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Meet Rusti Hambley, Programmed’s newest Process Operator

Apr 4, 2019

Programmed is proud to be supporting our newest Process Operator Rusti Hambley and partnering with Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) to increase gender diversity on-site.

Rusti approached us last year, expressing an interest in starting a career in the Mining industry, but didn’t know where to start.

At the time, she stereotyped herself into role typically fulfilled by women on site such as cleaning or utility hand with catering/service providers on site.

‘I’ve been given so many opportunities here that I never thought myself capable of. I’m really proud of myself for taking on this challenge and for pursuing this opportunity”

Fortescue’s Solomon’s Ore Processing Facility (OPF) presented an opportunity to our team as they were seeking a female candidate to fill a Process Operator role.

While Rusti had no previous mining experience, she possessed the right attitude, personality and disciplines that aligned with Fortescue’s values and she was offered the role.

 “As a young female in the mining industry, all I can say to you is to not limit yourself to the stereotypes and to expect more of yourself and to take any challenge or opportunity given to you, because you won’t regret it”, Rusti says.

Following a commitment made with Fortescue in June 2018, our team is actively working to increase gender balance across Fortescue sites. Fortescue CEO, Elizabeth Gaines shared her thoughts on the importance of diversity in the workplace saying;

“At Fortescue, we have a plan for diversity and it is our people and our leaders that are working hard to make it happen. We recognise that we need the best ideas across every part of our business and the best ideas come from a diverse workforce.”


Programmed strives for diversity, inclusion and equality of our people. We seek a workforce that is representative of the communities we work in. We encourage people of all cultures, gender, age, sexual orientation or abilities to apply.

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