When Kane became a dad, everything shifted.

Like many new parents, he found himself navigating the challenge of balancing work with the demands of family life.

GrainCorp’s commitment to being a certified Family Friendly Workplace made that transition more manageable.

“I’ve been with GrainCorp for six years, always in the HR Business Partner role,” Kane says.

“This past year has been a big one for me personally. Becoming a dad changed how I think about time, priorities, and what it means to show up – both at work and at home.”

Earlier this year, Kane took advantage of GrainCorp’s Primary Carer’s leave, spending three months at home with his newborn son.

“That time was incredibly valuable. It gave my wife the chance to return to work sooner, and I got to be there for those early months – learning the ropes of fatherhood and building a bond with my boy,” Kane says.

Since returning to work, Kane has embraced flexible working arrangements to maintain a routine that supports his family.

“Being home for dinner is something I don’t compromise on. If I need to catch up on work later, I do, but that time in the evening is important to us.”

GrainCorp’s culture of trust and flexibility has been key to Kane’s ability to balance work and family.

“There’s a lot of trust here. I’ve had calls with colleagues while they’re doing school drop-offs or wrangling toddlers. No one makes a fuss – we all know what it’s like and just get on with it.”

As a HR Business Partner, Kane actively encourages others to be open about their family responsibilities.

“Transparency with your leader creates trust and plays a big part in achieving that balance.”

GrainCorp’s recent certification as a Family Friendly Workplace is a reflection of these values in action.

The recognition highlights GrainCorp’s commitment to policies that support employees at every stage of life – whether through paid parental leave, flexible hours, or a culture that genuinely respects family commitments.

“It’s not just a label,” Kane says. “In my part of the business, we talk openly about putting family first. Families come in all shapes and sizes, so by committing to actively support, respect and trust each other, the better off we all are.”

For Kane, being a working dad isn’t about having it all – it’s about having the space to prioritise what matters most. With GrainCorp’s support, he’s found a rhythm that works.