Ms Janson says "it'll be great to get some girls in".Having driven trucks for much of her life, she has enjoyed navigating waste trucks for the past three months."I didn't realise how much concentration it takes to pick up bins," Ms Janson said."Cars can be parked in your way too but you smile and wave, clean it up, let it go and move on to the next bin."
Asked if she noticed being the sole female waste truck driver at her workplace, she replied: "Sometimes you do, but not really."Ms Janson is currently the only female waste truck driver at the Ipswich council.ICC environment and sustainability manager Kaye Cavanagh said she was not aware of any other councils applying for this sort of exemption.
"We're really excited and looking forward to being able to offer the program in the new year," she said. "Some our female staff who are already in other areas of council have expressed interest in the program … and [may] potentially apply — they would never have probably thought of this as a potential career."
Transport Women Australia spokeswoman Jacquelene Brotherton said women wanted to join the industry, but might not see a pathway in.
What about the other 99 genders?
Over here! 👋👋