Mackay Indigenous tradeswoman a rising star
30 November 2020
Tenille Tonga, Hastings Deering’s first Indigenous female leading hand, has taken out the Rising Star category in the prestigious Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Indigenous Awards.
The award was presented by QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane at its seventh annual awards today.
The online presentation included Keynote speaker Fiona Jose, Chief Executive Officer at Cape York Partnership, with music by Troy Cassar-Daley, and also featured an address by Dr Jackie Huggins AM FAHA, a Bidjara/Birri Gubba Juru woman and staunch advocate for the rights of Indigenous people.
Tenille, a Yuwibara woman, manages a team of 20 diesel fitters, trades assistants and apprentices in Hastings Deering’s Mackay Component Rebuild Group.
“My Dad often jokes that I was born with a spanner in my hand rather than a silver spoon in my mouth,” said Tenille.
“I love spending time in the shed, working on my Jeep Wrangler and motorbikes.”
Tenille attended Mackay Christian College where she gained a Certificate I in Construction, focusing on trades and engineering before starting her apprenticeship as a diesel fitter in 2013 and becoming a fully qualified tradesperson in 2017.
“The fact an aboriginal gay female manager can be a leader in a traditionally white-male dominated field, shows just how far the industry has come.”
Mr Macfarlane congratulated Tenille on her achievements.
“Tenille demonstrates just the sort of grit and determination that helps make our resources sector great,” he said.
“She is an outstanding role model and ambassador for our sector, and I know her example will encourage other Indigenous people to succeed in resources.
“Indigenous people make up 4 percent of the combined QRC member company workforce, which is on par with their representation in Queensland’s population.
“By profiling people like Tenille through these awards, we hope to better that in the years to come.”
QRC thanks major sponsors Rio Tinto and Evolutinon Mining, as well as Thiess, Glencore, Anglo American, Hastings Deering, Shell-QGC, Australian Pacific LNG, Bravus, Ventia, Mine Super and QCoal.
Media enquiries: Caroline Morrissey 0417 770 893
All finalists and placings
Exceptional Indigenous Person in Queensland Resources
Winner – Brad Welsh, Acting General Manager Weipa Operations, Rio Tinto
Runner-up – John Fickling, Concentrator Advanced Technician (Relief Supervisor – 2IC), Supervisor Indigenous Employment Program, Glencore Ernest Henry Mining
Highly Commended – Anita Ward, Community Relations Officer, Evolution Mining
Queensland Resources Sector Indigenous Rising Star
Tenille Tonga, Leading Hand, Cylinder Bay, Hastings Deering
Best Company Indigenous Employment and Training Initiative
Winner – Breaking the Barriers to Belonging – Sodexo
Runner-Up – Yila Yina Mundu (Turn Around from Here) Training Program – Macmahon and Jangga Operations
Highly Commended – South32 Cannington Indigenous Work Experience Program – South32
Best Company Indigenous Procurement Initiative
Winner – Whanu Binal Program – Arrow Energy
Exceptional Indigenous Business in Queensland Resources
Winner – Diversified Building Services (QLD)
Runner-Up – Geared Up Culcha
Highly Commended – Stork Goal JV
Exceptional Indigenous Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy Student
Winner – Lincoln Anderson, Tec NQ
Runner-Up – Claire Briggs, Moura State High School
Highly Commended – Emily Gullen, Nanango State High School
Indigenous Advocacy Award
Winner – Margarita Escartin, Social Performance Manager, QCoal
Recognition of Service to the Queensland Resources Sector
The late Robert Kerry Toby
