WIMWA 2024

We’re back with our 16th annual event! 

Join us in Perth for WIMWA 2024 ­– 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 WIMWA 2024 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.

“This is an UPLIFTING day in which sometimes tough topics are addressed in a way that the attendees can’t help but be swept away with optimism for the future. They come away believing that diverse and inclusive workplaces are a possibility and that it is good for everyone."

“An outstanding program!”

Day One | 12th September

Lisa Leong, host of ABC National’s This Working Life, will provide a keynote address Belonging, inclusion and connection, and the steps to getting diversity at work right.

Dr Emily Musgrove, clinical psychologist, a regular guest on The Imperfects, one of Australia's most popular podcasts, on Belonging, stereotypes and the effect of the fundamental attribution error.  

Dr Mark Williams, internationally recognised professor of cognitive neuroscience, and author The Connected Species: How understanding the evolution of our brain can change the world, on 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, on standing up and speaking out for others, even when it’s difficult or carries a cost.

Andrea Maxey, VP Investor Relations, Communication & ESG at AngloGold Ashanti 

Dr Rishelle Hume AM, Diversity and Inclusion Business Advisor Eurasia Pacific - Chevron Office of Global Diversity, Inclusion & Ombuds

Nikki Levitt, HR Manager at Genesis Minerals

Mariette Steyn, 

An intergenerational panel of trades: Tracey Newington, Heavy Diesel Mechanic, Donna Stace, Operational Specialist in Functional Safety at Rio Tinto; Nicole O'Keefe, Mechanical Superintendent in Fixed Plant at BHP; Melinda Clarke, Snr Maintenance Specialist at Woodside and Clarisse Orchard, Technical Process Specialist at Callidus Welding Solutions

Please note, conference program is subject to change. 

Day Two | 13th September

Annabel Crabb, ABC presenter and one of Australia’s most beloved journalists, 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. 

Sharon Warburton, NED Northern Star, South32 and Thiess 

Catherine Fox AM, one of Australia’s leading experts on leadership, the future of workplaces and the status of women, and author of a soon to be released new book: Breaking the Boss Bias: How to get more women into leadership.

Ann Sherry AO is 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 and the motivating power of relentless dissatisfaction.

In conversation with Annabel Crabb -   Anthony Kirke, Head of DiiMos Strategy at idoba, Simon Trott, Chief Executive, Iron Ore at Rio Tinto and Tim Day, Asset President Iron Ore at BHP

Please note, conference program is subject to change. 

“WIMWA is unique .... if you don't attend you are missing out on an opportunity to better understand your career, your interactions with others and the powerful positive impact you can have”

Don't be left behind.

Book your ticket to join the conversation. We can’t wait to see you in September.

A huge thank you to our sponsors, an event of this calibre is simply not possible without their support!