Celebrating women in business.
#ChooseToChallenge
Tee and Natalie prove gender is no barrier By Mel Jaunay There’s a certain a look of incredulity that Angaston Motors and RAA mechanics, Tee Oxer and Natalie Brazier are used to being greeted with at roadside call-outs. “You get out the car and they go, oh, okay, it’s a girl!” explained 23-year-old Tee with a laugh. “You get the surprise and then they want a little bit of your life story, which is nice.” It’s fair to have an interest in the careers of these two Barossa women, who are among only a handful of female mechanics driving for the RAA, and within a minority in their industry. Born with a touch of hereditary grease lubricating their veins, both knew from a young age that cars were going to be part of their future. “I think it was inevitable really,” said Natalie, who at 38, has recently returned to the workforce after taking time out to have children. “We used to go to the drags on the weekends. Dad used to pit crew for Graeme Cowin, and I was all of eight or nine, and it was my job to clean the dragsters. “I think it was going to happen whether I liked it or not!” Likewise Tee was inspired to pick up the tools by her grandfather, Ernest, a diesel mechanic who worked on busses in England. “Growing up, I’d see all his photos of the massive workshops,” said Tee. “He’d show me pictures of the all the double decker busses and he’d say we did this and did that. It was really cool to listen to.” Both women swapped school books for practical work as teenagers, forgoing Year 12 in favour of apprenticeships. Natalie completed her training through the Motor Trade Association, with stints at Holden and CMI Toyota. Te e w a s o f f e r e d h e r apprenticeship at Nuriootpa Automotive, completing one week per month at TAFE over four years. The women share a laugh at being the “only girl” in their
worry “ Don’t about what
anyone else thinks, if it makes you happy, go for it.
”
– Natalie Brazier
Mechanics, Tee Oxer and Natalie Brazier. respective classes, but say it was never a problem fitting in. “You come into the workshop, and it’s so much fun. I don’t think there is a day I haven’t laughed, which is the greatest thing,” Tee said. “You can have the worst job where nothing is going right for you, but then you get the banter and it just makes it all worthwhile.” Natalie agrees that, for the most part, being female has made no difference to her acceptance within
a team. “You don’t feel any different until someone points it out,” she said. The women note that most of the pressure to succeed they put upon themselves, which is self-evident in their work ethic and high attention to detail, but if there is any greater expectation, perhaps surprisingly, it comes from outside the industry, rather than within. “There’s pressure to be good at what you do, but then a little bit more because you’ve got to prove
yourself somewhat because there are those customers that will go, she’s a chick,” Tee said. “It’s in one ear and out the other, because I know some people are set in their ways. “Times are changing, but they’re not changed.” On the flip side, Tee has built such a rapport with other customers that they specifically ask for her. “You know that you’re good at what you do if they request you to
work on their car,” she said with a smile. Tee and Natalie, and other trailblazing women like them, are proof that gender does not need to be a barrier to any particular career or industry. “Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks, if it makes you happy, go for it,” Natalie said. And perhaps next time you call the RAA and a capable female mechanic hops out the van, try not to look too surprised.
Juncken Builders and Joinery
Gemma Schrapel and Sophie Watson.
BLD 272 559
26 - “The Leader”, Wednesday, March 3, 2021
WE’RE PROUD TO EMPLOY A TEAM OF LOCAL, DEDICATED & PASSIONATE TRADES PEOPLE TO ENSURE YOUR NEXT BUILD IS OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY. DR20230
Tell us a bit about your business... Describe your role. Gemma: I am an officer administrator for our joinery workshop at Juncken Builders and Joinery. We are very much a versatile company that provides products and services in many areas of joinery and building. My role is to handle administration duties in the joinery as well as the management of our social media and website. Sophie: I’m a cabinet maker at Juncken Builders and Joinery. We’re an allrounder company that offers and supports you with everything you need in construction and building, from house renovations to shop fit-outs. My role is to create and construct cabinetry for kitchens,
bathrooms, laundries, living rooms, bedrooms and more - I have been taught skills and knowledge that enables me to be versatile with what an individual would want created. I love my job because I can create a work from start to finish and then be able to install it on site, enabling me to see the outcome of what I have made with my own hands. In your opinion, why do you think it’s important to recognise women in business? Gemma: It is important as it throws away stigmas, it highlights that there are successful women in business, especially in industries that are stereotypically viewed for men. I think it is powerful to recognise women in business as it leads the path for young women to be inspired and feel like their future career opportunities are more vast than they would initially think. Sophie: I am all about equality. Anything a man can do, I can do too. The females out there proving themselves everyday deserve the same recognition. I work hard to keep up with the boys I work with so that I am able to be given the same opportunities that they are given, I earn it just as much. I strive to be just as good, if not better.
8562 2983
|
4 Kalimna Rd, Nuriootpa
|
www.jbandj.com.au
Celebrating women in business.
#ChooseToChallenge
Barossa Helicopters
What is one of your personal highlights? I have had a few highlights over the years. I was certified as Australia’s Youngest Female Commercial Helicopter Pilot at 18 years of age. Since then, I have been able to experience so much of South Australia and Northern Territory (Arnhem Land and Kakadu) with many varied roles such as light house maintenance, private charters, powerline
•
Scenic Flights from $40 pp
•
Food & wine tours from $320 pp
•
Open daily from 10am - 4pm
•
All flights min 2 people, max 3
261 Hofffnungsthal Road, Lyndoch Phone: 8524 4209 fly@barossahelicopters.com.au www.barossahelicopters.com.au DH7083
Bridgettte Hasting, Manager and Pilot.
patrols, Air Attack working with the CFS, visiting remote communities in the NT, looking for Aboriginal rock art sites, mining exploration, media and transporting gear in an external sling load. I was also an elected member for the Barossa Council. The whole lot has been a great life experience. Do you have a motto or goal that you strive towards? Never stop learning. How do you interpret this year’s theme #Choose to Challenge#? I don’t think the perception has changed. If you want to be a pilot, work for it. There are many successful women helicopter pilots in Australia. There is no room for something to be handed to you in this industry. If you don’t do your job well or correctly people will get hurt and you will be out of a job pretty quickly.
Carol Kalleske really surprised me, so I like to make sure that my clients are aware of what they can and can’t claim.
Carol Kalleske What do you enjoy most about your business, or being a woman in business? I enjoy developing a rapport with my clients and making sure they understand clearly the work I am undertaking for them. Over the last 20 years I have heard so many times comments from clients saying, “I have never been asked that before”, “The way you explain this makes so much sense, I really understand it now”. These comments
Keep on top of your bookkeeping, do your entering on a regular basis. You will feel more in touch with your business. Make sure you lodge your BAS and Tax on time. Don’t put off invoicing, data entry and stocktakes to later, as it mounts up and becomes an big task and will just be put off again and again. Manage your debtors, without those regular cashflows you could quickly get into difficulties. Never think a question is too minor to contact your accountant. I would prefer my clients contact me for clarification or advice, as it may save them making a wrong choice or decision. Respect other small businesses by paying for their services/goods on time.
CPA NTAA Registered Tax Agent
Specialising in: • Individual and Business Tax Returns • Rental Properties & Capital Gains Tax • BAS and IAS preparation • Fee from Refund service
PH: 8562 8222
DH7082
As a successful woman in business, what advice could you give to other businesses?
www.carolkalleske.com 51 Adelaide Road, Greenock
Mandy Andrews of The Garden Barossa. Tell us a bit about your business... Describe your role. Owner/operator of The Garden Barossa garden consultancy service. Specialising in DESIGN - Plans for new or existing gardens ADVICE - Expertise on the care and maintenance of gardens INSPIRATION - fresh ideas for big or small garden spaces. A boutique service customised to the needs
of my clients. My belief is that design adds value before it adds cost. The exciting aspect about design is that the sky is the limit. My role extends to what the client wants. It can be as little or as much as they need for a garden project. Importantly, I recognise suitable plant selections and pride myself on advice in soil conditioning, plant selection and garden prosperity. I want the clients investment to be protected with the best advice possible. How has the last 12 months impacted you? Has it positively changed the way you operate and think? 2020 propelled me towards an inspiring occupation as owner and operator of my business. Despite having my business operating in a casual capacity in 2019, 2020 saw my business thrive. COVID 19 saw many people find wellness and distraction in their home gardens. The garden industry has been blessed with upturned sales and demand like never seen before. This has transpired onto my business.
DR20206
The Garden Barossa
DESIGN
ADVICE
INSPIRATION
Plans for
Expertise on the
Fresh ideas for
gardens
of garden spaces
garden spaces
new or existing care + maintenance
big or small
Mandy Andrews | 0410 336 210 | thegardenbarossa@gmail.com
“The Leader”, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 27
Celebrating women in business.
#ChooseToChallenge
Barossa Veterinary Service
Catherine Harper. Tell us a bit about your business... Describe your role. Barossa Veterinary Service is a locally owned and operated veterinary business that focusses on providing the community with excellent and consistent veterinary care, with a focus on preventative care to maximise quality of life and animal welfare. We deal with all domestic animals, large and small and love the variety and the challenges this brings. My role in the business is as a veterinarian and business owner. I spend three days a week with clients and their animals and a day in the office, supported by a wonderful management team. What do you enjoy most about your business, or being a woman in business? The team that I get to work with everyday, their enthusiasm and passion for helping people and their animals. I love being able to create a workplace where it is fun and rewarding to come to work. There are always challenges and ups and downs, but the people in any
business make it great and I am very thankful to have such a wonderful team. How has the last 12 months impacted you? Has it positively changed the way you operate and think? The last 12 months has been challenging for everyone, with each of us affected in different ways. My husband and I welcomed our second child into the world in the middle of lockdown, while trying to ensure the safety of our staff and modify the day to day running of the business to accommodate restrictions. Whilst it was a little like being in a mini tornado, I think it helps you to focus on the little things and work on getting through the next day and making it better. Sometimes, we can get caught up in big picture goals, and while they are important, looking to make the most of each day, deal with those challenges and keep going has been the biggest change for me in the last 12 months. What is one of your personal highlights? The relationships that owners have with their animals is the highlight of my job everyday. I get the opportunity to support owners in making the best decisions for their animals, improving their quality of life and keeping them happy and healthy for as long as possible so they can enjoy their time together. It is a privilege to be part of this relationship and I love the connections that I make with owners and their pets. As a successful woman in business, what advice could you give to other businesses? There is nothing easy about owning a business. It will challenge your resolve every day but at the same time gives you incredible rewards; watching that junior staff member learn and implement a new skill, having a successful team meeting or seeing a happy client and their pet leaving the business. My advice is not to be scared, many things are possible if you work hard, but don’t think that you can do it all and know that its ok not to! Learn your boundaries and know when and where to ask for help.
Elders Real Estate Barossa
Julia Smith and Robyn Stanbury Tell us a bit about your business... Describe your role. Julia: Sales Representative Robyn: Sales, marketing, appraising. What do you enjoy most about your business, or being a woman in business? Julia: The people I meet and help. Being part of a fabulous community. Robyn: Interacting with people that need my help regarding the Real Estate Industry. How has the last 12 months impacted you? Has it positively changed the way you operate and think? Julia: I have never been busier and worked out that I could work from home more and still offer great service. Robyn: Smarter, warmer, stronger. What is one of your personal highlights? Julia: Seeing our community rally and cope with what were never ending changes 28 - “The Leader”, Wednesday, March 3, 2021
throughout 2020 and watching the demand for property and prices rise steadily. So good to help vendors achieve brilliant results. Robyn: Get on with people on all walks of life. Do you have a motto or goal that you strive towards? Julia: I have two: “We are doing this once and we are doing it properly” and “What you don’t measure, you don’t manage” oh ….and “life is too short to drink bad wine!” Robyn: Make each year better than the year before. As a successful woman in business, what advice could you give to other businesses? Julia: Be confident, be positive and have a go, you can achieve anything. Good processes are the frame work to a good business. Value your staff and look after them. Success is always more enjoyable when shared. Your health is as important as your business. Make time to exercise and enjoy life. Robyn: Set a goal and thrive towards it. In your opinion, why do you think it’s important to recognise women in business? Julia: I love this industry because my gender is irrelevant. There are no glass ceilings in our industry whether you are male or female. I can achieve the goals that I have set through hard work and determination. Robyn: Women are amazing. How do you interpret this year’s theme #ChoosetoChallenge? Julia: Nothing is predestined. The obstacles of the past are gateways that lead to new beginnings. Challenge and change are inevitable. With them come opportunity. Robyn: Strong.
“Staff are always friendly and helpful. Very professional and caring service. My dog loves going to the Vets.” B Miller
Serving the community and its animals
Nuriootpa 8562 1162
Kapunda 8566 2301
Call Julia Smith on 0427 605 059 Email: julia.smith@elders.com.au OR Call Robyn Stanbury on 0478 361 414 Email: robyn.stanbury@elders.com.au
There’s no better time than now Elders Real Estate Barossa, 127 Murray Street, Tanunda SA 5352, ph 8562 2883 barossa.eldersrealestate.com.au | RLA62833
Celebrating women in business.
#ChooseToChallenge
Vine Inn Barossa
Here’s cheers to the best draught beer in SA! d SA’s Judge aught r Best D ality for u Q Beer ird year. the th don’t But, ke just ta rts e p x e the a n, try io in p ! o y a d o glass t
Gabrielle Marschall. with cancellations, particularly in the accommodation, function and events sectors. operating with reduced capacities for the different areas or rooms of the hotel has made me appreciate the base trade of the hotel, food and beverage service and appreciate the support of the Barossa community for continuing to support the hotel. In your opinion, why do you think it’s important to recognise women in business? In my opinion, recognising women in business is recognising equality in business. In the last 10 years, how has the perception of women in your industry changed? More opportunities offered. The industry has always has a mixed gender, but there appears to be many more female senior managers in place.
8562 2133 14-22 Murray Street, Nuriootpa The Barossa’s Premier Function Venue
Barossa Rental Specialists YOUR PREMIUM CHOICE for rental
The Barossa Rental Specialists team, Lisa Akeroyd and Jodie Reimann, with accounts manager, Tamara Taylor. Tell us a bit about your business... Describe your role. Barossa Rental Specialists (BRS) are agents who only do rentals because we recognise how important it is to do one thing well. We are committed to providing a premium service to our clients. Owning an investment property has become more complex for many investors with increasing legislation and responsibilities, but we’re here to guide them through all that so they can enjoy the rewards without the stress. We take care of everything, backed by excellent industry knowledge that is up-to-date and highly professional. When it comes to maintenance, we have that covered too with a dedicated department to coordinate it for you. As an owner and Director of the business, I love what we do and I’m constantly rewarded by the positive feedback from our clients. How has the last 12 months impacted you? Has it positively changed the way you operate and think?
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought great challenges for most businesses and our journey has been a roller-coaster of changing legislation, rapidly changing market conditions and a surge in demand that has resulted in a rental property shortfall. We have been dealing with many emotional clients enduring displacement and lifestyle upheaval. The positive to come out of this has been that it has only strengthened our determination to offer professional, caring industry representation. What is one of your personal highlights? Building a great team of staff that takes pride in our achievements. I am so proud to work with such skilled and motivated women and with a highly valued man who rounds out our team. Do you have a motto or goal that you strive towards? We promote ourselves as ‘The Premium Choice’ for rental management in the Barossa Valley and this has always been our goal, to offer a premium service that sets us apart. Together, we take great pride in working with our clients to achieve that. How do you interpret this year’s theme #ChoosetoChallenge? The theme reminds us that we all make a choice every day about how we think about the world and that we need to be forthright to achieve inclusivity. We can choose to challenge bias and inequality. We can choose to celebrate our skills and achievements as a team. What advice would you give your teenage self? I would say “take the risk!” Don’t be defined by others in what you want to achieve in life. If an opportunity comes your way, don’t be left wondering “what if?”.
BA27086
Tell us a bit about your business... Describe your role. Hotel Manager, responsible for the day to day operations of the Hotel. What do you enjoy most about your business, or being a woman in business? The variety of interactions with patrons from Barossa locals to visitors to the area, through all our outlets, accommodation, dining, bars and retail. How has the last 12 months impacted you? Has it positively changed the way you operate and think? The last 12 months has certainly been challenging. Our business, like many others has had to adapt to changes, and often at very short notice. We have had to operate with considerations to being more flexible
management in the barossa valley It’s more than a rental to us, it’s our passion. We offer friendly, personal service and up-to-date industry knowledge. Why do our clients find our approach a refreshing change? We return calls. We follow up. We are committed to helping you.
CALL LISA ON 0414 335 660 FOR An obligation-free rental APPRAISAL PROUDLY A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL MEMBER, REISA
KNOWLEDGE TM
RESPECT
barossarentals.com
PASSION
Lisa - 0414 335 660 Jodie - 0448 444 158 Hayley - 0448 444 885
ACCESSIBILITY
h e l l o @ B A R O S S A R E N TA L S . C O M
©
“The Leader”, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 29