The names of 18 finalists have been announced for the 2024 Women in Resources Awards (WIRA) by Western Australia’s Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME).
Now in its 15th year, WIRA recognises gender diversity in Western Australian mining and resources and highlights the outstanding efforts of individuals and companies to deliver progress in this area.
CME said that it received more than 144 nominations for the 2024 awards, and that the quality of nominees is reflected in an inspirational group of finalists, who perform a wide range of on and off-site roles for operations around the state.
There are also three mining and resources sector companies that have been chosen as finalists in the Outstanding Company Initiative category.
The 2024 finalists are as follows:
Outstanding Young Woman in Resources Award
- Eliza Dennis, Shell
- Jemma Ehsman, Rio Tinto
- Danielle White, BHP
Outstanding Operator/Technician/Trade Award
- Clarisse Orchard, Callidus Welding Solutions
- Tahnee Brosnan, Woodside Energy
- Dianne Deegan, INPEX
Outstanding Woman in Resources Award
- Lisa Robson, Shell
- Josie Fourie, Woodside Energy
- Lily Meneghel, Roy Hill
Technological Innovation Award
- Suzy Urbaniak, CoRE Learning Foundation
- Celine Mangan, Mineral Resources
- Evelyn Ng, Callidus Group
Champion of Women in Resources Award
- Vivienne Chan, Chevron
- Candis Rhodes, Rio Tinto
- Warren Shirley, Shell
Outstanding Company Initiative Award
- “Bamboo” Flexible Work Program, BHP
- Crane Operations Pathway Traineeship Program, Monadelphous
- Transferrable Pathways, Rio Tinto
CME’s Chief Executive, Rebecca Tomkinson, said that the WIRA selection criteria was designed to identify both professional excellence and commitment to activities that contributed to the community in a meaningful way.
“The WIRA presentation dinner is always a highlight of our events calendar and showcases some of the finest people and initiatives in our sector,” Ms Tomkinson said.
“WIRA allows us to acknowledge inspirational women working in Western Australia, the men and women who champion gender diversity and the efforts made by companies in the sector to improve the participation of women in our workforce.
Ms Tompkinsons said that CME and its member companies are proud of the growth in female participation in the industry over the past decade, particularly the increasing number of women occupying leadership roles.
“We also recognise that gender equity remains an area in which there is still significant work to be done.
“Events like WIRA celebrate the contributions being made by women in the Western Australian mining and resource sector, sometimes overcoming personal and professional challenges to do so.
“WIRA is not just for women; it’s an incredibly positive way for everyone, equally, to shine a light on the career opportunities that are mapping the path to our shared future.”
The 2024 Women in Resources Awards dinner will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 22 March.