Media Releases
Women in Resources Finalists
13/02/11
From metallurgists to mine managers, 13 women have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to WA’s resource sector, in the lead-up to next month’s 2011 Women in Resources Awards, supported by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME).
Along with three companies, the women have been selected as finalists for the prestigious awards – to be presented at a special breakfast in Perth on 8 March, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.
Apart from recognising individual excellence, the awards serve to promote positive role models - particularly to young women considering a career in an industry traditionally associated with dust, sweat and large machinery.
Women currently make up less than 20 per cent of the WA sector’s workforce – across all industries the national female participation rate stands at 42 per cent.
However, CME Director Nicole Roocke says perceptions are changing, thanks in part to the growing number of women who are entering the senior ranks.
“More women are recognising the benefits of a long-term career in mining, oil and gas,” Ms Roocke explained.
“Many of the finalists have five, ten or fifteen years-plus experience in the sector – their achievements and the respect they’ve earned along the way will make it just that little bit easier for the women who will follow in their footsteps.
“Targeted recruitment of women, and other groups traditionally underrepresented in the industry, is also an important part of a broader strategy, aimed at easing the effects of the looming skills shortage.”
Finalists for the CME Women in Resources Awards 2011:
Women in Resources Champion
Kate Sommerville (BHP Billiton Iron Ore) - Kate is a mining engineer with over 16 years’ experience in the sector. She is BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s first female mine manager, currently working at Area C, in the north of the State.
Mary Hackett (Woodside Energy) – Mary is the project manager responsible for
delivery of the onshore portion of the multi-billion dollar Pluto expansion project.
Maryanne Kelly – Until recently, Maryanne was the general manager of production, at one of the largest diamond mines in the world – the 100 per cent Rio Tinto-owned Argyle Diamond Mine.
Paula West (Alcoa of Australia) – An Area Mechanical Engineer at Alcoa’s Kwinana Refinery, Paula also takes a keen interest in the development of female leaders within her company.
Outstanding Company Initiative
BHP Billiton Iron Ore – Pilbara Childcare Strategy - The company partnered with the YMCA to construct and operate childcare centres in Newman and Port Hedland. In addition, the Pilbara Childcare Strategy was developed, which included training and support for new and existing childcare staff, providing business management support for existing centres, housing for new and existing childcare staff and provision of small grants for existing childcare centres and workers.
BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s Pilbara Childcare Strategy has delivered several positive outcomes, including more opportunities for women in the Pilbara, easing of the region’s childcare shortage and the establishment of community infrastructure, beyond the provision of childcare services.
Maxwell Geoservices – Company Policy – When establishing Maxwell Geoservices, company directors recognised the challenge of attracting a highly-skilled workforce of geological consultants. In order to attract and retain women, they built their business, by adopting flexible work arrangements.
The approach resulted in the directors being able to employ highly skilled and experienced employees - most of whom are working mothers.
Employees are able to work part-time and enjoy flexible work hours to fit around their role as primary caregivers.
Rio Tinto – Parental Leave Scheme - The company recognises the importance of family-friendly practices and flexible work programs to ensure their employees are supported, while they respond to the evolving demands of family life.
From this year, Rio Tinto implemented their Parental Leave Scheme, offering eligible parents (primary carers) 4.5 months paid parental leave, plus 18 weeks of the Australian Government scheme paid at the minimum wage.
The paid parental leave scheme has been designed to assist Rio Tinto employees balance work and family commitments. Supportive workplace arrangements are also offered by Rio Tinto to working parents.
Outstanding Woman in Resources-Trade/Operator/Technician
Angela Newman (BHP Billiton Nickel West) – Through study, determination and a passion for the industry Angela has followed a successful career path which now sees her as a team leader and a process technician.
Barbara Wood (Rio Tinto Iron Ore) – Starting her career in the resources sector as a truck driver, Barbara has continued to be promoted through the ranks and now holds the role of Emergency Management Officer.
Kym Jones (Alcoa of Australia) – Kym has had a varied career in the sector, starting as an administrator and now working as the Area Planner for Operation Centre 1 – Digestion and Raw Materials. Within the resources industry Kym has mentored female apprentices, and assisted other women in progressing their careers.
Outstanding Woman in Resources-Professional Specialist
Alex Atkins (Department of Mines and Petroleum) – After 20 years in the sector, Alex has worked as a pit geologist, mining engineer, underground miner, superintendent and mine manager. Now, Alex is the first female mining engineer Inspector of Mines in WA.
Janny Spilsbury-Schakel (Woodside Energy) – A highly-skilled developmental geologist with 23 years experience in the resource sector, Janny’s achievements include being one of the first women to go offshore in the North Sea. In recent times, Janny was the first development geologist on the team, which commenced and then fast-tracked the Pluto Project.
Julie Shuttleworth (Barrick Gold) – Julie began her career in resources as a metallurgy graduate and is currently general manager at the Granny Smith Gold Mine. Her career in mining has enabled her to travel the world, achieving professional success at a relatively young age.
Maryanne Kelly (details above).
Maureen Muggeridge – Diamond geologist Maureen Muggeridge has made an outstanding contribution to diamond exploration in Australia, in particular for her role in the discovery of the Argyle Diamond Mine. Sadly, Maureen died suddenly on 7/10/2010 at Napier Downs Station, while sampling, doing the job she loved.
Melinda Hodkiwicz (University of Western Australia) – As an Associate Professor, School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering and Discipline Group Leader for UWA Engineering Asset Management, Melinda enjoys a strong relationship with the resource sector and is a strong advocate for women in resources - particularly young female engineers.
Sylvie Bouffard (BHP Billiton Nickel West) – Sylvie’s career has seen her take on metallurgical processing roles across the world. Achievement include project managing a biological process plant, the invention of a method of safely transporting concrete and influential publications, stemming from her Ph.D.