Celebrating the winners of the 2025 Women in Resources National Awards

The Minerals Council of Australia is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 BHP Women in Resources National Awards, celebrated last night in Brisbane.

Now in their twelfth year, the Awards honour the achievements of women, men and companies working to build a more inclusive, diverse and innovative resources sector.

Finalists from across Australia gathered to recognise the exceptional contribution of women to the nation’s minerals and energy industries.

The Outstanding Australian Tradeswoman, Operator or Technician Award, sponsored by The Bloomfield Group, was awarded to Kylee Frankee, Dual Trade Electrical and Instrument Technician with South32 in Queensland. Kylee was recognised for her persistence and resilience in forging a career in mining, and for inspiring meaningful cultural and operational improvements through her leadership and technical excellence.

The Excellence in Diversity Programs and Performance Award, sponsored by Mitsubishi Development, went to the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council’s Growth Empowerment Management Self-Care (GEMS) Program. The program was celebrated for its collaborative, industry-wide approach and measurable outcomes, including domestic violence leave and menopause policy initiatives, which are reshaping workplace standards across the sector.

The Woman in Resources Technological Innovation Award, sponsored by Maptek, was presented to Dr Nikky LaBranche, Dust and Respiratory Health Program Lead at The University of Queensland. Dr LaBranche was recognised for her pioneering achievements in dust and respiratory health, which have influenced industry standards, advanced dust control practices and achieved international recognition.

The Inclusion and Diversity Champion in Australian Resources Award, sponsored by Rio Tinto, was awarded to Dona Carter, Group Project Delivery Manager at Titeline Drilling in Victoria. Dona has been a long-standing advocate for women in mining, driving inclusive recruitment practices, mentoring women into field roles, and championing maternity and workplace support policies over more than 20 years.

The Exceptional Young Woman in Australian Resources Award, sponsored by Newmont, was awarded to Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths, Principal Business Improvement at Stanmore Resources in Queensland. Ashley was commended for her authentic leadership style, strong environmental focus, and measurable achievements in driving business and sustainability outcomes.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the Exceptional Woman in Australian Resources Award, sponsored by Dyno Nobel, to Georgia Denisenko, Director at Just Outcomes in Victoria. Georgia was recognised for her pioneering achievements in native title law and her visible advocacy in shaping industry thinking on this critical issue, with significant impact at a national level.

The Minerals Council of Australia congratulates all winners and finalists for their achievements and thanks BHP, the principal sponsor of the Awards, and all award sponsors for their continued support. The Women in Resources National Awards are also supported by the State Chambers including Queensland Resources Council, NSW Minerals Council, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing & Energy Council, the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy, MCA Victoria and MCA NT.

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The BHP 2025 Women in Resources Awards were sponsored and supported by: