WIMWA Summit 2024

We’re back with our 16th annual event!

Join us in Perth for WIMWA2024 – two days of captivating speakers, bold ideas and inspiring conversations exploring leadership, connection and belonging within the mining and resources industry.

This year, we’re exploring our need to belong, calling for change and celebrating community.

We’re thrilled to be once again hosting an exceptional line-up of thought-leaders, changemakers and crowd favourites from both within and outside of the industry. Over panel discussions and keynote talks, you’ll hear from people who are speaking up, challenging the norms and fighting for better ways of doing things. Woven throughout the event this year are strong themes of change, connection and community that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to take positive action.

“I love that every year there are new speakers, new ideas that push the boundaries of conventional thinking. It is beautifully and thoughtfully curated.”

“The conversations and narrative at WIMWA are fantastic, beautiful, aesthetic, thoughtful and aimed at bridging knowledge and culture.”

You’re invited to join the conversation

WIMWA events are for anyone, no matter their age, gender or career stage, who’s committed to creating positive workplace change in our sector. Connect with fascinating people, share stories and ideas, and leave feeling refreshed, motivated and optimistic about the future of work and life we can shape together.

“One of the reasons WIMWA has been so successful over the years is that it is an inclusive event, and huge effort goes into trying to make it relevant for all across age ranges and genders. The common thread is the industry – people working in the mining industry.”

“The event is always thought-provoking, inspiring and incredibly motivating”

Meet our speakers.

We’re delighted that Annabel Crabb, one of Australia’s most beloved journalists, will join us this year to both MC the event and provide her first WIMWA summit keynote address. A new face at WIMWA2024 is Lisa Leong, host of ABC’s This Working Life, who draws on her unique career experiences combined with design thinking and mindfulness practices to bring a fresh approach to conversations and connection. Both Annabel and Lisa will be speaking on both days of our program.

“I loved the program – what an excellent line up of speakers. I can see why they were selected. It’s refreshing not to see the same old tropes trotted out about confidence and leaning in.”

“An outstanding program!”

Day One | 12th September

Lisa Leong

Host of ABC National’s This Working Life, will provide a keynote address on belonging, inclusion and connection and the steps to getting diversity at work right.

Dr. Emily Musgrove

Clinical psychologist and a regular guest on The Imperfects, one of Australia’s most popular podcasts, will speak about belonging, stereotypes and the effect of the fundamental attribution error.

Dr. Mark Williams

Internationally recognised professor of cognitive neuroscience and author of The Connected Species: How understanding the evolution of our brain can change the world will address how to communicate better to drive connection and belonging.

Craig Foster AM

Former captain of the Socceroos, broadcaster, social justice advocate and human rights campaigner, will speak on standing up and speaking out for others, even when it’s difficult or carries a cost.

Katie Charuga

Katie Charuga is Director Integrated Operations at Fortescue, responsible for leading our Port, Rail, Central Services, Energy, HIVE, Integrated Planning and Resource Definition teams.

Stephanie Harrison (via live stream)

International bestselling author, expert in the science of happiness, writer, designer and speaker, will discuss her new book, New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That’s Got It Wrong.

Nicole O’Keefe

FPM Mechanical Superintendent. BHP Iron Ore.

Ashinka Weeratunge

Rio Tinto.

Yemi Penn

Ros Thomas

Author, former television journalist of 20 years and current Churchill Fellow, will speak on and offer solutions to the epidemic of chronic loneliness sweeping the world.

Andrea Maxey

VP Investor Relations, Communication & ESG at AngloGold Ashanti.

Nikki Levitt

HR Manager at Genesis Minerals.

Melinda Clarke

Woodside Energy.

Mariette Steyn

Executive Vice President: Sustainable Development – GoldFIelds .

Day Two | 13th September

Annabel Crabb

ABC presenter and one of Australia’s most beloved journalists, will present a keynote address on merit and why unlearning past behaviour is the key to modern leadership.

Ben Crowe

Ash Barty’s Mindset coach and Australia’s most in-demand professional mentor, will run a leadership and mindset masterclass. An expert in storytelling, Ben will take the audience on an unexpected and inspiring journey to discover the counter-intuitive principles behind successful teams and leaders.

Catherine Fox AM

One of Australia’s foremost experts on leadership, the future of workplaces and the status of women, will speak about her upcoming book: Breaking the Boss Bias: How to get more women into leadership.

Ann Sherry AO

One of Australia’s leading business executives with a career that spans government, banking and cruise tourism. She is an active philanthropist with a passion for improving opportunities and removing barriers for women in STEM and sport and supporting opportunities for Indigenous Australians. Ann will provide our final keynote on change.

Lily Meneghal

GM Remote Operations at Roy Hill.

Sharon Warburton

NED Northern Star, South32 and Thiess.

Megan McCracken

Pleiades Global.

Bernadette Dippenaar

Bernadette Dippenaar has more than 20 years of experience in the mining and manufacturing industry, leading operational and corporate teams.

Tim Day

BHP Asset President – Iron Ore.

much more to announce, once the internal approvals are actioned!

Please note, conference program is subject to change.

“It takes more than training, optimism and counting the number of women to address workplace inequality. Thank you, WIMWA, for creating a platform to discuss and educate in a safe, respectful place”