Meet our 2025 Speakers
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Andrea Cornwell
Global Rare Earths Industry Association
Aneeq Sarwar
Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance
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Ashlea O’Reilly
WISER
Cameron Carr
Perception Performance
Caoilin Chestnutt
Thiess
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Celine Mangan
Mineral Resources
Debbie Morrow
Miners’ Promise
Dermot Tomelty
Talisman
Eliza Young
Thiess
Elizabeth Broderick AO
Champions of Change Coalition | EB&Co
Evelyn Ng
Callidus
Helen Degeling
Mining3
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Jacqui Coombes
Sage Ability
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Janette Hewson
Queensland Resources Council
Jaya Prasad
New Hope Group
Jenny Agnew
Sedgman
Johanna Kennerley
Ravenswood Gold
Kate Dickson
AMEC
Katie Wyatt
BHP
Kelsie Clarke
Woodside Energy
Keryn Zambrowski
Whitehaven Coal
Kristy Purdon
WIMARQ Bowen Basin | IWIM
Lauren Elliott
OceanaGold
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Lucy McClean
Australian Women in Mining and Resources
Marghanita Johnson
Australian Aluminium Council | Alpha HPA
Matthew Ireland
Newmont
Ngaire Tranter
Pembroke Resources
Nicola Semler
Critical Minerals Group | WISER
Rob Jackson
South32
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Samantha Anderson
Peabody Energy
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Steph Byrom
WISER | Loop
Su Nee Tan
Orica
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Suzanne Hunt
Hunt Consulting | IGO
Teagan Dowler
The BCW
Tracey Hayes
Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility
Vaughn Sheahan
BHP
Andrea Cornwell
Director – Asia PacificGlobal Rare Earths Industry Association
Speaking at
08:50
Opening comments from the Chair
Katie Wyatt
Global Head of Diversity, Equity & InclusionBHP
Katie Wyatt is a Noongar/Yamatji woman based on Wurundjeri Country with over 20 years of leadership and business experience. She leads Global DEI at BHP and brings deep expertise in organisational development, social innovation, and multi-sector change—driven by a passion for harnessing business to create meaningful social impact.
Speaking at
09:00
Facing the headwinds: keeping diversity on track in challenging times
Vaughn Sheahan
Head of Organisational Development & AnalyticsBHP
Speaking at
09:00
Facing the headwinds: keeping diversity on track in challenging times
Elizabeth Broderick AO
Founder | Principal | Author, Report into Workplace Culture at Rio TintoChampions of Change Coalition | EB&Co
Speaking at
09:30
Navigating cultural change in mining: insights from Elizabeth Broderick AO, Author, Report into Workplace Culture at Rio Tinto
Johanna Kennerley
Head of Sustainability and EnvironmentRavenswood Gold
Speaking at
10:40
Panel Discussion: The myth of meritocracy – How can we truly level the playing field?
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Steph Byrom
Committee Member | General Manager, DecarbonisationWISER | Loop
Steph is a dedicated professional with over fourteen years of experience in the field of decarbonisation and policy, currently serving as the General Manager of Decarbonisation at Loop Decarb. Loop is at the forefront of providing strategic and technical solutions, particularly for the mining industry, where Steph plays a pivotal role in helping clients to operationalise their decarbonisation strategies. Her work involves climate policy and regulation advice, identifying opportunities for emissions reduction, and implementing innovative and cost-effective projects to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Throughout her career, Steph has focused on translating strategy related to ESG and decarbonisation into tangible actions.
Speaking at
10:40
Panel Discussion: The myth of meritocracy – How can we truly level the playing field?
Kate Dickson
Head of National Operations & Queensland DirectorAMEC
Speaking at
10:40
Panel Discussion: The myth of meritocracy – How can we truly level the playing field?
Ngaire Tranter
Head of ESGPembroke Resources
Speaking at
10:40
Panel Discussion: The myth of meritocracy – How can we truly level the playing field?
Matthew Ireland
Mining Manager & Acting Head of ProjectsNewmont
Matthew Ireland is an accomplished mining professional with international experience across eight countries in Australasia, Africa, and the Middle East. Specialising in underground metalliferous mining, he has worked in both client and contractor roles, delivering high-performing projects underpinned by ethical leadership, safety excellence, and operational strength. With qualifications in mining engineering, extractive metallurgy, and business administration, Matthew brings a rare combination of technical expertise and strategic management. He is a passionate advocate for workforce empowerment, collaboration, and strong team culture, and holds multiple leadership certifications including WA and NSW mine manager accreditations. Matthew is a Member of AusIMM.
Speaking at
11:40
Building everyday support for DEI at all levels
Eliza Young
Senior Advisor – Community, Diversity & InclusionThiess
Eliza-Jane Young is the Senior Advisor – Community, Diversity & Inclusion (QLD) at Thiess, with a career spanning operations, strategy, and social performance across Australia’s mining sector. She is a board member of AWIMAR (Australian Women in Mining and Resources) and an executive advisor with IWIM (International Women in Mining). Eliza is known for her systems thinking approach, inclusive leadership, and deep commitment to creating culturally safe, diverse workplaces. Her work connects people, purpose, and data to drive meaningful change across communities, sites, and corporate settings.
Speaking at
12:10
Resilient leadership in an era of reactionary pushback
Jacqui Coombes
Executive DirectorSage Ability
Jacqui Coombes is a recognised polymath in the minerals industry, known for advancing industry capability through strategic innovation, thought leadership, and technical excellence. Her expertise spans mining technologies, sustainability, mineral resource estimation, governance, law, and finance. A published author and respected mentor, Jacqui has shaped professional standards through competency frameworks and global research leadership. She has established centres of excellence and led projects on battery technologies, resource estimation, and sustainable mining operations. Jacqui is the 2025 recipient of the SME Harry M Parker Award for Excellence & Leadership, reflecting her outstanding contribution to public reporting and the broader mining sector.
Speaking at
12:40
Inclusion as a strategic capability: Reframing backlash through leadership and integrity
Keryn Zambrowski
Senior Manager – Investor RelationsWhitehaven Coal
Keryn Zambrowski is a seasoned commodities professional with nearly two decades of experience across global coal and physical commodity markets. She has held senior roles in marketing, contracts, and investor relations at Whitehaven Coal, as well as trading and logistics positions at Deutsche Bank and globalCOAL. Keryn’s expertise spans strategic marketing, contract negotiation, commercial planning, and stakeholder engagement across Asia, Europe, and Australia, offering deep insights into global commodity supply chains and capital markets.
Speaking at
14:10
Guiding the way: How industry veterans can help advance women in mining
Rob Jackson
Vice President Global Commercial and Supply ChainSouth32
Rob was appointed Vice President Global Commercial and Supply Chain for South32 in 2020 and prior to this was Vice President Operations, Cannington Mine and Groote Eylandt Mining Company. Rob has 30+ years in the industry working across various commodities and countries and holds an Honours Degree in Mining Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Finance. Rob is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Graduate of INSEAD LEAP and currently serves as a Director of the Queensland Resources Council and numerous South32 subsidiary companies. Rob has also been on the committee of the Women in Mining and Resources Queensland since 2019 and Co-Chair since 2021.
Speaking at
14:40
Beyond allies to active participants: Engaging male leaders in driving change
10:50
Panel discussion: How can we empower women in mining to create value for their teams & organisations?
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Kelsie Clarke
Principal Business Improvement PlanningWoodside Energy
Kelsie is an engineering leader and currently Business Readiness Lead for S/4HANA at Woodside Energy, overseeing operational readiness for over 4,000 staff. With a background in rotating equipment and project engineering at the Karratha Gas Plant, she is a passionate advocate for STEM, inclusion, and diversity. Kelsie serves as Vice Chair of Engineers Without Borders Australia and is an alumna of Homeward Bound. Her leadership has earned recognition, including the 2023 CME Outstanding Young Woman in Resources Award. Kelsie brings a unique perspective from both corporate and social sectors and is committed to engineering a more equitable future.
Speaking at
15:10
Breaking barriers and advancing in your career
Lucy McClean
ChairAustralian Women in Mining and Resources
Speaking at
Roundtable 2: Driving sustainability in mining: balancing growth with environmental responsibility
Ashlea O’Reilly
Principal Mining EngineerWISER
Speaking at
Roundtable 3: Technology skills for the future: preparing for an evolving mining landscape
Helen Degeling
Technical Director - Geoscience and SustainabilityMining3
Helen Degeling is a geologist and recognised, influential advocate for minerals development that delivers positive ESG outcomes and meets the demands of a just transition towards decarbonisation. She has previously held roles as a researcher, exploration and mine geologist, and exploration manager for junior precious and base metal explorers, as well as leadership positions in sustainable mining across government and industry. Helen is now Director of Geoscience and Sustainability at Mining3, where she combines her traditional geological expertise and passion for circularity, sustainability and traceability to drive innovation and deliver practical solutions for the resources industry’s ‘next generation’ challenges.
Speaking at
Roundtable 4: Career progression and leadership pathways for women in mining
Dermot Tomelty
General Manager – Health, Safety & ComplianceTalisman
Dermot is a seasoned and accredited Health, Safety and Compliance professional with an extensive career spanning over 18 years in the resources industry. He boasts a demonstrated history of successfully advancing safety and compliance initiatives in alignment with industry best practices. Dermot’s expertise encompasses WHSE, statutory compliance, and operations, showcasing a proven capability across all facets of health, safety and risk management. His wealth of knowledge extends to the contractor management arena, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping and optimising the contractor management process and operations, particularly in large underground settings. Dermot’s professional journey includes notable positions with industry leaders such as Rio Tinto and Anglo American, attesting to this impactful contributions to several tier one mining operations.
Speaking at
Roundtable 5: Risk management in mining: staying compliant & navigating regulatory changes
Aneeq Sarwar
Senior Manager, Workforce Planning and PolicyMining and Automotive Skills Alliance
Aneeq Sarwar is an experienced research leader specializing in managing both quantitative and qualitative research projects across industry, academia, and government. Widely published with national and international bodies, including the OECD, Aneeq is passionate about using data insights to drive decision-making for the benefit of society and communities. He focuses on leveraging stakeholder consultations to influence policy and decision-making, while engaging with diverse clients and audiences to present economic solutions and updates.
Speaking at
Roundtable 6: Navigating technological advancements and the future workforce in mining
Samantha Anderson
Global Head of Corporate SustainabilityPeabody Energy
Speaking at
08:50
Opening comments from the Chair
16:20
Panel discussion: How can we challenge stereotypes and redefine career success?
Cameron Carr
DirectorPerception Performance
Cameron Carr is an experienced leadership and performance coach with over 15 years of elite athletic experience, representing Australia in wheelchair rugby at three Paralympic Games. As Director of Perception Performance, he drives cultural transformation in the corporate mining sector, specializing in diversity, inclusion, and leadership development. With expertise in psychosocial risk management and stakeholder engagement, Cameron helps leaders and teams cultivate high-performing, inclusive workplaces through tailored coaching, workshops, and strategic guidance on leadership and culture.
Speaking at
09:00
Maximising the business value of authentic DEI
Jaya Prasad
Assistant Company Secretary & Senior Sustainability AdvisorNew Hope Group
Jaya Prasad is the Senior Sustainability Advisor and Assistant Company Secretary at New Hope Group (ASX: NHC), an Australian coal producer with associated port, oil and gas, and agricultural operations. Jaya has experience advising mining and energy companies on transactional, regulatory, corporate governance, and sustainability matters, and before New Hope worked for Herbert Smith Freehills and KPMG. Jaya holds a dual Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Commerce from the University of Queensland. In 2024, Jaya was awarded the Queensland Law Society’s Excellence in Law ‘Emerging Leader Award’ and was recognised as the Rising Star of the Governance Top 100 Finalists. Jaya is passionate about opening pathways for young professionals in the mining industry and through her volunteer involvement in the industry serves as President of the Young Professionals Committee for the Energy & Resources Law Association (formerly known as AMPLA) and previously served as Secretary for Young Mining Professionals Brisbane and Women in Sustainable Energy and Resources (WISER).
Speaking at
09:30
Achieving buy-in from middle management to build true support for change
Nicola Semler
Chief Technology Officer | Committee MemberCritical Minerals Group | WISER
Nicola Semler is a Metallurgical Engineer with an extensive background in the mining and resources industries, both in Australia and internationally. Her experience encompasses greenfields and brownfields project development, commissioning, operations, cultural transformation, strategic and operational business planning and mine closure. She has been the CTO for Critical Minerals Group since May 2023.
Ms Semler has been a committee member of WISER from its inception and is currently lead for the Communications sub-committee.
Speaking at
10:50
Panel discussion: How can we empower women in mining to create value for their teams & organisations?
09:00
Masterclass B: Owning Your Mining Career: The Roadmap and Tools You Need to Thrive on Your Terms
Debbie Morrow
Executive DirectorMiners’ Promise
Deb is a C-Suite Executive and ASX and NFP Board Director with over 25 years’ global experience in leading major capital and large-scale construction projects complemented by several years in corporate leadership roles in mining and oil & gas.
Executive leadership experience includes strategy development, business transformation, organisational design and implementation of change, health, safety, wellbeing & environment, cultural design and enabling major people change. Deb is extraordinarily passionate about People, Health, Safety and Wellbeing and is a competent and experienced crisis leader.
Deb is a GAICD, was a Finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards 2019 and was a 40 under 40 winner First Amongst Equals in 2007.
Speaking at
10:50
Panel discussion: How can we empower women in mining to create value for their teams & organisations?
14:30
Finding the right organisation for you: from big to small to boards
Janette Hewson
Chief Executive OfficerQueensland Resources Council
Highly regarded industry leader, Janette Hewson, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Resources Council.
Janette is a born and bred Queenslander with more than 25 years’ experience in resources at a senior executive level.
Her past positions include Executive Vice President, Environment, Sustainability & Governance at Santos and senior positions with global resources companies South 32 and Peabody Energy.
Janette has served on the Climate Advisory Panel for the Minerals Council of Australia, and the Boards of the Queensland Resources Council, NSW Minerals Council and Low Emissions Technology Australia. She has a Bachelor of Laws degree from Queensland University of Technology, a Bachelor of Arts (Modern Asian Studies with a major in Japanese language) from Griffith University and is a former winner of Queensland’s Exceptional Woman in Resources award.
Janette is married to Scott and they have two sons and a daughter.
Speaking at
10:50
Panel discussion: How can we empower women in mining to create value for their teams & organisations?
Su Nee Tan
Senior ManagerOrica
Dr. Su Nee Tan is a Senior Research Fellow at Orica and serves as the Technology and Science Advisor for Explosives and Automation Systems. She provides crucial guidance and expertise on technology projects, ensuring their technical viability and alignment with organizational goals. Additionally, Su Nee collaborates with various departments and external bodies to integrate scientific insights and foster innovation. In 2025, she was honored with the Exceptional Women in Technological Innovation award by NSW Women in Mining for her outstanding contributions to the field.
Speaking at
11:30
Navigating AI, automation & the next generation of technology in mining
Tracey Hayes
ChairNorthern Australia Infrastructure Facility
Speaking at
12:00
Communicating with impact : amplifying women’s voices in leadership
Celine Mangan
General Manager Environment & HeritageMineral Resources
Speaking at
13:30
Building the skills that will define the next decade in mining & your career
Evelyn Ng
Group Manager – Materials & InnovationCallidus
Evelyn Ng, PhD, MBA, is a chartered professional engineer with two decades of global experience in mining operations, R&D, teaching, and consulting across five continents. As Group Manager of Materials & Innovation at Callidus Group, she pioneered two coating technologies that address critical sustainability challenges in the mining industry and significantly enhance operational efficiency, productivity, and safety by extending the lifespan of critical equipment. Recognized for her expertise, Evelyn contributes to academia as a guest lecturer at University of Western Australia and the University of Toronto in Canada. In 2024, she won both State and National Women in Resources Award for Technological Innovation.
Speaking at
14:00
Navigating a project in crisis and building resilience in the workplace
Kristy Purdon
Chair | Advisory Council MemberWIMARQ Bowen Basin | IWIM
Kristy Purdon is a mining operations and social performance leader with over 15 years’ experience across operational leadership, business integration, and community engagement roles in the Bowen Basin. Currently Social Performance Specialist at Anglo American’s MG Complex, Kristy delivers community partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and social investment initiatives to strengthen the site’s social license to operate. A passionate advocate for diversity in resources, she also chairs the WIMARQ Bowen Basin Chapter and serves on the IWIM Advocacy Council, creating connection and opportunity for women in mining and regional communities.
Speaking at
15:00
Harnessing the power of mentorship, sponsorship & networks
Suzanne Hunt
Founder | former General Manager, ExplorationHunt Consulting | IGO
Suzanne has developed great depth and experience in Resources and Energy sectors leadership and management. Having had Executive leadership and Senior management roles in engineering and geoscience and experience in high market capitalised corporations as well as experience in the education and academic sectors (Curtin and Adelaide University), oil and gas resource sector (ASX listed – top 100), resource sector (ASX listed top 100), founding Board member “Women In Resources South Australia”, Head of Sustainability for energy corporation, International Scientific Journal review body for engineering disciplines, many leadership positions across scientific and engineering societies including the Institute of Engineers Australia, the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (Energy for a Better Australia). Experience in leading both technical and people related complex systems, strategic projects, and operating model development/organisational change. She has had significant budget responsibility and led large teams, budget >$500M/annum programs and teams >500 staff incl contractors and external partnerships. Suzanne is a strong supporter of STEM and has mentoring roles and encourages diverse, inclusive, transparent, and engaging leadership by embracing complex system thinking and polarity management to drive best-practise decision making for achieving the highest value outcomes for all stakeholders.
Speaking at
15:50
Embracing and flourishing in a non-linear career
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Caoilin Chestnutt
Head of Corporate – Technical ServicesThiess
Almost 30 years postgraduate experience in the resources sector. A geologist by profession and has worked across the globe in gold, copper, nickel, coal and CSG in both exploration and development. Currently Head of Technical Services at Thiess Pty Ltd leading Engineering, Geotechnical, Geology and Geospatial teams across their global business. Non-executive Chair of ASX listed Pacgold, Member of RFC Ambrian’s Investment Committee in critical minerals and Deputy Chair of the Queensland Exploration Council. Previous roles include Resources Investment Commissioner, Queensland Government, Head of Business Development at BHP and management roles at Xstrata, Anglo American and Arrow Energy in both technical and commercial disciplines. Twice finalist in the Women in Industry Australia Awards and Winner of Queensland Resources Council/WIMARQ Exceptional Women in Exploration Award.
Speaking at
16:20
Panel discussion: How can we challenge stereotypes and redefine career success?
Marghanita Johnson
Chief Executive Officer | Non-Executive DirectorAustralian Aluminium Council | Alpha HPA
Marghanita Johnson has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Aluminium Council since 2019. She has over 25 years’ experience in the Australian mining and manufacturing sectors, predominantly within the aluminium industry. Prior to joining the Council she led government engagement and advocacy on behalf of Rio Tinto’s Pacific Aluminium assets and prior to that held key climate and sustainability roles at Rio Tinto.
Marghanita has Environmental Engineering and Chemistry degrees from the University of Western Australia. She is currently a Non-Executive Director of Alpha HPA Limited, Australian Industry Greenhouse Network and the Energy Users Association of Australia. She has previously been a non-executive director on the boards of the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter and the Tomago Aluminium Company.
Speaking at
16:20
Panel discussion: How can we challenge stereotypes and redefine career success?
Jenny Agnew
Business Sustainability ManagerSedgman
With 23 years in the resources industry at Sedgman, I leverage my engineering and strategic planning experience to link people and ideas across disciplines both at a company and industry level. I love getting the most out of all the expertise in a room to develop effective strategies to deliver the mission of the teams I work with. Alongside leading ESG strategy at Sedgman, I am contributing to a more sustainable resources industry through organisations such as enviroMETS QLD (as Non-Executive Director), AusIMM’s S&E Committee (as Chair) & Decarbonisation Accelerated (on the Leaders Group).
Speaking at
16:20
Panel discussion: How can we challenge stereotypes and redefine career success?
Teagan Dowler
Director & FounderThe BCW
Teagan is the Managing Director and Founder of The BCW. Established in 2012, The BCW exists to support organisations, industry associations and individuals to achieve high performance through professional development and cultures of inclusion. The BCW is an unrivalled leader in supporting the careers of women and delivering Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) services across mining, manufacturing, renewables, construction and Government.
With close to 20 years of experience in heavy industries, Teagan specialises in organisational change, team performance, project management, leadership, and coaching. A recognised thought leader, Teagan has been quoted in The Australian House of Representatives, featured in various publications, and interviewed on ABC Radio and 4BC Brisbane. She is the author of Rules of the Game: Women in the Masculine Industries, which provides insights and strategies for women in male-dominated fields and co-founder of the NFP Diversity Practitioners Association in QLD. In recognition of her ongoing contribution to the heavy industries she was awarded the Women in Industry Mentor of the Year 2023 and the Australian Mining Prospect Awards Contribution to Mining in 2020.
Speaking at
09:00
Masterclass A: Leadership Skills for Current and Emerging Leaders in Mining
Nicola Semler
Chief Technology Officer, Critical Minerals Group, Committee MemberWISER
Nicola Semler is a Metallurgical Engineer with an extensive background in the mining and resources industries, both in Australia and internationally. Her experience encompasses greenfields and brownfields project development, commissioning, operations, cultural transformation, strategic and operational business planning and mine closure. She has been the CTO for Critical Minerals Group since May 2023.
Ms Semler has been a committee member of WISER from its inception and is currently lead for the Communications sub-committee.
Speaking at
10:50
Panel discussion: How can we empower women in mining to create value for their teams & organisations?
09:00
Masterclass B: Owning Your Mining Career: The Roadmap and Tools You Need to Thrive on Your Terms
Lauren Elliott
Head of ExplorationOceanaGold
Lauren is a mining professional of 20 years experience with a diverse, international career in the resources sector. She has held leadership roles across mining operations, resource development, exploration and technical services. Lauren is passionate about the future of the industry, advocating for STEM careers and challenging the status quo of what good leadership looks like. She Lauren has a BSc (Honours), MBA and is a graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course and a Registered Professional Geoscientist with AIG.
Speaking at
09:00
Masterclass B: Owning Your Mining Career: The Roadmap and Tools You Need to Thrive on Your Terms