Media Releases
Indigenous Scholarship Winners Announced
30/01/12
Four indigenous resource sector employees have taken a step forward in their managerial careers by winning a scholarship through the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) in partnership with the Australian Institute of Management (AIM).
CME Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith congratulated the successful candidates who he said were excellent examples of the leadership and diversity that exists within the WA resources sector.
“I’m delighted we have such high calibre candidates who are keen to take that next step in their resources carer.” Mr Howard-Smith said.
“The candidates are already acting as mentors to their peers and other Indigenous communities so the Certificate IV in Frontline Management through AIM will add to their natural abilities and provide them with a nationally accredited qualification.
“This course will allow them to fully realise their potential."
Mr Howard-Smith said the resources sector was proud to be the largest private employer of Indigenous people but there was still more to be done.
“Sustainable employment of Indigenous people requires mentoring, on-going development and support. Mentoring will be a key feature of this program,” he said.
“Increasing diversity in the resources sector is critical and indigenous people bring not only skills to the workplace but offer new perspectives which in turn are good for business.”
The winners are:
Christine Ross
Christine has held several senior positions throughout her career however she is new to the Resources sector and is currently working as an Indigenous Workforce Development Coordinator for Leighton Contractors. Christine’s former mentoring work as the Aboriginal Program Coordinator with Burswood Entertainment Complex was recently highlighted in the GenerationOne: Case Studies of Success report. She is passionate about securing real employment opportunities for Aboriginal people and hopes to use the knowledge gained through the course to become a better mentor.
Hardy Derschow
Hardy has worked in the resources sector for the past three years and is currently a site representative for Rio Tinto’s Kangaroo Hill Village in Dampier. He enjoys combining his culture with the resources sector and engages with five different language groups along the Pilbara Coastal Areas, encouraging indigenous employment in mining and assisting with work programs. Hardy has no formal management qualifications so will utilise the course to enhance his extensive learned skills.
Maria Benton
Maria, an Aboriginal and Mentor Liaison Officer at Rio Tinto and former Boilermaker, has worked in the resources sector for two years. The chance to assist in a supervisory role has given her the drive to undertake this role permanently, before her ultimate goal of becoming a superintendent. Maria wants to improve the attraction and retention of Aboriginal employment in the resource sector and highlight the range of opportunities available.
Johari Bin Demin
A Community Relations Officer at Pluton Resources since 2007, Johari is hoping to develop his leadership skills as the project moves from exploration to production. Johari wants to see Western Australia lead the world in indigenous employment in the resource sector and says the best way to do this is ensure there are more Indigenous managers and leaders.
A total of 25 applications were received for the scholarships. To be eligible, candidates were required to be of indigenous descent, employed in a team leader/supervisor/management role or seeking such a position, be employed by a CME member organisation and have the support of their employer.
CME thanks all member companies who put forward nominations.