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My Energy Story
Leisha

 

A close-knit community and purposeful job have shaped Leisha’s career in energy.

Photo of Leisha Williams in high vis jumper.

A 25-year journey of purpose and friendship

For 25 years, I’ve made the same journey to work – day in, day out, five days a week. Each morning, at around 6am, I pass through the turnstiles at AGL Bayswater, stepping into a place that feels like a second home – that sense of familiarity is deepened by the fact that my husband Rob also works at the power station.

Rob's been at Bayswater just shy of 40 years, and as a shift worker, sometimes I’ll see him leaving as I'm coming in, depending on the time of day.

But it’s not routine or obligation that’s kept me coming back all these years, it’s the people. The camaraderie, the shared purpose, and the sense of knowing you’re a valued team member.

I also get to do meaningful work alongside people I call friends – some I’ve known since school and others I’ve met along the way.

“Mining and energy have been major employers within my community and have supported my family to prosper and grow.”

 – Leisha, Head of Risk, Assurance & Business Services, AGL Bayswater.

A community preparing for life after coal 

I live in the small town of Muswellbrook, NSW, in the heart of the Hunter region. In my spare time I enjoy walking as it helps me unwind, reflect and connect with nature. 

On my walks I’m surrounded by beautiful bushland and not far from several mines, vineyards and major horse studs, and of course, one of the biggest power generators in the state, Bayswater Power Station.

Mining and energy have long been pillars of my community, supporting families like mine for generations. But as AGL transitions away from coal, my colleagues and I are aware of the need to prepare for what lies ahead. As we transition away from thermal power generation, we’re reminded of the community expectations and the importance of setting our people up for success for life after coal.

We’re supporting the energy transition while keeping the lights on 

I lead the Risk, Assurance & Business Services department at Bayswater, supporting the maintenance, operations and engineering teams across a range of areas including risk and assurance, warehouse, emergency services, security, business training and improvement and property.

As Bayswater moves towards closure, sometime between 2030-2033, my team is exploring how emerging technology can support the transformation of the station’s operations.

We're currently looking at how the use of AI can simplify workflows, automate routine tasks, and enhance data management and analytics to improve the way we work.

As the shift from coal to renewables progresses, we all play an important role in ensuring the power station continues to run smoothly to ‘keep the lights on’ while we build out our renewables and firming pipeline.

For my team, it’s about maintaining existing assets and continuing to schedule work to ensure the reliable availability of operations.

I’m Leisha. And this is My Energy Story.

My Energy Story – Mathias

Watch Mathias' energy story to find out how his team is supporting safe and efficient operations at Loy Yang in the lead up to closure.
Watch Mathias' Energy Story
Sunset view of the Bayswater Power Station with steam rising from the cooling towers. Bayswater at Sunset

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Damien Nicks and the executive team meeting with the local member for the Hunter region. Hunter community discussion

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