The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) have announced the finalists for the 2025 Resources Awards for Women and recognised the exceptional contribution of women to the success of Queensland’s resources sector.
The 18 finalists from Brisbane to Mt Isa showcase the impact and success of women in leadership, operational and technical roles in Queensland’s resources sector.
This is the 19th year the awards have been held and in 2025 the award finalists demonstrate Queensland’s exceptional talents and skills in sustainability, technology, innovation, and diversity and inclusion.
QRC Chief Executive Officer, Janette Hewson, said all finalists are great examples of the significant progress made by women in the resources sector and are role models for young women looking to make a career in the industry.
“The Resources Awards for Women are a demonstration of the sector’s commitment to a diverse workforce and exceptional talent. This helps our industry to attract and retain the best talent.
“When the awards commenced in 2006, just six per cent of the resources sector workforce in Queensland were women and now it’s over 22 per cent and rising.
“The common thread across our 2025 finalists is their dedication to creating a welcoming and diverse environment for all.
“Increasing diversity and including more women does not mean excluding others. Increasing female participation in the workforce is one of the key economic levers we have to increase productivity, which brings benefits to all.”
WIMARQ co-chair Sally Rayner said more and more women are being encouraged to enter the Queensland resources sector.
“Our finalists range from women with decades of industry experience to those who’ve only recently started their careers in the resources, and all are making a positive difference,” Sally said.
“Resources companies are also more aware of the value to their business from having an inclusive environment which is open to new and different ways to identify and solve problems.
“This year’s outstanding field of award finalists clearly demonstrates the diverse and rewarding careers available across our sector, which we hope inspires a whole new generation of women to consider the opportunities available.”
| 2025 Resources Awards for Women Finalists Exceptional Woman in Queensland Resources Andrea Rutley, Head of Technical & Analytics Anglo American Chathuri Samarasinghe, General Counsel – Australia, Peabody Energy Jackie Rose’Meyerm Head of Capital Studies & Projects, Glencore Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources Akala Street, Mechanical Engineer, Glencore Technology Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths, Principal Business Improvement, Stanmore Jessica Costello, Manager Project Delivery, BHP Exceptional Woman in Technological Innovation Aswini Mathew, Advanced Analytics Specialist, Hastings Deering Nandini Jaysree, IS&T Superintendent – SAP System Support, Glencore Mount Isa Mines Dr. Nikky LaBranche, Dust and Respiratory Health Program Lead, The University of Queensland Exceptional Tradeswoman/Operator/Technician Kim Exmann, Environmental Superintendent, Coronado Global Resources Kylee Frankee, Electrical & Instrument Technician, South32 Makalea Coster, Special Serviceperson UO4 – GFM Operations, Glencore Mount Isa Mines Inclusion and Diversity Champion Cameron Carr, Workplace Support Specialist, Anglo American Chika Onyeogaziri, Principal Process and Systems, BHP Jessica Hallahan, Project Services Manager, Shell QGC Excellence in Diversity Programs and Performance BRAVE Program, BHP BMA Childcare, BMA BHP Operations Services Maintenance Redesign Team, BHP Operations Service Exceptional female QMEA Student Amy Harlow, Mackay State High School Jixie Navarro, Moranbah State High School Lilly Brady, Bundamba State Secondary College |
