Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Olive Neuendorf, a Safety Officer – Risk and Assurance at Aquila Mine. I work with operational teams to support risk management, assurance processes and safety systems, helping ensure people have the tools, knowledge and support to work safely.
When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job?
I joined the mining industry in 2023 through a vacation program while studying a Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety Science at The University of Queensland. It confirmed it was the industry I wanted to build a career in. I joined Anglo American’s graduate program after graduating.
How different is your job now to what you wanted to be when you were a kid?
I imagined a career in healthcare, teaching or even writing. While those paths seem very different to mining, my current role combines elements of all three. Safety is ultimately about looking after people, helping others learn and coaching teams to manage risk effectively. Our career counsellor at school suggested the UQ course. It wasn’t the sexiest degree but it ticked a lot of boxes and now I’m pleased it led to such a hands-on and varied role.
What’s a usual day at work entail?
No two days are the same. My role balances field leadership, collaboration with operational teams and maintaining safety systems and processes. That can include facilitating risk assessments, supporting investigations, reviewing documentation, working with supervisors and coordinators, and going underground to see how work is done. Understanding work at the coalface is critical to ensuring our systems are practical and effective.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The people. Mining brings together people with an incredible depth of technical knowledge and experience. I love learning from engineers, operators, supervisors and tradies. Underground mining, in particular, fosters strong teamwork and communication, and there’s a real willingness to share knowledge and support one another.
The worst thing?
One of the most challenging aspects is helping people navigate change. Safety systems, tools and regulatory requirements evolve over time, and it can be difficult when the purpose behind changes isn’t immediately clear. A big part of my role is building understanding and demonstrating that safety is about protecting people, not simply complying with procedures.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge has probably been adapting to change myself. I’ve worked across three different sites and taken on a variety of responsibilities. At first that felt daunting, but I realise it has helped me become more adaptable and confident. Mining is a dynamic industry, and learning to embrace change so early in my career has been invaluable.
What’s something about your job that would surprise people to know?
Many people assume a safety role is entirely desk-based, but it can be incredibly hands-on. Spending time underground, talking with crews and seeing work firsthand is one of the most important (and fun) parts of my job and helps ensure safety systems reflect the realities of the workplace.
What’s your best advice for people entering the industry?
Be curious. Take every opportunity to ask questions, listen to people’s experiences and learn from those around you. Some of the most valuable lessons don’t come from textbooks, but from the stories and practical knowledge workers have built throughout their careers.
The mining industry gets more than its fair share of criticism. What is your view of our industry and the impact it has?
Before joining mining, I probably held many of the assumptions people in the city often have about the industry. Since working and living in Moranbah and Middlemount, I’ve seen a much broader picture. Mining creates skilled jobs, supports families and has a huge positive impact on regional communities.
