Collie Just Transition Podcast

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...

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...

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 ex...

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...

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 perso...

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 du...

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 ope...

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...

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...

Hear the live chats with the special guests at Collie’s 2024 Industry Transition Expo on the latest milestones powering the town’s transition journey, including the details on the new WA Government funding for International Graphite’s next steps toward establishing Australia’s first graphite processing plant in Collie. Listen to insights from WA Premier Roger Cook, WA’s Minister for Regional Devel...

Co-host John Kearney speaks with Tourism WA and the Shire of Collie on the region’s impressive tourism journey since the beginning of the transition. Hear why tourism was identified as an early opportunity, the positive impact it’s had on diversifying the town’s economy, and how it could continue to help shape Collie’s strong future as an adventure-based destination in the South West. Read more ab...

Two industries that have their eyes on Collie reveal what they’re looking to establish, the kinds of jobs the projects could bring, and what it could mean for the future of the town. Hear from Magnium Australia on the net-zero magnesium refinery planned for Collie, and GreenSteel of WA on the feasibility process behind a proposed Green Steel Recycling Mill. Don't forget, you can ask a question or...

Wondering about Collie's recent big battery news? Hear from Jai Thomas, Deputy Director General - Coordinator of Energy at the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety as he provides an insightful deep dive into WA’s energy system, how it’s changed, why batteries will be critical in the energy landscape, and exactly what this means for Collie and its community moving into the future.  ...

Hear the latest on the opening of Collie’s new Jobs and Skills Centre. Manager Natalie Cook and long-time local and Collie Delivery Unit rep John Kearney discuss what the new Centre means for you – whether you work on the coal mines, love to live and work in Collie, or run a business in town. Don't forget, you can ask a question or send us your feedback here.

Hear from the Local Member for Collie-Preston Jodie Hanns, and long-time local John Kearney on the key areas of focus for 2023, and the opportunities that can be expected as we move into a critical chapter of securing Collie a bright, sustainable future. Don't forget, you can ask a question or send us your feedback here.  

Hear from Annelies de Ruiter and John Kearney from the Collie Delivery Unit as they recap some of the biggest milestones and achievements over the last 12 months and offer an exclusive insight into what the New Year might bring for Collie.

Suzanne Desailly from MATES in Mining and John Kearney from the Collie Delivery Unit discuss what mental health support is available for locals and affected workers in the town of Collie. Content warning: This episode discusses themes which some people may find distressing, including mental health and suicide. Help is available on Lifeline’s 24-hour hotline on 13 11 14.

Greg Busson from the WA branch of the Mining & Energy Union speaks about his vision of Collie's future with special guest Stephen Smyth from the Queensland branch of the Mining & Energy Union sharing his thoughts on how WA is doing a Just Transition. 

Kathy Keay from South Regional TAFE is excited about the new Jobs and Skills Centre that is being built in the heart of Collie that should provide workers will the necessary skills and courses to help with the Just Transition process. 

WA Energy Minister Bill Johnston joined Collie Community Radio on June 14 to discuss the $547.4 million major funding package which will will be used to further diversify the Collie region, as the State progresses plans to retire State-owned coal-fired power stations by 2030.

Being involved in the Just Transition Working Group Meetings is an important way to keep Collie workers and the community informed, according to Steve McCartney. It means people on the ground get relevant information about the Transition process as soon as the relevant stakeholders do. 

Michelle is a born-and-bred Collie local and not only does she stand as a Shire of Collie councillor, she has also worked in and around Collie wearing many different hats. Michelle helps us unpack the changes that Collie has seen throughout the Transition process. 

Collie is set to become home to WA’s first graphite processing plant, backed by a $2 million grant from the State Government. Hear from the chairman of the company which plans to make that happen.  Department of the Premier and Cabinet's Collie Delivery Unit Senior Project Officer John Kearney also answers your questions. Submit your questions here: //bit.ly/30Who2b Produced in partnership with Co...

The Just Transition principles are being implemented ahead of the staged retirement of Synergy Muja C's two units in 2022 and 2024. Synergy manager Mick Hill explains. Department of the Premier and Cabinet's Collie Delivery Unit Senior Project Officer John Kearney also answers your questions. Submit your questions here https://bit.ly/30Who2b Produced in partnership with Collie Community Radio. Rec...

What is Just Transition and what does it mean for Collie? Member for Collie-Preston Jodie Hanns explains. Also of note is the release of Collie's Investment Prospectus. Department of the Premier and Cabinet's Collie Delivery Unit Senior Project Officer John Kearney also addresses commonly asked questions. Submit your questions here https://bit.ly/30Who2b Produced in partnership with Collie Communi...