A new initiative launched by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) is aiming to increase inclusion in the mining and energy workforces by creating opportunities for under-represented groups.
The Resources W.I.D.E (Workforce Inclusion and Diversity Engagement) project has been developed through a $963,000 investment made available through the Queensland Government’s Workforce Connect Fund.
QRC’s CEO, Janette Hewson, said that a new Digital Hub will support resources companies to implement diversity and inclusivity initiatives that will aid in the attraction, retention and advancement of people from diverse backgrounds.
“This initiative is focussed on making the resources sector in Queensland a better, more inclusive place for people from underrepresented groups to work,” Ms Hewson said.
“That includes women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, veterans, refugees and neurodiverse people.
“The QRC worked with a number of key delivery partners to deliver the project including CQUniversity, who developed a suite of research backed tools and guides, and Social Traders who advised on social enterprise procurement to build diversity.”
Ms Hewson said that Resources WIDE was developed with strong support from the Queensland resources sector.
“Multiple QRC member companies committed time and resources over the past 12 months to help make the project a success. That included participation in project working groups and steering committees, assistance with research as well as putting forward the real ‘talent’ and photo shoot location that will form the centrepiece of the Resources WIDE website and marketing campaign material.
“It features real people from our sector, all of whom are from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups and are forging great careers with resources companies in Queensland.”
Ms Hewson said that the modern Queensland resources sector provides great career opportunities for tens of thousands of Queenslanders and it’s important that those opportunities are available to people from all backgrounds.
“Companies understand that a strong focus on workforce inclusion leads to greater diversity and that’s good for workers and good for business.”
The Resources WIDE Digital Hub will be especially helpful for small to medium-sized enterprises looking to implement diversity and inclusion initiatives and those companies wanting to expand and diversify their talent pools.
Image: Magnifical Productions/shutterstock.com
