To celebrate International Women’s Day, a number of our Queensland Coal colleagues contributed to the 1000 attendees at the QRC Resources Awards for Women breakfasts — to celebrate the important role that women play in the Queensland Resources Industry.

Celebrations and support for our finalist was felt across the state, with many watching a live broadcast of the award ceremony in Brisbane’s 480 Queen St Office, the Moranbah Community Centre and across many of our Sites.

Celebrations in honour of International Women’s Day were also held far and wide across Coal with special events in Mackay, Sarina and Blackwater.

Special congratulations goes to Lauren Keleher who was our BHP finalist this year and was awarded a Highly Commended in the Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources Award category.

Lauren joined BMA as an undergraduate with BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) in shutdowns. Now part of the Engineering team at Hay Point Coal Terminal, Lauren was recognised as a passionate advocate for STEM and supporting inclusion and diversity both in and outside of work.

"Since I started university, my goal has been to play a part in building diversity and a sustainable gender balance within the resources sector," Lauren said.

"Now since joining BMA, I have immersed myself within the project team as well as with the Local Inclusion and Diversity Council. I am a strong advocate for empowering the next generation and Hay Point Coal Terminal is aligned with this vision."

Congratulations also goes to all of the fantastic men and women who were recognised across the industry for their support towards achieving better balance and diversity in resources.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day was ‘Balance for Better’ — a theme that is particularly relevant as we continue to work towards achieving gender balance across BHP globally by 2025.

BMA Asset President James Palmer gave the vote of thanks, calling out the impressive work of the nominees and the significance of this year’s theme to BHP.

“Year on year we remain focused on achieving greater balance and diversity across our company,” James said.

“In the past financial year we have achieved a 1.9 per cent increase, taking total female representation across BHP to 22.4 per cent.”

“While we’re still working towards our 50/50 aspiration goal, it’s great to see us moving in the right direction.”