Donella Cobbe loves seeing how much the quarrying industry gives back to the community. Image: IQA
Quarry spoke with Donella Cobbe, sales coordinator/pricing analyst at Hanson Australia (North Queensland), and IQA member.
What does your role involve?
I look after all the administration and background sales data for all the concrete plant and quarries from the Gold Coast all the way to Darwin, as well as assist all sales managers, concrete plant managers and quarry managers. I also manage and maintain pricing structures, and further assist management nationally when required to improve processes based around concrete and aggregates sales, and how we drive or service the market.
How long have you been in the industry?
17 years.
What do you enjoy about your role?
Working with a wide range of people nationally, building relationships and having the opportunity to seek new challenges within the business.
What do you love the most about the quarry industry?
I enjoy the community and seeing how much we can give back, whether it’s through charity, sharing knowledge, training, exposure to our younger generation, or many other things.
It’s also really exciting to see the female presence growing in the industry compared to what it was 15 or more years ago.
Why did you join the IQA?
I was originally asked many years ago to help organise and coordinate the annual Cairns sub-branch IQA golf day.
I enjoyed it so much that I helped organise it over the next five years and then volunteered to help with any future IQA events.
I also met my husband through the IQA.
What advice do you have for a young person looking for a career in quarrying?
Take safety seriously, watch out for your colleagues, and if you enjoy what you’re doing, always put your hand up to excel and further your career.
What’s one thing – whether industry-related or not – you learned in the last month?
We recently suffered a loss with a valued member of the quarry community in Far North Queensland, and it has reminded me that although work can be a priority, family comes first.
Where do you see the future of the industry?
I think it will forever be growing and improving. I am excited to see what quarrying will look like in another 20 years’ time.
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