The South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy is proud to announce the South Australian Women in Resources Awards for 2022.​
2022 award winners and finalists with The Hon. Katrine Hildyard MP,  Minister for Women,
​Pauline Carr, the Chancellor of University of South Australia and SACOME CEO, Rebecca Knol. 
Recognising exceptional women in resources is vital if we are to meet the growing demand for professionals in South Australia’s high-tech, highly-skilled resources sector.

By celebrating women who are contributing to the success of the resources sector and championing diversity, the awards are an important recognition of excellence in the sector in South Australia.

Winners in each category have been elevated to finalists in the Women in Resources National Awards. See the full media release here. 
Exceptional Young Woman in Resources Award
This category recognises an outstanding young woman who has shown significant promise and achieved significant milestones in her career to date. It also recognises her contribution to promoting the Australian resources industry’s reputation and standing in the community and increasing inclusion and diversity in the sector.
The award is open to women 30 and under as at 31 March 2022.
Winner
Tessa Ormerod
Senior Geotechnical Engineer 
OZ Minerals

"When we can see women in leadership, we are better placed to attract, retain, advocate for and promote women. When you have successful women around you, a leadership role is not only possible but a probable path to work towards".
Finalist
Zenoushka Bynevelt
Mine Geologist
BHP

“It is my belief that inclusion and diversity are the building blocks of a sustainable society. Sustainable diversity can only be achieved through complete inclusion, if we wish to foster a mindset of continual innovation and growth".
Finalist
Princess Ladra
Mechanical Reliability Engineer 
​Nyrstar
​
​“For me, inclusion and diversity is a continuous path that requires constant attention by leadership to ensure that everyone feels fulfilled, engaged, safe and happy, as I believe it’s the ultimate secret for an organization’s success”.
Exceptional Woman in Resources Award
This award recognises the exceptional achievement of a woman in the Australian resources sector in any occupation.
It recognises professional success, leadership skills, resilience, methods of overcoming barriers, and seeking out and accepting new responsibilities and challenges.
It also recognises work to promote the industry’s reputation and standing in the community. This work may include a commitment to community engagement and development, contributing to inclusion and diversity within the sector and/or other sustainability initiatives.
Winner
Cassie Chamings
Superintendent - Security
BHP, Olympic Dam

"I inherited a function with extremely low inclusion and diversity and a contracting workforce reluctant to change. I worked extremely hard to turn this around, breaking new ground for women in the security and mining industries by leading Olympic Dam to becoming the first Minerals Australia asset to achieve gender balance in the Security function".
​
Finalist
Anne Abraham
Gas Production Optimisation Engineer, Beach Energy

"I am keen to represent a full-time working mother in positive light, not only to my children, but to my nieces and nephews, and my broader community, that my sons can see I can be a mother, with all that entails, and still positively contribute to society in a technically challenging area, in leadership roles, and on major projects that impact our lives."
Winner
Jessica Balasso
Head of Technology
​BHP, Olympic Dam

"For Jess, inclusion and diversity means creating an environment where everyone feels safe, empowered, and is treated with respect. She is masterful at building top-performing teams and cultures where people bring their full and best self to work, where they feel valued and where they have the space to
​ grow and thrive."
​
Finalist
Donna Newman
Superintendent - People
OZ Minerals

"Inclusion and diversity just makes sense. All people should be able to be their whole self, and be treated equally without bias. If we can create an inclusive culture both within organisations and society, we will unlock so much potential in people".