Achievements of women in mining showcased at 2024 Tasmanian awards ceremony

The annual awards are coordinated by the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC) in conjunction with the AusIMM Women in Mining Network Tasmania (WIMnet) to create awareness of the inspirational women working in resources, mining and manufacturing and encourage other women to pursue careers in these Tasmanian industries.

Ted Bradshaw, representing AusIMM WIMnet and acting as Head Judge, remarked on the important role of the awards in inspiring women to pursue careers in non-traditional sectors. “The awards provide important recognition for the contribution women are making locally, but also for the companies who employ, support and provide career opportunities for our inspiring women,” Ted said.

“The resources sector is no longer the stereotypical male orientated industry of the past. Prior winners have proven that women can flourish in a variety of roles in our sectors from the ‘shop floor’ to senior management. Each of these women challenge outdated perceptions of the industry and provide a role model to both men and women”.

“It also means more career options are available to our younger generations, and a more balanced industry workforce means engaged, diverse thinking about what our best future can look like."

The awards ceremony was livestreamed to the TMEC Facebook page during the event, and can still be viewed here. This allowed the finalists’ family, friends and colleagues to watch the announcement of each of the award winners in real time.

The awards are sponsored by Bell Bay Aluminium, Liberty Bell Bay, MMG Ltd, Weld Australia, Caterpillar Australia and the Elphinstone Group.

The winners of each of the Tasmania award categories automatically progress to the national awards which will be hosted by the Minerals Council of Australia in Canberra on 10 September 2024. 

Meet the 2024 winners below.

Exceptional Woman in Tasmanian Resources Award

Joint Winners: Christine Winskill, MMG Ltd and Leita Patten, Cement Australia 

Christine Winskill, MMG Ltd
Christine Winskill is well known amongst the West Coast mining community, commencing with the Rosebery Mine in 1969 and working in a long list of roles prior to her retirement from MMG. After deciding that retirement did not suit her, Christine returned to school, studying Community Services with TasTAFE. After re-entering the workforce, Christine was enticed back to MMG in the role of Community Relations Advisor – Projects. Chris is 71 years young and continues to add significant value to MMG as an organisation and the communities of the West Coast. 

Leita Patten, Cement Australia
Leita Patten is the Mine Manager at Cement Australia’s Railton mine and if you ask her Mum, she’s been a geologist since the day she could walk, always picking up rocks. After completing a Bachelor of Applied Science she followed a career path into the resources sector, going on to complete a Masters of Mining Engineering. Leita has worked tirelessly to achieve her goal of becoming a Mine Manager, operating by the philosophy that you can be a strong manager and still be compassionate, kind, and considerate.

Highly Commended: Kristy Wilkinson, Bell Bay Aluminium

Exceptional Young Woman in Tasmanian Resources Award

Winner: Alexandra Oliver, Cromarty 

Alexandra Oliver is an Automation Engineer with Cromarty. Alexandra always knew that she wanted to be an Engineer, graduating with 2nd Class Upper Honours while working three days a week for Cromarty, as well as being the head of the Utas Motorsport team during her final year.

Highly Commended: Hannah Barwick, Bell Bay Aluminium; Rebecca Pitt, Bluestone Tasmania Mines Joint Venture; Sabnaz Ahmed Shaik, Liberty GFG

Outstanding Tasmanian Tradeswoman, Operator or Technician Award sponsored by Liberty Bell Bay

Winner: Teresa Patterson, Tasmanian Advanced Minerals 

Teresa Patterson began her career in fashion retail, but a change in circumstances saw her successfully apply for a position as a Process Operator at Tasmanian Advanced Minerals. Management very quickly recognised Teresa’s potential, asking her to cover 5 weeks annual leave in their laboratory – 14 years later Teresa is now an experienced and qualified Laboratory Technician completing several VET qualifications along the way. Teresa firmly believes that “Everyone brings something to the table, regardless of gender, age or ethnicity”.

Highly Commended: Theresa Mackenzie, Bell Bay Aluminium; Carla Laing, Liberty GFG

Inclusion & Diversity Champion in Tasmanian Resources

Winner: Alicia Sargent, Bell Bay Aluminium

Alicia Sargent had a broad range of experience in the sports, education, local government sectors before moving into resources in 2022 when she joined Bell Bay Aluminium as an Advisor for Communities and Communications. Alicia has been a proud advocate for change taking every opportunity to champion values of inclusivity and respect.

Alicia’s current role of Stream Lead, Rio Tinto Safe Production Systems supports the deployment of Rio Tinto’s Safe Production System (RTSPS), collaborating with site teams to drive sustainable business success through mindset and behaviour changes, incorporating best practices from Rio Tinto and other industries. The core of this role is supporting the empowerment of Rio Tinto’s people.

Exceptional Woman in Tasmanian Manufacturing

Joint Winners: Nina Dickson, Incat Tasmania and Kate Barnard, Liberty GFG

Nina Dickson, Incat Tasmania
Nina Dickson is the Apprentice Supervisor at Incat Tasmania. When Nina completed her Certificate 3 in Boat Building, she was the only female in her TAFE course and one of the first females to complete the Boat Building qualification in Queensland during the mid/late 1990s. Today, Nina is overseeing around 60 apprentices in Fabrication, Welding, Engineering, Electrotechnology, and Instrumentation trades and is heavily involved in the significant ramp up of apprentice intakes of around 30 commencements per year to meet Incat’s future workforce needs.

Kate Barnard, Liberty GFG
Kate Barnard is the HSEC Coordinator at Liberty Bell Bay. Kate has held a variety of roles since commencing with TEMCO 16 years ago. Kate’s goal is to continue leveraging her leadership skills and experience to drive positive change within Liberty GFG, ensuring that the health centre remains a pillar of support and care for all employees.

Photos courtesy Rob Burnett Images.