News – On March 8, well-timed to coincide with International Women’s Day, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) staged its 2012 Women in Resources Awards at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre (PCEC).
Intended to ‘recognise individuals and organisations working to build a world-class industry which provides attractive career opportunities and enhances the recognition and participation of women in the sector,’ the event included a keynote address from Nicole Hollows, former Chief Executive of Macarthur Coal. It also provided industry supporters with a valuable opportunity to vote for a formidable shortlist of highly accomplished individuals, and highlighted both the many career options that exist within the sector and how well-developed Perth’s own local industry has become.
“CME research indicates that the number of women employed in the resource sector has grown from 19 to 22% of the total workforce in the past five years. The national female participation rate across all industries stands at 42%,” CME Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith said in press prior to the event.
“The finalists this year include CEO’s, engineers, electrical technicians, maintenance planners and schedulers.”
The 2012 CME Women in Resources award winners are:
- 2012 Women in Resources Champion – Joanne Farrell (Rio Tinto Iron Ore)
- 2012 Outstanding Young Professional Woman – Katrina Bukauskas (Woodside Energy)
- 2012 Outstanding Young Professional Woman – Margaret Watroba (BHP Billiton Nickel West)
- 2012 Outstanding Technician/Operator/Trade – Natasha Cann (N M Cann Pty Ltd)
- 2012 People’s Choice – Danielle Bancroft (Fortescue Metals Group)
- 2012 Outstanding Company Initiative – Newmont Boddington Gold – Driving Force, by Newmont Asia Pacific