NSW Women in Mining Awards: “The beginning of a journey that opens you to so many opportunities and great experiences.”

NSW Minerals Council will be celebrating the achievements of women and gender diversity champions again later this year, and we’ve been speaking to some past winners and finalists to hear about their experiences.

Back in 2020, the “Exceptional Woman” Award was given to The Bloomfield Group‘s Chief Corporate Services Officer and inclusion & mental health advocate, Renata Roberts.

“I’m amazed at the opportunities I’ve had as a result of winning the Award,”

“It has given me a platform to be a voice for change when it comes to diversity and inclusion and also to raise awareness of mental health,” Renata said.

Starting her mining career in 2002, Renata’s commitment to employee health and wellbeing led to her driving several important community and gender-based initiatives in her most recent role at The Bloomfield Group.

The 2020 Awards ceremony was a virtual event, which had the added benefit that Renata could celebrate with family members and colleagues from across the country, who watched her receive her well-deserved accolade online.

It was Renata’s teammates who initially began the entry process. After approaching her to reveal what they had been planning, Renata was initially reluctant to be nominated.

“Originally, I didn’t want to enter, but it was such an honour to have my team want to nominate me,” she said.

“But I am so glad they did! It was such a proud moment and a special occasion to celebrate with my team and those who have been with me along the journey”.

“I’m still amazed today at the opportunities that continue to come from winning the Award in terms of advocating on issues that are important for our industry and broader society.”

Since receiving the Award, Renata has become a member of the executive team for the NSW Women in Mining Network and Co-Lead for the WIMNet Committee with The Bloomfield Group’s Damien Butler for the Hunter Region.

Renata has also been a guest speaker at a number of events promoting inclusion and mental health which included virtual appearances for events in WA and SA, and Renata has established a website called They Who Share Their Stories designed to bring a call to action on diversity & inclusion in our workplaces.

Following her success at the 2020 NSW Women in Mining Awards, Renata then went on to win the “Exceptional Woman” Award at WIRNA (Women in Resources National Awards) and in doing so, was the first NSW winner to take home the coveted National Award.

Renata’s advice for anyone thinking of entering this year’s Awards is to go for it.

“Don’t think you can’t put a nomination in. Definitely put yourself forward. It will be the beginning of a journey that opens you to so many opportunities and great experiences.”

Our Awards program includes six awards, including those in their early-stage career. Great work deserves to be recognised at all levels, so we encourage you to enter this year.

• • Outstanding Trade, Operator or Technician

• • Excellence in Diversity Programs and Performance

• • Technical Innovation

• • Gender Diversity Champion

• • Exceptional Young Woman

• • Exceptional Woman

>> Read more and enter the 2022 NSW Women in Mining Awards on our website