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FIFO workers often earn good money on paper — but that doesn’t always mean it feels easy. In this episode of She Mines, I'm having an honest conversation about finances, shame, and building money confidence in a FIFO lifestyle. I’m joined by Lacey Filipich from Money School, a former chemical engineer who worked in mining and is now a financial educator. Together, we unpack why so many FIFO workers feel overwhelmed by money, the impact of long swings and lifestyle creep, and how to create simple, practical systems that actually work in a mining context. This isn’t about budgeting perfectly or getting rich quickly. It’s about removing shame, understanding your finances, and taking small, realistic steps toward feeling more in control. If finances are feeling more than just stressful, please know there is free and confidential support available. You can contact the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or visit https://ndh.org.au to speak with a financial counsellor. Or if you want Lacey's Money School risk management guide, it's on the Resources page on https://www.moneyschool.net.au/resources

On site, we’re trained to fix problems. Breakdowns. Delays. Production targets. But what happens when the problem isn’t mechanical — it’s mental? In this episode, I talk about how to actually support a mate who might be struggling. Not as a counsellor. Not with perfect words. Just as someone who notices and cares enough to check in. I unpack the signs someone might not be okay, what to say (and what not to say), and when to escalate beyond a toolbox chat. Because in FIFO and mining life, silence is common — and a simple conversation can make a real difference. Looking after your mate isn’t weakness. It’s leadership.

In this episode of She Mines, I’m joined by Kendall, the founder of the Blue Tree Project — a movement that has become a powerful symbol for mental health awareness across Australia and the world. Kendall shares her deeply personal journey with mental health, the story behind how the Blue Tree Project began, and the impact it has had on individuals and communities. What started from a place of pain has grown into something that’s helping people feel seen, start conversations, and remind others that they’re not alone. We also talk about how these conversations translate into high-pressure industries like mining — where long hours, isolation, and a culture of resilience can often make it harder to speak up. This episode is a reminder of the importance of connection, checking in, and creating spaces where people feel safe to be honest. If you’ve ever struggled, know someone who has, or want to better support a mate — this conversation is for you. If this episode resonates, share it with someone who might need it. To learn more about the Blue Tree Project, get involved, or reach out for support, you can find them on: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluetreeproject/ Website - https://bluetreeproject.com.au/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluetreeproject/posts/?feedView=all

Starting your first FIFO swing can be exciting — but packing for it can feel overwhelming. What do you actually need to bring? What will site provide? And what do experienced FIFO workers wish they had packed the first time? In this episode of She Mines, I break down everything you need to know before heading out on your first FIFO swing. From travel essentials and PPE to camp life comforts, food containers, health items and the small things that make a big difference on site, this episode is designed to help new starters feel more prepared and confident. This episode was also built with help from the She Mines community. After putting the call out on social media, FIFO workers from across the industry shared their must-have items, lessons learned and tips for surviving that first swing. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed. And most importantly — don’t stress if you forget something. Everyone does. Your first swing is an opportunity to learn, settle into FIFO life and figure out what works best for you.

In this episode of She Mines, I am joined by Laura, a crisis supporter and facilitator with Lifeline, to explore the human stories behind mental health support. Laura shares her journey into working with Lifeline, what it’s really like supporting people through crisis, and the importance of breaking down stigma around mental health — especially in high-pressure industries like mining. This conversation highlights the courage it takes to speak up, ask for help, and support others, even when it feels uncomfortable. It’s an honest and compassionate discussion about vulnerability, strength, and the power of simply starting the conversation. If this episode brings anything up for you, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.

In this Q&A episode of She Mines, I explore the tension between ambition and mental health in the mining industry. Using real listener questions, this conversation looks at burnout, pressure, rest, and what it means to build a sustainable career without sacrificing your wellbeing. I talk about staying ambitious without burning out, loving mining while struggling mentally, and feeling stuck between wanting more and needing a break. You’re not alone — and you don’t have to navigate this quietly.

In this solo episode of She Mines, I take a deep dive into imposter syndrome: what it really is, why it shows up so strongly in high-pressure industries like mining, and how it affects anyone at any level. Drawing on psychological research and real industry experience, this episode explores: What imposter syndrome actually is (and what it isn’t) Why it often intensifies as you move into senior and high-visibility roles How mining culture, safety accountability, FIFO life, and leadership expectations amplify self-doubt The hidden impacts on decision-making, teams, culture, and leadership pipelines Why a small amount of self-doubt can actually be a strength — keeping people accountable, thoughtful, and safety-focused This isn’t about “fixing” yourself or eliminating doubt entirely. It’s about learning to recognise when imposter feelings are helping you do your job well — and when they’re starting to hold you back. If you’ve ever felt like you needed to prove you belong, questioned your competence despite evidence, or carried the quiet pressure of responsibility in mining — this episode is for you.

As we step into 2026, this episode is a pause — not to slow mining down, but to look at it honestly. Across 2025, one major theme kept emerging: people aren’t leaving mining because the work is too hard. They’re leaving because of culture, fatigue, and the quiet identity conflict that comes with trying to sustain a long career in a demanding industry. In this episode, I talk about: Why technical challenges are rarely the reason people walk away The unseen cost of burnout being normalised Identity conflict, especially for women navigating mining careers The mine we don’t want anymore — and the mine we’re actively building What leadership, safety, and strength really look like underground A direct conversation to women in mining, and to the men who shape site culture This isn’t about tearing the industry down. It’s about building one people can stay in. If you’ve ever questioned your place in mining, your longevity, or what “success” really means — this conversation is for you.

In this honest, Q&A-style episode of She Mines, Jayden and I have a real conversation about mental health in the mining industry—no scripts, no sugarcoating. We talk about the pressure to stay strong, isolation on shift, the weight of being the provider, and how mental health impacts identity, relationships, and life off site. We also cover what real support looks like, why vulnerability matters, and how the people at home can help. This episode is about starting the conversations we’ve avoided for too long. If you work in mining or love someone who does, this one’s for you.

This episode explores the weight many men in mining carry — often silently. From the pressure to provide, survive in today’s economy, and uphold a culture of strength, to the impact of FIFO life on relationships, identity, and isolation, this is an honest conversation about what isn’t always said out loud in our industry. I talk about: The hidden expectations placed on men in mining Provider pressure and financial survival in today’s market Masculinity, mental health, and the cost of “just pushing through” How isolation shows up on site and at home The role partners and families play in supporting the men they love Celebrating the men who have shaped the mining industry — and a message to the future generation ⚠️ Content warning: This episode includes discussions around suicide and mental health. Please take care while listening and reach out for support if needed. This episode is not about blame. It’s about awareness, understanding, and starting conversations that matter. If this resonates, share it with someone who might need it — and remember, you’re not alone.

In this episode of She Mines, I sit down with career coach Anna Black for an honest and empowering conversation about building courage, facing fear, and navigating career change with confidence. Together, we unpack why fear of failure shows up so strongly — especially in high-pressure industries like mining — and how shifting your mindset can open the door to clarity, alignment, and new opportunities. You’ll hear:• Why fear of failure holds so many people back• How to reframe fear into something that moves you forward• The role confidence plays when making career decisions• How to recognise when it’s time for a change• Practical steps for navigating a new direction• The story behind Anna’s program Define Your Future, and the transformation it creates If you’re feeling stuck, craving change, or waiting for the “right time” to move forward, this episode will give you the courage and clarity to take the next step. Connect with Anna:Email: [email protected]: au.linkedin.com/in/annalblackWebsite: www.strategiccc.com.au

In mining, technical skill might get you the job — but soft skills are what help you keep growing in it. In Part 2 of this series, I dig even deeper into the human side of mining — the traits that separate good workers from great teammates and leaders. This episode covers:🎯 Adaptability — how to stay steady when the plan, the shift, or the team changes unexpectedly💡 Problem-solving — why creative thinking isn’t just for engineers, and how it can make or break a project🤝 Conflict resolution — the real stories of what happens when tensions rise, and how to handle them with confidence and respect I’ll talk about the quiet leaders who turn chaos into calm, the crews who’ve learned to think on their feet, and the lessons that come from the hard days when communication breaks down. This one is for anyone who has ever had to pivot mid-shift, navigate a tough conversation, or find a better way to work together.

When we think about mining, we often picture technical skills — machinery, geology, production targets, safety. But beneath every strong team lies something less visible and far more powerful: soft skills. In this two-part series, I uncover how communication, emotional intelligence, and empathy shape the culture, safety, and wellbeing of our industry. In Part 1, I’ll explore:💬 How real communication goes beyond words and changes team dynamics🧠 Why emotional intelligence matters more than you think — especially in high-pressure environments❤️ How empathy can transform the way we lead, support, and show up for each other This isn’t about buzzwords — it’s about real moments: prestart meetings, shift handovers, and those quiet conversations that change someone’s day. Whether you’re leading a crew, starting your first role, or just want to understand people a little better, this episode will help you build the soft skills that make mining stronger — and more human.

FIFO life isn’t just about the long shifts and the roster – it’s about how those choices ripple through our relationships, families, and personal lives. In this episode, I sit down with my partner, Jayden, to have an open and honest conversation about what it really takes to keep a relationship strong while working FIFO together. We talk about the pressures, the sacrifices, and the unspoken mental load that comes with distance, different rosters, and trying to balance work with love and connection. From the moments that test you to the strategies that help you stay grounded; this is a real insight into navigating relationships in the mining industry. Whether you’re FIFO yourself, supporting someone who is, or just curious about what life looks like behind the scenes, this episode shines a light on both the challenges and the deep rewards of building a partnership in this lifestyle.

Underground or surface — which path in mining is right for you? In this episode of She Mines, I dive deep into the realities of both worlds. From pay, rosters, and culture, to health, family, and career growth, I’ll break down what it really means to choose one over the other. I’ll explore the common misconceptions, the mental load of misalignment between your job and your values, and how to figure out which lifestyle actually supports the future you want. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a career pivot, this episode gives you the clarity to make a choice that feels aligned, not just financially rewarding.