The coal mining industry provides a multitude of opportunities for anyone wanting to start a career in it, whether you are male or female, looking for an apprenticeship, or trying to juggle a full-time career and family life.
Brianna Baker is a Marketing Manager for Whitehaven Coal. She has been in the coal industry for 15 years and has spent the last 13 of those in Whitehaven’s Marketing and Logistics Team in Newcastle where she grew up.
“Growing up in Newcastle it wasn’t hard to be exposed to the coal industry. My first work experience was at my parents’ longwall support and equipment manufacturing business.
“Naturally, I found myself being drawn to the familiarity of the industry when I started full time work. Over my time in coal mining I’ve had some incredible opportunities. I’ve completed further education, participated in leadership and mentoring programs, and gained valuable experience through on-the-job training.”
The Marketing and Logistics team plays an integral role in the coal supply chain. Often the “little-known” arm of the business, the team coordinates the flow of different coal products from mine sites, via train, to various loading ports.
“I truly enjoy the fast-paced deeply collaborative environment of Marketing and Logistics, from liaising with the mine site teams, to coordinating last-minute changes in the shipping schedule, no two days are ever the same!
“In my role as Marketing Manager I’m responsible for building strong relationships with international customers and promoting and selling our coal products to meet both their current and future needs. Global demand remains high – in fact, coal consumption reached a record level in 2024. Our industry supplies Australia and importing countries with high-quality thermal and metallurgical coal. For us at Whitehaven, the vast majority of our customers are in Asia – with almost 50% of our products going to Japan.”
With the support of the industry behind her, Brianna has been able to excel in her career while raising her beautiful family.
“As any working parent would tell you, it’s not easy!
“With a 4 year old and a 2 year old, we rely on a lot of support. My husband Benn does his share, including with the mental load that comes along with running a busy household, plus grandparents and daycare are invaluable.
“I utilised Whitehaven’s excellent paid parental leave program, receiving 26 weeks full pay plus super while on maternity leave and Benn and I shared the role of being the stay at home parent too, with us taking turns having 6 months leave each in that first year of parenthood. During the last four years, I continued to push myself and look for new opportunities to advance my career, simply believing that I could do it, rather than stepping back,” Brianna said.
She strongly believes coal has a bright future in Australia and she hopes more and more people can see that through Coal Australia.
“It’s rewarding to see how much value our customers place on Australian coal. Every day, I speak with buyers who genuinely rely on what we produce – and knowing our work helps power homes, businesses and industries around the world is something I’m incredibly proud of.
“For a long time, we have kept our heads down, working hard in an industry that has provided significant economic benefits to our entire nation, hundreds of thousands of jobs, support for regional communities, and small businesses. But now, more than ever, it’s crucial to share our stories – personal stories and the story of the jobs we create, the communities we support, and the value we bring.
“Coal Australia is educating Australians on the importance of coal, standing up for our sector, and giving us a platform to share our experiences at a time when it matters most. They are ensuring that our industry has a voice, and I, for one, am proud to stand up and be heard.”
| Brianna’s story isn’t unusual, it’s a story that we hear from so many people living in coal mining communities right across Australia. Reach out if you want to share your story or join the coal community and help forge Australia’s future at www.coalaustralia.com |
