We can all agree that sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic is a pain. For Tarryn, it’s a deal-breaker.
She enjoys a smooth 35-minute drive to work every day: it’s her time to unwind, and prepare for the day ahead. That’s just one of the reasons she has happily lived and worked in the South West almost her entire life.
Tarryn’s Dad moved the family down south when she was twelve. It was a big move, but for a good reason: he had just secured a role at the Worsley Refinery.
It became clear to Tarryn almost instantly that this new job wasn’t just about her Dad. South32 was more than a paycheck; they were a community. Through South32’s Social Club, she became acquainted with her new community, attending sundowners and get-togethers and, of course, the iconic Christmas Tree Party.
Fast-forward to adulthood, Tarryn’s career hasn’t exactly been linear. From reception and secretarial jobs to working frontline on mine sites, she was initially hired at the Refinery as an Operator before being recommended for a temporary admin role. Now, after four years, she is Executive Assistant to the Vice President(VP) of South32’s Worsley Refinery.
Her closeness to her community has never wavered after all this time: she is now the president of the very same social club that made her adolescence so enjoyable. Even better, her own daughter now participates in the same events she once did.
As Executive Assistant to the VP, Tarryn spends a lot of time with South32’s senior leaders. But they never make her feel intimidated or lesser. Daily, she collaborates with a team who no matter how experienced treat her as an equal, value her input and support her career progression.
Since working with South32, Tarryn has earned a Certificate in Project Management and is constantly encouraged by her boss to pursue growth opportunities in her education and career. Most recently, she participated in the Women in Mining Mentorship program.
“South32 cares about their people and their development. My boss always says to me, ‘You don’t want to be an EA forever’,” she says.
“I really believe that they support my career progression while facilitating a life balance for me as a Mum,” she says.