Josephine Ivory’s Story
Josephine Ivory - Moreton Bay Area Manager
Women in Waste
When Josephine Ivory applied for a weighbridge role with Resource Recovery Australia four years ago, she wasn't thinking about a career in waste. Today, she manages 28 employees across five sites as Area Manager for Moreton Bay and was a finalist for the Woman of Waste Award at the 2025 Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards.
“I’m a single mum to four children. I left school in Year 10 to pursue a hairdressing apprenticeship, and I had my first child at 21. I didn’t have the ability to prioritise my career, as raising my children was my main focus,” Josephine says. “After being out of the workforce for two years, I applied for a job at RRA to regain my independence.”
Since joining the RRA team, Josephine has progressed quickly. She says, “Starting in a weighbridge role after being out of the workforce and then being quickly promoted to Area Manager has given me confidence in my ability and a drive to continue succeeding and developing.”
One of her proudest achievements was helping establish the kerbside garden organics decontamination operation in Moreton Bay. The program has processed more than 22,000 tonnes of green waste, removing contaminants so the material can be recycled into mulch.
“This was something that had never been done in the Moreton Bay area, and there were a lot of people who were sceptical about whether it would work. We’re producing a great-quality product and have been doing it for 22 months now. It’s been a huge success.”
Josephine Ivory – Moreton Bay Area Manager
Beyond the environmental outcomes, Josephine says the most rewarding part of her role is supporting her team. Having returned to work while raising four children, she understands the importance of recognising people’s responsibilities outside the workplace.
“My team dedicate a significant amount of time to RRA, and I believe that should be respected and reciprocated by supporting their needs outside of work. When people feel supported and valued as individuals, they are more likely to bring the same commitment back to the workplace.”
Josephine also wants more women to see the opportunities she has found in the waste sector. Workplace Gender Equality Agency data shows women make up just 28% of the broader Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services workforce.
At RRA, women currently manage 11 of our 27 sites, representing 41% of site leadership positions. Within Josephine’s team, the number of women has grown from two to nine during her time in leadership.
She hopes her own journey encourages more women to follow:
“I believe some incredible women before us have paved the way and created opportunities for those entering the industry today, and I’m excited to see what the next generation will achieve.”
