11 July 2025 – Port of Melbourne is proud to sponsor the Australian Logistics Council (ALC)’s Wayfinder: Supply Chain Careers for Women (Wayfinder) program, an industry-led initiative aimed at improving workforce challenges in supply chain and logistics by promoting gender balance in industry.

Australia’s supply chain logistic sector has historically been male dominated. According to the latest data from the Commonwealth Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency, only 26% of the nation’s transport, postal, and warehousing industry division are women.

This is why Port of Melbourne is investing in promoting gender equality.

Earlier this month, Port of Melbourne hosted 35 women from various backgrounds on a boat tour of the port as part of the ALC Wayfinder Freight Heartland Awareness Tour. Bringing together women interested in joining the supply chain and logistics industry, the free program offered participants an insider’s look at the operations that keep Australia’s supply chains moving.

Port of Melbourne Chief Executive Officer Saul Cannon said, “The Wayfinder program is a fantastic initiative led by the Australian Logistics Council, and we’re very proud to be a partner.”

“As a city port that borders four local council areas, including Hobsons Bay, I am pleased to hear that participants of the tour included members of our neighbouring communities.”

Renee, one of several attendees from Hobsons Bay, commented that the program inclusively captured all sectors of the community, which is important for productive workplaces.

“The day gave more insight into the logistics sector, showing that we can all benefit long-term from networking opportunities. I found the day valuable in terms of the connections I made,” she said.

The Wayfinder Freight Heartland Awareness Tour included a stop at Foodbank Victoria, one of the Port’s longstanding community partners.

“Foodbank Victoria shows how supply chains can serve real community need. Seeing the warehouse in action – bananas for schools, groceries packed by volunteers – makes logistics feel human. We’re proud to support that impact of the Wayfinder program,” said Dave McNamara, Chief Executive Officer, Foodbank Victoria.

Dr Hermione Parsons, Chief Executive Officer of ALC, said, “Building a strong, sustainable workforce requires proactive leadership. ALC is committed to addressing the talent pipeline challenge in supply chain and logistics, and Wayfinder plays a critical role in that strategy.”

“By working with our Wayfinder partners including the Port of Melbourne and Foodbank we are ensuring that women across the state have visibility of the opportunities available in this sector and access to the networks and insights they need to take the next step,” she added.

According to ALC Wayfinder, 98% of participants reported a 98% increase in career confidence in the supply chain logistic sector.

To learn more about the Wayfinder program, visit https://www.wayfinder.org.au/.

For more information contact:
Nicole Ng
Mobile: 0427 700 844
Email: nicole.ng@portofmelbourne.com