You can make it! Advocating for Steel and Sustainability in Manufacturing
Sheree Taylor
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.
“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,” Sheree explains. “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.”
From Family Legacy to Industry Leadership
Sheree’s connection to manufacturing runs through family ties. “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.”
Starting at BlueScope in 2006 at age 22, Sheree has progressed through various roles, often as a pioneer. “I was the first female to work in export logistics which was an exciting opportunity for me, but also for the company. Now I’m working in a government relations role, and renewable energy is my big focus now.”
Advocating for Women and Industry
Sheree’s experience led her to champion gender diversity. “I started taking a leadership role in diversity in the construction space. I was president of NAWIC for 3 years, which provided understanding around the role government can play in making changes for the industry at a policy level.”
For her, manufacturing’s essence lies in transformation. “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.”
Career Highlights and Gender Dynamics
Sheree takes pride in her policy achievements. “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.”
Throughout her career, she’s navigated complex gender dynamics. “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. Females have different ways of getting things done that aren’t always understood.”
Despite challenges, she remains focused. “Whenever you encounter things where it doesn’t seem fair, you have to keep focus on doing the right thing and trusting that the right outcome will come.”
Vision for the Future
Sheree’s vision embraces both industry development and sustainability. “Steel plays an important role in circularity. If we have renewable energy manufacturing here, that’s better for our renewable energy rollout and our carbon footprint. I’d love to continue playing a role in that.”
She emphasizes the importance of representation for bringing more women into manufacturing. “Female role models are really important, but having both male and female mentors matters. It’s the whole ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ sort of thing.”