Across the country, women are increasingly occupying key roles within the facility management sector operating critical assets, navigating risk and shaping the overall future of the built environment. This week, we profile Haydee Forster, chief executive officer at Australian Resources Recovery Council.
What are the three pivotal moments in your career that led to you reaching your current role?
My qualifications led me to local government roles, but I embraced an opportunity in a waste and resources recovery company, which opened new doors.
I gained experience in various aspects of the organisation, including tender submissions, engagement with customers to help them with identifying waste and recycling solutions and maintenance of compliance, then finally into corporate governance – covering safety, quality, environment, human resources, industrial relations, communications, marketing and learning management.
These experiences built a strong foundation for future opportunities. After two decades in the sector, I transitioned to
the Australian public service, where I learned how government departments operate, their processes and structures, and the importance of being adaptable to meet the needs of the Australian community and government priorities.
What are your top priorities at the Australian Resources Recovery Council (ARRC) and what are some of the strategies that you’ve put in place to tackle them this year?
As the new CEO of ARRC, my main focus has been understanding our members, their operations and how ARRC can best support them. They play a crucial role in providing renewable resources by managing and processing waste, thereby supporting low-emission industries and protecting health and the environment.
‘I’ve also prioritised building relationships with Members of Parliament, Senators and key federal government departments, as well as connecting with other industry associations to explore synergies and maintain strong partnerships. This outreach will continue through 2026 as I work to meet all relevant stakeholders.
The ARRC brings together businesses, governments and other stakeholders. How do you plan to foster
increased collaboration among them?
The first step is to listen and learn from all stakeholders. To understand their perspectives, and identify areas of alignment and contention. We have a lot of knowledgeable and passionate people across the industry, government departments and other stakeholders – we need to draw on this expertise to identify solutions and find a middle ground from which we can build.
The hustle, the grind and the struggle that no one will see. What have been the toughest moments for you
when it comes to just staying the course?
Sometimes life throws curveballs. Some of them personal, some of them professional. Navigating through them can be hard, especially as they can often all happen at the same time!
In both my private industry and the federal government roles, there have been long days and weeks with high job demands that left me exhausted.
There have been frustrations and sadness, where I have felt downhearted. There have been times when I’ve felt
underappreciated and ready to throw in the towel.
But my fighting spirit, my passion for not leaving things half done, my passion for the work that I do, and my admiration, respect and friendship with colleagues, have helped me through.
The love and support of my family and friends has also played an important part. All of these things have helped me to be the person I am today.
For women at the start of their careers within the facility management sector, what should they hear or is something you wish you had been told early on in your career?
Don’t be afraid to try something new or step out of your comfort zone. Sometimes embracing opportunities can seem scary, people will question your choices of direction – keep going. There is no one pathway for success and happiness, you know what is right for you, go with your instinct, embrace opportunities and make sure you are happy… And, if you’re not, don’t be afraid to consider what else is out there for you. This is your life and you need to enjoy it.
This article first appeared in the March 2026 edition of FM magazine. To download the entire edition for free, click here.
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