Celebrating International Women’s Day 2026 (IWD), we’re sharing stories told by women right across our Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand businesses.
This year’s theme, Give to Gain, sits at the core of our values.
Trust. Respect. Unity. Empowerment.
When there is an organisational mindset of generosity and collaboration, everyone wins. And at OCS, we’re seeing those wins, one customer success and colleague milestone at a time.
Speaking to woman in roles spanning repair coordination to area management and procurement, everyone has a story to tell about the backing they received during their career – and how they are now passing it forward.
For Emma Wildon in Wellington, she’s giving time, knowledge and support to develop a strong team. She’s working for a culture without hierarchy, where everyone is working for the same goal.
“It’s about lifting others up, creating opportunities, and encouraging people to step forward. In turn, we gain stronger capability, deeper trust, and more confident people in their roles,” she says.
Giving access rather than gatekeeping has been a key philosophy for Julia Yon in Sydney. She knows the difference it makes when someone opens the door and trusts your judgement.
In her procurement role, she knows too well the importance of trust. Trust in partners. Trust in colleagues. Trust in yourself.
“Commercial environments can sometimes feel closed off and intimidating early in your career. I’ve learned how powerful it is when someone gives you access and backs your judgement. If I can do the same for another woman navigating those rooms, that’s something I’m committed to. Confidence grows when opportunity is shared,” she says.
With over 50 years of combined experience at OCS, Anita Clarkson and Rose Riley have felt that shift in leadership over time, echoing Julia’s philosophy.
“There used to be a perception that the more knowledge you held, the more powerful you were. But as soon as you let go and share your knowledge, the easier your job actually gets,” Anita says.
She and Rose both have an eye for potential, seeing the best in their colleagues and supporting them by opening doors and being a steady mentor.
Stacey Hubac’s been under the watchful guidance of Anita since starting at OCS at just 14. She worked alongside her mother, who taught her everything she knew, laying the foundation for her career. But it was Anita who gave her the confidence to grow into leadership roles.
Stacey’s advice this IWD: “give encouragement.”
“A small word of support can build someone’s confidence in ways we may never fully see,” she says.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone achieve their goals knowing you helped make that possible.”
Heather Currie is used to working in a male-dominated industry, having worked in mechanical services for more than a decade. Now Client Services Manager for 1M, she’s a big believer in giving her team the tools they need to succeed beyond their current roles.
“I’m definitely very pro-growth for my whole team,” she says. “They’re capable people with strong skills. It’s about helping them use those skills and build new ones so they can go wherever they want to go.”
When asked about Grow to Gain this IWD, she said: “Gain comes from women coming together to support and lift each other up, share their knowledge and opportunities, which can create new doors to open for growth and future gains.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Stories like these sit quietly behind many careers at OCS. Someone takes the time. Someone else opens a door. Someone says, “You can do this.”
And years later, the same people are doing it for someone else.