The AAGE Committee is made up of a number veteran employer members who regularly meet to form the 'engine room' of the AAGE. Representing a cross-section of the broader membership, our dedicated committee members volunteer their experience, wisdom and expertise year on year to ensure the growth and success of the AAGE. You can find more information on joining the AAGE Committee below.
Run by employers for employers |
AAGE Committee |
| Karrie Bishop Early Careers Talent Partner, Rheinmetall Defence Australia Karrie is an organisational psychologist who recently joined the team at Rheinmetall to establish an early talent program, launching careers in the defence industry and attracting diverse talent to reconfigure RDA’s cultural footprint. Prior to this, Karrie had over 12 years’ experience leading early careers programs within the Oil & Gas industry with Santos and the Energy industry with Origin, delivering highly technical rotation-based graduate programs and successfully growing talent pipelines for technical skillsets and diversity groups. Karrie is a strong advocate for emerging talent, is passionate about the candidate experience and ensuring that diversity in all its forms is recognised and appreciated. |
| Natalie Gibbons Graduate Programs Manager, Westpac Group Originally from Liverpool in the UK, Natalie holds a Bachelor of Arts (French and Hispanic Studies) and over 10 years’ experience in the recruitment industry. Natalie is currently the Graduate Programs Manager at Westpac Group and has been with the organisation since 2018. As the Graduate Programs Manager, she is accountable for the identification, development and successful delivery of Graduate hiring across the organisation and oversees the attraction, branding, selection, onboarding and professional development components of the program. She is extremely passionate about the graduate industry and her goal remains to inspire, coach, champion and develop students as they embark on their graduate journeys. |
| Linda Guthrie University Pathways Superintendent, Rio Tinto Linda currently holds the role of University Pathways Superintendent at Rio Tinto, bringing with her 18 years of expertise in talent acquisition, human resources, and learning and development. Over the past 6 years, her focus has been on formulating and executing comprehensive strategies for talent attraction, student outreach and talent acquisition. More recently, Linda is responsible for onboarding and leading technical rotation-based graduate programs for Rio Tinto's early talent as well at the University Vacation Program. Linda holds postgraduate qualifications in human resources and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Her passion lies in fostering the growth of students and graduates as they embark on their career journeys, ensuring a positive and impactful start to their professional paths. |
| Michelle Jory Manager, Diversity and Employment Programs, Level Crossing Removal Project Michelle is an experienced Organisational Development professional with close to 20 years' experience in various roles across Australia. Throughout her career, Michelle has managed several early careers programs across industries including Banking, Transport, Aviation and FMCG. Most recently, Michelle has moved into the Government sector, managing the Early Careers programs portfolio with the Level Crossing Removal Project. Passionate about the graduate experience across the entire employee lifecycle, particularly graduate development using blended learning methodologies, Michelle is committed to supporting businesses to mentor and coach emerging talent. Michelle has a Bachelor of Teaching, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and is currently completing a Graduate Diploma of Business, as well as holding Myers Briggs, DiSC and TMS accreditations. |
 | Fiona Turk Early Careers Manager, Ability Action Australia Fiona is currently the Early Careers Manager at Ability Action Australia, a leading NDIS provider in Australia. Fiona has over 20 years’ experience, both locally and abroad, in the early careers landscape, practising in the corporate sectors across investment banking, professional services and telecommunications, as well as in emergency services and health. AAGE named Fiona in their Top 30 Graduate Recruiters within Australia in 2014 as well as Top 25 in 2020. Fiona’s expertise is establishing early career programs and pipeline channels as well as managing programs from end to end including attraction strategies, recruitment campaigns and integration/development of emerging talent. Fiona is particularly passionate and focused on providing students and graduates with career opportunities that match their skills, motivations and career goals. |
Interested in joining the AAGE Committee?
The expectations of a committee member are as follows:
- Attend monthly AAGE Committee meetings via teleconference (approximately one hour per month).
- Bring fresh, creative ideas to the table and provide input on all issues raised by the Committee.
- Advocate the AAGE and support recruiting new members. Attend local events and host events from time to time (e.g. providing venue, presenting or MC-ing).
- Be involved on a sub-committee or a major project during the year.
- Be prepared and available to be interviewed from time to time for various media.
- Attend AAGE Annual Conference and provide input, such as hosting workshop sessions or presenting.
- Work towards further developing the AAGE and its mission to improve graduate outcomes through networking.
Nominations for the 2025 AAGE Committee have now closed. Please contact us if you would like to express your interest in joining the Committee should a position become available.