Diana Hinschen is a Maintenance Planner at Macmahon’s Lycullin workshop in Queensland, supporting the civil infrastructure business. She first joined Macmahon as a Senior Administrator, and in 2022, she took the next step in her career with a well-earned promotion.
I was eager to learn more about the industry, especially maintenance, so I spoke to my manager about it. He supported me by enrolling me in training with an experienced planner. After working alongside him for a while, I transitioned into the role—and I haven’t looked back!”
Diana is responsible for weekly to three-monthly maintenance planning, which includes ordering service kits, managing defect planning, and scheduling component changeouts. She ensures that machines and light vehicles remain compliant for BMA sites, all statutory inspections are completed, and records are accurately maintained in both Macmahon and BMA’s systems. She also plays a key role in managing life extensions for machines and generating weekly reports to track progress.
Her transition into the role was supported by a project management course and nearly a year of hands-on training with experienced Maintenance Planner Bayden Clissold, which gave her the confidence and knowledge to take on the role independently.
One of the biggest challenges Diana faces is adapting to shifting plans. “A lot of effort goes into creating a plan, only to have to amend it due to unforeseen changes. Capturing all the details while keeping costs under control can be tricky, but it’s part of the job.”
Despite the challenges, the rewards make it worthwhile. “I enjoy seeing the efficiency and measurable impact of a well-executed plan. It takes time to see the results, but when things run smoothly, it’s incredibly satisfying.”
While Diana is currently thriving in Macmahon’s Civil Infrastructure division, she’s keen to gain more exposure to maintenance in the mining sector with Macmahon and expand her expertise.
I appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given and work hard to make sure I don’t take them for granted. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to be an expert at everything. Embracing my curiosity and being open about what I don’t know has been key to my growth.”
Diana works a DIDO (Drive-In, Drive-Out) schedule, commuting three hours from Airlie Beach to site every Monday and returning home every Friday. This routine gives her a great work-life balance, allowing her to spend quality time with family and friends every weekend—something she truly values.