Spomenka Matic – Wellness Advisor - Punurunha Village

At Sodexo, our people remind us every day that leadership isn’t always about titles or positions; sometimes, it’s about courage, vulnerability, and the willingness to start conversations that others are afraid to have.  For Spomenka Matic, Wellness Advisor at Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s Punurunha Village, mental health isn’t a side note to her role; it’s the heartbeat of everything she does.  Her journey is proof that when you bring openness and humanity into the workplace, you can change lives.

Adjusting to FIFO life can be a daunting experience for many, filled with uncertainty, preconceived ideas, and the challenge of stepping into a completely new environment.  When Spomenka joined Sodexo as a Wellness Advisor, she admits she was nervous.

“I’d heard so many negative stories about FIFO.  I remember sitting at the airport asking myself, ‘What are you doing?’ However, once I arrived, it felt meant to be.  Within a week, I had goals and ideas coming out of my head.  I remember finishing my first swing thinking, ‘I’m not ready to go home.  I have so much more to do here.’”

Her first act onsite was to lead with vulnerability.

“At my very first Pre-Start meeting, I told everyone, ‘It’s my first time doing FIFO. I’m new here.’  People were so supportive.  I realised if I shared my own story, maybe it would give others the courage to do the same.” 

In her role as a Wellness Advisor, Spomenka doesn’t just provide programs or fitness advice; she sets the tone for the entire village through her energy, consistency, and genuine care.

“Every morning at Pre-Start, I don’t just stretch with the team. I ask them how they’re feeling, what they’re looking forward to, and when their R&R is.  Around the village, I say hi to everyone.  People call me Miss Smiley and now those small greetings spark conversations.  And sometimes, those conversations turn into someone saying, ‘I’m struggling.’  That’s when the real work begins.”

When she faced difficult personal news recently, she chose not to hide it.

“The old me would have kept it quiet.  But I realised if I’m telling others to speak up, then I need to walk the talk.  So, I reached out to my manager.  The support I received meant everything.  It reminded me that vulnerability isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength.” 

The Ripple Effect of Courage

Spomenka measures her impact not in numbers, but in the lives she touches.

“There was a young team member here who was incredibly shy and overwhelmed.  She only wanted to use the gym when it was empty.  I invited her to join me, encouraged her to start small, and slowly helped her build confidence.  Months later, she sent me a message: ‘You have no idea how much you are changing lives out here, how much you’ve impacted my mental health.’  That message meant the world to me.  But what really inspired me was seeing her take that confidence back to her team.  That’s the ripple effect; one person’s courage can spark change for many.”

A Passion with Purpose

For Spomenka, wellness is not about ticking boxes; it’s about changing culture.

“FIFO life can be challenging. People can feel isolated, disconnected, and buried in their phones.  I try to reconnect them to movement, to each other, to simple conversations.  Energy is contagious.  When one person opens up, it gives others permission to do the same.  That’s how culture shifts.”

Her advice to anyone…

Spomenka’s dream is to continue building a culture where mental health is at the centre of Sodexo’s village life.

Spomenka’s story is a reminder that mental health advocacy doesn’t always start with big campaigns or events.  Sometimes it starts with one person choosing to be honest, to smile, to ask a question, to share their story.  Those small acts build courage, break stigma, and change lives.