Meet Wallaby
Robert Menzies, better known as “Wallaby” among his Goonyella colleagues, is a seasoned mining professional and proud BUMA Australia team member. With 15 years in the industry, his journey reflects growth, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to the job.
From Security to Ultra-Class Operator
Wallaby’s mining career began as a Security Officer at the Site Access Centre at Goonyella Riverside Mine (GRM), and later as a Security Supervisor at Eureka Village, BMA’s accommodation camp, 5 minutes from the mine. “Working in this role allowed me to become a known personality and transferred acceptingly into the Production side of Mining, commencing on Cat 777’s, removing topsoil and rejects”.
Over the years, his career evolved through various roles and companies, from labour hire to permanent positions with major mining contractors. Now, he operates cutting-edge Komatsu electric trucks at Goonyella mine under BUMA Australia, recently marking five years in this role. “Downer EDI Mining captured the contract at GRM, and I served 2 years with them before the end of contract. Downer went south to a new contract, and I stayed at GRM, as Labor Hire contracted to BMA, operating Komatsu 930’s and Cat 797F’s”.
Life Beyond the Mine
Outside of work, Wallaby finds peace in the comfort of home, the warmth of family, and his love for lawn bowls. “When I’m not at work, my favourite place, not surprisingly, is home, where I reside no more than 20 metres uninterrupted views, of the Pacific.
Lawn Bowls would be my number 1 hobby away from work. Undoubtedly the most skilful sport I have ever played. I am an A-grade bowler or DIV 1 bowler, and my goal is to represent the Mackay District, a very difficult squad to break into, with the abundance of talent Mackay produces”.
Family is another cornerstone of Wallaby’s life. He draws immense pride and inspiration from his son Beau, a Paralympian and Ironman athlete. “My first interest that may surprise my co-workers is my son Beau, who was born with Cerebral Palsy. Beau has a quality that drives him to make the impossible possible. Beau was a Paralympian for Australia and represented at the Sydney 2000, just fractionally missing the London Paralympics by .04 of a second over the 100 metres. Beau, now at the age of 40, has completed 7 Ironman races around Australia and is noted member of the Para Athlete squad. An Ironman race consists of a 4 km swim, 180 km bike and 42 km run, and usually takes him 12 hours to finish. The pain he endures is monumental. He is my HERO”, Wallaby says.
Reflections on the Industry
Wallaby has witnessed significant changes in mining technology, including the rise of autonomous haulage. “It’s incredible to see how the industry evolves, but it also presents challenges, especially for operators like me,” he observes. Despite these shifts, his philosophy remains grounded: “Be happy in the job you’re in. Be grateful that you have a permanent job with a world-class company, who is striving to improve and is the best in the business.”
Teamwork and Culture at BUMA
For Wallaby, the strength of his team, B Crew, is key. “We have a core of skilful operators who support and mentor new team members, fostering a safe and positive environment,” he explains. He also commends BUMA’s leadership: “Casey Nona and the management team lead by example, sharing in the everyday challenges. That’s what makes this company special.”
Wallaby’s story is a testament to dedication, adaptability, and the bonds formed through teamwork. As he puts it, “the future is unpredictable, but with the right direction, a bigger picture can be seen”.
