Agenda

Day One, Tuesday 29 July

8:00

Morning Refreshments and Registration

8:40

Welcome to Country

8:50

Welcome Address from Women Leaders Institute 

9:00

Chairperson’s Opening Address

Christina Coleman, First Nations Talent Acquisition Manager, Ernst & Young, Co-Lead, IWIMRA Indigenous Corporation

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

Shontell Ketchell, Director, Pandamonium Films

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

Moderator: Sheldon Smith, Senior Advisor Diversity and Belonging, Curtin University

David Greig, Group Executive – Australia West, Thiess and MACA

Roanna Edwards, Partner, Yamagigu Consulting

Robyn Westgate, Project Manager, Curtin Bystander Project, Curtin University

10:20

Partner Presentation: Leading with Fire: Claiming Space, Raising Voices, Raising Children

Karina Lynch, Principal Asset Improvement, BHP, Co-Director, IWIMRA Indigenous Corporation

10:50

Networking Activity: Get to know your fellow attendees

11:10

Morning Tea

Investing In Your Workforce

11:40

Case Study: Strengthening Aboriginal workforce participation for enhanced business outcomes

Increased operational excellence and safety performance through integration of Aboriginal traditional knowledge systems and cultural perspectives that enhance risk management and environmental stewardship
Higher employee engagement, retention rates, and reduced recruitment costs achieved through culturally responsive workforce strategies that honor Aboriginal values and community connections
Enhanced stakeholder relationships, improved community license to operate, and sustainable long-term mining success through Aboriginal economic empowerment and leadership development initiatives

Christine Ross, Managing Director, Christine Ross Consultancy

12:10

Mini Workshop: Building a culture of support for mental health

Learn why suicide is a critical issue in the mining industry, with relevant data and context around stressors and stigma in the workplace
Gain practical tools to identify when someone might be struggling and how to safely respond, support others, and seek help yourself
Be part of a supportive conversation that acknowledges lived experience, reduces stigma, and encourages open dialogue through the MATES in Mining program

Sinead Donovan, Marketing and Partnerships Manager, MATES in Mining

Joshua Kosak, Senior Field Officer, MATES in Construction

1:00

Networking Lunch

Join one of our yarning circles to reflect on the morning’s learnings in a safe and supportive space. Spots are limited – register on the day to secure your place.

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, Former Chair, Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service

3:10

Afternoon Tea

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.

Katherine Biagi, HR Manager, Australia West, MACA and 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.

Giulia Savio, Independent Consultant – Industry Leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, AusIMM

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.

Becky Felstead, Facilitator and Host, The Resource Podcast

Scenario 4: Practical steps for indigenous professionals to advance in mining and resources

A mid-career Indigenous professional seeks guidance on overcoming systemic barriers and identifying practical steps to advance in the mining and resources sector.

Jeffrey Farrell, Aboriginal Employment and Culture Consultant, ABU Human Resources, Chevron