Introducing Debra

We were lucky enough to grab a moment to hear from Debra, the talented State Operations Manager for Victoria at Orrcon Steel. Here’s what we asked.

What attracted you into the steel industry?

I was formerly a Training Systems Officer in the Navy at HMAS CERBERUS (Vic) and was due for an interstate posting. I wanted to stay in Victoria and knew some people who worked at BlueScope (Hastings) and talked highly of the company. In 2008 I happened upon a vacancy for a Training Coordinator at BlueScope Western Port, applied for the job, and so began my career in the steel industry.

Working for 5 years in support roles (training and HR), a business restructure forced me to take a leap of faith into the operations stream and in 2013 became the Operations Coordinator for one of the 4 major manufacturing departments at Western Port.

In 2019 I was selected to join the project for the supply, construction and commissioning of a high-speed, fully automated slitting and recoiling line at the Western Port site. After a successful commissioning program for that project, I accepted the role of State Operations Manager—Victoria for the Orrcon Steel Distribution Westall site.

What do you enjoy about the steel industry?

I love the variety of our industry. The different applications for steel and diverse customer base mean we are learning everyday about what our products can do. I have been so grateful for the professional development journey the steel industry has and continues to provide me. And just like my time in the Navy, the people we work with and meet along the way makes coming to work each day enjoyable!

A quirky / fun fact about you?

I love being active, it’s my therapy! I’m happiest when my heart beats at >140bpm, exploring on foot. I’ve run 9 marathons including a 50k ultra, and the Hawaiian Ironman World Championships Triathlon.

We love hearing stories like this from our Steel Chicks—reach out to us to tell us yours.