Tell us how you first started working in the airport sector.
I first started working in the airport sector 21 years ago. I wasn't actively looking for a job at the time, but I stumbled across a job at Canberra Airport in the local newspaper, which I thought would be interesting, and applied for it.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in the industry?
My advice to someone looking to get a career in the aviation industry would be to have a passion for aviation. I think that's a key thing. If you have a natural passion for it then you'll succeed in the aviation industry.
How does your role contribute to the overall functioning and success of the airport?
How I contribute to the overall success of the airport is probably through the safety component of my job. There is no she'll be right attitude, there's no second guessing anything. It is all about safety of aircraft coming and going from this aerodrome. The success is safety. At the end of the day, we all go home. My staff, the ramp staff, everyone on airport, as well as people coming and going safely. So never second guess anything.
Tell us about the importance of teamwork and collaboration in your job and the wider airport industry.
The importance of teamwork here at Canberra Airport or any airport or any country is relationships. I've got fantastic relationships with not only my own team but key stakeholders, all the airlines, ground handlers, everyone. I've got a great relationship with all of them, and this has been integral in the success I've enjoyed in my career.