Advertise on podcast: Voices of BlueScope

Craig Nealon (Company Historian at BlueScope) interviews our former Chief Executive of Australian Steel Products, John Nowlan. In November 2025, John became BlueScope's first ever non-independent, non-executive director, bringing his decades of experience in global steel-making and company management to the board. Together, they reflect on his career in Australia and overseas, what it meant for BlueScope to forge its own path after leaving BHP and the powerful contributions of people on the ground, who have worked tirelessly through the ups and downs of a cyclical industry. Chapters Introduction: 0:00Family Study and Early Career: 01:23Managing People and Processes around the World: 14:26Returning to Australia and the Birth of BlueScope: 25:43Difficult Decisions for the Long Term: 33:44Resurrection and Rejuvenation: 42:56What Really Works?: 49:09Final Reflections: 54:07Conclusion: 1:00:51Links Read the University of Wollongong's LinkedIn post about John and his degree in mechanical engineering, which was shared to coincide with the institution's 50th anniversary.Get a feel for the cadetship program at our Port Kembla Steelworks in our FocusOn story (2025) and cadet networking video (2024) on TVBlueScope.'HSC' stands for 'Higher School Certificate', which is the secondary school credential in the Australian state of New South Wales.Watch videos of Basic Oxygen Steelmaking (BOS), the Hot Strip Mill, operators and engineers at No. 5 Blast Furnace and the No. 6 Blast Furnace reline project on TVBlueScope.Learn more about North Star and its expansion project in episode 18 of the podcast and in a video on TVBlueScope.Browse photos of BlueScope's early days as an independent company in this dedicated Flickr album, which includes the photo that Craig mentions of John ringing the bell.Connect with Us WebsiteLinkedInTVBlueScope on YouTubeCredits Interview by Craig NealonRecorded and edited by Martin FeldAuto-transcript on Apple Podcasts, edited PDF coming soon

In this episode, Craig Nealon (BlueScope Company Historian) speaks with former iron-maker Jerry Platt, who, in 1996, was recognised for his work with the honour of lighting Port Kembla's then-brand-new No. 6 Blast Furnace for the first time. Although retired, Jerry maintains a keen interest in the industry and now jointly runs a popular Facebook group, Iron & Steel in Australia, which includes numerous historical accounts and images. Sitting together for a conversation in Western Port, Victoria, he reflects with Craig on his own journey to the Port Kembla Steelworks and the various industrial, technological, social and intercultural changes that have occurred over the decades. Chapters Introduction: 0:00Becoming a Metallurgist: 2:03Moving from Newcastle to Port Kembla: 6:09Recording History and Remembering Blast Furnaces: 12:36Ladles, Locos and Facebook: 29:27People and Processes: 37:57Conclusion: 42:53Links Read a transcript of the episode.Browse a Flickr album of photos that show the lighting of No. 6 Blast Furnace, Newcastle Steelworks from above and Craig and Jerry together on the day of the interview.Iron & Steel in Australia group on FacebookFerromanganeseUnited SteelAustralia HouseThe book to which they refer is Ironmaking in Australia 1848–1914 (J.L.N. Southern and J.E.A. Platt, 1986).Staff at the Lithgow Ironworks in 1909History of LysaghtMini millComsteelVideos of Basic Oxygen Steelmaking (BOS), the Hot Strip Mill and the No. 6 Blast Furnace reline project on TVBlueScopeConnect with Us WebsiteLinkedInTVBlueScope on YouTubeCredits Interview by Craig NealonRecorded and edited by Martin Feld

In this episode, we’re featuring an audio-only version of a speech that Mark Vassella, BlueScope’s Managing Director and CEO, made at the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra on the 8th of October, 2025, in which he explained how gas plays a unique and essential role in both manufacturing and the energy transition. Mark’s address to an audience of key influencers and decision-makers across media, government and academia was also broadcast live on ABC TV and was delivered on behalf of Manufacturing Australia, a member group that represents 12 of Australia's manufacturers, all of which work with governments to support the nation's manufacturing sector. Chapters Introduction: 0:00Mark Vassella's Speech: 1:04Conclusion: 27:31Links Read a transcript of the episode.Meet Mark Vassella, Managing Director and CEO of BlueScope.Learn more about Acknowledgements of and Welcomes to Country.Learn more about the Ngunnawal People, who are the Traditional Custodians of the Australian Capital Territory and region.National Press Club of AustraliaFair Gas Prices website by Manufacturing AustraliaFurther information about gas on the BlueScope website'BlueScope leads international steel consortium to review options for Whyalla Steelworks'COLORBOND® steelTRUECORE® steelWatch the full speech on TVBlueScope.Watch an event recap video on TVBlueScope.Browse a dedicated photo album of the event on Flickr.Connect with Us WebsiteLinkedInTVBlueScope on YouTubeCredits Edited by Martin Feld

On Friday, 29 August 2025, we were excited to host the team from 97.3 ABC Illawarra for a live broadcast of their breakfast-radio show at the front of the Hot Strip Mill at our Port Kembla Steelworks in Australia. The special event was planned to coincide with the 70th anniversary celebration of the Hot Strip Mill, including dedicated interviews with leaders and current and former employees of BlueScope, while also providing a platform for members of the local community to share their memories and family stories linked to the steelworks. This edited episode includes the full series of interviews and listener contributions from the live breakfast-radio show, all of which has been adapted specifically for the podcast experience. Chapters Introduction: 0:00Welcome to ABC Illawarra Breakfast with Mel James: 1:45Greg Baldock on the Hot Strip Mill: 3:26Grant Neilsen on Generations of Steelmakers: 13:33Craig Nealon on 100 Years of Iron- and Steelmaking in Port Kembla: 18:09Listener Stories: 30:00Poppy, Russell and Terry Pollock on Being a Steel Family: 31:10Tony Donnelly inside the Hot Strip Mill: 38:07Listener Stories: 44:35Tania Archibald on BlueScope Now and in the Future: 51:22Shannon Ballard on the Plate Mill Upgrade: 1:05:40Michael Yiend on the Port Kembla Land Transformation: 1:11:15Listener Stories: 1:21:18Rebecca Shaw on Quality Control: 1:23:12Listener Stories: 1:25:57Justin Reed on the No. 6 Blast Furnace Reline Project: 1:26:42Nikki McCarthy-Hicks on Tours with Inside Industry: 1:32:06Final Listener Stories and Breakfast Outro: 1:36:29Conclusion: 1:38:14Links 97.3 FM Illawarra on ABC ListenFocusOn Hot Strip Mill video on TVBlueScopePhotos of the opening of the Hot Strip Mill in 1955Photos of the live radio broadcast and 70th anniversary celebration in 2025Exploring Lindenfels and Port Kembla History with Craig Nealon (WIN News) on TVBlueScopeFocus On video and accompanying photos of Poppy Pollock and her fellow UOW engineering cadetsTania's first interview on the podcast in episode 35 (plus a video excerpt)Plate Mill Modernisation Announcement in Port Kembla, NSW on TVBlueScopeMicrosite for the Port Kembla land transformation and rezoning proposal video on TVBlueScopeNo. 6 Blast Furnace Reline Updates on TVBlueScopeInside IndustryConnect with Us WebsiteLinkedInTVBlueScope on YouTubeCredits Produced and presented by the ABC Illawarra Breakfast team, including Mel James, Jen Courtney, Amy Duggan, Rory McDonald, Nick McLaren and Peter RileyInterviews organised by Tim RobinsonEdited by Martin FeldAuto-transcript on Apple Podcasts, edited PDF coming soon

We're pleased to feature one-on-one interviews with two key stakeholders who have long collaborated with and provided expert guidance to New Zealand Steel on Māori culture, history, local community and sustainability. They are Piki Jakeman (Cultural Adviser to New Zealand Steel) and Riki Minhinnick (Chief of Ngāti Te Ata), and both generously share their personal stories and explain how they've worked with the company to encourage employment opportunities, enhance intercultural understanding through open dialogue and jointly learn from and improve on a challenging history of Western colonialism. Chapters Introduction: 0:00Piki Jakeman: 1:50Riki Minhinnick: 17:39Conclusion: 51:02Links Read a transcript of the episode, which includes te reo Māori definitions.Māori People (Te Ara  encyclopaedia listing by Manatū Tonga | NZ Ministry for Culture & Heritage)Learn about Ngāti Te Ata at Te Puni Kōkiri and in Te Ara.IwiWaiuku and its meaning and historyMaioroMaraeTe Ara RangitahiTuwheraManukau HarbourHuakina Development TrustWaikato RiverResource Management Act 1991Watch a FocusOn video on TVBlueScope about ironsand operations in Waikato North Head.Sustainability Snapshot by New Zealand SteelSustainability reporting suite by BlueScopeBrowse a Flickr album of our participants and the surrounding area.Ethical Note The conversations were recorded in February 2023 in Waiuku and published in August 2025 after an ethical review with participants. Such a review is known as the collaborative podcasting process and was pioneered by Day et al. (2017) in their study, The Expanding Digital Media Landscape of Qualitative and Decolonizing Research: Examining Collaborative Podcasting as a Research Method (key diagram on p. 209). All episodes are subject to the same process; however, in the case of such personal and historically significant First Nations accounts, it is important to highlight here. Connect with Us Corporate websiteLinkedIn pageTVBlueScope on YouTubeCredits Edited by Martin FeldInterviews organised by Vicki Woodley and recorded in Waiuku by Craig Nealon and Tim Robinson

On Saturday, 26 July 2025, New Zealand Steel celebrated its 60th anniversary! Vicki Woodley (External Affairs Manager) joins the podcast to discuss this significant milestone in a dedicated interview. Chapters Introduction: 0:00Meet Vicki: 1:00A Unique Manufacturing Process: 7:00External Affairs and Community Engagement: 10:56Job Opportunities and Leaders over Time: 18:04Commemoration and the Future: 24:36Personal Reflections: 29:52Conclusion: 33:45Links Read a transcript of the episode.Waiuku meaning and historyGlenbrook, New ZealandThe History of Ironsand (with further information about titanomagnetite)Māori People (Te Ara  encyclopaedia listing by Manatū Tonga | NZ Ministry for Culture & Heritage)IwiMaioroInformation about Ngāti Te Ata from Te Puni Kōkiri and in Te AraMarae (meeting grounds)True Grit (listing in the National Library of New Zealand)Waiuku sculptures by Fred Graham60 Years Strong video by New Zealand Steel on LinkedInHere is a list of related TVBlueScope videos on YouTube, which show manufacturing processes that are mentioned on the podcast, along with our people at sites in New Zealand and community initiatives with which Vicki has been involved directly:Understanding the Electric Arc FurnaceElectric Arc Furnace Announcement at New Zealand SteelFocusOn Ironsands at Waikato North Head, New ZealandVisiting the Te Whāngai Trust'RYDA' Road Safety Education ProgramKariotahi Surf Lifesaving ClubWhat Leadership Means with Robin DaviesVox Pop: Pineapple on Pizza (a bit of fun with employees!)Browse a 60th anniversary photo album on Flickr.Connect with Us Corporate websiteLinkedIn pageTVBlueScope on YouTubeCredits Edited by Martin Feld

In this episode, we're featuring two extended excerpts of an event at the Inside Industry Visitor Centre in Coniston, New South Wales, which was all about understanding neurodiversity and -divergence in the workplace. The first conversation is between Mitchell Connelly (Digital Finance Analyst) and Stephannie Jonovska (Head of Finance Operations and Transformation); Mitchell shares his experience of living on the autism spectrum and Stephannie discusses her personal shift in understanding how collaboration with neurodiverse people can benefit everyone at work. The second conversation features Victoria Chapman (Paint Analyst) and her manager, Libby Ackers (Coatings Development and Governance Team Leader). Vicky explains what it was like to receive a diagnosis of autism and ADHD later in life and offers insights into women's experiences with neurodiversity and -divergence. They are joined by event coordinator, Adam Theodossiadis (Materials Evaluation Technologist) and Matthew Craig, a neurodivergent advocate with Bundjalung heritage and the Managing Director of NeuroKind. Chapters Introduction: 0:00Mitchell and Stephannie (with an Intro by Adam): 1:49Vicky, Libby, Matthew and Mitchell (with a Q&A): 12:54Conclusion: 34:05Links Read a transcript of the episode.NeurodiversityNeuroKindWhat is autism?'Macca's' is the Australian nickname for 'McDonald's'.Formula OneAnalytics'ERP' stands for 'enterprise resource planning'.Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)Microsoft Copilot'B-flex' is a BlueScope program for formally and transparently arranging flexible working arrangements.What is ADHD?Asperger's syndromeHormone replacement therapyCliftonStrengthsWatch Zac's Faces of BlueScope episode on TVBlueScope.Watch Mitchell's Faces of BlueScope episode on TVBlueScope.Connect with Us Corporate websiteLinkedIn pageTVBlueScope on YouTubeCredits Edited by Martin Feld

This episode features a recording of the ASPire Women's Network panel discussion that was held in front of a live audience of employees and streamed online from the Inside Industry Visitor Centre. Organised in line with International Women's Day, the initiative connects all women and existing networks at BlueScope, with the aim of creating accessible opportunities for development and supporting career-growth aspirations and confidence. We thank our participants, including panel host Kylie MacKenzie (General Manager, BlueScope Building Components), Corinne Diedericks (Head of Finance, BlueScope Building Components), Marijana Upton (National Manager, Marketing) and Sophie Boss (Blast Furnace Operations Manager) for sharing their career experiences during the event. Chapters Introduction: 0:00Panel Opening: 1:20March Forward: 16:43Mentorship and Networking: 23:18Beyond Your Comfort Zone: 30:48Intention: 36:57Personal Development: 40:40Q&A: 44:39Conclusion: 52:56Links Read a transcript of the episode.International Women's DayLearn about Dharawal language and culture.BlueScope's Australian business portfolioFMCG = fast-moving consumer goodsVIC/TAS = Victoria and TasmaniaInterested in hearing more about the cadetships that Sophie mentioned? Listen to our earlier podcast episode on the topic.TAFE NSWDEI = diversity, equity and inclusionCorinne's reading list (no sponsorship affiliations):Psychology of MoneySurrounded by IdiotsClear ThinkingThe Diary of a CEOGood to GreatThink and Grow RichThe 5 AM ClubAtomic HabitsHow to Talk to Anyone48 Laws of PowerHow to Win Friends and Influence PeopleCEO ExcellenceThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleDeep WorkMake Your BedThe Power of HabitDaring GreatlyThe Art of Letting GoConnect with Us Corporate websiteLinkedIn pageTVBlueScope on YouTubeCredits Edited by Martin Feld

Continuing a theme from episode 34—sharing corporate knowledge—we acknowledge and celebrate the experience of some of our longest-serving employees in Australia, as part of a campaign called MoMENtous, which ran internally at BlueScope during November 2024 in line with International Men’s Day and Movember. We include five extended individual and group interviews from that initiative, with each discussion capturing the personal narratives and corporate knowledge of our participants, preserving their experiences and legacies for their family and friends, along with current and future BlueScope employees. Chapters Introduction: 0:00Mike McDonagh: 1:21Stephen Scanlan: 13:35Gino Milan, Bob Prince and Xavier Garcia: 18:09Marvin Hicks: 36:51Michael Churches and John Ziegelaar: 45:17Conclusion: 1:10:16Links Read a transcript of the episode.Discover two additional MoMENtous video interviews with BlueScope Western Port people Tony Eramo and Ron Bange at TVBlueScope on YouTube, which were recorded in-house by Dan Mason.LysaghtFieldersKLIP-LOK®Port Kembla, New South WalesCRM = Commonwealth Rolling MillsPenrith PanthersBlast furnaceCoke (fuel)ABBAustralian Iron & SteelTWikiPhoto: Galloway Steam EnginePhoto: cricket match at Port Kembla No. 1 WorksView a screenshot of the editing timeline for this episode.Connect with Us Corporate websiteLinkedIn pageTVBlueScope on YouTubeCredits Edited by Martin FeldInterviews by Craig Nealon and Tim Robinson

We explore BlueScope's program for the continuing improvement of workplace culture in Australia, named Respect Is How We Work. The episode features Laura Towey (National Employee Relations and Experience Manager) holding extended interviews with Sanam Sharma (Manager People) and Cynthia Gallina (Shift Supervisor) in Western Port, Victoria. They share their own professional experiences, views on how to create respectful workplaces and specific examples from BlueScope's program of work. Chapters Introduction: 0:00Interview with Sanam Sharma: 2:34Interview with Cynthia Gallina: 14:14Conclusion: 26:50 Links Read a transcript of the episode.Watch an accompanying interview compilation at TVBlueScope on YouTube, which features three further participants from Port Kembla in New South Wales.Respect@WorkUnderstanding intersectionalityPsychosocial hazardsDiscover our ASEAN businesses.ASP = Australian Steel ProductsWestern Port Connect with Us Corporate websiteLinkedIn pageTVBlueScope on YouTube Credits Edited by Martin FeldInterviewing by Laura Towey

We’re pleased to feature Jane McAloon, AM (Chair of the BlueScope Board of Directors), including her first address at the 2024 BlueScope Annual General Meeting and a special interview after the event with Michael Reay (Head of Corporate Affairs at Australian Steel Products). Altogether, Jane gives an overview of BlueScope's global performance and its work towards a low-carbon future, while sharing her personal experience as Chair. Chapters Introduction: 0:00The Chair's AGM Address: 1:28Interview for 'Michael's Minute': 14:00Conclusion: 19:33 Links Read a transcript of the episode.BlueScope Annual General Meeting 2024 (TVBlueScope video)Related LinkedIn postBlueScope Calendar and AGMs webpageFind information about BlueScope that was mentioned in the episode:Our Leadership;Where We Are — follow the preceding link to explore various mentioned businesses around the world; andOur Purpose & Our Bond.TRIFR - total recordable injury frequency rateCOLORBOND® steelTRUECORE® steelEAF = electric arc furnaceWatch a video update on the construction of the new EAF at New Zealand Steel in Glenbrook.Port Kembla Steelworks (BlueScope in the Illawarra)No. 6 Blast Furnace Reline in Port KemblaWatch No. 6 Blast Furnace Reline Updates (TVBlueScope series):Episode 1: The Stockhouse;Episode 2: Automation Systems; andEpisode 3: Gas System.Plate Mill Modernisation Project in Port KemblaWatch an example of engagement with cadets during their 2024 networking day (TVBlueScope video).BlueScope, BHP and Rio Tinto Partnership Announcement (TVBlueScope video)Michael's Minute is a long-running internal video series at BlueScope, in which Michael Reay interviews various employees, leaders and special visitors at events and sites across the company. Connect with Us Corporate websiteLinkedIn pageTVBlueScope on YouTube Credits Edited by Martin FeldInterviewing by Michael Reay

Gretta Stephens (Chief Executive of Climate Change and Sustainability) joins us to discuss the steps that BlueScope is taking towards a sustainable future. She dives into some of the highlights of our FY24 Sustainability Report and second Climate Action Report, sharing insights into our climate progress since 2021. With Gretta's retirement from full-time work planned for March 2025, she also reflects on her impactful career in the industry, the valuable lessons that she has learnt along the way and her plans for some well-deserved downtime. Chapters Introduction to Gretta Stephens: 0:00Crafting Sustainability Communication: 5:39Personal Reflections and the Future: 44:46Conclusion: 19:34 Links Read a transcript of the episode.Voices of BlueScope Episode 25New Zealand SteelSustainability SnapshotOur Purpose & Our BondView the entire sustainability reporting suite.ESG = environmental, social and governanceBlueScope Western PortNorth Star BlueScope SteelTRIFR - total recordable injury frequency rate4D questions = an approach to asking better questions to support process safety and risk management EAF = electric arc furnaceWatch a video update on the construction of the new EAF at New Zealand Steel in Glenbrook.Port Kembla Steelworks (BlueScope in the Illawarra)Browse our 'Environment and Sustainability' video playlist at TVBlueScope on YouTube.Gretta Stephens on LinkedIn Connect with Us Corporate websiteLinkedIn pageTVBlueScope on YouTube Credits Edited by Martin Feld

We explore the partnership between BlueScope and Zeal Futures, which works with industry-leading organisations to offer high-quality, innovative apprenticeship and traineeship programs across a range of industries. In the featured group interview, you’ll meet Jeff Robinson (Maintenance Improvement Manager), Katie Tully (Electrical Services Manager), Stacey Sutherland (Senior People Business Partner) and Michael Ruddock (Manager Southern Regions at Zeal Futures). We also discuss their working backgrounds and what it means for BlueScope to have been recognised as ‘Overall Host Employer of the Year’ at the 2024 Zeal Futures Excellence Awards. Chapters Introduction: 0:00Meet Jeff, Katie, Michael and Stacey: 1:17The Partnership: 2:57The First Day: 14:39Overall Host Employer of the Year: 22:14Conclusion: 26:28 Links Read a transcript of the episode.Current career vacancies at BlueScope in AustraliaZeal FuturesZeal Futures Excellence AwardsTAFE NSWBOS = Basic Oxygen SteelmakingWatch videos about the BOS at TVBlueScope on YouTube, including a FocusOn story, a 360-degree video and a series about its 50th anniversary.Photo: Katie Tully receives 2024 award for Overall Host Employer on behalf of BlueScope at the Zeal Futures Excellence Awards.Photo: Katie Tully with Caitlin Sullivan and Amanda Jeffs, Workforce Solution Specialists at Zeal FuturesFocusOn New Apprentices in 2024 (TVBlueScope YouTube video)Podcast episode 13: ‘The Apprenticeship Experience’Podcast episode 22: ‘Talking Trades with Tay Kruizinga’View a screenshot of the editing timeline for this episode. Connect with Us Corporate websiteLinkedIn pageTVBlueScope on YouTube Credits Edited by Martin Feld

We are joined by four participants to discuss the certification of NS BlueScope Vietnam’s Phú Mỹ site by ResponsibleSteel™. They are Annie Heaton (CEO, ResponsibleSteel™), Hai Truong Anh (Vice President HSE & Community, NS BlueScope Vietnam), Nhut Vo (President, NS BlueScope Vietnam) and Tim Rodsted (Head of Sustainability, BlueScope). Together, they explore the history, function and purpose of ResponsibleSteel™, the significance of the site certification and by extension, BlueScope's long-term vision for sustainable operations, economic contribution and community engagement around the world. Chapters Introduction: 0:00Meet Annie, Hai, Nhut and Tim: 1:37ResponsibleSteel's Background: 2:57Certification in Vietnam: 08:20Final Reflections: 17:12Conclusion: 23:08 Links Read a transcript of the episode.NS BlueScope VietnamPhú MỹResponsibleSteel™Photo: aerial view of the NS BlueScope Vietnam Phú Mỹ plantPhoto: inside the NS BlueScope Vietnam Phú Mỹ plantBlueScope in the Illawarra (including the Port Kembla Steelworks and Springhill)Western PortThe 'Daniela' to whom the participants refer is Daniela Janeski (Sustainability Governance Assurance Lead, BlueScope).Health, safety and environment (HSE)ISO standardsEnvironmental, social and governance (ESG)PétanqueFind further updates about the certification:NS BlueScope LinkedIn post (with video);ResponsibleSteel™ announcement; andBlueScope LinkedIn post (with photos). Connect with Us Corporate websiteLinkedIn pageTVBlueScope on YouTube Credits Edited by Martin Feld

We meet Emelyn Low (External Affairs Manager at NS BlueScope in Malaysia), Jonathan Tan (General Manager at NS BlueScope Lysaght Sabah) and Rayner Binijin (Scuba Instructor at Borneo Divers), who explain how underwater reef beds made of TRUECORE steel® were used to embed thousands of young coral plants, supporting the rejuvenation of local ecosystems. Chapters Introduction: 0:00Meet Emelyn, Jonathan and Rayner: 1:04Project Background: 3:08The Diving Experience: 12:08Conclusion: 25:23 Links Read a transcript of the episode.NS BlueScopeCorporate Profile: NS BlueScope Lysaght MalaysiaBorneo DiversTRUECORE steel®Sabah ParksCoralSee an example photo of young coral that was embedded a recycled steel frame.Watch a short video that displays how the coral has been growing successfully.Tunku Abdul Rahman National ParkKota KinabaluTrussUniversity Malaysia Sabah (UMS) COVID-19 pandemicGalvanisationLearn more about sustainability at BlueScope around the world.View a screenshot of the editing timeline for this episode. Connect with Us Corporate websiteLinkedIn pageTVBlueScope on YouTube Credits Edited by Martin Feld