How this hands-on leader’s groundbreaking path has paved the way for future generations
At Powerlink, we’re making an impact that will outlast all of us - a fact that resonates deeply with Leanne. Our Power System Operations Team Leader made her mark as Powerlink’s first female Electrician and continues to impress us with her drive and thirst for knowledge. Leanne has seen Powerlink and our people go from strength to strength, solving problems and delivering essential work for our communities - but here’s why she says the best is yet to come.
A progressive career
Step into the heart of Powerlink’s control room, and you’ll find Leanne. It’s where her team manages our robust network, helping to keep the lights on for millions of Queenslanders. You can almost feel the buzz - the hum of the electricity, the trained eyes and steady hands connecting our state to a world-class, energy future. And it’s a stark departure from Leanne’s rural upbringing.
“I was raised on a dairy farm in Esk,” she says. “Farmers usually handle most tasks themselves, but generating electricity is not something you can easily accomplish. During the 1980s, when we experienced power outages, we had to devise an alternative method for milking our cows using a generator. This experience ignited my fascination with electricity.”
It was the first of many breakthroughs for Leanne. In 1994, she embarked on her apprenticeship as an Electrical Fitter Mechanic with Powerlink - and broke the glass ceiling in the process. Leanne made history as our first female electrician, marking a new era full of possibilities for women in the industry. She describes the experience as “interesting” at times, but her determination and grit propelled her forward.
And almost three decades later, Leanne says the Powerlink she’s part of today reflects the necessary progress we’ve made.
The company values inclusivity and diversity and doesn’t discriminate. If you have the skills and determination, there are no limits to what you can achieve at Powerlink.”
Leanne continued to work in the field for nine years before joining the control room team as our first female Controller. Now, as Power System Operations Team Leader, she helps find smart solutions to interesting problems, approaching every challenge with the same enthusiasm she’s always had.
“It’s very dynamic. Sometimes we have simple problems, and sometimes they’re more complicated. And when it’s very quiet, you sit like a coiled spring, ready to pounce and respond if something goes wrong. It’s all happening.”
A chance to grow
In her personal life, Leanne never sits still. She’s always on the hunt to learn something new, and her lengthy list of accomplishments speaks for itself!
“I’ve done a lot of study outside of the electrical industry,” Leanne says. I have completed several health-related courses, including a Health Science (Myotherapy) degree, a Fatigue Risk Management postgrad certificate, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. So, I’m a bit of a habitual studier!”
At Powerlink, Leanne is encouraged to continue her development. Our ever-changing work means she’s been able to grasp powerful opportunities for her career, and she feels supported to build on her studies inside and outside the control room. If you want to progress and get exposure to all that Powerlink has to offer, Leanne says just put up your hand.
“There are certainly lots of development opportunities. I started in the field, and now I’m office-based. I’m doing my MBA at the moment, which opens up a lot of possibilities for me, too. There are lots of different roles and responsibilities at Powerlink that I didn’t know about when I started. So, I recommend always looking for opportunities because you’ll find them.”
Every future made possible
Leanne has built real relationships over the years with Powerlink. Her role requires strong communication between the control room and our people on the ground, and she’s grateful for the connections she’s made. Leanne says you’ll find experienced, down-to-earth people in every corner of Powerlink.
“Everyone here is passionate about their roles and takes their responsibilities seriously. When the workload is high, we still have a bit of banter and have fun in our teams. Building those relationships is important because you need to rely on people to help you solve problems. Whether it’s the person beside you, your Team Leader or somebody out in the field, we all work together well.”
They’re relationships Leanne plans to continue building for many years to come. While she’s proud of everything she’s achieved here, she says the best is ahead of her. With sights set on greater leadership responsibilities, Leanne is excited to grow alongside Powerlink as we extend our impact every day. Together, we’re gearing up for an even brighter future, working at the heart of Queensland’s energy transformation - and Leanne says there’s never been a better time to kickstart a career with us.
“The network is expanding, and our technology is evolving. The whole energy system is transforming. I think this is a very exciting time for Powerlink and our industry because the next few years will be huge. I love being a part of that.