Vicky Pellowe is the founder and director of The FIFO Family Project (TFFP), an independent non-profit organisation providing crucial support for fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) families across Australia's resource sectors. Drawing on her own FIFO career and FIFO family experience, Vicky established TFFP to address the unique challenges these workers and their families face, with a focus on mental health, education and community connection.
In this powerful episode of The Mining Mum, we sit down with Jelena, a leading expert in stress and burnout, to uncover the real cost of living in survival mode—especially for working parents.
Jelena shares science-backed strategies to reduce cortisol levels, practical tips to manage everyday stress, and why "me time" isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for thriving in high-pressure careers. Whether you're juggling deadlines, drop-offs, or demanding rosters, this episode will leave you with tools you can use today to reset your nervous system and reclaim your calm.
Hit play to learn:
✅ Simple daily habits to reduce burnout
✅ The link between cortisol, mood, and energy
✅ Why professional parents need self-care (guilt-free!)
✅ How to create space for mental clarity—even in a busy schedule
This episode is a must-listen for mining professionals, shift workers, and high-achieving parents who want to lead with clarity, not cortisol.
On this weeks episode I chat with Raquel Todd who is not only a boss babe at Blakline - a print, signage and promotional company she is also a proud Traditional Owner from Kariyarra and Banjima Country and a Board Director at First Nation X.
Raquel talks about her career choices prior to starting her business, some of the challenges she has faced and what she has planned for her future.
n this inspiring episode, Krystal Findlay, Production Superintendent at Roy Hill, shares her remarkable career journey in the mining industry. From leaving school early and taking on a school-based traineeship, to her first job at a crane company, Krystal’s story is one of determination, hard work, and a strong sense of family inspiration. She talks about how her father, a lifelong role model, motivated her to pursue a career in mining, and how she’s steadily worked her way up the ranks. Recently nominated for the Women in Resources Awards, Krystal reflects on her journey, her achievements, and the importance of mentorship and resilience in a male-dominated industry.
In this episode of The Mining Mum podcast, we sit down with Brock, a Mining Superintendent with a remarkable journey.
Brock started his career as a plumber but quickly climbed the ranks to become a leader, operations manager, and regional manager at a contracting company before making the leap into the Mining Industry.
Chris Vas is the General Manager of Boom Logistics, West Coast, but his journey to leadership wasn’t conventional—it was built on grit, self-development, and heart. Originally moving to Australia as an international student with dreams of becoming an engineer, Chris quickly faced the financial realities of international education. He pivoted to biomedical science, but life had other plans.
When Chris found out he was going to be a dad, he needed work fast. He landed a job as a fleet controller at a crane company—a far cry from an engineer which he had once envisioned. But it was here, in high-vis and boots on the ground, that Chris started climbing his own version of the corporate ladder.
With relentless dedication, a passion for learning, and a drive to create a better life for his growing family, Chris transformed every challenge into a stepping stone. His leadership style today is grounded in real experience, empathy, and a deep belief that starting at the bottom makes you better at the top.
Amanda Healy is a powerhouse in both the mining and fashion industries. As the CEO of Warrikal, one of Western Australia’s largest Indigenous-owned engineering companies, she’s reshaping the landscape of mining with a strong focus on inclusion, innovation, and cultural pride.
A proud Aboriginal woman, Amanda began her entrepreneurial journey as a single mother, seeking balance and a better future for her family. She built and sold her first company before earning her MBA, where she connected with future business partners who would help elevate her next ventures.
Driven by the lack of authentic Aboriginal representation in fashion, Amanda founded Kirrikin, a luxury fashion label that beautifully weaves Indigenous art and culture into high-end designs. Kirrikin has grown from a passion project into a globally recognised brand, gracing runways at fashion weeks around the world.
From mining sites to catwalks, Amanda Healy is a true trailblazer—an advocate for culture, empowerment, and Indigenous excellence.
In this episode of The Mining Mum Podcast, we sit down with Alana, a powerhouse in the mining, resources, and construction industries, to talk about breaking into FIFO work, building a strong online presence, and handling the inevitable trolls that come with social media success.
Alana shares her no-nonsense advice on securing high-paying jobs, networking effectively, and staying resilient in business. If you’re looking to start a FIFO career or take the leap into entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable strategies, and a whole lot of motivation.
In this episode of The Mining Mum Podcast, I sit down with Becky Felstead, a passionate Wellness Specialist in the mining industry. Becky is a fierce advocate for mental health, sexual assault and harassment prevention, and overall well-being in the sector. Her dedication to making mining a safer and more supportive space has earned her a nomination for the prestigious 2025 Women in Resources Award!
In today’s episode of The Mining Mum Podcast, I’m sitting down with Jamie, an inspiring woman who has truly carved her own path in the mining industry. Jamie grew up in a family with three generations of mining experience, but she was the first in her family to break the mould by pursuing higher education. From a young age, she was determined to create her own future, and that journey took her from university to working as a Finance Manager and later as a Rail Superintendent in the mining world.
Jamie shares her incredible story of balancing the challenges of motherhood with a career in a demanding industry. She talks about the realities of juggling three kids, a husband studying to be an apprentice, and the drive to excel in a traditionally male-dominated field. Along the way, Jamie learned to harness her own "superpower"—a unique skill set she brings to every role she takes on, and how she transformed her leadership abilities, going from managing a small team to overseeing 90 team members.