2026 NSW Women in Mining Awards – Winners announced

Malabar Resources’ Surface Infrastructure Manager Penny Woodward has been named the 2026 Exceptional Woman in NSW Mining.

As a bassoon player in touring orchestras, Penny’s first career was a world away from her current role in mining. Now utilising the resilience, perseverance and dedication previously gained as a professional musician, Penny leads a multi-disciplinary team of over twenty people responsible for surface infrastructure critical to the Maxwell Underground Mine’s long-term success.

Her career and personal experience shows how learned life skills can set someone up for a successful career in mining, with Penny now a strong advocate for women to consider mining as a career path.

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee congratulated Penny on being named this year’s Exceptional Woman in Mining, highlighting her achievements as another example of world-class women in mining.

“Penny’s pivot from music to mining shows the dynamic options available to women looking to forge a new career path in our industry. Her rise to a position of significant responsibility within Malabar Resources is a great example for other young women exploring their career options.”

Other award winners include Glencore’s Ulan Surface Operations’ first female Production Superintendent Aliesha Saxby who has been named 2026 NSW Exceptional Young Woman in Mining.

A passionate advocate for STEM education and industry engagement, Aleisha 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.

Environmental Adviser at Whitehaven Coal’s Narrabri Coal Operations, Harriet Davies has received the 2026 Technological Innovation Award for her work leading 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 2026 Exceptional Tradeswoman/Operator/Technician Award was awarded to Taleigha Everingham-Potts from Evolution Mining’s Northparkes Operations. An experienced Auto Electrician with more than six years in the mining sector, Taleigha has progressed from an apprenticeship into roles diagnosing and repairing heavy machinery including CAT loaders, Sandvik and Epiroc equipment.

Matthew Ireland from Endura has received the Inclusion & Diversity Champion Award. His leadership has led to measurable cultural and operational outcomes, including significant improvements in female, Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ representation and embedding of equitable hiring practices.

The Excellence in Diversity Programs & Performance Award went to Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations for the FlexCrew 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.

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee congratulated all of the winners and finalists.

“Mining is a key contributor to the NSW economy and much of this can be attributed to our world-class mining workforce, including the contribution made by the incredible women of our NSW mining industry. These Awards celebrate their achievements in a range of fields,” Mr Galilee said.

“From technology and innovation to engineering and trades, as well as operational roles and critical research, our award winners highlight the opportunities for women in mining, and showcase the career paths available in our sector.”

The winners in the six award categories will be entered into the Women in Resources National Awards.

2026 NSW Women in Mining Awards Winners

Exceptional Woman in NSW Mining
Penny Woodward
Malabar Resources

Exceptional Young Woman in NSW Mining
Aliesha Saxby
Glencore Coal Assets Australia

Inclusion & Diversity Champion
Matthew Ireland
Endura

Technological Innovation Award
Harriet Davies
Whitehaven Coal Narrabri Coal Operations

Outstanding Tradeswoman/Operator/Technician
Taleigha Everingham-Potts
Evolution Mining Northparkes Operation

Excellence in Diversity Programs and Performance
FlexCrew Program
Evolution Mining Northparkes Operation

Contact: Brad Emery | bemery@nswmining.com.au | 0450620254