Our People, Our Future
Tony and Irene Fores
Family, Purpose and Pride
For siblings Tony and Irene Feros, working at Tomago Aluminium (TAC) is about more than earning a living. It is about family, community, and contributing to a workplace where people feel safe, supported, and valued for who they are.
Raised in Stockton and proud Wiradjuri people, Tony and Irene grew up in a close-knit family where caring for others and working as a team were part of everyday life. Those values have shaped their careers across nursing, security, and frontline support roles, and today see them proudly working together at TAC, each bringing their own skills and experience to the site.
Irene’s pathway to Tomago began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she supported critical testing and health services onsite while also working in Emergency at John Hunter Hospital. That experience left a lasting impression. She recalls being “genuinely sad to leave” when the COVID program ended, having found the work at TAC both rewarding and meaningful. When the opportunity arose to return, she did not hesitate.
After years of 12-hour rotating shifts in a fast-paced emergency environment, Irene says working at TAC has had a positive impact on her life and wellbeing. “In Emergency, I was used to working nights and weekends, dealing with life-and-death situations with very little downtime,” she explains. “At TAC, the flexibility of the hours has made a huge difference. I work three days a week, with consistent day shifts, which allows me to better manage my energy, rest properly, and maintain a healthier balance outside of work.”
Now working in a dual role as both a nurse and a security officer, Irene values the proactive nature of care at the smelter and the chance to build genuine relationships with workers. She has also been struck by the culture. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how supportive and inclusive the workplace is,” she says. “It encourages connection and individuality, even in small ways, like having my door painted my favourite colour to make the space feel welcoming.”
Tony’s journey to TAC followed a similarly varied path, with experience in nursing and corrective services before joining the security team at Tomago. Inspired by Irene’s experience at TAC, he was drawn to a role that aligned with his values around safety, wellbeing, and looking out for others.
For Tony, the people make the difference. “The team culture is supportive and encourages continuous improvement, which makes daily tasks feel rewarding and engaging,” he says. “Being able to check in with my mates at work and brighten someone’s day as they walk in the door is definitely the highlight. I just want to make sure everyone goes home the same way they came in, happy and healthy.”
Both siblings speak with pride about how TAC recognises and respects cultural identity. This was especially meaningful during NAIDOC Week, when their mum, known in the community as Aunty Chrissy, was invited onsite to run an Indigenous art workshop. “It really drove home how important it is to celebrate and share our culture,” Tony reflects. “It brought us all closer together and showed just how powerful inclusivity can be.”
Irene also values the breadth of support available onsite, describing it as truly holistic. “Having access to doctors, physiotherapists, dietitians, hygiene services, a gym and saunas, as well as an on-site ambulance, fire trucks, and emergency response team means we can provide genuine wrap-around care,” she says. “On top of that, things like fresh fruit for workers, unlimited PPE, and an onsite café show how much the organisation prioritises health, safety, and wellbeing.”
Tony and Irene’s story reflects the heart of the Our People, Our Future series. It is about diverse pathways, family connection, cultural respect, and a workplace where people are trusted, supported, and encouraged to thrive.
