When mechanical engineer Rana Everett moved to Albany, Western Australia, she found more than just colder weather and a strong breeze. She found a challenge. One that tapped directly into her skills, her lived experience, and her changemaker mindset.
In this episode, we hear how Rana went from newcomer to community contributor, using her professional background to offer fresh perspectives on a social challenge in her adopted home. Her story is a powerful example of how technical insight, when paired with local partnerships and courage, can open unexpected pathways for impact.
“There’s no use coming to a town with a problem you think is there and trying to do something about it. You’ve got to know the problem is there, and that there is a solution.”
After relocating from Darwin to Albany, Rana quickly discovered a skills gap in the local welding workforce. A major prototype project needed specialist welders, but local capacity didn’t match the demand. Rather than throw her hands up, Rana saw the opportunity through a different lens.
With the Changemaker Workshop as her springboard, Rana connected with others in the community who also wanted to create opportunities for young people. Through local conversations, shared insights, and the workshop’s focus on fresh perspectives, Rana realised the issue wasn’t just about labour. It was about access, confidence, and possibility.
“I could really only look to try and upskill the region. Give people something to focus on in their own careers. Get them out of their home and to jobs.”
Rana reached out to Weld Australia and secured the use of welding simulators—augmented reality tools that provide a safe, efficient, and engaging way for people to develop welding skills. These simulators offered a unique solution to a complex problem, bridging the gap between technical training and social inclusion.
“You actually get muscle memory. It teaches them where to sit with their bodies, how to hold the handpiece. It’s like a Thermomix—you can keep adding tools to it.”
From school visits to women and girls in STEM events, Rana’s efforts brought hands-on learning and inspiration to the community. Local TAFEs have since purchased their own simulators. Industry partners are beginning to see the benefits. And for many young people and women, the welding simulator is a first, safe step into a trade they might never have otherwise considered.
“The boys loved it because it’s like gaming. The girls? I asked them, ‘Do you like art?’ That’s how I got them in.”
This episode highlights how seeing things differently can unlock new ways forward. Rana didn’t set out to ‘fix’ Albany. She listened, learned, and responded with what she had—her experience, her networks, and her persistence.
Whether you’re a seasoned changemaker or someone just starting out, Rana’s story is a reminder that leadership can begin the moment we ask, What can I do with what I know? And that the best ideas often start when we’re brave enough to see the familiar in a new light.
“It may take time to integrate. But we are on the right track.”
Tune in to hear how one woman’s engineering mindset created community momentum—and why the ripple effects are still growing.
Listen to episode 2 of Changemaker journeys with Rana Everett
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