Lori’s journey as a woman in the waste management industry

The Australian Capital Territory is Ngunnawal Country. The region has a harsh climate with extreme cold and heat by Australian standards, making the Ngunnawal people resilient hunters and gatherers, working in harmony with the land.  

RRA ACT Weighbridge Operations Manager, Lori Roberts-Scott spent much of her career in male-dominated industries. She has seen her share of “glass ceilings”. 15 years ago, Lori made a big move, from a high-level security role at Canberra airport into the waste industry. At the time, she was the first female to be working onsite at Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre.  

Lori said, “The bathroom onsite was a portaloo, shared with 20 blokes.” 

Lori has never been afraid to push barriers, she moved through the ranks of Canberra Airport, becoming Security Manager for several years. She worked with diplomats and politicians as they entered and exited the nation’s capital. An opportunity to do something a little bit different caught her attention.  

Lori moved to weighbridge operation and quickly found an appreciation for the new role. What started as a temporary assignment to “whip the weighbridges into shape” has become an opportunity for Lori and countless others.  

By September 2017, Lori was getting disenchanted with a security company running the weighbridges. With the contract up for renewal RRA tendered and won the opportunity to operate the weighbridges for ACT NoWaste. 

“The support from Matt and Ally and the culture of RRA was immediately clear. Their dedication to their positions was an eye-opener,” Lori said. 

Lori embraced RRA’s purpose to provide opportunities for people experiencing barriers to work. Over the last 10 years, she has led a diverse team, advocating, mentoring and developing more than 40 people, most with barriers to employment.  

“We had to look at things differently. People don’t often realise that barriers make it difficult to stay employed. Some people may need a bit of extra support to achieve their potential. But then they thrive.”  

Lori’s leadership of the team has enabled the ACT weighbridge operations to be not just compliant, but to meet strict safety and road compliance standards. Our weighbridge operators receive NMI certification, a development opportunity that may have been considered out of reach for many individuals with barriers to work.