In the first of a series, GSK Boronia site director Allison Tippett reflects on the legacy and contribution of the manufacturing facility as the company prepares to exit the site after 52 years.
Valuing the past
The end of 2022 marks the end of an era for the team at GSK’s Boronia manufacturing site in Victoria and me.
As we approach the closure of the site, I wanted to reflect on some of the successes (and some of the challenges) I’ve experienced during my five years working as part of this incredible team.
I can’t deny that the last two years of this journey have been some of the most challenging. It’s been a time of major news between business and leadership changes, pandemic disruptions and, of course, the announcement of the closure of the Boronia site. However, the enduring focus for all of us at the Boronia site - and GSK Australia more broadly - has been the patient at the end of the supply chain.
Our Boronia team has so much to be proud of in our delivery of lifesaving medications to tens of millions of patients all over the world. While we have had to process difficult news, we’ve done so with an enduring commitment to excellence and the safety of our colleagues.
Although it has been a very challenging time, personally and professionally, I am incredibly proud of our rollout of the site closure program, how we have supported our people with transparency and, tailored our support to each individual’s goals as they look to the next phase of their life.
Focus on the future
During the transition following the difficult news about the site closure, it continues to be so heartening to hear my colleagues’ plans for their futures – whether that involves moving to Queensland, buying a boat, retiring, or taking the next step in their career. I am so grateful that people felt they could share these with me, and I can’t wait to see all the great things that the team are already well on their way to accomplishing.
I’m also really pleased to hear that many of these transitions have been made possible by the support that the team has received over the past two years. It is great that our people have been able to take advantage of these opportunities, such as the training program, outplacement support, culminating in the Careers Fair, and gain something positive. This has been our priority.
It has been crucial to keep spirits high, so we’ve enjoyed a number of important activities along the way. For me, the standout events included the 50-year anniversary celebration with a 70s theme, talks from motivational speakers, our Amazing Race, food trucks at intervals to recognise strong performance, and our Legacy Gala event which brought current and former employees together to say farewell to the site.
And while everyone was going through this challenging transition, we still banded together to raise thousands of dollars, one example being money raised for Save the Children through auctions of small onsite assets and equipment, but there have been numerous others. To me, this act of generosity strongly reflects the incredible culture of our GSK Boronia family.
Finish Strong
When I was working on content for our ‘legacy’ Boronia Book, I had the chance to reflect on the many successes and it was clear that the greatest success has been our people.
As the largest of GSK’s manufacturing facilities in the southern hemisphere, every single person has contributed to the Boronia site’s overall success over the past 52 years of service. And while to many it may feel like the closure of the site means ‘the end’ I want to remind everyone that the products will continue to be produced and save lives. The legacy of the GSK Boronia site and its people will live on.
It has been an absolute privilege to lead the GSK Boronia site through the final stage of its life while keeping the focus on our patients always. I would like to thank you everyone for allowing me the honour to do this.
Thank you again Team Boronia! I wish you all every success in your next adventures, whatever they may be.
Allison Tippett
