Resourceful Women
The QRC works with companies and individuals to champion diversity in the resources sector
The Queensland Resources Council and its members are committed to increasing the proportion of women in the resources sector, particularly in ‘non-traditional’ areas of employment such as engineering, geology, operators and trades.
Since 2006 when QRC’s Women in Resources Action Plan (WRAP) began, the proportion of women in the sector in Queensland has grown from 6 percent to almost 20 percent, and 17 percent in ‘non-traditional’ roles. QRC is now putting in place a new five-year plan to supercharge this work.
WRAP incorporates the annual Resources Awards for Women presented at QRC/women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) annual International Women’s Day Breakfast.WIMARQ is a reference group to the QRC on diversity and inclusion issues.
The awards recognise achievements in seven categories:
- Exceptional Woman in Queensland Resources
- Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources
- Exceptional Trade/Technician/Operator in Queensland Resources
- Exceptional Woman in Queensland Resources Technological Innovation
- Gender Diversity Champion in Queensland Resources (open to men and women)
- Exceptional Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) student
- Excellence in Diversity Programs and Performance for QRC member companies
Winners of these awards (except the student award) become finalists in the Women in Resources National Awards (WIRNA) presented by the Minerals Council of Australia in Canberra each year.
QRC works closely with WIMARQ, a voluntary not-for-profit group to actively engage women, and male champions for women in the sector.
The QRC was integral to other states and territories introducing state-based awards and initiated the WIRNAs.
Women in Mining and Resources Queensland
WIMARQ is a group of volunteers who organise opportunities for the mentoring, support and encouragement to women who are working in, studying for or taking a break from the minerals and energy sectors. WIMARQ recognises companies and individuals who champion gender diversity and make available information to inform our members about gender diversity issues, strategies and statistics through the annual Resources Awards for Women.
Women and men from all sections of the sector are warmly welcomed to attend WIMARQ events, which are held in Brisbane and regional locations. Check out our Facebook and LinkedIn groups to keep up to date. If you’re interested in hosting a WIMARQ event or getting a group going in your area, please contact WIMARQ for assistance. WIMARQ is a reference group to the Queensland Resources Council.
WIMARQ’s website can be found here: https://womeninminingqueensland.com/
Follow WIMARQ on our social media channels
WIMARQ Facebook
WIMARQ LinkedIn
WIMARQ Instagram
WIMARQ Twitter
WIMARQ's signature initiatives include:
- QRC/WIMARQ International Women’s Day Breakfast and Resources Awards for Women
- QRC/WIMARQ Mentoring Program
- QRC/WIMARQ GIRLS Mentoring Program
- Regular professional development and networking events
- Regional presence in Moranbah, Mount Isa and Weipa. Please contact [email protected] if you’re interested in setting up a new chapter of WIMARQ in your area, or becoming involved in an existing chapter.
QRC/WIMARQ Mentoring Program
The aim of the QRC/WIMARQ Mentoring Program is to provide a structured, sustainable mentoring process that supports mentees through career guidance and direction by sharing mentor/mentee experiences, developing goals and forging exceptional mentoring relationships beyond the program’s duration.
The QRC/WIMARQ Mentoring Program is the first of its kind in Queensland and was created in response to identified demand for formal mentoring for women working in Queensland’s minerals and energy sectors, and as a way to improve the retention and progression of women in these sectors.
Interested in being a mentee? Watch out for the opening of applications on 8 March. Keep an eye on QRC and WIMARQ newsletters and social media.
Want to learn about sponsorship opportunities? Contact [email protected].
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QMEA Engagement
QRC and WIMARQ also work closely with the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) to encourage girls onto trade and professional pathways in the 60 QMEA schools across Queensland.
An initiative introduced in 2019 is the QMEA/WIMARQ Girls Mentoring Program, which is funded by QRC members.
It’s an extension of the highly successful QRC/WIMARQ Women’s Mentoring program, which began in 2013.
Relevant Links
2021 QRC / WIMARQ International Women's Day Breakfast and debate
Anglo American presents the QRC / WIMARQ Resources Awards for Women
Publications and Presentations
A hub of gender diversity insights and expertise
Recommended pages for people interested in gender diversity within the resources sector