WIMWA Summit 2025

And, just like that we are back with our seventeenth annual event! 

Join us in Perth for WIMWA 2025 ­– two days of captivating speakers, bold ideas and inspiring conversations exploring leadership and the future of work within the mining and resources industry.

This year, we’re exploring how we can all belong—and get along—while calling for change and celebrating our mining community.

We’re proud 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 redesign, collaboration, unlearning and hope. 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 representation! Also the content!—every time the stories shared are so enriching, authentic, and valuable. The more we can take in and apply in our day‑to‑day work, the better our industry will become.”

Everyone is 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 with other industry 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 second WIMWA summit keynote address. After her energetic and delightful first appearance at WIMWA 2024 we look forward to welcoming  Lisa Leong, host of ABC’s This Working Life, back to WIMWA to bring her 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."

“I love that every year is different, there are familiar faces but they bring something new, and we've developed trust that they are going to bring new tools we can use to make the world of work better!”

Please note, conference program is subject to change. 

Day One | 18th of September

In a first for Perth, we are bringing Harvard Business School’s Amy Gallo to the stage. Amy is a workplace expert who writes and speaks about effective communication, interpersonal dynamics, gender, difficult conversations, and feedback. She is the best-selling author of Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) and the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict, as well as hosting HBR’s highly popular podcast Women at Work. In a world that is increasingly polarised, we need ways to "disagree agreeably" and Amy will provide a masterclass in calm and confident conflict resolution and healthy team communication.

“The ability to navigate friction confidently and calmly isn’t just a work skill, it’s a life skill. When we disagree with respect, compassion, and kindness, it can lead to new ideas, stronger bonds, and a refreshing level of candour. It’s not always easy, but we can have better relationships at work and beyond — and we deserve them. - Amy Gallo

We are delighted that WIMWA favourite, Dr Emily Musgrove, will join us again. Dr Emily is the resident psychologist on the celebrated podcast The Imperfects, and author of the recently published Unstuck: A guide to finding your way forward to the life you want to live. Dr Emily will speak about embracing uncertainty, and ways to cultivate hope in an uncertain time.

A nationally respected leader and advocate with a long and distinguished career, Tanya Hosch has held leadership roles in sport, the arts, culture, social justice, and public policy. She was the first Indigenous person—and only the second woman—appointed to the AFL Executive, most recently serving as Executive General Manager, Inclusion and Social Policy. We are looking forward to her sharing her insights on leadership.

Cordelia Fine - a Professor in the School of Historical & Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne. Cordelia’s important research contributes to debates about workplace gender equality including workplaces overcoming the substantial barriers to fathers becoming more involved caregivers. Cordelia was honoured in 2018 for her significant contribution to the understanding and well-being of humanity. In 2023 she was named a 'living legend' by The Australian newspaper.

In a first for Perth we will be joined by Ann Sherry AO one of Australia's leading business leaders with a career that spans Government, Banking and Cruise Tourism. Current roles include NED at National Australia Bank, Chancellor QUT and Chair UNICEF. 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". Ann prides herself on challenging the status quo and is a passionate advocate for achieving equal parental leave.

“Change and transformation is in everyone’s remit, big things can be changed if you find the right moment, the right opportunity, the right idea and the sometimes the right name to attach.”

Ann Sherry AO

Day Two | 19th September

Annabel Crabb will present a special keynote address drawing on her own keen interest in Australian workplaces, and how both men and women engage with work, she will speak about what fills her with hope for the future of work, leadership, working dads and how stepping outside your own story can help us to accelerate fairer workplaces, and faster change

“Experience has confirmed my suspicion that there are heaps of men who would like to do things a bit differently but have been a bit worried about asking.” Annabel Crabb

Australia’s most in‑demand professional mentor and leadership coach, Ben Crowe is back by popular demand. Ben has worked with athletes, CEOs, coaches, and executive teams all over the world, helping them master their performance mindset and find perspective and meaning in their lives. In a new masterclass for WIMWA, Ben will challenge the audience to examine their own perspectives, reframe leadership as a mindset,identify blind spots — and you’ll walk away with practical tools to lift confidence, wellbeing and performance—for you and your team.

We are delighted that WIMWA favourite, Dr Emily Musgrove, will join us again on both days. Dr Emily is the resident psychologist on the celebrated podcast The Imperfects, and author of the recently published Unstuck: A guide to finding your way forward to the life you want to live. Dr Emily will join a lively panel with industry leaders.

Dr Michelle Penelope King Now the Global Director of Performance, Culture & Talent at international law firm HSF Kramer, the former Netflix Director of Inclusion (and ex‑Head of UN Women’s Global Innovation Coalition for Change). Michelle will once again bring her data-backed insights on culture, leadership and workplace equality to the WIMWA stage. We’re thrilled to welcome her home to Perth to inspire and challenge us all over again.

Elizabeth Shaw - Partner - Workforce, PwC Australia. Elizabeth “Beth” Shaw is a Partner in PwC Australia’s Workforce Advisory practice, where she helps organisations lift performance through people strategy, culture and inclusion. A former lawyer and past President of UN Women Australia, she has steered high‑profile culture reviews across resources, policing and higher education, advises the Champions of Change Coalition. We look forward to hearing her vision of a gender balanced future world of work. 

Renowned Australian leader Susan Lloyd- Hurwitz AM will join us to share a special keynote address. Susan is a non‑executive director of Rio Tinto and Macquarie Group, Chair of the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council, a member of the Sydney Opera House Trust and the INSEAD Global Board, and Chair of the University of Sydney’s Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion @ Work Advisory Board. Susan has a global career and was Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Mirvac Group for over a decade. Until May 2025, she was President of Chief Executive Women.

Saving the best to last, across the two days, we will welcome industry leaders and legends to share their stories and unique perspectives in special addresses, and in panel discussions.

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 - secure your tickets now.