PORT OF MELBOURNE is lending its fulsome support to gender balance in the supply chain workforce by sponsoring the Australian Logistics Council’s Wayfinder program.
Wayfinder: Supply Chain Careers for Women is an industry-led initiative aimed at improving workforce challenges in supply chain and logistics by promoting gender balance in an industry that has historically been male-dominated. According to the latest data from the Commonwealth Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency, only 26% of the nation’s transport, postal, and warehousing industry division are women.
Earlier this month, PoM hosted 35 women from various backgrounds on a boat tour of the port as part of the ALC Wayfinder Freight Heartland Awareness Tour. Bringing together women interested in joining the supply chain and logistics industry, the free program offered participants an insider's look at the operations that keep Australia’s supply chains moving.
CEO Saul Cannon described Wayfinder as “a fantastic initiative … As a city port that borders four local council areas, including Hobsons Bay, I am pleased to hear that participants of the tour included members of our neighbouring communities.”
Renee, one of several attendees from Hobsons Bay, commented that the program inclusively captured all sectors of the community, which is important for productive workplaces, PoM reported. “The day gave more insight into the logistics sector, showing that we can all benefit long-term from networking opportunities. I found the day valuable in terms of the connections I made,” she said.
The Wayfinder Freight Heartland Awareness Tour included a stop at Foodbank Victoria, one of the port’s longstanding community partners. “Foodbank Victoria shows how supply chains can serve real community need. Seeing the warehouse in action – bananas for schools, groceries packed by volunteers – makes logistics feel human. We’re proud to support that impact of the Wayfinder program,” said Dave McNamara, CEO Foodbank Victoria.
ALC CEO Dr Hermione Parsons said, “Building a strong, sustainable workforce requires proactive leadership. ALC is committed to addressing the talent pipeline challenge in supply chain and logistics, and Wayfinder plays a critical role in that strategy.
“By working with our Wayfinder partners we are ensuring that women across the state have visibility of the opportunities available in this sector and access to the networks and insights they need to take the next step.”
According to ALC Wayfinder, 98% of participants reported a 98% increase in career confidence in the supply chain logistic sector. To learn more about the Wayfinder program, visit https://www.wayfinder.org.au/.