Toni Kirkup: Leading by Example at AKD
Toni Kirkup, General Manager Health, Safety, and Environmental at AKD, has spent over 25 years in industries traditionally dominated by men, including abattoirs, timber, and agribusiness. Throughout her career, she has consistently broken barriers, excelling in roles that have fostered her leadership skills. She credits much of her success to the unwavering support she’s received from both colleagues and leadership.
At AKD, Toni emphasises the importance of work-life balance, especially as a mother. She acknowledges that the flexibility offered by AKD has allowed her to thrive, both professionally and personally. “It’s not just women who need flexibility; fathers do too,” she notes, emphasising the importance of supporting all parents in the workplace.
Mentorship has also played a pivotal role in Toni’s career. She highlights a former female manager, who championed diversity and inclusion at a time when it wasn’t as widely recognised. This leadership and support were key to Toni’s growth.
For women aspiring to enter manufacturing, Toni’s advice is clear: “Don’t be afraid to bring your unique perspective. The industry needs different ways of thinking and problem-solving.” She believes that fostering diversity isn’t just about gender—it’s about bringing in diverse experiences to strengthen the workplace.
Toni’s story is a testament to how AKD’s culture of support and inclusivity can empower women to excel and lead in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Alison McGregor: Championing Growth and Inclusion at Viva Energy
Alison McGregor, Refinery Asset Manager at Viva Energy’s Geelong Refinery, has built a dynamic 20-year career in an industry historically dominated by men. Starting as a graduate chemical engineer with Shell, Alison has navigated a diverse range of roles across project engineering, supply chain logistics, optimisation, and international operations in the Netherlands before she returned to Australia to take on leadership in asset and operations management.
Throughout her journey, Alison credits her growth to both structured and informal support systems. From graduate programs and leadership forums to the guidance of exceptional mentors and coaches, she’s found that a culture of support and investment in people has been key to her development. “It’s been a combination of structure and people who genuinely want to see others succeed,” she says.
Viva Energy’s deliberate focus on developing women into leadership positions has also been pivotal. With policies that promote flexibility and inclusive recruitment, the organisation is working to create balanced opportunities and foster long-term careers. Alison notes that inclusive environments, respectful behaviour standards, and a culture of development, led by a supportive senior management team, are essential to helping women thrive in technical and operational roles.
Reflecting on her career, Alison highlights the excitement and challenge of working in a rapidly evolving energy sector. “It’s a fascinating space, with brilliant people and endless learning,” she says. As Viva Energy continues its diversity journey, Alison remains a powerful example of how purposeful support and opportunity can create pathways for women to lead and shape the future of manufacturing.
Sinead Redmund: Leading with Purpose in Infrastructure Delivery
Sinead Redmund, Head of Infrastructure Delivery at Geelong Port, has built a distinguished career across engineering, construction, and maritime – industries where women remain underrepresented. Her early passion for engineering was sparked on construction sites alongside her father, which laid the foundation for a nearly 20-year journey in complex infrastructure delivery.
From practical beginnings in her family’s piling business to formal qualifications in civil engineering and project management, Sinead has consistently combined hands-on expertise with strategic leadership. Today, she oversees critical infrastructure programs at Geelong Port.
Navigating traditionally male-dominated sectors presented clear challenges for Sinead. Early in her career, she often found herself as the only woman at the table, facing moments of exclusion. “There were moments people wouldn’t even look at you purely because of your gender,” she recalls. Despite this, a network of strong mentors—many of them male—was instrumental to her success. “They never treated me as different, just capable. On tough days, they pushed me forward when I didn’t realise I needed it.”
Their belief in her abilities helped build her confidence and resilience, laying the groundwork for her continued leadership in the field. Key to her development has been inclusive, authentic leadership and workplace flexibility. “You shouldn’t have to choose between career and family—flexibility benefits everyone,” she says.
Her message to emerging professionals, particularly women, is clear: “Come with an open mind—there’s innovation and opportunity everywhere. Don’t let outdated perceptions hold you back.”
Sinead’s career is a testament to the power of early exposure, resilient mentorship, and progressive workplace practices in driving leadership success.