If you work in the mining industry in Northwest NSW, why not head along to the next AusIMM Women in Mining Network (WIMnet) NSW event in Gunnedah. Whether you are a manager or an operator, a man or a woman, it’s the perfect opportunity to make new connections and help promote change in our industry.
WIMnet NSW aims to support, connect and empower women in the NSW mining industry. It promotes diversity and inclusion through networking events, mentoring and professional development initiatives and it is free and open to everyone, regardless of gender.
Megan Martin is an Environmental Superintendent with Whitehaven Coal, working at Vickery Coal Mine and the Gunnedah Coal Handling and Preparation Plant. She’s been a member of WIMnet for four years.
“I actually joined the North West branch when I was working at the Mt Pleasant mine in the Hunter Valley, but I was living in Gunnedah. It’s been such a positive experience for me both personally and professionally and now I want to encourage other people to have that experience.”
The next event will be held at the Railway Hotel in Gunnedah on May 1 and Megan said they are hoping to see lots of new faces.
“This event is a simple networking event so there are no speakers, and we kick off at 5.30pm however there’s no pressure to arrive at a specific time. We’ve chosen this venue as there is a children’s play area to help make it easier for parents to attend with their children.
“We pride ourselves on being open to all newcomers. It’s such a welcoming atmosphere where you can meet up with likeminded women in mining, but where men can also come and network too.
“We know a lot of the people who work here in the North West drive in and out from the Hunter Valley and further beyond, so for them it’s an opportunity to forge social connections with their work colleagues and with people from other sites in the area.”
Megan, who is the Co-Chair of the North West branch along with Emma Bulkeley, said they offer a lot more than just social events.
“We have a couple of these social events each year, but we also host other events such as our annual workshop later in the year. We have presenters coming along and a lot of the content is specifically aimed at supporting women and the unique challenges we face working in a male dominated industry. We don’t just talk about these challenges either, we provide practical tools and support.
“The last workshop we ran was all about juggling the mental load and recognising that women are often juggling the exact workload as our counterparts, but we take on more of the workload at home. It was a facilitated discussion providing practical solutions and advice to help change people’s mindsets and break out of cycles.
“What was really nice was when one of the men who attended – and we have quite a few – was asked at the end what he got out of it he said, ‘I am going to go home and have a conversation with my wife’. It’s a perfect example of how important it is to have men involved in these discussions.
“Putting yourself out there to attend networking events can be daunting for many people, but I promise that regardless of role, gender or age you will be met with a warm welcome.”
| To register for the event head to the AusIMM website: https://www.ausimm.com/communities/networks/women-in-mining-network/women-in-mining-nsw-network/ |
