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D r Jenny Purdie has been recognised as this year’s Exceptional Woman in Australian

Resources. Purdie’s efforts throughout a 30-year career in the sector were celebrated at
the Women in Resources National Awards (WIRNAs) presented at Parliament House, Sydney, in
September. Purdie is currently executive general manager of gas distribution with pipeline company
Jemena and has held a number of high ranking roles with the likes of Adani Australia, Aurzion and
Rio Tinto Ltd. Paydirt deputy editor Mark Andrews spoke with Purdie about her career and how
greater female participation in the sector can be achieved.

: What does this recognition motivated by what has been a stretch for : How did you find transition back
Q mean to you at this stage of me. Generally, it has panned out, but when Q into workforce after having each
your career? it hasn’t your resilience is tested. There of your three children?
: I am proud of what I have are still additional challenges for women : I’d say that every time I came
A achieved, but also conscious of getting ahead in the sector, albeit there A back into the workforce it was
the fact that there have been highs are many initiatives in place encouraging hard, but hard in a different way each
and lows. It has been really humbling more women and what can be done to time. On the positive side, I think after
to be recognised by peers and others, overcome particular challenges. The family my first child I had six weeks off at full
particularly as what I have done has piece is one such issue. When you have pay, then the third I had 20 weeks off at
made a difference to people; it has been got young children, it makes it difficult and full pay. I really did appreciate that pay
worthwhile from my career perspective, sometimes not having mentors creates as a financial offset but also as a signal
but also added value to other people. challenges. As you get into the more senior as it being OK to take time off. With the
leadership roles, you sometimes have a first two children I came back into GM
: How do you manage the highs diverse opinion or view which is not always operations roles. The hard thing about
Q and lows? welcome. Some of those aspects are being a young mother with a child doing
: I’ve always tried to take on challenges I have come across at different a 24/7 job, both of those jobs can be
times.
A challenges and do things that in the moment, especially with a very
have been a stretch for me. I have been small child – when they are hungry they

Page 6 NOVeMBeR 2019 aUSTRaLIa’S PaYDIRT