The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CME) is pleased to announce 18 individuals and three companies have been selected as finalists for the expanded 2026 Women in Resources Awards (WIRA).
Now entering its 17th year, WIRA has become an annual showcase of the remarkable and growing contribution of female resources workers, as well as the people and companies championing diversity and inclusion in the State’s mining and energy sectors.
For the first time, finalists will compete across eight categories following the introduction of the new Outstanding Contribution or Achievement Award, which has been designed to recognise mid-career excellence and bridge the gap between established senior leaders and young women near the start of their resources journeys.
CME acting Chief Executive Officer Brooke Fowles congratulated each of the finalists following a competitive selection process that began with more than 90 nominations.
“WIRA is a celebration of trailblazers and pioneers and a yearly source of inspiration for the entire resources sector,” Ms Fowles said.
“Every finalist has an incredible story. They are playing leading roles cementing Western Australia’s reputation not only as one of the world’s most productive resources jurisdictions, but also one of its safest, most innovative and most inclusive.
“Many have had to overcome adversity in their personal and professional lives just to get through the door and it is a testament to their character that they now make a point of holding that same door open for others.”
In addition to introducing a new award category in 2026, the former Women in Resources Technological Innovation Award has been refreshed and renamed the Women in Resources Technology Award.
The updated name and criteria reflect a broader focus – recognising not only those who have created new technologies, but also women leading the development, implementation, or optimisation of significant technology solutions across the sector.
“While work to remove gender barriers remains, female participation in WA’s resources sector has come a long way since WIRA was first launched in 2010,” Ms Fowles said.
“Women now make up a quarter of the workforce – up from less than a fifth a decade ago – and can be found operating and maintaining heavy machinery, solving complex engineering problems and helming board meetings.
“Their achievements and leadership across a broad range of roles and professions are invaluable to our sector, our State and the country as a whole.”
The 2026 Women in Resources Awards dinner will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, March 13.
The 2026 finalists are:
Outstanding Woman in Resources Award
- Michelle Elvy (South32 Worsley Alumina)
- Tania Stevens (Eastern Guruma)
- Raimunda Townend (Diamantina Laboratory)
Outstanding Young Woman in Resources Awards
- Jemima Reid (Barminco)
- Isabella Carter (WorkPac, Rio Tinto)
- Larissa Diaz (BHP)
Women in Resources Technology Award
- Emma Vincent (Fortescue)
- Emma Eltringham (Woodside Energy)
- Lee van der Meulen (Mineral Resources)
Outstanding Contribution or Achievement Award
- Bronwyn Yates (Shell Australia)
- Sue Steele (Red Earth Health Solutions)
- Lorna Rechichi (Monadelphous)
Outstanding Operator/Technician/Trade Woman Award
- Sammi Rae (South32 Worsley Alumina)
- Sinewadaeia Ovens (Alcoa of Australia)
- Jackie Stone (Woodside Energy)
Outstanding Company Initiative Award
- BHP – Gender Equal Mining Program
- Gold Fields – Respectful Workplaces Program
- South32 Worsley Alumina – Worsley Women in Leadership Program
Champion of Women in Resources Award
- Marnie Finlayson (Northern Star Resources)
- Rod Ballinger (BHP)
- Sarah Sutherland (Metso)
Each finalist is also eligible for the publicly voted People’s Choice Award. Read each finalist’s biography at https://wira.net.au/2026-finalists/
Media contacts:
Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719
Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382