Sally Cox
Mechanical Engineer
What’s your link to Townsville?
I grew up on a property just south of Home Hill. After graduating from high school I made the move to Townsville to study at James Cook University. I transferred to the Queensland University of Technology halfway through my degree and graduated with second-class honours in a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering.
Where are you now?
I landed a job in the oil and gas industry where I’ve worked for the past three years. Right now, my time is split between our Brisbane head office (Senex Energy Limited) and the Cooper Basin, which is located in the top right corner of South Australia. I work in our Production and Operations team where I design and optimise pumping systems for our oil wells.
I’ve recently started my Masters of Petroleum Engineering, studying externally through Heriot Watt University in Scotland, and I’ve just become a real adult by moving into my own apartment in the heart of Brisbane. Once I’ve mastered the art of keeping a plant alive I may look at buying a pet.
How did your time in Townsville set you up for success?
It’s true what they say about breeding them tougher up North. Working as a female engineer comes with its own obstacles and when you throw in the remoteness of our sites you can understand why this career path isn’t for everyone. Growing up on a rural property in North Queensland definitely helped cushion the culture shock of working in such an industry.
Do you still come ‘home’ to Townsville to visit?
I do! I still consider myself a North Queenslander at heart and try to get ‘home’ to visit my extended family and friends once a year at least.
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