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Insights
Honouring our veterans on Anzac Day
On Monday for Anzac Day, we are all encouraged to honour our Defence personnel in a way that is meaningful to each and every one of us. So, take the time to commemorate - whether at a march, an Anzac Day service or by lighting up the dawn at home.
Aurizon is honoured to have a number of returned servicemen and women in our workforce, recognizing that veterans bring a variety of unique and transferable skills and experience to our business, particularly in roles such as maintenance, supply chain and operations, engineering and leadership.
One such person is our Operations Superintendent at Callemondah, Kris Knott, a veteran that spent five years in the military.
His current role is largely focused on leading the team responsible for managing rail yard operations at one of our largest facilities in Central Queensland. This operation is vital to delivering safe, reliable services for our coal customers. Kris believes the military does a fantastic job of training and developing its personnel to exceed across a broad range of skillsets that Aurizon values. These include strategy, planning, problem-solving, leadership, negotiation and people management skills.
Kris acknowledged there may be an initial absence of industry-specific technical knowledge for those transitioning from a military career, but there are ample opportunities to add value through his understanding of strategy, risk management and how to operationalise and execute plans. The extremely supportive local team at Aurizon have helped him quickly fill the gaps in his rail knowledge and the needs of the customer base being served by the business.
Kris said there were great professional opportunities for veterans or serving members who are considering a career in the rail industry.
“Come into the industry with an open mind and be prepared to work hard to fill the technical gaps in rail specific knowledge. In addition, some form of further business education would also really help bridge the public/commercial sector divide and would only enhance the value proposition for veterans. Outside of this, stay true to the values and standards that underpin military organisations and continue to always put the mission and your people before self.”
At Aurizon, we recognize that veterans bring a variety of skills and experience to our Company, so we participate in the Veteran’s Employment Commitment to demonstrate our ongoing support in employing veterans at Aurizon.
In 2021, the Oasis Townsville’s “Connections Saves Lives” program was successful in receiving funding through the Aurizon Community Giving Fund. The program is designed to provide a foundation for veteran community groups and organisations to conduct activities that will enhance the connectedness of veterans and their families. The relationship has grown further as we now work with them and their Veterans Business Alliance to assist in providing employment opportunities for ex-defence personnel in North Queensland. We are looking to enhance Aurizon’s business growth and leadership depth by tapping into the experience and talent of veterans.
As we mark Anzac Day this Monday, Kris shared what the day means to him.
Kris Knott ex-British Army
“Much like Remembrance Day in the UK, Anzac Day provides an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the sacrifices made by those brave enough to challenge tyranny.
“It is also a poignant reminder of our responsibility to collectively work to protect the peace for future Australian generations.
“For me personally, it is an opportunity to celebrate the simple notion of the ‘volunteer’, a selfless act, without which our journey as a nation would be starkly different.”
One such person is our Operations Superintendent at Callemondah, Kris Knott, a veteran that spent five years in the military.
His current role is largely focused on leading the team responsible for managing rail yard operations at one of our largest facilities in Central Queensland. This operation is vital to delivering safe, reliable services for our coal customers. Kris believes the military does a fantastic job of training and developing its personnel to exceed across a broad range of skillsets that Aurizon values. These include strategy, planning, problem-solving, leadership, negotiation and people management skills.
Kris acknowledged there may be an initial absence of industry-specific technical knowledge for those transitioning from a military career, but there are ample opportunities to add value through his understanding of strategy, risk management and how to operationalise and execute plans. The extremely supportive local team at Aurizon have helped him quickly fill the gaps in his rail knowledge and the needs of the customer base being served by the business.
Kris said there were great professional opportunities for veterans or serving members who are considering a career in the rail industry.
“Come into the industry with an open mind and be prepared to work hard to fill the technical gaps in rail specific knowledge. In addition, some form of further business education would also really help bridge the public/commercial sector divide and would only enhance the value proposition for veterans. Outside of this, stay true to the values and standards that underpin military organisations and continue to always put the mission and your people before self.”
At Aurizon, we recognize that veterans bring a variety of skills and experience to our Company, so we participate in the Veteran’s Employment Commitment to demonstrate our ongoing support in employing veterans at Aurizon.
In 2021, the Oasis Townsville’s “Connections Saves Lives” program was successful in receiving funding through the Aurizon Community Giving Fund. The program is designed to provide a foundation for veteran community groups and organisations to conduct activities that will enhance the connectedness of veterans and their families. The relationship has grown further as we now work with them and their Veterans Business Alliance to assist in providing employment opportunities for ex-defence personnel in North Queensland. We are looking to enhance Aurizon’s business growth and leadership depth by tapping into the experience and talent of veterans.
As we mark Anzac Day this Monday, Kris shared what the day means to him.
Kris Knott ex-British Army
“Much like Remembrance Day in the UK, Anzac Day provides an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the sacrifices made by those brave enough to challenge tyranny.
“It is also a poignant reminder of our responsibility to collectively work to protect the peace for future Australian generations.
“For me personally, it is an opportunity to celebrate the simple notion of the ‘volunteer’, a selfless act, without which our journey as a nation would be starkly different.”