Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Scott Hansen, Branch Manager at Transit Tyres and Mechanical in Mackay.
When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job?
I started in the early 1990s as a tyre fitter.
How different is your job now to what you wanted to be when you were a kid?
I wanted to be a truck driver as a young man. In a way it worked out, because I began by fitting tyres to trucks and stayed in the industry from there.
What’s a usual day at work entail?
Managing staff, looking after customers and occasionally getting back in the service truck.
What’s the best thing about your job?
It’s an ever-changing industry and there’s something new to learn every day.
The worst thing?
Working away from family on occasion.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say there have been challenges that couldn’t be overcome, but there have been a few hurdles along the way.
What’s something about your job that would surprise people to know?
There’s a lot more problem-solving than people might think. It’s not just about tyres or trucks; it’s about keeping things running safely and efficiently.
What’s your best advice for people entering the industry?
Everyone has to start somewhere. No matter what you do, we all want to get home safely.
The mining industry gets more than its fair share of criticism. What is your view of our industry and the impact it has?
Mining provides jobs and supports regional communities. It comes with challenges like any industry, but its contribution is something to be proud of.
