Senior Geology Technician Tairia Hutton isn’t your ordinary geologist.
Not only did she start her career as a teacher before discovering the world of seismic data, geology and mining, but she also holds a hidden sporting talent that has taken her across the world.
“I was a primary school teacher for many years, and I was asked if I could help in a geotechnical team during a school holiday period in early 2000,” Tairia said.
“First, I was curious about the data, and before you know it, I was completing down-hole surveys in a nickel mine. I was then approached by the geology manager about running a nickel core yard, where I worked alongside excellent geologists who taught me how to log core, how to measure structures and how to see it in 3D. That was just the beginning.
“I started working for Wyloo, which was then called Mincor, in 2008 until 2012, before returning in 2020. My role looks after the geology processes and procedures across our sites with a focus on teaching geologists and geo-technicians the fine art of mapping faces underground, transferring that information onto level plans and scanning that information back into our 3D program ready for creating or updating geology models.
“My role also involves me mentoring our teams across technical areas and professional skills, which is something I really enjoy as it builds a culture of trust and integrity among the crew in line with our Values.”
Alongside her fly-in, fly-out role to our Kambalda sites, Tairia is a talented paddler, having previously competed in states and nationals and soon, for Australia at the International Va’a (canoeing) Federation World Sprints in August 2024.
Tairia’s strict training regime ensures she is able to compete at the highest level, having taken home numerous medals across a variety of competitions since she started the sport four years ago.
“On site, I train Monday to Friday completing five different strength and cardio sessions at the gym with my rest days on Saturday and Sunday. At home, I do the same, but I also swim two kilometres after each session and paddle 12 kilometres a few times a week,” she said.
“Some weekends I have competitions and I also have an eating regime that I need to maintain. I love it and its worth all the hard work as I continue to reach my goals and achieve medals.
“I’ve been lucky to receive backing from work with an adapted roster so I could continue my training, as well as being supported to take leave to compete in competitions interstate or overseas, such as Vaka Evia in the Cook Islands and The Takapuna Cup in New Zealand.
“My work colleagues have always supported me and held me accountable with my nutrition and training, with a couple of the guys buying bikes so they could cycle with me and joining in for fitness or swimming sessions in Kambalda to keep me motivated.
“I’ve been fundraising to help with the costs of getting to Worlds in August and my colleagues have been wonderful in their support, with some even donating prizes to the raffle and buying tickets.
“I truly appreciate my work colleagues when they ask about my sport, my next achievements and all the encouragement they have given in the past four years.”
Our Asset President – Kambalda Steve Price said it was a pleasure to support Tairia in her goals outside of work.
“Tairia is a valued member of our Wyloo family and its special to be able to support her in her commitments, which we are so proud of,” Steve said.
