Refinery mothers prefer 'Pearls' over Diamonds

During the “Pearls of Wisdom” presentation, refinery mothers heard about the experiences of two long-term employees who faced a variety of challenges returning to a male dominated workforce following maternity leave.

In launching the WMG, the coordinators - Senior Technologist, Ash Shirley, and Community Development Advisor, Jessica Marriner - highlighted the important step Shell has taken in supporting an official network for women who are pregnant, on maternity leave or already back at work.

“The Working Mother’s Group will focus on addressing common issues relating to Shell mothers and provide support to help make the transition to and from the workforce as smooth as possible,” said Ash.

“In an ideal world, mothers would have a trouble free pregnancy, feel fresh and focused after maternity leave and slip back into the workplace without any difficulty.  The reality for many is far from perfect,” she said.

“Working Mothers is not a gossip group.  It will feature a structured calendar of events geared towards helping mothers address logistical, health and career issues to increase satisfaction, and therefore productivity, in the workforce.

“As some topics will highlight universal parenting issues, various meetings may appeal to the wider refinery workforce - including fathers - who are more than welcome to attend.”

The WMG will meet during lunch hours every four to six weeks in the refinery’s new Maternal Room - a dedicated and private space for pregnant women to take a short break and working mothers to express.  A web site is also being formed for women to access interesting, topical information relating to careers, parenting and maternity leave.

“Shell mothers are fortunate to have a dedicated Maternal Room and we thank the refinery general manager for supporting the initiative,” said Ash.

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For more information please contact:
Peta Leveritt - (03) 5273 8647 or  0410 425 805