Who are we?
We’re Bec and Nae
Partners in life, work, and now this mission.
As a long-standing FIFO family, we know the emotional weight that comes with life on rotation. One of us works onsite in the Pilbara as a mechanical supervisor, and the other brings over 20 years of experience in the education sector with a Master’s in Education.
Renae doesn’t just work in mining, she lives it. With over 10 years on the tools and in leadership roles across WA’s iron ore sector, she knows the grind, the long shifts, the breakdowns (of equipment and emotions), and what it feels like to miss the moments that matter most back home. She brings that raw understanding to every box we send, making sure care goes where it’s needed... to the crib room, to the camp room, to the hearts of FIFO families.
Bec has spent over two decades in education, supporting students, families and school communities; from remote and country locations to metro areas. With a deep understanding of how children express disconnection, and how small, meaningful moments build emotional bonds, she’s passionate about helping FIFO families bridge the distance and stay connected in ways that feel real and lasting.
But it’s not just our own experience that inspired Work Away Box, it’s what we’ve witnessed around us.
We’ve seen children shut down on calls or refuse to engage with their FIFO parent at all. We’ve watched exhausted FIFO parents try to cram their short time at home with outings and activities, desperately trying to rebuild connection, only to be met with conflict, meltdowns and tears. We’ve supported friends through relationship breakdowns, school challenges, and the emotional toll of living apart. And we’ve watched others quietly battle with mental health challenges, only to come up against red tape and delays that make getting real help feel impossible when it’s needed most.
Is Work Away Box the fix? Absolutely not. But it’s a small step. A moment of care in the chaos. A gesture that says, “You’re not alone.” A way to remind someone they’re loved, valued and thought of... even when you can’t be there.
Because connection matters. And care can still travel far, even when you can’t.
