Sodexo Stories in Queensland

Craig Adams

Craig was in the Royal Australian Navy for 26 years before joining Sodexo in 2011. Craig took the opportunity to move from Cairns with his wife and daughter to experience ‘Living Local’ for five years in remote East Arnhem Land.

 

“Gove, or Nhulunbuy as it’s traditionally known, was great – a small community that looked after each other. My wife taught Indigenous kids at the local school, which gave us a great insight into Aboriginal culture, and we made lots of lifelong friends.”

 

The Adamses are now back in Queensland, where Craig manages our Dysart site. Sodexo supported Craig’s training and career development all the way the up to his Diploma in Management. Craig says Sodexo is a perfect fit for people who enjoy working as part of a real team.

 

“Sodexo is like a large extension to your family. The job is serious business but bringing along a sense of humour doesn’t hurt!”

Leanne Knights

Formerly a bistro supervisor at her local surf club, Leanne joined Sodexo in 2010. Since then Leanne has made the most of all the training and development on offer in Moranbah.

 

“I’ve had the opportunity to learn and work in administration. My days are busy and challenging, which is just how I want it.”

 

Leanne says Sodexo fully supports staff who volunteer for charities and their local communities. As well as raising money on site for World’s Greatest Shave and Care Flight, Leanne was part of the crew who helped batten down before and clean up debris after Cyclone Debbie.

 

“Meeting new people is the most rewarding part of the job. We come from different cultures and have different experiences, but are all hardworking, safety focused, team players.”

Tori Arivu

After housekeeping at hotels on the Sunshine Coast, Tori switched to a steady role with Sodexo six years ago – and hasn’t looked back. Tori says she has enjoyed the flexibility of working at different Queensland sites over the years, picking up experience and career development opportunities along the way.

 

“A typical day is always full-on, busy, and varied, which keeps it interesting. It’s been great so far with plenty of on-the-job training in Administration, I would like to do some courses to help me expand my duties as a relief Administrator.”

 

Tori recently snapped up the opportunity to volunteer at Garma Festival in Arnhem Land, Australia's largest Indigenous gathering where Sodexo has participated as a sponsor and partner of the Yothu Yindi Foundation for 13 years.  

 

“The most rewarding part is getting to work with so many amazing people and forming lasting friendships. I’m looking forward to reaching my 10-year milestone with Sodexo.”

Sandrine Elie

Working in a close-knit team of four, Sandrine recently completed a 12 month on-the-job training Certificate III in Operation Cleaning, supported by Sodexo.

 

“The managers here genuinely care about our safety and working environment, and provide training on a daily basis. We have a strong safety culture that includes mental health. We do R U OK? activities, have regular team talks, and nominate each other for recognition.”

 

Sandrine says the best two things about working with Sodexo for the last six years have been meeting new people that share her team spirit, and having a roster that suits her lifestyle.  

 

“Instead of having only weekends off, I work two weeks and then I get a whole week off – enough time to travel to see my family and friends back in Noumea.”

Mark Thompson

Mark says that being able to grow within the company is what he values most. Since welcoming Mark as a breakfast chef 11 years ago, Sodexo has supported his career development through multiple training Certificates all the way up to a Diploma of Management. Mark is now a Senior Project Manager overseeing two Queensland villages.

 

“As a manager it’s my responsibility to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of all my staff. We have a culture here where people can talk about their concerns, and know they’ll be listened to and supported. I have the mindset that family comes first.”

 

Mark is most proud of Moranbah winning Best Site at Sodexo’s annual Star Awards gala, and when staff who couldn’t return home during Cyclone Debbie volunteered to stay together and help out on site.

 

“Working so closely with others, your achievements do certainly get recognised and rewarded. You have to be loyal and honest, and dedicated to achieving the best you can – not only for yourself but for the team.”

Angela Aprile

For Dysart local Angela, her reliable family-friendly roster means she can make breakfast for her kids each morning – and beat them home from school each afternoon.

 

“Everyone looks after each other on site, so we can all go home safe to our loved ones. Coming to work with such a happy bunch of people – it makes you feel happy too.”

 

Angela says that since joining Sodexo seven years ago, she has watched the Dysart site transform from a dirt lot into a real village, a real home away from home for the residents operating the nearby mine.

 

“The residents acknowledge and appreciate the work I do, and miss me when I have time off. I know them all individually, and treasure these relationships.”