Collie Just Transition Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Kathy Keay – Director Strategic Partnerships - and Kate Cummings - Manager Collie Digital Content – to discuss the Collie Job Connect app – an innovative platform designed to connect local job seekers, employers and training opportunities within the Collie region. We explore the vision behind the app, the journey of bringing the app to life, and how it was developed to support workforce transition and create stronger employment pathways for the community.  This episode was recorded shortly after the launch, with figures reflecting the early stages of the initiative.  /// Visit Collie Job Connect www.colliejobs.wa.gov.au   Have a question on Collie’s Just Transition? Let us know here.

In this episode, we speak with Alecia Swan – business owner of Partners in Safety.  Backed by funding through the Collie Futures Small Grants Program, Partners in Safety has become a one-stop shop for PPE, workwear, safety equipment, consulting, and practical workplace support for businesses across the region.  Alecia shares the journey from identifying the opportunity, navigating startup life as a local family business, and how community support, resilience, and a passion for workplace safety have helped shape the business into what it is today.    ///   Visit Partners In Safety Partnersinsafety.au @partnersinsafety Have a question on Collie’s transition? Let us know here.  

For this episode, we hear from one of Collie’s newest additions - the Commercial Dive Academy, now firmly anchored in town after expanding from Tasmania. In just a short time, the Academy has brought a wave of new students to Collie, all sharpening their commercial diving skills while getting out and enjoying our town’s best assets, from world‑class mountain bike trails to the natural attractions that are keeping students busy while here. As Collie continues to transition, the Academy is injecting fresh momentum into the town’s diversification and giving visitors a whole new reason to spend time here. Hear from Managing Director Alan on why Collie stood out as the perfect inland base, how the Academy is already supporting local businesses, and what this growing industry means for our community’s future. Learn more about the Commercial Dive Academy by visiting their website. Have a question on Collie’s transition? Let us know here.

For this episode, we take you trackside to the Collie Motorplex – one of WA’s premier regional motorsport facilities and a hub for racing enthusiasts across the state. From grassroots events and community days, to supporting locals in professional racing, the Motorplex has grown to play a big role in Collie’s tourism identity and economy. Hear from Anna, Manager at the Collie Motorplex, on some exciting developments shaping the future of the attraction, including all the details on the national event they’re proud to be hosting in town next year. Hear co-host John chat with Anna about what this means for Collie, local businesses, and the region’s growing reputation as a destination for speed, skill, and world-class competition. ____ Visit the Collie Motorplex Colliemotorplex.org.au @collie_motorplex   Have a question on Collie’s transition? Let us know here.

With a proud history in coal mining, preparing Collie’s coal workforce for change is no small job.   In this episode, we unpack the support offered to local workers preparing for change with the frontline perspective of one of Collie’s longstanding Transition Consultants, Vicky. Working directly with those in the coal industry, Vicky helps workers navigate training opportunities, overcome training challenges, and helps map out training plans toward positive futures in an evolving transition. One of Collie’s career advisors, Jess, also shares how families, local students and the community is responding to the transition, and how it’s shifting workforce trends and aspirations in town. Have a question for Collie’s Jobs and Skills Centre? Contact the team direct here or call 1800 621 445. The WA Government is proud to have partnered with Collie Community Radio to bring you this episode.

Content warning: This episode touches on themes of mental health and suicide. If this brings anything up for you - help is available. Reach out for chat on the 24/7 MATES Line on 1300 642 111 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. For a town built on hard work and generational experience in coal, the transition changes ahead aren’t always going to be just economic – for some, they’re a little more personal. In this episode, we’re diving into the emotional toll that can bring added pressure, stress, and a lot of unknowns for the community and workforce. Hear from Liam Cubbage, CEO of Mates in Mining WA, on why mental health is becoming a vital part of the conversation in town, and how their upcoming work in Collie will make a difference on the ground. Have a question on Collie’s transition? Get in touch with us here. The WA Government is proud to have partnered with Collie Community Radio to bring you this episode.

In this episode, we explore a pivotal year in Collie’s transition journey away from coal. As the current Just Transition Plan is reviewed and updated, locals that are driving the transition share their reflections and insights to help shape the next phase of the plan – covering the critical period from 2026-2030 where the scheduled closures to State-owned coal-fired power stations in Collie are due to happen. Hear from key voices including union and local government leaders on the progress so far, lessons learnt, and what they feel is needed to support the workforce and community in a time of significant change and as the town secures a strong future beyond the life of coal. Have a question on Collie’s transition? Get in touch with us here. The WA Government is proud to have partnered with Collie Community Radio to bring you this episode.

Collie’s own water filtration and distribution experts Quantum Filtration are catering for global demand, helping communities around the world to access clean water. With a new facility in Collie ready to boost production of its signature DMI-65® water treatment systems, we chat to General Manager James Glaskin on Quantum’s journey to Collie, and what jobs and opportunities the next chapter of operations could bring to the economy and community in town. This chat is a must-listen for anyone curious about how one of Collie’s emerging industries is helping shape the town’s future as it continues to move away from its economic dependence on coal, and why Quantum will continue to choose Collie into the future for its operations. Learn more about Quantum Filtration by visiting their website.

Hundreds of mountain Bike-enthusiasts from around the country are about to flock to Collie for the 2024 AusCycling Mountain Bike Enduro National and Oceania Championships, descending on the town’s iconic mountain bike trails. Securing the world-qualifying event is a massive tourism win for WA, but an even bigger win for Collie - so we explored how Collie stood out among the rest, and how the town is working to make the most of the world stage. Hear us chat to AusCycling representee Kipp Kaufmann on what Collie can expect, and Rod from the WA Government’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions on what it took to secure the event. For local businesses, we speak with Tara from the Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry on what this could mean for the local economy and the community here in our town – both now and into the future.   2024 AusCycling Mountain Bike Enduro National and Oceania Championships: auscycling.org.au Facebook: @AusCyclingAus Instagram: @AusCyclingAus   Plan your visit to Collie: Collierivervalley.com.au Facebook: @VisitCollie Instagram: @VisitCollieRiverValley   Contact Tara at Collie’s CCI: colliehub.com.au Facebook: @CollieChamber

Co-host John Kearney speaks with Adrian Taylor, a local coal-fired power station worker that's worked to establish his pathway to transition, leading him to launch a new family business venture. Hear his experience as one of the first workers to establish a transition pathway, the change and structure he's seen be introduced since he went through that process, and his journey upskilling in a whole new area.   SHOW NOTES For more on the new Collie Jobs and Skills Centre, stream to Episode 12: What Collie's Jobs and Skills Centre means for you Have a question or feedback about the Collie Just Transition? Let us know here.