11 Aug 2025 EmployeesSafety It was her own workplace injury that drove Alivia Bonk to pursue a career in Health & Safety, a move that brought her to Kogan Creek Power Station in 2023 as a Health & Safety Advisor. “I spent a few years on cattle stations as a ringer in the Northern Territory and Queensland Gulf country and was involved in a serious workplace accident which put me in hospital for 12 weeks,” Alivia said. “That experience left me feeling isolated and unsupported. “A few years later I was working as a Veterinary Nurse. I was offered the opportunity to complete my qualification in Workplace Health & Safety and I jumped at the chance. “Ultimately, I wanted to make a difference in the rehabilitation and return to work (RRTW) space to ensure others didn’t experience what I did when it comes to workplace injuries.” After completing her Cert IV, Alivia found a role in heavy industry so she could gain more skills and experience in the profession and spent a few years working for a local fabrication and maintenance company which introduced her to the oil, gas, and water treatment industries. “There, I was able to learn all about the plant operations, maintenance and overhaul tasks involving a lot of high risk works,” Alivia said. “I thoroughly enjoyed being on site, primarily at water treatment plants. The opportunity to continue to develop her skills at Kogan Creek Power Station was too good to ignore. “I wanted to work at Kogan Creek Power Station as it was – and still is – a huge learning opportunity for me, not having been exposed to power generation before.” Influence, Educate, and support Alivia describes her Health & Safety Advisor role as one that requires her to influence, educate, and support people. “From a practical perspective, I conduct regular interactions on plant, support and advise personnel throughout incident investigation processes, and provide clarification regarding our policies, procedures, forms, and legislative requirements,” she said. “I also organise health and wellbeing initiatives such as skin checks, onsite physio visits, hygiene monitoring programs, moulded hearing protection, etc. “I’m also the RRTW coordinator for Kogan Creek Power Station. I enjoy supporting our people through the RRTW process after an injury or illness – even if it’s not work-related – and ensure they are on track in returning to meaningful work where possible. I genuinely enjoy all aspects of my role.” Alivia said she’s noticed a huge culture shift throughout all industries around safety in general. “I think people are really starting to understand the ‘why’ behind the legislative requirements and are very willing to ensure that they and their teammates are safe to execute a job. “I’ve witnessed a few ‘stop the jobs’ - our people aren’t afraid of speaking up if something isn’t right. “We have very experienced and skilled tradesmen and women in our teams. If something isn’t right, or they are not 100 per cent confident in executing the job, they stop and seek advice from their supervisor, Health & Safety, or management prior to proceeding.” Alivia said she’s learned a lot along the way, but the most important thing is that she doesn’t always have all the answers immediately, and that’s OK. “It is imperative that I have the correct information to share with people in my role, and it’s OK if that takes some time. “I’ve learnt that you can truly learn new things every day in a power station. “From the mine to the turbine, the slurry pumps and everything in between – the more you understand the more you can support and advise. “There is still so much more for me to learn and experience. I’m excited for my future with CS Energy at Kogan Creek Power Station.”