Meet the women driving the success of Kinetic’s resources operation in Central Queensland

• A passionate team of female leaders are driving the success of Kinetic’s operations in Central Queensland
• Kinetic is Australia’s leading operator of specialist mining and resources bus services including in the Bowen Basin and Gladstone
• Increasing the number of women in leadership helps create a more inclusive workplace and supports Kinetic’s goal of achieving a more gender balanced workforce by 2030.

In her previous life as a tour guide, Kelly Cooper would be up at 3am most mornings to lead groups of up to 25 people on a dazzling Outback adventure through Central Australia.

Driving sometimes 900kms a day, Kelly not only had to deal with all the elements—from bucketing rain to 45 degree heat—but also the different needs of her group. One moment she was a tour guide, the next she was a nurse, or teacher, or even a therapist.

These days, Kelly can be found putting her versatility to good use as manager of Kinetic’s Operation Control Centre (OCC) in Central Queensland, overseeing a network moving thousands of people every day.

It’s a fast-paced, operational role Kelly could have never imagined herself doing back in her days as a tour guide.

“When I started here if someone had told me I’d become OCC manager I’d never believe them,” she laughs. “But I’m lucky to have a great team supporting me.”

Kelly joined Greyhound Resources (now Kinetic Resources) in 2020 as a bus driver and has been on an impressive career trajectory ever since — progressing from Operations Supervisor, to Acting Manager, and now OCC Manager.

Her role involves everything from dealing with breakdowns on the network, to planning for new services or shutdowns to ensure there’s enough buses on the road.

She’s of several women in leadership roles across Central Queensland (CQ) who together are helping drive the success of Kinetic’s specialist mining and resources operation.

‘Diversity has the ability to change the culture for the better’

The CQ team is led by Executive General Manager Marcia Shield, who joined Kinetic last year from BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) with extensive experience handling the business-critical transport needs of the resources sector.

She helps to oversee personnel transportation across the Bowen Basin, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, and Bundaberg as well as Kinetic’s government contracted public bus services in Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg.

As Marcia explains, her role is about building a team with the right group of people that can deliver for Kinetic’s clients, and mentoring an emerging, gender diverse leadership group that shares her passion for supporting the industry.

“Having a full team now makes me incredibly proud, and importantly it’s a really good bunch of people who bring enthusiasm and energy to our operations across CQ,” Marcia says.

“I’ve worked in many male-dominated workforces—at times being the only female in the leadership group—and I know that diversity has the ability to change the culture for the better.”

‘There’s a great sense of community within our team’

There’s a certain symmetry to Stevie Gunn and Kim Prayle’s careers which reflects a shared passion for making a difference in the industry.

Both are managers (Stevie for CQ North and Kim for CQ South), both came from a resources sector background (including experience with BMA), and both started at Kinetic on the very same day back in August last year.

“Our resources operation in south CQ isn’t as big as in the north, but I’m excited to build Kinetic’s brand down here—and it’s great having Stevie to lean on for support,” Kim says.

Stevie was no stranger to Kinetic before coming on board, previously working on the client side managing Kinetic’s contract with BMA. She loves her new role where she’s able to support drivers and build a strong relationship with clients.

“It’s a fantastic environment and there’s an amazing sense of community within our team,” Stevie says. “Recently a driver called me just to check up on how I was doing, which really shows the care we have for each other.”

‘I feel like I’m making a real difference’

While Lisa Enfantie has worked for 17 years in health and safety, her move to the transport industry as HSEQ Manager opened her eyes to the challenges bus drivers face working in some of the most remote parts of Queensland.

Drivers can often spend weeks in mining camps away from their family and loved ones, while navigating driving long distances in challenging conditions. This includes having to deal with a lack of street lights, the presence of local wildlife and limited phone reception.

Lisa says she works closely with the resources team and clients to proactively manage risks and ensure the health and wellbeing of drivers is prioritised at all times.

“Safety is always first and foremost and I’m proud to be part of the team here where wellbeing is paramount, and everyone has a great attitude towards safety. I feel like I’m making a real difference,” Lisa says.

‘Since joining Kinetic, I haven’t looked back’

While their day-to-day roles may be different, the CQ leadership team share a deep passion for getting more women in the transport sector.

Kinetic is targeting gender balance across the business by 2030 and Central Queensland is among Kinetic’s top performing regions, with women now making up 24% of drivers in CQ.

Kelly encourages any woman—whether early in their career or looking for a new adventure—to give the bus industry a crack.

“Being a bus driver is one of the best things you can ever do,” she says.

"And working in our resources business offers an incredible opportunity to see different parts of Australia, connect with some amazing mining crews and form lifelong friendships. Since joining Kinetic, I haven’t looked back.”

Further enquiries
Steve Cadzow
Manager - Media and Communications
0428 127 147
steve.cadzow@wearekinetic.com