Meet the Dockers: Kamila Pawlowska

What do you remember about Newham when you first moved here?

I first discovered the Royal Docks while working on Thames Clippers boats, where we would go through the lock system, moving between the River Thames and the docks, for chartered special events. This was before London Cable Car opened, when Excel London was really the main landmark. Seeing the locks in action up close was an amazing experience.

Then in early 2012 while working on river boats I saw the cable car being built. Seeing it take shape nearby made me set a goal to work there and that’s exactly what I did. Now, I see the Royal Docks as a real hidden gem. I love being surrounded by water, and knowing it’s just a ten-minute cycle from my home makes it even more special. You can go for a long walk or a bike ride without being surrounded by crowds, which feels rare in London. It’s a calm, open space where I can relax, switch off, and forget about the stresses of everyday life.

You joined the cable car just two weeks after it opened. Do you remember your first days and what it was like being part of something brand new?

I remember those first days very clearly. It was an incredibly exciting opportunity. The area was buzzing with tourists and visitors because of the 2012 Olympics, and there was such a great energy around the cable car. We had a big team, everyone was friendly, and there was a real sense of pride in being part of something brand new and working in such a unique and iconic workplace.

It was very different from working on the boats, but my previous experience really helped me. I was used to dealing with visitors, so I could confidently help tourists with directions and point out main London landmarks. That experience made the transition easier and allowed me to support customers from day one.

What have you learned from moving through different roles at the cable car?

My journey has really shaped how I work today. Starting as a Ticket Host gave me a strong customer-focused approach and taught me the importance of communication and teamwork. Acting as an Assistant Manager helped me understand the wider operation and how to support both people and day-to-day challenges.

Moving into the Operator role at Doppelmayr, which maintains the cable cars, has allowed me to gain hands-on technical and operational experience, with a strong focus on safety and precision. Now, as an Administrative Coordinator I continue working for Doppelmayr. Having worked across different levels means I understand how the operation works from every angle, which helps me support the team more effectively.

You still operate the cable car systems when needed. Do you enjoy getting hands-on even after all these years?

Yes, I really do. I enjoy staying hands-on — it keeps me connected to the operation and the team. Even after all these years, operating the system and continuing with training helps me stay sharp and reminds me why I enjoy the work so much.

Outside work, you’re a passionate cat rescuer and part of the Trap-Neuter-Return programme. Tell us about this, how did you get involved, and what does that work mean to you?

Yes, I’m very involved in cat rescue in Newham. I currently care for around 22 cats, 16 of which are part of a Trap-Neuter-Return programme (TNR). This is where they are humanely trapped, neutered, and given a full check-up by a vet before being returned. I feed them daily, rescue local cats where I can, and help to rehome them whenever possible. I also support different animal charities and rescues whenever help is needed. You can follow the cat's stories on my Cundy Cats Colony Facebook and Instagram pages, although I wish I had more time to share updates.

My dedication has even been featured on episode three of Channel 4’s David Baddiel: Cat Man. Sadly, many people don’t neuter their pets, which leads to unwanted litters, abandoned animals, and feral cats having to fend for themselves. Caring for a TNR colony has really opened my eyes to the scale of this issue in Newham, but it’s also incredibly meaningful. It can be challenging but knowing you’re reducing suffering and making a real difference to these animals’ lives makes it all worthwhile.

You also spend time gardening and improving local community spaces. Can you tell us about a project that’s been especially rewarding?

One really rewarding project has been helping to tidy up and garden small community spaces near my home. Clearing overgrown areas or planting flowers can completely change how a space feels, and seeing neighbours enjoy it and take pride in it makes it all worthwhile. Even when things go missing, like the bird bath, I don’t give up. I keep trying to improve the space around me, especially when it helps wildlife, because small efforts can still make a big difference.

Looking back at more than a decade at the cable car, what’s been one of your proudest moments?

One of my proudest moments was taking part in the Institution of Civil Engineers’ Engineering Happiness project in 2014. It showed the people behind London’s iconic infrastructure projects and aimed to inspire young people to see engineering as a positive, exciting career through science and maths. Being invited to the official launch at the Institution of Civil Engineers was a real honour.

If someone’s visiting the Cable Car for the first time, what’s something you’d tell them not to miss?

I’d tell them to take their time and really enjoy the views over the Thames, the Royal Docks, London’s skyline, and even planes taking off and landing at London City Airport — it’s something special. If you’re up for a bit of a thrill, the glass-floor cabin is a must. And if you’re up early, I’d recommend finishing with a proper English breakfast at Café Bonane in the Royal Victoria. And of course, don’t forget to say hello to the maintenance team on the platform — we’re always happy to chat and explain how the cable car works. It’s not just about the journey; there’s a lot of engineering behind what looks like a simple ride.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about at the cable car and in your community work over the next year?

I’m keen to keep developing my role, staying hands-on with the operation and support work I enjoy, and continuing to learn, train, and share knowledge about how the system works, especially the engineering behind it. There are some improvements planned that I can’t really talk about just yet, but there are definitely exciting things ahead.

In the community, I’m especially hopeful about plans from the Celia Hammond Animal Trust. Celia Hammond is a very well-known animal rescuer and runs a clinic in Canning Town, and there are plans to build another rescue centre near Lewisham, which is very much needed. Over the next year, a big focus for me will be helping to raise awareness and funds to support that work. I’m also excited to see how the Royal Docks continues to develop. The Excel extension already looks amazing, and I’m really looking forward to more projects that improve the area for local people, wildlife, and the wider community. What I really want is for Cundy Cats Colony to stay healthy and financially secure, so I can keep giving these cats the care they truly deserve.

Being able to cover vet bills means I can treat injuries, neuter responsibly, and give cats a real chance at a better life rather than leaving them to suffer. Every rescue and every rehoming genuinely matter to me. While it isn’t always easy and there can be worrying moments, it’s also full of hope. Knowing that I can continue helping, healing, and guiding cats towards safe, loving futures is what keeps me going. Making sure this work can continue and that the cats are properly cared for means everything to me.

Find out more

The London Cable Car runs between the Royal Docks Terminal (27 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria, London, E16 1FA) and the Greenwich Peninsula Terminal (Edmund Halley Way, London, SE10 0FR).

Residents of Newham and Greenwich who live locally can get a discount by showing proof of address.

For more details about the London Cable Car, visit the official website.

You can also follow Kamila’s lovely cat rescue work at Cundy Cats Colony on Facebook and Instagram where she shares updates on local rescues and TNR work. Kamila also appears on David Baddiel: Cat Man (Channel 4, Episode 3), where you can see her caring for the colony.