| Western Australia’s resources sector gathered last night to celebrate the exceptional talent of the individuals and companies who are championing gender diversity within the sector at The Chamber of Minerals and Energy’s (CME) 11th Women in Resources Awards. Five inspiring women from Fortescue Metals Group, Chevron, Woodside Energy and Newmont were among the winners on the night, as well as Compass and BOAB in the company categories. CME chief executive Paul Everingham said the awards demonstrated the value of diversity and inclusion and the benefits it provided to both the employee and employer. “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,” he said. “It was an honour to be surrounded by some of our current and future leaders in mining and energy, who represent the strong contribution and enormous value diversity and inclusion bring to our sector. “We need to create positive environments where individuals feel comfortable to express their diversity of experiences and thought and where organisations can both listen and leverage that diversity. Diversity leads to better discussions, decisions and outcomes for everyone.” The 2020 winners are: Women in Resources Champion: Elizabeth Gaines, CEO, Fortescue Metals Group Outstanding Woman in Resources: Rishelle Hume, Manager, Aboriginal Employment Strategy, Chevron Australia Outstanding Young Woman in Resources: Vanessa Bullock, System Engineer, Woodside Energy Outstanding Operator/Technician/Trade Woman in Resources: Jennifer Ward, Haul Truck Operator, Newmont Australia Outstanding Company Initiative – Small to Medium Company: BOAB (Building Opportunities for Aboriginal Business) – Indigenous Engagement Outstanding Company Initiative – Large Company: Compass Group – Launch into Work People’s Choice Award: Briohny Evans, Superintendent Fixed Plant Planning, Fortescue Metals Group Editors: Photos and bios of winners and finalists are available on request. |
