Sara, who works at Bengalla Mining Company Pty Limited, was shortlisted in the Exceptional Tradeswoman / Operator/ Technician category.
Sara Spokes’ journey in the mining industry began with a high school mine tour, sparking her fascination with the sector’s scale and machinery. She completed a Certificate III in Surface Extraction through a traineeship with Workpac, winning the “Trainee of the Year Award for Mining” and a high commendation in the NSW Training Awards Hunter Region.
Sara has developed a comprehensive skill set during her five years in mining, gaining proficiency in various heavy machinery and becoming a crucial member of the Bengalla Mines Rescue Team, which she captained to victory in the 2023 Hunter Valley Mines Rescue competition. Sara’s commitment to community involvement is evident in her active participation in local sports and as a trooper in the 12/16 Hunter River Lancers.
Sara initiated a support group for female operators, fostering a collaborative environment for women to grow professionally. She is a Ground First-aid responder for the Muswellbrook Cats AFL team and serves as the Grants Officer on the AFL executive committee.
Sara’s dedication to continuous learning is evident in her plans to undertake Excavator training and progress towards an Open Cut Examiner role.
Congratulations and good luck Sara!