The winners of the BHP 2021 Women in Resources National Awards announced tonight reflect the extraordinary breadth of talent, contribution, skill and passion of women in Australia’s world-leading resources industry.
Their inspirational stories will raise awareness of the diverse careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics – as well as the trades and social sciences – that exist in the resources sector for women.
As ambassadors and role models, they will inspire more women to enter the resources workforce.
There are clear benefits in increasing women’s workforce participation in resources including better living standards for individuals and families particularly in regional Australia and increased productivity and sustainability for our companies.
The winners of the BHP 2021 Women in Resources National Awards are:
Dyno Nobel Exceptional Woman in Australian Resources Award
Maryann Wipaki, General Manager Health, Safety, Environment, Community, Glencore Queensland Metals for her strong advocacy of the important role the mining industry plays in Queensland and her commitment to the safety of the workforce as a member of the Queensland Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee.
Thiess Outstanding Australian Tradeswoman, Operator or Technician Award
Laura Allen, Process Owner at Woodside Energy for her active participation as a member of Woodside’s Gender Equality Matters Network and her support for women to work offshore through recruitment, mentorship and safety advocacy.
Maptek Women in Resources Technological Innovation Award
Alison Van Lent, Commercialisation Manager at Woodside Energy for her ability to develop and apply technology to improve safety and quality through FUSE, which enables users to identify areas of concern and opportunities.
Newcrest Exceptional Young Woman in Australian Resources Award
Phoebe Thomas, Principal Business Performance at BHP Mt Arthur Coal for her impressive leadership, mentorship and injury management across the business, as well as strong advocacy on gender diversity and community outreach.
Rio Tinto Gender Diversity Champion in Australian Resources Award
Michael Spicer, Production Materials Movement Manager at Liberty Bell Bay for his tireless efforts to increase female participation in the workforce from a 100 per cent male team to 40 per cent female participation today, simultaneously overseeing a 25 per cent increase in female apprenticeships.
Barbara Crossley, Managing Director at Umwelt Australia for her trailblazing adoption of policies such as paid parental leave and genuine flexible working arrangements, as well as her drive to maintain a gender balance across all levels of the business from the graduate to executive level.
St Barbara Excellence in Company Programs and Performance Award
Step in 2020 People Improvers on behalf of the North West Inclusion Group Tasmania for their impressive and well devised collaborative approach to increase female participation by expanding the pool of women applying for roles in the resources industry from the North West coast of Tasmania.
