Agenda
Day One, Tuesday 29 July
7:30
Morning Refreshments and Registration
8:00
Welcome to Country
8:50
Welcome Address from Women Leaders Institute
9:00
Chairperson’s Opening Address
Community, Culture and The Next Era of Mining
9:10
Fireside chat: Navigating community and industry in mining
Empowering Indigenous voices in land decisions strengthening representation in environmental planning and mining policies
Creating opportunities that respect cultural obligations and heritage
Fostering trust between industry and communities by encouraging transparent engagement for long-term, sustainable partnerships
9:40
Panel: Leading with cultural integrity and inclusion in mining
Gain strategies to navigate corporate and community interests with confidence and integrity
Learn how to empower Indigenous voices, strengthen workplace culture, and drive accountability
Discover how inclusive leadership can create sustainable business success and positive social impact
Sasha Busch, Superintendent Indigenous Employment and Development, Rio Tinto
10:20
Partner Presentation: Walking in two worlds as an Indigenous female leader in mining
10:50
Networking Activity: Get to know your fellow attendees
11:10
Morning Tea
Investing In Your Workforce
11:40
Case Study: Strengthening the workforce brings better business outcomes
Understanding the value of a more diverse workforce can that drive innovation, safety, and operational success
Successful strategies to attract, train, and support women in mining careers, leading to higher engagement and retention
Explore how economic empowerment and career progression benefits future leaders
Christine Ross, Managing Director, Christine Ross Consultancy
12:10
Mini Workshop: Mental health and resilience
Harness cultural identity for strength by using traditions, storytelling, and community wisdom to build resilience and maintain well-being
Recognising and managing the impact of cultural fatigue, discrimination, and racism while maintaining confidence and focus
Learning practical stress management techniques and create safe spaces for connection and long-term emotional well-being
1:00
Networking Lunch
2:00
Trivia
Navigating Leadership Complexity
2:10
Leadership Lightening Talk: A CEO's role in driving inclusive decision-making
Discover how unconscious bias influences workplace dynamics and decision-making. Explore actionable strategies for CEO’s to recognise and address bias, setting the tone for a more inclusive and equitable organisational culture from the top down.
Michelle Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer, City of Perth
Pathways to Leadership
2:40
Driving change: Practical steps for Indigenous leaders to advance in mining and resources
Identify the key challenges Indigenous leaders face in career progression and leadership
Gain actionable strategies to overcome systemic barriers and accelerate your career growth
Learn from Indigenous leaders about navigating workplace dynamics, securing leadership opportunities, and making an impact at the top
Thierra Clanton, Principal Approvals Planning, Fortescue
3:10
Afternoon Tea
During afternoon tea you can experience a 30 minute live mentoring circle where you’ll connect with like-minded women in a supportive and engaging space. Join a meaningful discussion on a relevant leadership topic and receive real-time guidance and insights from fellow participants. Spaces will be limited - closer to the event, a registration link will be sent to you so that you can register in advance for this unique opportunity to grow, share, and lead together.
Leadership Strategy
3:40
Introduction to strategy scenario-based sessions
In these interactive scenario-based sessions you’ll have the opportunity to apply the insights and strategies you've learned over the course of the day real-world scenarios. Led by influential leaders, each session will foster peer-to-peer learning, where you’ll collaborate with fellow participants to tackle current challenges and co-create actionable strategies.
3:50
Strategy Sessions
Scenario 1: Addressing workplace racism and cultural bias
During a team meeting, a manager notices dismissive comments about a colleague’s ideas. The colleague hesitates to speak up, unsure of how to challenge the behaviour without backlash.
Eliza-Jane Young, Senior Advisor – Community, Diversity and Inclusion, QLD, Thiess
Scenario 2: Engaging C-suite leaders to advance indigenous inclusion in mining
Tensions arise when some executives question the necessity of prioritising Indigenous women in leadership and recruitment, prompting a discussion on the business and cultural benefits of inclusion.
Scenario 3: Supporting a colleague’s mental health in the workplace
A usually high-performing colleague appears withdrawn and disengaged. Some colleagues assume they are not pulling their weight, while others recognise the signs of stress and advocate for a supportive conversation.
4:40
Chairperson’s Closing Address
4:50
End of Day One and Networking Drinks