People and culture

AUGUST 2022

Meet the Environment and Community Team

Meet Will Wettenhall, Environment & Community Manager and the team.

The FGM E&C team has welcomed a number of new members over the past year. We asked the team to give us their take on all things "environment and community" and will be sharing these with you over the next few weeks. Let's hear what Frank, Trudi and Leigh shared with us.

On making a contribution
I am a Fosterville local and have been working one day a week at the mine for 14 years, while also managing my family farm which is situated adjacent to the mine. My family has owned Adelaide Vale since October 1950, 72 years. We originally owned the land on which Fosterville Gold Mine now operates and sold 330 acres to the mine back in October, 1986.
Frank HillEnvironmental Assistant

On FGM’s community approach
I have worked at many mines around Australia and FGM’s focus on considering the community in every decision we make is second to none. Fosterville Gold Mine provides generous support to a wide range of local community organisations. Providing this support stems from a genuine commitment to the community and our belief that a healthy community is a team effort.
Trudi Jackson – Senior Community Advisor

On FGM’s education initiatives
Being able to provide site tours to a number of regional schools has been rewarding. With so many career opportunities at Fosterville, it’s great to see students enquire about some of the apprenticeships and full-time positions that are available. We have over 800 people employed onsite who live with their families locally, so it is important that we build strong community relationships within the region.
Leigh ByrneCommunity Officer

Next let's hear what Natasha, Leslie and Wendy shared with us.


On job satisfaction
I really enjoy working at FGM because I have been given the opportunity to gain new skills and improve my technical knowledge, especially within the area of water monitoring. I am also part of the Emergency Response Team, which has allowed me to expand my knowledge in different areas such as underground search & rescue, firefighting and rescue at heights. I really enjoy training and learning new skills in different areas and have even had the opportunity to represent FGM at the recent Northern Australian Emergency Response Competition.
Natasha van Leeuwen Environment & Community Advisor

On the importance of making a difference
Making a difference in all areas of my life is important to me. I have six children, so leaving the next generation with a positive attitude and healthy environment is close to my heart.
Leslie RiddellEnvironmental Technician

On environmental monitoring
I love that I get to carry out our monitoring programs and environment and community projects to not only benefit FGM, but to benefit the broader landscape which ultimately encourages positive change and environmental value for the future.
Wendy Campbell Environmental Technician

Here's what Phillip, Tessa and Jack had to say.

On what attracted him to work at FGM
Whilst spending the majority of my career working as an environmental consultant across various industries, I was looking forward to the opportunity of working in a more mineral focussed domain having studied geology. At the mine, my focus is on air quality, managing dust emissions, as well as overseeing our various waste streams, with a focus on reducing our landfill volumes by increasing our recycling.
Phillip RossmanithEnvironment & Community Officer

On why environmentalists choose to work in the mining industry
As an environmentalist, I know the vital role a healthy environment plays in every aspect of our lives. I’ve chosen to work at FGM to gain insight into the industry whilst making a genuine contribution to responsible environmental management on site.
Tessa Fitzpatrick Environmental Technician

On FGM’s culture
FGM employees are part of the community as the majority of us live in the region with our families. I think this certainly creates a positive and proud culture; one that considers the wider community and what positives the mine can bring.
Jack Bowen Senior Environment & Community Advisor (Projects & Approvals)

Next let's hear what Fran, Pat and Oliver shared with us.

On FGM’s Sustained Operations Project
FGM’s commitment to environmental sustainability is at the forefront of what I do every day. Being involved in the Sustained Operations Project provides the opportunity to be involved in ensuring we are assessing potential impacts thoroughly with the help of technical specialists. Having the data available allows for informed decisions to be made. I think it is great that the key objectives of the Sustained Operations Project are to avoidminimise, and/or offset our impacts.
Fran Crossan  Project Lead for the Environmental Effects Statement

On what happens when the mine closes
Mine closure is an important ongoing project at the mine, which is demonstrated in part by my recent appointment aSenior Rehabilitation Specialist. The overarching approach of mine closure is to ensure that the most safe, sustainable, and achievable closure designs are implemented. Mine closure is an evolving process as operations continue, technology advances, technical studies become available, and stakeholder input and expectations mature. My aim for the next phase of closure planning is to continue with the technical studies that develop the scientific approach to achieving the best possible closure outcomes. This approach is strengthened by an ongoing commitment to carrying out progressive rehabilitation projects, such as the Rehe’s Pit backfill and rehabilitation project, throughout the life of the mine
Pat Harton Senior Rehabilitation Specialist

On compliance 
Compliance means more than just meeting our legislative requirements. It means constantly improving our environmental programs so that we achieve the best possible outcome for our environment and exceed evolving community expectations. My primary responsibility is ensuring these programs, such as air quality, ground vibration, water and noise monitoring, are designed and operated to industry-leading standards.
Oliver Hickson – Senior Environment and Community Advisor (Compliance)

Here's what Will, who heads up the team, had to say.

Will Wettenhall – Environment & Community Manager

On having a positive impact
FGM’s goal is to leave a positive and long-lasting legacy on the environments and communities in which we operate, which makes me proud to work here. In my role, I am passionate about ensuring that potential environmental and community impacts are minimised by providing detailed scientific information to decision-makers; implementing industry-leading environmental management and monitoring practices; and building trusted and transparent relationships with the community. 

Environment and Community Team at Fosterville Gold Mine:


Team members from left to right:

  • Fran Crossan – Project Lead for the Environmental Effects Statement
  • Pat Harton – Senior Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Oliver Hickson – Senior Environment and Community Advisor (Compliance)
  • Phillip Rossmanith – Environment & Community Officer
  • Tessa Fitzpatrick – Environmental Technician
  • Jack Bowen – Senior Environment & Community Advisor (Projects & Approvals)
  • Natasha van Leeuwen – Environment & Community Advisor
  • Leslie Riddell – Environmental Technician
  • Wendy Campbell – Environmental Technician
  • Frank Hill – Environmental Assistant 
  • Will Wettenhall – Environment & Community Manager
  • Leigh Byrne – Community Officer
  • Trudi Jackson – Senior Community Advisor

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