For breastfeeding mining mums, returning to work can feel daunting. The thought of finding somewhere to express or breastfeed during a shift, and having to ask supervisors or colleagues for flexibility, is often enough to make the transition seem too hard.
Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) is helping to break down that barrier, introducing dedicated portable breastfeeding facilities in both the North and South pits kitted for mums returning to work.
HVO Human Resources Manager Michelle Douglass said the idea came about from conversations with women on site when they were upgrading their facilities.
“The women shared their experience with me and said they felt like they had two choices; not come back to work or come back to work but every time they need to express, they have to call a supervisor who picks them up and takes them up to the office. But then there’s the chance they’re busy and can’t do it right away, which isn’t ideal when you need to express.
“So, we thought okay what if you don’t go to a room, but the room comes to you?”
Michelle said she found a trailer they could fit out with everything they needed, got everyone on board, and before she knew it, they were shopping for the fit out.
Gemima Teaupa has been at HVO since 2024 and went on maternity leave with her fifth child unsure of what her return to work would look like.
“As a mum of five and an avid breast feeder I wanted to extend that journey as long as possible but I wasn’t sure how that would work. I was mentally preparing myself to bring that to an end.
“I didn’t want to ask too much, but I came back and they brought these trailers in and I couldn’t believe it!
“Not only can I express but I can store milk in the fridge. It saves me from getting engorged which is very uncomfortable when working in a truck. Mastitis was a worry as well but being able to express means I have no problems,” Gemima said.
The trailer is locked and only the women who are approved to use it have access.
“I feel safe in the workplace regardless, but this makes me feel extra safe because it’s a really vulnerable time when you’re expressing. I also just have a better mindset at work, my morale is boosted. The room isn’t just a room, it’s a symbol that women do belong in mining and we can balance both parenthood and having a career,” Gemima said.
Chelsea Williams, another operator at HVO just had her first baby and said she was over the moon to have the option to continue breastfeeding.
“It feels very private; it has everything I need. Dispatch has been great too. They put me on a run that comes past so we don’t have a huge amount of lost time. It’s easy to come back past at the end of the shift, pick up the milk, park up and finish with everyone else.”
Michelle remembers when she first saw Chelsea after the trailers were put in and she thanked her for giving her the choice to be able to come back to work.
The trailers are both decorated with artworks which were created by the women on site with the local Indigenous community.
These artworks represent inclusivity, connection and belonging and include key features from HVO and the local community area such as the Hunter River, the Minimbah ironbark tree and the Wonnarua totem, the eagle.
