The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Indigenous Awards are held every two years to recognise the significant achievements of indigenous people and businesses within the resources sector.
This year’s awards recognised the businesses that are using traditional and cultural practices to improve the sector’s approach to environmental and social outcomes. In 2023-24, resource companies increased their spend with Indigenous businesses by 45.6 per cent to $207.4 million which is a 300 per cent increase over the past five years.
QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson congratulated all the award winners as leading examples of the workforce behind Queensland’s resources sector that contributed $120.2 billion to the state economy last year.
“A diverse workforce is a stronger workforce and I’m very pleased to see the commitment of QRC member companies to reflect the communities in which we operate through our workforce.
“It’s so special for QRC to recognise the terrific work of Indigenous people and companies who are really looking at how to increase Indigenous participation and ensure that everybody gets to share in everything great in our sector.
“I’m in awe of everybody’s stories and we heard a lot of people’s individual stories and they’re very personal but that’s how we connect with people, build trust and do better,” said Janette.
INDIGENOUS ADVOCACY IN QUEENSLAND RESOURCES
WINNER – JEMMA KEMP, OPERATOR, TRAINER, ASSESSOR, CREW SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE AT THIESS
Jemma is based at Curragh North Mine on Gangulu country where she champions cultural awareness, safety and inclusion. Mentoring forms a large component of Jemma’s role, particularly supporting other Indigenous workers new to the resources sector and ensuring their proud heritage is supported.
This award recognised Jemma’s work to raise the profile of Indigenous leadership and cultivate inclusive practices that empower all team members.
“I think it’s the way I show up at work, no one is JUST a truck driver, or JUST an electrician. I play so many different roles in my work environment whether it’s on site in corporate, or out in the pit.
“I think it’s the presence I hold myself for and the accountability I have to be able to inspire and empower our younger generation to do what they want to do in life and helping them get to where they want to be and making their dreams come true,” said Jemma on her award.
EXCEPTIONAL INDIGENOUS PERSON IN QUEENSLAND RESOURCES
WINNER – CLINTON HARDING, PRINCIPAL SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT FOR TYRES AT THIESS
Clinton started his career in resources in 1992 as a Store Person at Bridgestone Earthmover Tyres in Mackay. Fast forward more than 30 years later and Clinton is now the Principal Subject Matter Expert – Tyres at Thiess overseeing $200 million in annual procurement, governance across more than 30 projects in six countries and the maintenance of $2.5 billion in mining equipment.
Clinton is a champion of safety and inclusion, mentoring Indigenous workers and shapes national safety standards and technical working groups, and partners with the Clontarf Foundation to empower young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island men – building a legacy of Indigenous excellence in the resources sector.
“It was a surprise that’s for sure. I never really saw myself as an exceptional person but it’s a real honour to be recognised. I’ve spent about 35 years in the industry so it’s a great honour.
“I would say it’s a pretty humbling experience too. My story has obviously inspired some people so I’m glad it struck a chord and people appreciate what I do,” Clint said.
INDIGENOUS RISING STAR IN QUEENSLAND RESOURCES
WINNER – JAMEIKA MADDOCK, LAW GRADUATE, ORIGIN ENERGY
Fresh to the resources industry, Jameika joined Origin Energy in 2021 as a CareerTrackers intern, quickly earning a part-time role supporting Procurement and Legal. In February this year she began a full-time graduate position contributing to commercial negotiations, contract drafting and a project on contracting automation and AI.
Jameika is an active member of Origin’s Indigenous Employee Network and volunteers with the Origin Energy Foundation mentoring interns, preparing meals for those in need and inspiring students.
“It’s amazing to be recognised for my work and efforts. I didn’t expect to be nominated so it’s amazing to have won.
“It’s really rewarding and it’s encouraging me to keep doing what I can,” said Jameika.
“I think that’s one of my main goals, to continue to inspire younger indigenous students and workers to continue to do what they’re doing, and you can do whatever it is that you put your mind to.”
EXCEPTIONAL INDIGENOUS QUEENSLAND MINERALS AND ENERGY ACADEMY (QMEA) STUDENT
WINNER – ALYSSA IVINSON, GLENALA STATE HIGH SCHOOL
Alyssa’s passion for the resources sector began in Year 7 through the CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Program. Her passion for the industry was further cemented at the 2023 University of Sydney Indigenous Australia Engineering Camp.
A Top Student Prize recipient for her Certificate II in Engineering Pathways, Alyssa showed an incredible work ethic, balancing her Year 12 studies with a school-based traineeship at BMD Civil Construction.
Alyssa was recognised with a Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) scholarship and a mentee spot in the QMEA’s Girls-in-STEM program, Alyssa also captains her school’s Netball Academy and serves as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander School Captain. In 2025 she’ll support QMEA programs at Glenala State High, mentoring the next generation of Indigenous STEM talent.
EXCEPTIONAL INDIGENOUS BUSINESS IN QUEENSLAND RESOURCES
WINNER – OCHRE AUSTRALIA
Ochre Australia is a 100% Indigenous-owned contractor specialising in bulk dozer push, civil works and environmental projects. The company was engaged by Whitehaven at Blackwater Mine in 2021 to support rehabilitation commitments.
Ochre has grown into an embedded partner with a $3 million annual scope, employing 11 full time Indigenous staff. It’s team of project managers, supervisors, multi-skilled operators and a trainer assessor now delivers bore-hole rehabilitation, erosion control and weed management – while also offering plant dry-hire services.
Ochre creates entry-level opportunities and seed-collection initiatives, fostering skills development, environmental compliance and sustainable career pathways for Indigenous communities.
BEST COMPANY INDIGENOUS INITIATIVE IN QUEENSLAND RESOURCES
WINNER – STANMORE RESOURCES, STANMORE INDIGENOUS TRAINEE PROGRAM
The program was launched in 2022 at South Walker Creek and equips Indigenous candidates with on-site training in operations through a partnership with contractors and Traditional Owner groups.
So far, eleven trainees have commenced with four graduating into permanent roles. The program will also now expand to Isaac Plains.
A dedicated Cultural Support Team offers mentoring and culturally sensitive guidance, boosting leaders’ cultural awareness and fostering inclusion. Tailored training pathways and external support in literacy, numeracy and wellbeing ensure holistic development. By strengthening ties with Traditional Owners and delivering sustainable career outcomes, the initiative advances long-term Indigenous representation and opportunity across Stanmore’s operations.
