Despite being born with symbrachydactyly, a congenital condition that prevents a hand or foot from developing, Bryce Bourke, Coordinator Mobilisation at Nelson Point has always found ways to get things done.

"Mum says that when I was a baby, I would first try to pick things up with my right hand, and when I realised that I couldn't do it, I'd automatically switch to my left hand. That sums up my life. I just give everything a go," he says.

Naturally resourceful, he learned to creatively tie his shoelaces, and later in life, he found innovative ways to use tools as part of his apprenticeship. "I have very short fingers with no bones on my right hand, but I can still move my right thumb," explains Bryce.

With a passion for mining, Bryce thought he’d try to find work in the industry, but it proved to be one of the biggest challenges of his life.

When applying for jobs, he found if he was transparent about his disability, he wouldn’t be offered interviews, but if he hid his disability, he would get appointments, only to find that once potential employers learned of it, they would cancel the meeting.

As luck would have it, everything changed during a week-long boat trip in Croatia. Bryce befriended a fellow passenger who turned out to be a BHP employee. "He only knew me for a week, but he got the vibe that I have a can-do attitude and a willingness to learn."

After an introduction to a contracting company on site, Bryce proudly joined the shutdown mobilisation crew at Nelson Point in August 2019. Through hard work and persistence, he was promoted to a supervisor's role in September 2022.

"Some people have preconceived notions that individuals with disabilities can’t be as productive, efficient and creative as others in jobs, but given the chance to play to their strengths, and with the right support, they can bring a lot to the table.” 

Since joining BHP, Bryce has been an active member of Amber, to help empower people living with disabilities. He strongly believes in giving people with disabilities the chance to contribute and learn.

"Back in the day, BHP was comprised of people from similar backgrounds, age groups, and ideologies. By introducing individuals like me with different life experiences and alternative ways of thinking, we can achieve better outcomes," he emphasises.

Bryce also hopes that BHP can expand its support to employees whose children have disabilities. This is particularly significant in remote communities where employees may need to relocate for their children to receive better care.

It’s in these communities too, he says, that BHP can play a role in providing employment or training opportunities for people living with disabilities. “If I can sit on the Amber committee to help BHP be more inclusive, it means anyone can be the change. You just have to have a go.”