Community Impact

Maddy has navigated complex environments and influenced outcomes to help employers prevent and respond to gendered violence. Prior to #Me Too, this was not widely considered an OHS issue. Maddy has helped bring to life multiple WorkSafe offerings in this space since 2018, such as developing the first regulator guidance in Australia in 2020 (Gendered violence guide for employers | WorkSafe Victoria), Health and Safety Representative Training, campaigns, and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.

In addition to running her consultancy business in Southwest WA, Alecia has also recently opened her Partners in Safety shop - "a hub for safety expertise, high-quality gear, and practical support for tradies, professionals and small businesses". They recently held their official store opening which included free spinal checks from their local Chiropractor and hosted a Business Connections Trade Night showcasing local innovation and community-driven success where attendees could also learn from leading industry reps about the safety supply chain. They are part of SafeStyle's Recycling Program recycling used safety glasses, work hard at sourcing quality PPE that fits and does the job for their customers (including a cowboy hard hat), and regularly share educational safety messages via their Facebook page.

Anna inspires me through her genuine commitment to strengthening workplace safety and supporting the broader business community. She recently partnered with my first aid training business and Sustainable Fire to host training at her new office, creating an accessible space for local businesses to meet compliance requirements and build capability. This practical initiative reflects her leadership, foresight, and belief in collaboration as a way to achieve lasting community impact.

Isobel consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to both the business and her colleagues. She is generous with her knowledge, always willing to share her ideas, insights, and processes to help others grow and succeed. Her collaborative approach fosters a culture of learning and development, empowering those around her to make meaningful contributions. Isobel’s dedication to creating opportunities for others to learn and improve is a testament to her leadership and the positive impact she has across the team.

Jo-Anne consistently shows care for all personnel across the organisation and is unwaveringly courageous in standing up for those around her. Jo-Anne regularly takes on any roles necessary to ensure projects continue to feel supported

Isobel came to Optus as a graduate which exposed her to all the different business units we have. The impact that safety had on Isobel was profound, she not only came back to the safety team following her rotations, she completed a diploma of safety and has become an integral member of the team.

Patrizia is saving lives every day the messages she shares around complacency by sharing Christophers story. She is using her families lived experience to make sure that other families do not have to suffer the way their family has.

Patrizia Cassaniti leaves a lasting and deeply emotional impact on every audience she addresses — not only during her powerful safety presentations, but in every interaction she has. Following the tragic and entirely preventable incident that claimed the life of her 18-year-old son, Patrizia transformed her profound grief into a driving force for positive change.

Through her unwavering commitment, she has influenced individuals, workplaces, and government agencies to prioritise safety, inspiring tangible improvements in workplace practices and culture. Her advocacy has reached across industries, challenging complacency, sparking vital conversations, and prompting legislative and organisational reform.

Patrizia’s unique combination of lived experience, courage, and determination makes her a force to be reckoned with. Her work continues to save lives, protect workers, and honour the memory of her son by ensuring that no other family endures the same preventable loss. She is not only a safety advocate — she is a catalyst for change.

To me, Isobel is the face of WHS within Optus. She is the "go to" person for everyone because they know she is more than happy to assist in any way she can. Isobel is always friendly, offers advice and support, and if she doesn't have an answer, she finds it. Isobel always sees tasks through and if she offers help, she makes sure to get it done. AND always with a smile on her face.

Isobel Fraser’s commitment to the wellbeing and safety of others goes well beyond her formal role as a WHS Manager. She is a true connector—using her influence to link people and teams to causes that matter, making a real difference in her community. As a long-serving leader on the ABCN taskforce team, Isobel has led the national group for the past two years, guiding initiatives that foster youth development and corporate social responsibility. She has also been instrumental in facilitating and coordinating numerous volunteering activities for her team, ensuring that their impact extends far beyond the workplace. Her passion for community engagement and ability to rally others for good is both inspiring and infectious.