment of the peer support community for our BDM’s. Any role within sales is always going to be tough and often quite a lonely role. Since forming this community group and creating a forum for connecting our people, who were previously quite siloed, our team now share more experiences, challenges, and learnings with each other and most importantly support each other in their roles and share laughs and banter”.Leading ChangeOn top of his day to day work, James has also led the charge on several initiatives that have changed the way we do business over the last 10 years.Change through TechnologyAfter a need arose from the business for better tools for our Business Development Managers to work while travelling, James worked with our head of ICT to come up with the idea of ChilliMate.“Mark and I (Head of ICT) had been spending time together working on a number of things in the ICT space, when he pointed out we had been investing a lot of tech into the recruitment side of the business, but not the sales side. After spending time in the field with our sales team, we decided to create a tool that would allow our sales people to have better mobile access to client data and visibility of all client prospects while out on the road. From that idea, Chillimate was born”Working as a map of WorkPac’s clients across Australia, the tool allows our Business Development Managers to see all current and prospective clients in the region so they can use their spare time wisely by getting in touch to build those relationships. ChilliMate has been well received across the organisation, winning the award for innovation at our annual internal awards night, the Dudleys.Change of our CSRAs a large organisation that primarily operates in regional and rural Australia, one of the core values of our business is to give back to the communities in which we operate. But with 40+ business centres across Australia, it was difficult to track what everyone was doing. As an answer to this, James came up with the idea of GiveBack.“The idea for GiveBack came about almost 2 years ago and was in response to two challenges that we were facing at the time. Firstly, we were seeing an increased expectation that we were able to clearly articulate what we were doing from a community engagement perspective with our major clients. Secondly, we had a CSR program in place and our teams were often getting involved with great grass roots initiatives, but we were not good at capturing, sharing and recognising those teams for the great work that they were doing. We wanted to be able to share these activities across the wider business so that we could promote more of our teams to get involved in giving back”.Integrated with the Facebook for Business platform Workplace, Giveback allows everyone from the business to coordinate, submit and share their CSR activities, which are then shared to Workplace for everyone to see.Not only does GiveBack provide a way to track how we’re contributing to our communities, it is also a fun and social way for those within our business to be recognised for supporting local causes. This recognition included a new award category at our annual ‘Dudley Awards’“It is so great to see the WorkPac business pushing towards being an industry leader in the space of community engagement and CSR. The fact that we now recognise our individuals and teams who are champions of giving back, along side the more traditional recognitions such as financial and business performance, is very cool and shows the importance that we place on social responsibility”.Onto the next ten!We’re proud to have been a key part of James’ professional and personal journey over the past 10 years, and we can’t wait to not only see where he goes next, but to see what new ideas he brings to the business in the future.“When I sit down and think back over the journey and to the young (and very green) 21-year-old lad that joined the business those many moons ago, it certainly does put the past 10 years into perspective. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities WorkPac has given me and I am proud of what I have been able to contribute in return. At the risk of being ‘that guy’ – here is to the next 10!”

Sarina Ute Muster Gathers to Raise Awareness of Suicide Prevention

BY: Tracey Mesken03/10/2019

​Over this long weekend from Saturday 5 to Monday 7 October the Sarina Showgrounds will host an action-packed event of driving, bull-riding, A Show and Shine, Aussie FMX displays, live country music concerts, great food, fireworks and activities for the whole family, and there are camping options on site.The idea was hatched by Peter Zigmantas and his wife Diane, combining their love of motorsport and events with Ziggy's drive to make a difference in his local community.The event’s nominated charity for 2019 is Grapevine Group.Some years ago, Ziggy trained with the Grapevine group in responding to suicide and supporting people impacted or at risk, after the loss of his brother.Ziggy is one of 5458 people trained by the Grapevine group to provide support to his various and extensive networks including Army veterans, in his role as WorkPac Regional Risk manager, and across family and friends.The major motoring event this weekend will bring people together from the local community to promote awareness and education for suicide prevention.Ziggy’s national company WorkPac has got behind sponsoring the event to help share its message widely.Managing Director, Mr. Praanesh Prasad said suicide prevention is a hugely important issue for every Australian community and WorkPac is committed to supporting mental health programs within the company and beyond it.“Ziggy is our Regional Risk Manager and he really walks the talk; he and his wife Di have supported the great work done by the Grapevine group in the Mackay community for years, raising money and awareness, and working tirelessly behind the scenes to pull together this impressive event – it is inspiring for us all,” he said.More information:https://sarinautemuster.com/https://www.facebook.com/SarinaUteMuster2019/http://www.grapevinegroup.org.au/