Engineers, geologists, entrepreneurs, technicians and tradies are among the impressive array of finalists selected for the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA’s (CME) 2027 Women in Resources Awards (WIRA).
The breadth of professions represented in the 18th iteration of WIRA reflects the rapidly growing contribution of female workers across every domain of the WA resources sector, with women now accounting for around a quarter of the State’s workforce.
Eighteen individuals and three companies have been chosen as 2027 WIRA finalists and will vie for the crown across eight award categories at a ceremony held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, April 2.
CME Chief Executive Officer Aaron Morey said WIRA shone a spotlight on the changing face of the resources sector, and the champions helping to lead the charge for greater diversity and inclusion.
“Women are integral to the success of WA’s resources sector, from the pit to the processing plant and the control room to the boardroom,” Mr Morey said.
“They are leading teams, developing projects and pioneering technologies that are shaping the future of mining and energy. Their expertise and ingenuity are helping our sector solve some of its toughest challenges.
“What makes our WIRA finalists particularly impressive is the time and energy they also devote to helping others succeed. Alongside demanding careers, they are mentoring colleagues, championing more inclusive workplaces and opening doors for the women who will follow in their footsteps.”
Established in 2010, WIRA has recognised these contributions through a period of enormous growth in women’s employment across the sector.
“The number of women working in WA’s resources sector has more than doubled since the first WIRA ceremony in 2010,” Mr Morey said.
“That represents thousands more women building rewarding careers and bringing their skills to an industry vital to our State.
“But women still account for just one in four workers, and much more work remains to attract and advance women across the full range of resources careers.
“That means ensuring women have access to training and promotion, support to balance work and family and workplaces where they feel safe, respected and heard.
“WIRA gives us an opportunity to recognise the people turning those ambitions into practical change. By sharing their achievements and the approaches that are working, we can help more businesses make progress and more women see a future for themselves in our sector.”
The 2027 WIRA finalists are:
Outstanding Woman in Resources Award
- Jodi Moffitt (Hancock Iron Ore)
- Melissa Winks (Barminco)
- Rhianna Farrell (Ora Banda Mining)
Outstanding Young Woman in Resources Awards
- Madeline Monkman (Liontown)
- Sarah Nolan (Ora Banda Mining)
- Taylor Jade Lopes (Shell Australia)
Women in Resources Technology Award
- Berrin Eroglu (BHP)
- Josianne Fortin (Woodside Energy)
- Kieara Salathiel (Fenner Conveyors)
Outstanding Contribution or Achievement Award
- Erin Bell (Co-Connect App Software)
- Marie-Alice Small (PLS)
- Marina Joury (IGO)
Outstanding Operator/Technician/Trade Woman Award
- Casey Sloper (Rio Tinto)
- Claire Aldridge (Hancock Iron Ore)
- Lillian Joyce (PLS)
Outstanding Company Initiative Award
- Emergency Management Community of Practice – Women in Rescue Program
- Mineral Resources – NextGen Early Learning Centre
- PLS – Inclusion and Wellbeing Group
Champion of Women in Resources Award (any gender)
- Caroline Bett (Shell Australia)
- Marianne Hoareau (Rio Tinto)
- Shane Cordingley (BHP)
Each finalist is also eligible for the publicly voted People’s Choice Award. Read each finalist’s biography here.
Media contacts:
Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719
Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382