❤️ An International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐ Gloria Jacob is a passionate advocate for Port Hedland, a former business owner, and a community leader dedicated to regional growth and inclusivity. Arriving in Hedland in the 1980s as a young nurse, she later broke barriers in the male-dominated hardware and steel industry while raising her two sons. Through her roles in business, council, and community organisations, Gloria has championed opportunities for families, better infrastructure, and stronger services. Gloria believes Port Hedland is more than a mining town—it’s a thriving community where hard work and determination can create lasting success⭐
An interview with Gloria
Tell us about you?
I am the second youngest of eight children, with five brothers, and of Burmese heritage. I moved to Port Hedland in the 1980s and started my career as a nurse at the old hospital. In 1990, I took on a new challenge, purchasing Hedland Hardware and Steel Supplies with my Uncle Percy, stepping into a male-dominated industry where women in management were almost unheard of. Running a seven-day-a-week business while raising two sons and building relationships within the community was incredibly tough, but it taught me resilience, adaptability, and the need to utilise your circle of support to give you strength. In early 2000s, I discovered my "gayside," as I like to call it. Falling in love with a woman was a journey in itself, but coming out brought challenges I hadn’t fully anticipated. The abuse both verbal and physical was confronting, and dealing with the maliciousness of some in our community was at times heartbreaking. My partner at the time and I were mature enough to handle it, but sadly, this kind of discrimination still exists, especially in remote and regional areas. Too many young people live in fear, feeling unsafe to be who they truly are. Today 40 plus years on I am a passionate advocate for Port Hedland and our diverse community. I feel self-assured and grateful for the experiences, skillsets and relationships I have attained through my years in business, serving on Council and the various roles as a volunteer and member of this beautiful community. Life isn’t easy in the regions you have to find strength, seek support, and be a support to others.
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
Trust yourself always, you are stronger than you think. Resilience is everything, challenges will shape you and don’t let fear silence you. Whether in business, relationships, or standing up for yourself, use your voice.
What word/s describe your leadership style?
I believe I am an inclusive and strategic leader. I take accountability seriously and am resilient by nature. I love to collaborate with others and seek to empower those I work with.
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?.
There are many opportunities in the region for young and mature women, and I encourage them to believe in themselves always and seize their moment. Resilience will be your greatest asset, you do not have to fit-in to belong, choose your path you don't need permission to chase your dreams, you can do it!
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
My biggest role model was my father George, an immigrant brave and determined, and a man of faith who provided his 8 children with the best opportunity in life. The other is Captain James T Kirk who inspired me to go and explore life.
We thank you Gloria, for what you achieve for your community and regional Durack 💙