Queensland resources leader named women’s award winner
Full list of the 2026 Resources Awards for Women award winners here
Video grabs of QRC CEO Janette Hewson here
Video overlay of awards event here
Photos of award winners here
Thiess mining executive Rae O’Brien rocked the 2026 QRC and WIMARQ Resources Awards for Women today after taking the crown for Exceptional Woman of 2026.
Ms O’Brien was awarded for her leadership in coal mining earned from decades in the sector after becoming the first woman in NSW to hold both first and second class Mine Manager’s Certificates.
Standing beside trailblazing Ms O’Brien was Georgia Mehmet of Hastings Deering who took out the Exceptional Young Woman Award for her safety and operational leadership that has seen her manage end-to-end mining equipment projects and improvements.
“Career progression and what’s often called ‘work-life balance’ isn’t about juggling – it’s about creating a life that aligns with my values,” Georgia said.
“Leadership is not defined by a title, but by the ability to influence, inspire, build trust, and make a meaningful difference.”
Rae and Georgia are just two of exceptional leaders who were crowned at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in front of about 900 people from the industry and government.
Now in its 20th year, the awards recognise women, and diversity, equity and inclusion champions. Winners across seven categories lead the way in operational, technological, professional and leadership roles across the resources sector.
The 2026 Resources Awards for Women winners are:
- Exceptional Woman: Rae O’Brien (Thiess)
- Exceptional Young Woman: Georgia Mehmet (Hastings Deering)
- Technological Innovation: Humaira Ehsan (Hastings Deering)
- DEI Champion: Bec Wright (Hastings Deering)
- Exceptional Tradeswoman / Operator / Technician: Kymberly Bouchardt (BMA)
- Excellence in Diversity Programs and Performance: BMA WomenRise program
- Exceptional Female QMEA Student: Giselle Dickson (Moura State High School)
QRC CEO Janette Hewson said the 2026 finalists and winners were inspirational and reflected the diversity of skilled people across Queensland’s resources sector.
“Queensland’s resources sector is in good hands – judging by the breadth of talent, ambition and drive which was on show today,” Ms Hewson said.
“We want the very best people working in our sector and for that to happen, every person needs to feel valued for their contributions.
“As we mark International Women’s Day this week, let’s balance the scales, and support women who are shaping our future.”
WIMARQ Co-Chair Catherine Cook said each winner had an inspiring story to tell.
“So proud to celebrate the women shaping the future of our sector, recognise their achievements and learn from their stories,” Ms Cook said.
Winners in each category received scholarships for professional development and leadership courses generously provided by the Australian Institute of Management (AIM).
All award winners go on to represent Queensland in their categories at the Women in Resources National Awards in September.
International Women’s Day is this Sunday 8 March with Queensland Women’s Week (8-14 March) celebrated all next week.
Media Contact:
Miguel Holland – [email protected] or 0437 758 347
