Congratulations to the 2026 Award Winners!
Exceptional Woman
Penny Woodward, Malabar Resources
As a bassoon player in touring orchestras, Penny’s first career was a world away from mining. However, following her studies, she landed a role at Hunter Valley Operations Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) and found that she was able to transfer many of her learnings from being an orchestral music performer to the mining sector.
The resilience, perseverance and dedication she had learned as a top level musician stayed with her as she applied herself to her mining career, eventually taking on the role of Process Engineer onsite at Bengalla Mining Company.
Over the following nine years, Penny completed a Graduate Certificate in Management and rose from Process Engineer, to Process Specialist and eventually to Process Superintendent.
In 2022, Penny joined Malabar Resources as CHPP Superintendent, drawn by the opportunity to help build a new operation from the ground up. Penny played a pivotal role in the start-up of the Malabar CHPP, restarting an operation that had been left idle for seven years. Penny was later appointed Surface Infrastructure Manager, where she leads a multidisciplinary team of approximately 25 people responsible for critical surface infrastructure that underpins the mine’s long-term success.
Penny has also played an active role in the workplace and as Chairperson of the NSW branch of the Australian Coal Preparation Society to advocate for changes designed to make mining more attractive as a career path for women.
Exceptional Young Woman
Aleisha Saxby, Glencore
A strong aptitude for mathematics and science sparked Aleisha Saxby’s passion for engineering early and set her on a rapid career path in mining. Within a year of completing Glencore’s graduate program, she advanced to Process and Logistics Engineer at Ulan Surface Operations. Her adaptability was tested when she stepped into an acting Superintendent role for 12 months while maintaining her engineering responsibilities. In 2024, Aleisha made history as Ulan Surface Operations’ first female Production Superintendent, breaking new ground in a traditionally male-dominated workforce.
Aleisha has led major operational and capital projects that delivered significant production and financial outcomes, including leading a reject reprocessing project, generating significant additional revenue.
Aleisha is a passionate advocate for STEM education and industry engagement. She has mentored graduates, supported university and school outreach programs, and represented mining at community and industry events to inspire future engineers, particularly young women, to pursue technical careers.
Exceptional Women in Technological Innovation
Harriet Davies, Whitehaven Coal
As an Environmental Advisor at Narrabri Coal Operations, Harriet Davies has led the implementation and ongoing development of a purpose-built Environment and Rehabilitation Data Hub. This hub is a major digital innovation replacing fragmented, paper-based environmental management systems.
The Data Hub integrates permitting, disturbance tracking, rehabilitation, biodiversity constraints and cultural heritage data into a unified spatial system accessible in both office and field environments.
Real-time digital workflows, live mapping and streamlined approvals have strengthened compliance, improved operational efficiency and enhanced regulatory confidence. Recognised by regulators and industry partners as leading practice, the system has transformed environmental governance onsite and established a scalable model for digital compliance management across the resources sector.
Exceptional Tradeswoman/Operator/Technician
Taleigha Everingham-Potts, Evolution Mining
Taleigha Everingham-Potts is an experienced Auto Electrician with more than six years in the mining sector. Following an apprenticeship at Cadia, Taleigha progressed into breakdown roles supporting underground mining operations, diagnosing and repairing heavy machinery including CAT loaders, Sandvik and Epiroc equipment, while coordinating closely with supervisors and leading hands to prioritise critical work.
In 2025, Taleigha joined Evolution Mining’s Northparkes Operations as a Light Vehicle Workshop Auto Electrician, where she is responsible for diagnosing and repairing light vehicles and auxiliary equipment while supporting shift leadership when required. She is also continuing her professional development through further trade proficiency training and internal development opportunities.
Taleigha has worked to mentor female apprentices to persevere in the mining industry, and has also contributed to industry-wide advocacy for women in trades. Taleigha has also worked as a peer to peer support person at Cadia.
Inclusion & Diversity Champion
Matthew Ireland, Endura
Matthew Ireland’s leadership in mining has been shaped by both professional experience and deeply personal values. Matthew has been inspired by the strong women in his life, early exposure to talented colleagues being overlooked, and personal experience supporting family members with disabilities. Matthew developed a lasting commitment to removing barriers and ensuring equity of opportunity across the resources sector.
Matthew’s leadership has led to measurable cultural and operational outcomes, including significant improvements in female, Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ representation and embedding of equitable hiring practices. He has championed gender-neutral recruitment, diverse selection panels, leadership pathways for women and workplace facility upgrades that better support women onsite.
Matthew is a visible advocate across the industry. He has mentored emerging professionals, supported Women in Mining networks, delivered Respect@Work training and championed disability and neurodiversity inclusion initiatives.
Excellence in Diversity Programs & Performance
Evolution Mining’s Flex Crew Program
Launched in April 2025 as a two-year pilot, the Northparkes FlexCrew Program created four fixed-term roles in the Ore Processing Department where working arrangements are co-designed between employees and leaders. This flexible-by-design approach enables part-time and reduced-hours pathways that maintain safety, productivity and team integration while expanding access to operational careers.
The recruitment model focused on local community members previously unable to participate in standard shift work. Interest significantly exceeded expectations, attracting more than 100 applicants. All four roles were filled by women who had either not considered mining viable due to roster constraints or believed returning after family commitments was unachievable.
Nearly 12 months into the pilot, all participants remain employed and highly engaged, delivering strong retention outcomes and contributing positively to workload distribution and team morale. The program has increased female participation in operational roles, strengthened local talent pipelines, and reinforced flexibility as an operational strength rather than a compromise. By redesigning work to reflect modern life commitments, FlexCrew demonstrates how inclusive workforce design can deliver both participation gains and sustained operational performance.
Networking Drinks
Join us for networking drinks at 6:30pm, a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry colleagues before formalities begin at 7:00pm. This relaxed setting offers the perfect chance to engage in meaningful conversations ahead of the evening’s awards program.
Sponsored by Newmont.
Master of Ceremonies
Natasha Beyersdorf is our event MC. She brings a rich background in regional journalism and media, including experience across radio, television and public relations. Natasha currently presents NBN’s weekday evening news bulletin.
Sponsored by Yancoal.
Keynote Speaker
Michelle Keegan is CEO of Augment Technologies and a leader in mining and space technology. With over 25 years in mining, she has driven innovation at South32 and led Australia’s first lunar rover project at AROSE.
Michelle holds a Mining Engineering (Hons) degree and a Master’s in Mineral Economics from Curtin University. She was named 2023 Space Professional of the Year and featured in the Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining in 2024. She is passionate about diversity, STEM pathways, and mentoring future leaders.
Sponsored by Team Super.
Entertainment
Class Act bring the fun with unexpected mashups and creative twists, just when you think you know what song’s coming next, they flip it on its head. Blending genres and eras with seamless transitions, their sets move effortlessly from classic favourites to fresh surprises.
Sponsored by Evolution Mining.
Take a moment to explore the inspiring stories of our 2026 finalists. Their achievements showcase dedication, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.
The huge contribution mining makes to the NSW economy can be attributed to our world-class mining workforce, including the many incredible women who work in our NSW mining industry.
Congratulations to each finalist and thank you for your outstanding contributions to the mining industry.
The award winners will be announced at the NSW Women in Mining Awards Dinner on 7 May, at Crown Sydney.
Check out these highlights celebrating the incredible achievements of leading women in mining at the 2026 NSW Women in Mining Awards!
Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors for their continued support.
Platinum | Naming Rights
BHP Mt Arthur Coal is proud to sponsor the 2026 NSW Women in Mining Awards.
At BHP, we’re committed to providing a safe, inclusive and diverse workplace; it’s a commitment that’s embedded in Our Charter and is critical to our success.
In 2016, we set an aspirational goal to achieve gender balance globally by 2025, and there are over 10,000 more women now working at BHP than when we set our goal. Our aspiration is about harnessing the enormous potential that a more inclusive and diverse workplace will deliver at BHP, so we can leave a positive legacy for generations to come.
Gold
Established in 2011, Evolution Mining has grown into a globally relevant gold producer that prospers through the cycle, with a reputation for delivering value to all stakeholders. Today, we operate six mines in Australia and Canada with a portfolio vision of up to eight assets, in Tier 1 jurisdictions, generating superior returns.
Our priority is to keep our people safe and well, provide a diverse and respectful workplace and create sustainable value for all stakeholders in an environmentally and socially responsible way. With a bold team focused on financial discipline and a high-performing culture, where values and reputation are non-negotiables, Evolution has a bright future.
Thiess partners with its clients to deliver excellence in open cut and underground mining in Australia, Asia and the Americas. For almost 90 years, Thiess has operated in diverse commodities, geologies, environments and cultures. The team uses that global insight to optimise solutions and create value for each project, positioning them for optimal efficiency, productivity and cost performance, backed by how they meet their commitments. Thiess is committed to being at the forefront of sustainable mining, leveraging the power of its people and technology to drive sustainable change.
Silver Sponsors
For 20 years, Yancoal Australia has been contributing to the Australian coal industry, communities where we operate and broader society. With over 4,500 people working across our operations in NSW, Queensland and Western Australia, Yancoal’s story goes beyond the product we mine. It is about the positive impact we have on people’s lives, as we continue to deliver lasting benefits for all of our stakeholders.
Team Super is the top specialist super fund for transport, energy and mining workers, with a strong history of helping deliver exceptional retirement outcomes to our members since 1941.
The Team Super difference:
- Top performing fund – Team Super was awarded Money magazine’s Best Super fund of the year for 2025, as well as Best-value super fund for young people for the second time in a row.
- Insurance for our members – We’ve got your back. Our flexible insurance cover options can help financially protect you and your family if you’re unable to work or if the unexpected happens – and you can change your level of insurance anytime.
- Advice when it matters – We offer all Team Super members a complimentary first appointment with Team Super Financial Advice.
Team Super offers its members super, pension, insurance and financial advice services.
In operation for over 25 years, Bengalla Mining Company is located 4km west of Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter. We aim to be a world class operation and a valued supplier, employer and community partner. Our mission is to produce safe, productive and profitable coal with strong community/environmental performance and market presence. Our contribution to the local community extends beyond the immediate economic benefits of our business. Bengalla supports a wide range of projects and partnerships to build stronger and more sustainable communities. Most importantly we invest in the local communities surrounding our operation.
Newmont (ASX: NEM) is the world’s leading gold company, a producer of copper, zinc, lead and silver and Australia’s only molybdenum producer. The company’s world-class portfolio of assets, prospects and talent is anchored in favorable mining jurisdictions in Australia, Africa, Latin America, North America and Papua New Guinea. Newmont is the only gold producer listed in the S&P 500 Index and is widely recognized for its principled environmental, social and governance practices. The company is an industry leader in value creation, supported by robust safety standards, superior execution and technical expertise.
Bronze Sponsors
Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets.
For more than a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Front-line industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, maintain forests and create consumer products.
The company’s global service and distributor networks support customer operations to enhance safety and productivity while optimizing performance.
Aurelia Metals Limited (ASX: AMI) is an Australian mining and exploration company with a highly strategic landholding in the Cobar Basin in western New South Wales. We operate three underground base metal mines at our two operations, Peak and Federation. In addition, we are progressing the Great Cobar Project, a consented, high-grade copper development located at Peak.
The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) is Australia’s largest mining event, uniting 11,500+ attendees from 120+ countries. Under the 2026 theme “From Strategy to Execution,” it features 500+ speakers, five streams, and 500+ exhibitors. Held 27–29 October 2026 at ICC Sydney, it drives collaboration, innovation, and investment across the global mining value chain.
