Queensland has proven itself a powerhouse in the resources sector, with local women taking home three of the six national titles at the 2025 Women in Resources National Awards (WIRNA).
Now in their twelfth year, the Awards honour the achievements of women, men and companies working to build a more inclusive, diverse and innovative resources sector.
QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson said the three women are outstanding Queenslanders deserving of national recognition in their chosen profession.
“The Queensland resources sector is extremely proud of Dr Nikky La Branche, Ashley McCarthy Griffiths and Kylee Frankee and I congratulate them all on their awards,” Janette said.
“They have all excelled in their chosen fields through dedication and commitment and show what can be achieved through a career in the industry.
“Their success will provide an inspiration to other women to consider a career in the resources sector as we continue our efforts to increase the number of women working in the industry.
“We know that a more balanced and diverse workforce is a more productive and welcoming one which benefits workers and companies.”
The Outstanding Australian Tradeswoman, Operator or Technician Award, sponsored was awarded to Kylee Frankee, Dual Trade Electrical and Instrument Technician with South32.
Kylee is a dual-trade Electrician and Instrument Technician with a career built on resilience, adaptability and a passion for hands-on problem-solving.
After nearly two decades of persistence she secured an electrical apprenticeship at South32’s Cannington Mine where she now serves as second-in-charge of the Electrical Maintenance team.
Kylee is a trained Emergency Response Team member, Peer Support Officer and mentor, known for her leadership, technical expertise and commitment to creating inclusive workplaces. Her journey has broken generational barriers and helped pave the way for more women in trades.
The Exceptional Young Woman in Australian Resources Award was awarded to Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths, Principal Business Improvement at Stanmore Resources.
Ashley is a mechanical engineer and business improvement leader whose career spans consulting, technology strategy and operational leadership across the resources sector.
With a double degree in Mechanical Engineering and International Business from QUT, she has held roles at Deloitte, BHP and now Stanmore’s South Walker Creek Mine where she leads a site-wide improvement program delivering over $120 million in value.
Ashley is an influential advocate for diversity in STEM and mining and is passionate about inclusive leadership, driving measurable change in workforce diversity, notably as the first female Maintenance Supervisor in five years at her site.
The Woman in Resources Technological Innovation Award was awarded to Dr Nikky LaBranche, Dust and Respiratory Health Program Lead at The University of Queensland.
Nikky is a mining engineer and researcher whose career spans operational, technical and health and safety roles across the US, South America and Australia.
Now based at the University of Queensland, Nikky leads a $3.6 million program developing innovative methods to better understand and manage dust and respiratory risks in mining. She serves on the AusIMM Board of Directors, chairs the Health and Safety Society and mentors future industry leaders.
Nikky’s work has driven dust control advancements, influenced industry standards and earned international recognition. Her comprehensive stakeholder engagement and innovative approach set a benchmark for technological excellence in the sector.
