The winners of the 2023 BHP Women in Resources National Awards (WIRNA) have been announced, marking the tenth anniversary of the event.
The awards promote the resources industry as an employer of choice and highlight the value of an inclusive workforce. They leverage on state and territory-based awards, drawing on their winners to be the finalists.
Women from various professions across the nation were recognised, including metallurgists, underground mining supervisors, research scientists, engineers, community relations officers, environmental chemists, data scientists, trade electricians, maintenance specialists and many more.
The winners of the BHP 2023 Women in Resources National Awards, announced at the National Portrait Gallery on 5 September, are:
Dyno Nobel Exceptional Woman in Australian Resources Award
Dr Bianca Newcombe, Principal Metallurgist of OptiFroth, for her tenacity to follow her passion and remain connected with industry, from taking up an industry-based PhD, to developing a niche business – along the way significantly contributing to the growth and participation of women in the sector
Newcrest Exceptional Young Woman in Australian Resources Award
Megan Parry, Ecosystem Reconstruction Advisor with the Closure Studies Team at Energy Resources of Australia, for her rapid career progression, exemplary work and community-based activity to build the reputation of industry, and commitment to forging meaningful connections with young women, Traditional Owners and the scientific community.
The Bloomfield Group Outstanding Australian Tradeswoman, Operator or Technician Award
Lindsay Gerrard, Dual Trade Electrician at INPEX, for her notable career progression and significant contribution in both her workplace and community – demonstrated by her initiative in mentoring female, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices.
Newmont Excellence in Diversity Programs and Performance Award
Rio Tinto Aluminium’s Women in Leadership Program, for demonstrated success increasing women in frontline leadership positions from five per cent to 18 per cent between Q3 2022 and Q2 2023, while challenging long-standing mindsets and recruitment practices, and promoting broader inclusion and diversity.
Maptek Women in Resources Technological Innovation Award
Joana Sousa, Data Science Lead from BHP, for spear-heading digital transformation at BHP through the successful application of machine learning and modelling the benefits of a career in technology to the next generation.
Rio Tinto Inclusion and Diversity Champion in Australian Resources Award
Lucy McClean, Chair of Women in Mining NSW, for her pivotal role in supporting and empowering women in the New South Wales resources sector and her enthusiasm for connecting young people to the industry.
Minerals Council of Australia Chair, Andrew Michelmore, said that the event celebrated a decade of promoting the sector as an industry of choice for women.
“The awards reflect not just the achievements of the finalists but the efforts across industry to encourage and promote increased female participation in the sector,” Mr Michelmore said.
“Stories of winners will inspire women to join the industry and girls to take up STEM studies.”
BHP President Australia, Geraldine Slattery, said that workforce diversity will be key to creating a modern mining sector that realises its full potential.
“It is terrific to see the growing number of women pursuing rewarding careers in mining across the full spectrum of technical and trade professions,” Ms Slattery said.
“We celebrate the inspirational achievements of the winners and nominees of the Women in Resources National Awards, and recognise the valuable contribution of so many women to our industry, regional communities and the national economy.”
