The State’s resources sector body has recognised the incredible Indigenous contribution to Queensland’s resources sector at the QRC’s Indigenous Awards at the W Hotel in Brisbane last night.
Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the three individual prizes were awarded to three very talented Indigenous women.
“Dee Clarke from BHP’s Maintenance Centre of Excellence was this year’s Indigenous Advocacy recipient. By delivering above and beyond expectations through advocacy work Dee has shown exceptional leadership which has contributed to an increase in Indigenous participation in the sector,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“BHP engineer Nyah Teiotu took out the Exceptional Indigenous Person after demonstrating aptitude, enthusiasm and an ability to build strong relationships with employees on site and is always willing to provide training and coaching to her peers.
Lydia Taylor from Moura State High School triumphed in the Exceptional Indigenous Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) student award.
“This bright young woman has excelled in her school work but most impressive is her ongoing commitment to share her knowledge with other students in the classroom,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“It is our hope that the award winners will go on to be ambassadors for the sector, acting as role models and encouraging more Indigenous people to join our industry. The awards are designed to champion the achievements of those companies and individuals making a real difference and to inspire others to do the same.”
BHP and QCoal were joint winners in the Best Company Indigenous Employment and Training Initiative category while Best Company Procurement Initiative went to Rio Tinto’s Amrun bauxite mine in Weipa.
Black Cat Civil scored Exceptional Indigenous Business.
“No other industry, other than the public service, has our record on workforce participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. We are proud, as an industry, that 4 percent of our workforce are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and that is the same proportion of Queensland’s population.
“Another milestone is Indigenous women in resources who represent 26 percent of the Indigenous workforce which is close to twice the non-Indigenous rate. The Indigenous workforce is also much younger than the overall resources sector workforce, with 43 percent under 35 compared to 35 percent of the overall resources workforce.”
The 6th annual awards, hosted by journalist and Wiradjuri man Stan Grant were presented during Reconciliation Week. More than 300 people attended the awards ceremony which were opened with a welcome to country by Indigenous Songwoman Maroochy Barambah. Amongst the guests was Queensland’s Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy the Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham.
