Annual Flagship Dinner: Breaking Ground
Join WIMnet Victoria, AusIMM Melbourne Branch and Central Victoria Branch for their Annual Flagship Dinner: Breaking Ground.
About this event
Annual Flagship Dinner: Breaking Ground
Our beloved annual lunch has evolved and has moved to an evening event! The evening continues with Breaking Ground 2026, bringing together professionals from across the resources sector for networking, recognition, and industry connection in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
From students and emerging professionals to senior leaders, this event offers something for every stage of your career journey.
Join us as we celebrate 2026, with:
- Pre-Event Development Workshop
- Pre-Dinner networking hour
- A two-course sit down meal
- Charity silent auction and door prizes
- Corporate and individual ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities available
To support attendees travelling with family, complimentary licensed onsite childcare will be available during the event through Event Nannies (conditions apply). Discounted accommodation and parking rates are also available at Rydges.
Join us for an afternoon of learning and an evening of connection.
Development Workshop
Invest in your career, connect with your community, break new ground in 2026 with this year's event going beyond networking and celebration. The afternoon Development Workshop provides direct access to experienced industry professionals who will share candid insights on career progression, leadership challenges, industry change, and personal growth. Through interactive discussion and peer engagement, attendees will gain practical strategies they can apply immediately in their own careers.
The engaging development workshop will include an interactive panel discussion featuring Karissa Cameron, Founder of Lead with Purpose, Stacey Kachere, Senior Metallurgist at Alkane Resources and Stevie Child, Undergraduate Mining Engineer at Alkane Resources.Showcasing three levels of industry experience, the panel will explore how each panellist navigates challenges in their role as the industry evolves, sharing their own unique perspectives and experiences.
This workshop will feature topics including:
- Peer-To Peer Coaching / Q&A
- Strategic Networking and Building Your Alliances
- Mastering Middle Management
Event Program
3.00pm - 4.30pm: Development Workshop
5.00pm - 6.00pm: Networking hour
6.00pm - 9.00pm: Annual Flagship Dinner
Speaker/s
Carol Plummer
Carol Plummer is Executive Vice President - Sustainability, People & Culture, providing leadership and fostering collaboration in the areas of Health, Safety and Security, Environmental Management and Critical Infrastructures, Sustainability and People to ensure operational and cultural alignment throughout the Company
She is also chair of the board of directors of the Mining Association of Canada.
Carol has worked for Agnico since 2004 in a variety of operations and corporate roles in Canada, Finland and the USA. Prior to joining Agnico, Carol worked for Noranda Inc at operations in Quebec and New Brunswick, Canada.
A third-generation mining engineer, she holds a B.Sc. in Mining Engineering from Queen’s University and is a licensed Professional Engineer.
Karissa Cameron
With a background in operational leadership in mining, Karissa understands the impact frontline leaders have on culture, performance, safety and people’s day-to-day experience of work. Her work is grounded in practical, human-first leadership development that builds confidence, self-awareness and the skills needed to lead with purpose.
Through leadership programs, workshops and coaching, Karissa supports capable technical and operational performers to become confident leaders who can communicate clearly, have meaningful conversations, influence culture and bring out the best in their teams.
As a woman in mining, Karissa is passionate about creating more inclusive, psychosocially safe workplaces where people feel valued, supported and able to thrive. Her work continues to break new ground by creating a ripple effect across leaders, teams, workplaces and the broader industry.
Stacey Kachere
Throughout her career, she has worked across iron ore, copper and gold processing operations, with a particular focus on plant optimisation, process efficiency and continuous improvement. Stacey is passionate about identifying practical opportunities to enhance metallurgical performance and operational outcomes, while continuing to learn and contribute to the broader minerals processing industry.
Stevie Child
Stevie began her career in mining at 18, joining Costerfield during a gap year after completing Year 12 before commencing her Mining Engineering degree. Since then, she has combined full-time online study with work on site, gaining experience across underground mining, drill and blast, short-term mine planning and operational activities.
Alongside her studies and work, Stevie is actively involved in the resources industry and enjoys sharing her experiences of working and studying in mining, particularly with students and those considering a career in the industry.
Sponsors
Location
Rydges Melbourne
Meeting Place
186 Exhibition Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tuesday, 24 November 2026
3.00pm – 9.00pm (UTC+11:00)
Date and Time
3.00pm – 9.00pm (UTC+11:00)
Cost
AusIMM Member: $110
AusIMM Student Member: $80
Non-Member: $110
Non-Member Student: $110
Standard Table of 10: $1100
Workshop
AusIMM Member: $20
Non-Member: $20