The newly refurbished Isaac Events Centre was the place to be earlier this month as the Bowen Basin chapter of Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) hosted its inaugural Regional Gala Dinner in Moranbah.
The event brought together frontline workers, senior leaders and industry supporters from across the region to mark International Day of Women in Mining and to honour the achievements of women working at the coalface.
Kristy Purdon, Regional Lead of the WIMARQ Bowen Basin committee, said the decision to hold the event in Moranbah was about recognising progress and inclusion where it matters most.
“We wanted to celebrate the progress and achievements made and continually being made here in the region. To recognise and acknowledge International Day of Women in Mining where we work and play, honouring the mine site employees.”
The night also focused on showcasing local talent, with regional businesses playing a central role in creating the event. Elements by Ramona, Bianca Merritt Photography, Life Media Productions and the Isaac Events Centre staff were all engaged to help bring the evening to life. Event partners included Vitrinite, BMA, Stanmore Coal, Dyno Nobel, Mastermyne, G-Mech, PIMS Group and ATG Gloves, with all having ties to the region.
Guests travelled from across Central Queensland, including Middlemount, Tieri, Dysart, Clermont and Mackay.
“It felt inspiring and powerful to see a room of women and allies supporting each other at the coalface. The conversations and catch ups in the room were electric,” Kristy said.
“The smiles and amazement as people walked into the entrance and saw the transformation of the centre into something we would expect to experience in Brisbane or Melbourne justified all the effort to create this event right here in Moranbah.”
Among her standout moments from the night were watching guests arrive “all glamorous and stunning”, the quality food and service, and the meaningful conversations and connections formed throughout the evening.
“There wasn’t one moment where I didn’t see a new connection formed, engaging discussions and inspiration in those interactions.”
The event also featured strong contributions from platinum and gold sponsors, including moving speeches by Vitrinite’s Alyce Neilsen and BMA Broadmeadow GM Peter Baker. The program was guided by MC Fallon Drewett and Kristy, who reflected on how the industry has changed in the last 30 years.
Holding the event regionally ensured accessibility for more frontline workers and reduced costs for attendees.
“It makes them accessible to all the regional employees in the industry, lowers the cost to attend and opens the space to include more frontline operators into important conversations and connections like this.”
The chapter’s focus goes beyond the pit, with Kristy emphasising their aim to create opportunities for all women in the community, including those in supplier roles and support services connected to the resources sector.
“At WIMARQ Bowen Basin we don’t just want to include women and allies in mining, we want to create opportunities for all women in the community, suppliers and support services to the resources sector.”
Monthly events are held both in-person and online to ensure women living and working across the Bowen Basin have access to support, development and community.
“Everyone is one conversation off making a connection that could change their career, direction, or even their life. I’ve seen women connecting with their next employer or supporting another with advice and exchange of felt experience to help them make better decisions. I’ve seen friendships bloom, grow and watched how powerful it is when women and men support each other.”
“You make inclusion meaningful; you implement policies and procedures that not only support equity and inclusivity across all diverse categories but that they include everyone. You make them foundational and when they are embedded, business as usual, then the achievements are greater, bigger and bolder.”
She added that this mindset improves not only workplaces, but the wider industry and communities connected to it.
“There are no disrespectful behaviours or toxic cultures if you include everyone, especially men, on this journey of growing the professionalism and performance of our industry. You make this aspirational purpose of Inclusion and Belonging for everyone, to provide a better working environment, culture and community. This is about celebrating human differences through respect and support.”
Feedback from the night confirmed the impact.
“The best feedback I heard was ‘It felt like I was in Brisbane,’ which is a testament to the professionalism of the centre management and the renovations as well as the quality of the event design by Elements by Ramona.”
“The speakers spoke with genuine passion and a relaxed realism. We shared real stories… and the main presentation was an origin story from the Bowen Basin WIMARQ chapter and my lens as to how the industry as a whole has changed in the last 30 years for all coal mine workers.”
The night also made a strong case for keeping events grounded in lived experience.
“We will continue to keep our events authentic, to share ourselves with our community and honour their mining legacy. We need more real stories that others can identify with, not superstars. We are all superstars and inspiring in our own way.”
Sponsorships were vital to making the night possible. The Gala’s promotional schedule and merchandise opportunities offered visibility for business partners, while the financial support helped keep ticket prices low and covered welcome and table drinks.
“WIMARQ is a not-for-profit committee, sponsorship and business partners are critical to the success of any event we run.”
Looking ahead, the Bowen Basin chapter is already planning its second Regional Gala Dinner, scheduled for June 2026.
“We aim to host monthly collaborations to connect, nurture and support the women and allies of the Bowen Basin region are we are happy to chat with any Bowen Basin business who is keen to collaborate.”
