As a government relations specialist with Australia’s largest steel manufacturer, Sheree Taylor works to ensure decision-makers understand the critical role steel plays in the nation’s economy and future, with a particular focus on renewable energy and sustainability.

The industry advocate brings both personal connection and professional expertise to her role promoting Australian steel manufacturing.

“My role is in government relations and major projects. A lot of my work has been to build out economic modelling to demonstrate the role of steel in our economy,” said Sheree. “There’s limited knowledge on how big the steelworks is and the role that steel plays in underpinning a lot of our communities and infrastructure.”

Sheree’s connection to manufacturing runs through family ties, creating a personal foundation for her professional passion.

“I grew up in Wollongong which is where the steelworks is. My dad worked at the steelworks for 49 years. So I grew up as the daughter of a steel manufacturer. I was inspired by what my dad did,” said Sheree.

Starting at BlueScope in 2006 at age 22, Sheree has progressed through various roles, often as a pioneer breaking new ground for women in the industry.

Her experience led her to champion gender diversity through leadership roles in industry organisations, connecting manufacturing policy with broader social goals.

“I started taking a leadership role in diversity in the construction space. I was president of National Association of Women In Construction for 3 years, which provided understanding around the role government can play in making changes for the industry at a policy level,” said Sheree.

For Sheree, manufacturing’s essence lies in transformation—creating useful products from raw materials that serve essential functions in society.

“Manufacturing is physically making things that are commonly used in every part of our lives. The transformation of something like rocks and scrap steel into a product that can be used in so many ways,” said Sheree.

Among her career achievements, Sheree particularly values her contributions to policy development and advocacy at national levels.

“A big career moment was being elected to the Queensland Women’s Strategy. I got to present my policy proposal in Canberra for transforming the renewable energy manufacturing sector,” said Sheree.

Throughout her career, she’s navigated complex gender dynamics in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

“In most of my roles at BlueScope, I’ve been the first female. Being collaborative and communicating well can have great outputs, but they’ll sometimes be misinterpreted,” said Sheree. “Females have different ways of getting things done that aren’t always understood.”

Despite challenges, she remains focused on achieving meaningful outcomes through persistence.