A Man’s World? Not at MBW
Left to right – Nicola, Cassie, Indy, owner Karen, Tegan, Ashley and Leticia
Wielding a knife in a boning room has for many years been thought of as a man’s job; but as these ladies from Master Butchers Whitsundays will tell you, their workplace is far from feeling like testosterone territory. In fact, the common opinion they all share is that the balanced workforce provides a fun work environment and a place they look forward to going to every day.
Owners Karen Rix and Don Cameron have never viewed gender as a prerequisite for employment and have created a supportive work environment where both men and women feel valued.
Karen is mainly based at MBW on the Barbie, alongside senior sales consultant Nicola Albergo and part-time counter support, Cassandra Marsden. Nicola has been with MBW on the Barbie since the store opened, and enjoys the diversity of her position.
She laughed, “I’m a jack of all trades, master of none. I do a bit of everything and love meeting so many new people from the community daily.” One of the gourmet products she prepares daily is chicken with asparagus, cranberry cheese with pancetta.
At Master Butchers Whitsunday, Cassandra’s sister, Tegan Marsden, works as an office clerk while assisting with counter sales. She’s joined by Indiana Candy who joined the team in 2016 after the Target fire left her without a job.
Tegan loves that females are welcomed into the industry, as it’s provided a career opportunity she enjoys. She says that she feels well supported by the owners, Karen and Don; and looks forward to the banter with the butchers.
“I work in the office behind where the butchers operate, and their favourite pastime is to sing along to songs on the radio but change the words to something ridiculous. Occasionally they’ll throw my name into the lyrics just to see if I’m listening,” she said.
The newest of the MBW stores is MBW at Marian, where former chef Leticia Ross and former hairdresser, Ashley Schmidt work. Leticia has been working in the butcher industry for more than a decade, while it was a very different environment for Ashley who came from working within a female-dominated industry to one with more men.
Ashley says that she prefers the environment of working in an industry with a balance of men and women. “It’s an easier workplace, relaxed, we have lots of laughs. That’s the part of the job I enjoy the most, is knowing when I get to work there will always be fun and good times.
“I meet a different blend of people in this job, more people from the country. I was able to go to a sausage competition with Don and Karen to get a better appreciation and understanding of the industry. Best of all, at MBW every day is a good day,” she said.
Stereotypes notwithstanding, the face of the meat industry is changing. As more women find careers slicing the steak, the future looks bright with progressive businesses like MBW welcoming them with open arms.
