BHP 2025 Women In Resources National Awards

BHP 2025 WIRNA Finalists

Learn about the 2025 WIRNA Finalists below

THE BLOOMFIELD GROUP - OUTSTANDING TRADESWOMAN/OPERATOR/TECHNICIAN

IN AUSTRALIAN RESOURCES AWARD

2025 WIRNA Finalists & 2024 WIRNA Winners

Julie Fallon

Julie Fallon is Executive Vice President Technical and Energy Development at Woodside Energy and President of AREEA, bringing more than 30 years of experience across operational, technical, and corporate leadership. A leader in Australia’s LNG industry, she became the nation’s first female operations manager of an LNG plant at age 38 and has since held executive roles spanning engineering, internal audit, and corporate services. Julie has mentored many women into senior roles across the industry. She has played a key role in shaping inclusive leadership programs, diversity strategies, and industry-wide advocacy through her positions on boards and advisory councils.

Georgia Denisenko

Georgia Denisenko is a leader in native title law and a trusted legal advisor to miners, Traditional Owners and government. With over 30 years’ experience, she played a pivotal role in the creation of Victoria’s pro forma native title agreements - still used today - which streamlined mining negotiations and set a national precedent. Georgia has negotiated more than 70 resource agreements across Australia, including Victoria’s first voluntary benefits-sharing agreement. She is known for her deep expertise, collaborative leadership and inclusive approach to complex negotiations. As a sole practitioner and mother of four, Georgia has modelled resilience, integrity and long-term impact across both industry and community.

Jessie Cooke

Jessie Cooke is the Superintendent – Mine Engineering at MMG Rosebery, with over 18 years’ experience spanning geology, underground operations, and engineering. A graduate from regional NSW, Jessie’s career has been defined by resilience, technical excellence, and a deep commitment to driving cultural change in mining. She has led transformative initiatives in mine planning, psychological safety, and team collaboration, helping turn around site performance while fostering inclusive, high-trust workplaces. Passionate about equity and mental health, Jessie has been a longstanding advocate through her work with AusIMM and Women in Mining, championing mentoring, diversity, and community connection.

Jackie Rose'Meyer

Jackie Rose’Meyer is the Head of Studies and Projects for Glencore, leading a complex, multi-billion-dollar portfolio of resource developments across Australia. With a career spanning over 30 years, Jacki brings deep experience in project delivery, business analysis, and strategic leadership. She is known for her strong commitment to sustainability, inclusion and innovation that is evident in her work on decarbonisation, Indigenous partnerships, and mentoring women in mining. Passionate about creating impact beyond the workplace, she also served as a volunteer director for the National Parks Association of Queensland, championing environmental preservation and community inclusion.

Michelle Radlof

Michelle Radlof is a Principal Advisor Closure Strategy & Governance at Rio Tinto, and is known for her strategic leadership, environmental innovation, and people-first approach. Raised in remote Far North Queensland, she became the first in her family to attend university, earning a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering before rising through engineering, HSE, and leadership roles. At Gove, Michelle has led one of Rio Tinto’s most complex closure portfolios, driving award-winning sustainability initiatives and building high-performing teams. She is also a passionate mental health advocate, founding Conquer the Corrugations – East Arnhem and spearheading inclusive workplace programs that promote wellbeing and belonging.

Hope Mulvihill

Hope Mulvihill is the General Manager of Business Development and Technical Services at Glencore Coal Assets Australia, leading strategic planning, early-stage project development, and M&A for the country’s largest coal exporter. With dual degrees in Mining Engineering and Commerce, she brings together deep technical knowledge and commercial insight, shaped by hands-on operational roles across Australia, Brazil, and Singapore. Known for her leadership in high-value transactions and long-term project development, she has been instrumental in unlocking over 30 Mtpa of production and advancing Glencore’s global portfolio. A strong advocate for diversity and mentoring, Hope has guided numerous emerging professionals and continues to champion women in mining.

Irene Chandra

Irene Chandra is an Operations Readiness Lead at Woodside, known for her drive, resilience and passion for learning. Originally from Sumatra, she moved alone to Singapore at 14 and later to Australia, graduating top of her class with a Master of Chemical Engineering from the University of Melbourne. Since joining Woodside, Irene has taken on diverse and high-impact roles across onshore, offshore and international operations, including leading shutdowns, subsea campaigns and offshore completions teams. Her ability to solve complex problems, lead multidisciplinary teams, and deliver results has seen her rapidly promoted and entrusted with major responsibilities.

Ashleigh Mostert

Ashleigh Mostert is an Environmental Advisor at Stawell Gold Mine with a strong focus on groundwater hydrology and waste management. After completing a Bachelor of Environmental Management and Business, she gained valuable experience in environmental compliance at Amazon before transitioning into mining, where she now supports hydraulic containment and tailings dam monitoring. Ashleigh has automated key reporting systems, significantly improving efficiency, and is currently completing a Master of Science with a focus on Groundwater Hydrology. Driven by curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning, she is passionate about protecting natural resources and contributing to environmental sustainability.

Lauren Brooks

Lauren Brooks is a Graduate Mechanical Engineer at Rio Tinto’s Bell Bay Aluminium, where she supports maintenance and asset management with a focus on equipment reliability. After earning First Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering from QUT, she discovered a passion for hands-on, site-based work during a formative internship at Rio Tinto’s Weipa operations. Lauren brings authenticity, resilience and curiosity to her role, recently leading the rollout of a defect elimination process on site. Known for her collaborative mindset and strong values, she is building a reputation as a trusted and adaptable contributor in the resources sector.

Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths

Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths 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 passionate about inclusive leadership and has driven measurable change in workforce diversity, notably as the first female Maintenance Supervisor in five years at her site. She is known for her ability to combine engineering, innovation and people-centred thinking to solve complex challenges and create high-performing teams.

Melinda Mees

Melinda Mees is a mining engineer at Newmont’s Tanami operations, known for her calm leadership, technical skill, and collaborative approach. Raised in remote NT communities and inspired by her geologist father, Melinda earned a First Class Honours degree in Mining Engineering from Curtin University, where she held key student leadership roles. Since joining Newmont’s graduate program in 2021, she has thrived in demanding underground roles and now leads short-term mine planning, ensuring smooth coordination across departments. Her approachable style, strong work ethic and focus on wellbeing have earned her wide respect on site.

Jenny Park

Jenny Park is a process engineer whose leadership and technical acumen have driven operational excellence across Glencore’s NSW Coal Handling Preparation Plants. With a First Class Honours degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the University of Sydney, she brings a strong foundation in chemistry and problem-solving to the mining sector. Since joining Glencore’s graduate program in 2017, Jenny has progressed through several leadership roles, becoming the first female in Glencore’s corporate processing team. Her on-site secondments as CHPP Production Superintendent at just 26 and 28 years old showcased her ability to lead effectively in male-dominated environments.

Brendan Harris

Brendan Harris is a passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Sandfire Resources. He believes achieving gender equity is not just the right thing to do but that it’s essential for business performance and community impact. Brendan has a long track record of mentoring women, embedding gender equity targets, and delivering real change, including achieving 40:40:20 gender balance on his executive team within six months of joining Sandfire. He is a member of CEOs for Gender Equity and has led initiatives across multiple countries to increase female representation and support safer, more inclusive workplaces.

Donna Carter

Dona Carter is a long-standing and passionate advocate for women in mining, with over two decades of experience driving diversity and inclusion across the resources sector. Beginning her career as one of the first women in the drilling industry in Kalgoorlie, Dona has consistently challenged outdated practices and championed structural change to make the industry safer, more inclusive, and future-focused. She has led transformative recruitment and retention initiatives, personally mentoring over 40 women into field roles and spearheading national programs to attract the next generation of female talent. As Vice Chair of WIMnet Victoria Dona plays a key leadership role in shaping education, policy, and advocacy across the sector.

Teresa Lemaire

Teresa Lemaire is a passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity in the resources sector, drawing on her lived experience as a migrant, engineer, and new mother. As co-chair of her site’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, she leads initiatives that support flexible recruitment, inclusive workplace design, and meaningful support for parents, neurodiverse employees, and underrepresented groups. Teresa’s leadership has helped recruit and retain diverse talent, challenge bias in traditionally male-dominated environments, and improve workplace culture through practical, people-focused solutions. Her approach is grounded in empathy, resilience, and a firm belief that equity drives performance.

Stephanie Gelland

Stephanie Gelland is a mining industry leader with nearly two decades of experience driving inclusion, diversity, and community empowerment across Australia and Papua New Guinea. Currently with Kingston Resources, she has spearheaded programs that have grown female and First Nations participation, introduced flexible work practices, and supported local talent into leadership roles. As Chair of WIMnet NSW, Stephanie has expanded statewide mentoring and leadership programs, built international partnerships, and championed initiatives supporting women at every career stage. Her work on Misima Island led to the creation of the Bwagaoia Yowau Women’s Business Group, helping women build sustainable businesses.

Stuart Miles

Stuart Miles is a respected leader in the resources sector, known for his unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. At INPEX, he has been instrumental in establishing and sustaining a long-running Apprentice Program that has created meaningful pathways for underrepresented groups, with over 60 per cent Indigenous participation and 31 per cent female apprentices. Drawing on the multicultural strength of regional hubs like Darwin, Stuart has built strong partnerships with local schools, communities, and support organisations to drive workforce equity. His strategic foresight bridges the gap between urban and regional operations, fostering connection, understanding, and opportunity across diverse groups.

Chika Onyeogaziri

Chika Onyeogaziri is the Superintendent Contracts at BHP/BMA and a leader for inclusion and diversity in the resources sector. She is the driving force behind EmBRace (Employees Beyond Race), a global employee resource group she founded in 2022 to foster a culturally inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe to belong. Under her leadership, EmBRace has grown from a local initiative into a globally embedded program, delivering mentoring, education, policy reform and safe spaces that empower culturally and racially marginalised employees. Chika’s influence spans global onboarding, leadership development, and systemic policy change, ensuring equity and representation at every level.

Dr Nikky LaBranche

Dr Nikky LaBranche is a mining engineer and researcher whose career spans operational, technical, and health and safety roles across the US, South America, and Australia. Following the 2010 Upper Big Branch disaster, she shifted her focus from production to mine worker health, contributing to global research at NIOSH before relocating to 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.

Marianne Harvey

Marianne Harvey is a geologist with over 30 years of experience across exploration, mining, and public sector geoscience projects in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory. Her career spans underground and open-pit operations, resource estimation, consultancy, and data management. She is driven by a commitment to practical outcomes, continuous improvement, and lifelong learning. Marianne has led major initiatives including modernising the Northern Territory Government's geoscience datasets and delivering JORC-compliant resource estimates, underpinned by strong technical expertise and adaptability.

Dr Su Nee Tan

Dr Su Nee Tan is a Senior Research Fellow at Orica, where she leads innovation in bulk explosives technology with a focus on sustainability and long-term impact. With a background in science and engineering, she began her career in academia, publishing 20 peer-reviewed papers and receiving the Ian Wark Medal before transitioning into corporate R&D across diverse industries. At Orica, she has contributed to key technologies including Powerhose™ and the patented 4D™ explosives system, and helped shape the company’s nitrate risk reduction framework and sustainability roadmap. Her work blends technical excellence with strategic foresight, grounded in a commitment to environmental responsibility and applied science.

Growth Empowerment Management Self-Care (GEMS) Program

The GEMS (Growth, Empowerment, Management, Self-Care) PROGRAM 2024 was established as a retention strategy. Developed as a mechanism to build the confidence and capability of women in industry to remain in industry, and to grow their opportunities to progress. The focus of the program is on increasing women's leadership skills, achieved through mentoring and industry connections as well as structured and applied learning.

Indigenous Apprenticeship/Trainee Program

The South32 GEMCO Indigenous Apprenticeship/Trainee Program (Program) aims to empower Anindilyakwa people on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory by providing essential training and skills to build local employment opportunities.

Childcare Leadership Alliance

BMA’s Childcare Project engaged a whole-of-community approach to establish the Childcare Leadership Alliance (CLA). The CLA aims to develop strategic and innovative solutions to childcare challenges, allowing providers to better meet the needs of families and businesses across pilot towns of Moranbah and Dysart.

First Nations Pathway Program

The Glencore First Nations Pathway Program (FNPP) provides a 26-week paid industry-ready training course that enables First Nations jobseekers a prepared, culturally supportive entry into the mining industry.

Krystal Findlay

Krystal Findlay is the Superintendent Port Production at Hancock Iron Ore, where she has built a career defined by resilience, determination, and a deep connection to the mining industry. Raised in Port Hedland and inspired by her family’s legacy, Krystal worked her way up from entry-level roles to leadership, overcoming significant personal and professional challenges along the way. She is a passionate advocate for women in mining and is committed to creating inclusive, supportive workplaces. Balancing her career with study and caring for two children, Krystal continues to lead with empathy and strength.

Jessica Mitrovic

Jessica Mitrovic is a Shotcreter at Fosterville Gold Mine, where she proudly holds the distinction of being the site’s first and only woman in the role. Her mining journey began after years of persistence and diverse experience across agriculture, hospitality, and remote operations, culminating in her first underground role in Kalgoorlie in 2010. Since then, Jessica has built a reputation for her technical capability, resilience, and commitment to challenging gender stereotypes in mining. She has operated a wide range of underground equipment and continues to balance her career with raising a young family.

Amanda de Azevedo Marques

Amanda de Azevedo Marques is Superintendent Forecasting at Rio Tinto and began her career as a Production Supervisor in Brazil before relocating to Australia to pursue a Master’s degree focused on solving real-world operational challenges. With expertise in data and mathematical modelling, she has developed optimisation tools across sectors, including a long-standing groundwater scheduling model still used in Perth. At Rio Tinto, Amanda has worked across digital applications, legacy systems, and now integrated planning which is analysing asset performance to inform strategic decision-making. Twice nominated for the Women in Technology WA Awards, she is passionate about making optimisation accessible and impactful.

Malgorzata Sikora

Maggie Sikora is a mining engineer turned data science leader, passionate about bridging traditional mining with emerging technologies. Originally from Poland, she transitioned into data science after attending IMARC in Australia, where the potential of AI in mining sparked her curiosity. Now Data Science Lead at Newmont, she mentors early-career professionals and leads the graduate program, driving digital innovation across the business. In 2023, Maggie won the Women in AI Award (APAC), recognising her leadership and commitment to increasing female representation in tech.

Belinda Westergreen

Belinda Westergreen is a Team Leader at Timberlink, where she has built a 16-year career starting on the graveyard shift as a cleaner. Progressing through roles as a production operator and Quality Control officer, she became known for her deep operational knowledge and record-setting performance. Her leadership style is grounded in hands-on experience and a strong understanding of team dynamics, helping her guide and develop others effectively. Belinda is committed to maintaining high standards while fostering a supportive and productive work environment.

Kylee Frankee

Kylee Frankee 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.

Danica Tyrell

Danica Tyrell is a highly experienced mining professional whose career spans over two decades across some of Australia's largest and most complex operations. From her early days as a Confined Spaces Entry Officer to her current role as Senior SAOC Data Analyst at Newmont, Danica has consistently combined hands-on operational expertise with a passion for business improvement and innovation. She is one of only a handful of people in Australia to hold a Level 3 Modular Specialist Dispatchers Certificate and has led significant fleet optimisation and risk mitigation projects. A strong advocate for teamwork, safety, and continuous learning, Danica has also played a key role in mentoring and training teams across multiple sites.

Hailee Espie-Baker

Hailee Espie-Baker is a qualified Mechanical Fitter who began her career as an apprentice in 2021, quickly earning recognition for her technical skill, work ethic, and leadership potential. Over four years, she developed strong proficiency in machining and fabrication, while actively mentoring junior apprentices and championing inclusive practices in the workshop. As the only female mechanical apprentice at her site, Hailee became a respected role model, known for her resilience and collaborative approach. She now holds a full-time fitter role and is regarded as one of the most capable tradespeople on site.