But, a quick read-through of her CV, hearing of her accolades, combined with evidence of her extraordinary fundraising ability and you realise her personality is big and strong.

The 29-year-old works for Glencore at Ravensworth open-cut mine as an environment and community coordinator and happens to be the first female in that role at Ravensworth, working in a male-dominated environment.

She has also helped raise almost $100,000 for charity over the past three years.

But, what people probably don’t know about Laura is that her passion for helping people stems from her parents’ example of values and commitment, and a tragic accident that impacted them all.

When she was just eight years old, the Muswellbrook resident’s “super-fit and super-active” mother was involved in a single car crash which left her a paraplegic.

“I guess it ignited a flame of trying to help people as much as possible,” Laura said thoughtfully.

“I realised there were other people out there far worse off than me, than us, and it’s why I try to never judge by someone’s cover – there’s always a back story, that’s why I like to get to know people and empathise with them.”

Testament to her parents’ strength and resilience they remained strong with Mrs Barben returning to full-time work as soon as she was able. 

“It was a long, slow recovery, mentally and physically,” Laura said. “Dad is a concrete pillar, he has an unbelievable amount of strength.”

Evidently a high-achiever, Laura started Uni at 17 completing a Degree in Environmental Science and Management and worked three jobs to avoid a HECS debt.

Her strong work ethic began with babysitting from age 12 and then Best and Less as soon as she was old enough.

Her aim to buy a house at 21 was achieved just after she turned 22 with a purchase in Lake Macquarie.

Keeping up the impetus, last year Laura consecutively completed a Diploma of Project Management and Master of Makeup Artistry, and this year, as part of her professional role, has enrolled in a CASA Unmanned Aerial Vehicle certificate.

The certificate will allow her to fly the drones used on-site as part of an industry-first NSW mining project to measure and map NOx fumes from blasting activities.

Laura’s role is to analyse data taken from the drone flight during and after a blast, using 3D mapping software to generate a video animation of the fume, overlaid on a 3D model of the mine highlighting NOx levels and mapping NOx dissipation.

The project will eventually provide better understanding of blast management, not just for Ravensworth but potentially the broader industry. 

Laura’s role also includes obtaining and maintaining approvals, managing air and water quality, land rehabilitation and land management, and what she calls “investing in community”.

Sadly in late-2016, life threw another grenade in Laura’s direction when a friend committed suicide.

“It was hard,” Laura said.

“Mental health impacts business, community, the whole of society.

“I realised as a business we could do more to help with mental health in the community.”

True to form, Laura came up with the idea of a Mental Health Awareness Ball in Singleton which drew a crowd of more than 300 people.

“We helped build awareness of mental health issues but we also raised $50,000,” she said simply.

“We donated the money to Where There’s A Will and Lifeline Hunter Central Coast, funds for local services means counsellors back in our community.”

Laura clearly isn’t a big-noter by any means and is quick to point out the incredible support she receives from co-workers, bosses and community members.

She cites operations manager Tony Morris, maintenance manager Darren Meyer and environment and community manager Luke Bowden as three big driving forces that foster the community spirit at Ravensworth.

Since the ball, Laura has helped organise two Ravensworth haul trucks to be painted with Where There’s a Will and Cancer Council logos (pictured).

Each load each truck shifts raises $1 which equates to about $20,000 per truck a year.

“That idea came from the floor, it’s not just about the money we raise it’s about awareness and having far-reaching effects right through to our apprentices,” Laura said.