Rising Star 2024

Being a female in a male-dominated industry is no catwalk.

In a world where gender stereotypes still persist, it takes courage, determination, and a true passion for breaking barriers for many young women to pursue non-traditional trades.

Codie Ebner is doing just this.

Through her unwavering determination and a love for all things mechanical, Codie is defying expectations, shattering stereotypes and is leaving her mark on a career that has become her true calling.

However, like many of her fellow female colleagues in the industry, her career hasn’t come without its fair share of challenges.

Growing up around motorbikes and cars, Codie spent her childhood dreaming of becoming a motor mechanic. Her passion was only ignited further after completing work experience at Hastings Deerings and a local motorcycle mechanic shop. 

After school, landing an apprenticeship was not as easy as she had first thought. She sent countless applications and received countless emails back explaining that she had been unsuccessful.

But Codie was not going to let this stop her from achieving her dream.

Codie paid to put herself through a Certificate 1 in Engineering at CQUniveristy while working several jobs in the hospitality industry.

Persistence paid off with Codie securing an apprenticeship as a Fitter and Turner.

Codie finished this apprenticeship seven months early and it wasn’t long before she was promoted to Workshop Supervisor. It was at this time that she began travelling – working on the tools in remote work areas throughout Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Greenville, South Carolina in the USA.

Codie states this is part of her journey that she holds to her highest gratitude, as it left a mark on not only her career, but also her personal growth and strength.

“Throughout these experiences, I was challenged as a female and leader in the industry, experiencing countless scenarios where my input or knowledge was not respected or recognised initially until I gained the respect by proving myself.

“This did not stop me from standing strong and making my mark whilst always remaining humble.”

Codie has become a trailblazing young woman in her industry and is extremely passionate about advocating for women and creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Advocating and supporting this by:

·       Being a committee member of her workplace’s Local Inclusion and Diversity Council

·       Supporting Toolkit for Girls – an annual event which encourages young females to research trade roles as a career option

·       Delivering a Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign which included blast, prime and painting finished industrial gearbox overhauls pink.  

On the job, Codie is a mentor to several female apprentices and is always eager to support new to industry females on their learning journey.

Off the tools, Codie enjoys supporting women to develop to be the best they can be, in whatever it is they choose to do.

Cody believes that if you are passionate, you can be whatever you want to be and that passion is what will enable your success.

We know Codie will continue to illuminate the path of success in the mining landscape, for not only herself but for the many women yet to walk on this catwalk