Media & Speaking

From FIFO worker to supporting FIFO Families

FIFO family support belongs in the conversation about work.

FIFO work shapes life on site and at home. Support needs to recognise both.

The FIFO Family Project brings a family-focused perspective to conversations about workforce wellbeing, parenting and practical support.

Founder Vicky Pellowe draws on her experience as a former FIFO worker, partner to a FIFO worker and mother of two, alongside her work developing resources, community connection and advocacy for FIFO families.

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From FIFO worker to supporting FIFO Families

Meet VIcky pellowe

Vicky Pellowe is the founder of The FIFO Family Project, a Western Australian not-for-profit supporting FIFO workers, their partners and children through, community connection, education and advocacy.

She has experienced FIFO from both sides: working on remote construction projects for six years and now parenting at home, while her partner continues to work away FIFO. That perspective informs her approach to making support more relevant to every member of the FIFO family.

Vicky is the author of the award-winning ‘FIFO New Parents Guide,’ developed with FIFO families, health professionals and industry input, and the children’s book ‘What Every Kid Needs To Know About FIFO: A–Z Edition.’ Her work connects lived experience with practical ways for workplaces, services and communities to support FIFO family life.

AVAILABLE FOR

Vicky is available for a range of media, event and industry opportunities, including:

  • Conference presentations and keynote sessions
  • Panel discussions and community forums
  • Workplace events and industry webinars
  • Podcast interviews and guest conversations
  • Media commentary and lived experience contributions
  • Workshop facilitation, where relevant

SPEAKING & INTERVIEW TOPICS

Vicky speaks on practical, evidence-informed approaches to stronger FIFO family systems, safer workplaces and more sustainable support across work and home.

What changes when you move from being the worker flying out to the partner parenting at home and why both perspectives matter. Vicky speaks from her personal experience as a FIFO worker for 6 years and as someone who has spent years listening to FIFO families share their experiences. For audiences who want to understand how family connection and support – often overlooked – can be one of the most effective protective factors against psychological and psychosocial harm in a FIFO workforce.

Pregnancy, parenthood and early family life in FIFO communities involve both health services and workplace support – understanding how they connect is vital for consistent care. Vicky speaks from rare dual experience: as a FIFO worker who was pregnant on site and as someone who has spent years listening to FIFO families navigate what comes next – including through the development of the FIFO New Parents Guide. For audiences who want to understand what integrated, practical support looks like and why standard perinatal pathways need a FIFO-specific lens.

Workers, partners and children each experience a FIFO roster differently. A whole-family approach recognises their individual needs and the connections between them. Vicky draws on her experience on site, parenting at home and developing community resources through The FIFO Family Project. For audiences who want to move beyond worker-only wellbeing initiatives and explore how workplaces, services and communities can support every member of the FIFO family.

Supporting women in FIFO means considering how pregnancy, postpartum recovery, parenting and career progression fit together, rather than treating each as a separate conversation. Vicky draws on her personal experience of being pregnant while working on site, alongside years of listening to FIFO workers and families share their experiences and choices. For audiences who want to explore what gender equity looks like in practice, what career continuity requires and what the FIFO context makes uniquely complex.

Listening to families is always the starting point. Turning what they share into resources, services and workplace practices requires a clear purpose, collaboration and a way for those experiences to influence decisions. Vicky draws on developing the FIFO New Parents Guide and building The FIFO Family Project, connecting family perspectives with health professionals, industry and community organisations. For audiences who want to move beyond collecting stories and understand how lived experience can shape practical support, education and advocacy.

ENQUIRE TODAY

Vicky is available for a range of media, event and industry opportunities.
Please submit your EOI form and we’ll be in touch shortly.

MEDIA OR SPEAKING EOI FORM
A selection of conversations and stories about FIFO family life and The FIFO Family Project. More media coverage examples available, by request.

IN THE MEDIA

ABC Radio National · Life Matters

New baby, missing partner: Can your relationship survive FIFO life?
Vicky joins Professor Sharon Parker for a conversation about FIFO life during early parenthood.
Listen to the conversation →

Australia’s Mining Monthly

Staying connected with FIFO Families
A look at The FIFO Family Project’s beginnings, bringing FIFO families together through community meet-ups, resources and conversations.
Read the article →

Family Friendly Workplaces

Remote, Rostered & Raising Kids: Making The Resource Sector Work For Families
A conversation about FIFO parenting and how workplaces can better recognise and support family life.
Listen to the conversation →

The West Australian

New FIFO guide launched to help workers and families navigate early parenting
Coverage of the FIFO New Parents Guide and parenthood transition.
Read the article →

Meerilinga: Positive Childhoods

MAPS: Reducing Isolation
A podcast conversation about FIFO family life, isolation and creating opportunities for community connection.
Listen to the conversation →

The Coalface (Podcast & Print)

What every kid needs to know about FIFO – The A-Z Guide
A look at The FIFO Family Project’s children’s book, created to support children’s understanding of FIFO life and showcase women in STEM.
Read the article →

Vicky has contributed to conferences, panel discussions and professional learning across industry, health and community settings.

SELECTED SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Future of Mining Conference, Perth
LGIRS Psychosocial Panel Discussion (2026)
Beyond Retention: Mining’s Hidden ROI Opportunity (2025)

AREEA – Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association 2026
Inclusive Workplaces for FIFO Families: Strategies for Retention and Wellbeing

Australian Fatherhood Research Symposium 2026
Bridging the Gap for FIFO Fathers: Reducing Isolation and Building Resilience in the Transition to Parenthood

Perth Careers Expo (with Energy Club WA) 2026
Next Gen Energy Engagement Hub Speaker

MCaFHNA – Maternal, Child & Family Health Nurses Australia Symposium 2025
Supporting FIFO Families & the FIFO New Parents Guide

WACHS – Western Australia Country Health Service 2026
Supporting FIFO Families & the FIFO New Parents Guide

Peach Tree Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Forum, Townsville 2026
Supporting FIFO Families & the FIFO New Parents Guide

BOOK VICKY FOR MEDIA OR SPEAKING
Vicky and The FIFO Family Project have been recognised for their contributions to FIFO family support, industry advocacy and workplace wellbeing.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

2027 Australia’s Local Hero for Western Australia
Nominee – WA Local Hero | Vicky Pellowe
Vicky Pellowe has been recognised as a FIFO community leader in the Australian of the Year Awards. Recipient to be announced Friday 30th October 2026.
Read the official press release here →

2025 WHS Foundation Managing Director’s Award
Recipient – Managing Director’s Award | Vicky Pellowe
Finalist in the ‘Training & Information Award: Communication’ category and recipient of ‘Managing Director’s Award’ for the FIFO New Parents Guide.
Read the article →

2026 Women in Industry Awards
Finalist – Industry Advocacy Award | Vicky Pellowe

2026 Australian Mining Prospect Awards
Finalist – Excellence in FIFO Experience | Vicky Pellowe

2026 Fremantle Chamber of Commerce Business Awards
Finalist – Community Organisation | The FIFO Family Project

ENQUIRE TODAY

Vicky is available for a range of media, event and industry opportunities.
Please submit your EOI form and we’ll be in touch shortly.

MEDIA OR SPEAKING EOI FORM