A walk down memory lane

This month we spent some time with Senior Cost Controller Beckie Luckens, who has been with the business for over 10 years. She gives us some insights into her time at Monadelphous.

Can you give us an overview of your Monadelphous journey?

I’m currently in a Senior Cost Controller role, but my journey started over a decade ago in Queensland when I joined the team in an admin role. Before making the move to the maintenance business, I was working for engineering construction on the carbon bake furnace 4 project. Following that project, I made the jump to the dark side or light side, depending on who you ask! There are certainly some differences between the divisions and it’s been great to say I’ve had experience in both.

After five years in Queensland, we made the call to move back home to Western Australia, where I worked at the Muja power station with many of the familiar faces who still work there today. I then transferred to the Bunbury branch for a bit before moving into the Perth office role.

What are some of your Monadelphous highlights?

I’ve experienced a lot in my time, making it hard to pick one favourite memory. I’ve really enjoyed going out to our different operations – most recently I’ve had the opportunity to travel to a few of our Southern Region locations, such as Roxby Downs and Kalgoorlie.

It makes a difference to meet the people and put faces to names. Each visit I’ve learnt a bit more about what we do and how we do it. The local teams really took the time to show me around the site and give me general tours around town. I even got to visit the world’s tallest bin in Kalgoorlie, one of the most famous landmarks going around. It’s a bonus being able to explore a bit more of Australia along the way. You could say I’ve ‘bin’ around!

Ten years, what has made you stick around for so long?

Simple – the people. I’ve been extremely lucky to work with some insanely talented and sometimes colourful characters during my time at Monadelphous. In my experience, meeting and establishing strong relationships with key people in various areas makes all the difference. It helps you to step outside your scope and understand the many moving parts of the business.

What advice would you give to someone in the early stages of their career at Monadelphous?

Respect the people around you, even if you don’t understand fully what they do on a day-to-day basis. It’s important to realise we’re all one team working towards the same common goal.

Ask questions – if you don’t know something, there will definitely be someone in the business who does know and will be willing to help. Lastly, be confident in your own ability!