Held at the Adelaide Pavilion in Adelaide’s Veale Gardens on Friday 15 September, more than 50 attendees and 10 speakers were present from both local and interstate locations.
The full day event began with a video that showcased women in various roles in order to emphasise the importance of diversity within the quarrying industry.
The conference included speeches on personal progression and technical expertise from various keynote speakers, including Hanson employee relations manager Leanne Parker, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure South Australia senior pavement materials engineer Anna Bartel, Groundwork Plus environmental consultant Kristy Lopes and Sarah Pennington, the mining assessment officer for the minerals division of the SA Department of Premier and Cabinet.
The conference also included a presentation from CPR Group director Michelle Connolly on how to engage communities and Sequel/Impact Drill & Blast general manager Joanne Payne’s journey to becoming the general manager of the largest drill and blast company on the east coast.
IQA CEO Paul Sutton also discussed gender and diversity challenges and how the industry should move towards “changing the conversation and behaviour toward diversity”.
This year’s panel comprised Kane Salisbury (Hallett Resources and MSP Group), Tegan Smith (Groundwork Plus), Sarah Bellman (Hanson), Brett Brown (GM Concrete) and Rodney Kazem (Boral).
Event feedback
Commenting on the event, CPR Group director Michelle Connolly said the South Australian WIQ conference was “engaging and fun”.
“[This was] an event that added value to our professional development whilst nourishing our personal development,” Connolly said.
SA WIQ coordinator Cathy Giblin echoed similar sentiments, telling Quarry, “It was fabulous to see a diverse attendee register taken in the spirit that it was intended, to encourage diversity and celebrate industry members.”
The WIQ initiative promotes networking amongst women in the quarrying and extractive industry and encourages and creates opportunities for personal and professional development.
While the conference program is designed specifically with women in mind, the conference welcomes attendance from all industry colleagues.
Event Photos
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