Student Journal - Illawarra Student Chapter - Inspiring leadership in diversity and inclusion amongst the next generation of mining industry professionals
Inspiring leadership in diversity and inclusion amongst the next generation of mining industry professionals
Justine Calleja, MAusIMM Lecturer of Mining Engineering, University of Wollongong, and UOW Mining Engineering students: Lucy O’Brien, Margaret Potter, Rosette Ruzunga, Jinny Ananyalek Kalamek, Joshua Noonan, Mackenzie Cini
NSW Women in Mining Network held its very successful Leadership Workshop Day again in Orange, Wollongong and the Hunter Valley in September 2025. The Leadership Workshops appeal to all current and aspiring leaders and all genders committed to diversity and inclusion in the mining sector.
This year the Workshop was facilitated by Julie Alexander (Culture Incorporated) and focused on building courage, confidence and connection by establishing Psychological Safety, Power and Influence and Strategic Influence. The day was concluded with a panel discussion by mining industry leaders, Amanda Crehan, Ngaire Baker, and Justine Calleja.
The Illawarra Branch AusIMM generously provided $1000 sponsorship for ten University of Wollongong students to attend and WIMNet NSW provided another $500 sponsorship for five additional students.
The leadership workshop was a very valuable experience for our UOW Mining Engineering students in their journey to becoming professionals and leaders of the mining industry:
Lucy O’Brien 2nd Year Mining Engineering Student
In high school I studied both Earth and Environmental Science and Engineering Studies, and I knew I wanted to combine the two somehow. I came across mining engineering at UOW, looked through the subject life and everything just clicked. Choosing mining engineering was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
UOW stood out for its strong reputation in mining engineering along the East Coast, and the AusIMM Illawarra Student Chapter’s close ties with the broader industry have already opened many doors for me in terms of networking and exposure to opportunities.
By far, the most exciting experience in my studies has been becoming actively involved in the UOW community, particularly through the AusIMM Student Chapter. It provides a professional stepping stone into the industry by offering direct opportunities to connect with industry professionals. Through this involvement, I’ve had the chance to build strong relationships with my cohort, organise and attend events, and develop valuable connections within the mining sector. It's made the pathway into the industry feel both accessible and exciting, and it’s been a great way to grow both personally and professionally.
I had the privilege to attend this year’s WIMNet NSW Leadership Day, facilitated by Julie Alexander Bingham. Reflecting on my experience through the course, Julie’s insightful approach and depth of knowledge on the challenges of growing into dynamic leadership roles left a profound impression on me. Her ability to break down complex emotional and psychological aspects of leadership has genuinely changed the way I view the professional, emotional, and social hardships that leaders often face. The course helped shift my mindset about what leadership in mining looked like beyond a job description, with a focus on navigating people, values, and vulnerability with clarity, authenticity, and purpose.
As an emerging young professional, I found the guest panel discussion equally valuable. Learning from the challenges that Justine, Ngaire, and Amanda have faced throughout their careers, both as women and as leaders, reinforced the key concepts Julie had introduced. These included staying true to your values, developing self-awareness, practicing relational transparency, and finding purpose. Hearing their personal stories brought these ideas to life in a way that made them feel more relatable. It also made my own future career feel more achievable. It reminded me that leadership is not a straight path, but a journey of growth, learning, and helping those around us rise.
I walked away from the course with a stronger sense of direction and the confidence to apply what I’ve learned, both in my studies and in future professional environments. WIMNet’s continued support for the next generation of leaders through events like this is incredibly valuable, and I’m excited to take part in more skill-building opportunities in the future.
Mackenzie Cini, 2nd Year Mining Engineering Student
Attending the WIMnet Leadership Day was an extremely valuable learning experience that highlighted the key skills needed to pursue leadership roles in the mining industry. The day featured a series of insightful sessions designed to challenge participants and inspire growth, with a strong focus on self-awareness, resilience, and communication. The session I found most impactful was on trust dynamics and psychological bravery, which encouraged us to step beyond our comfort zones and confront the fears that hold us back. It emphasized the importance of vulnerability in leadership and personal development. My key takeaway from the day was the powerful reminder that “Silence protects the system. It doesn’t protect you.”
Rosette Ruzunga, 3rd Year Mining Engineering Student
I am studying Mining Engineering as I’ve always been drawn to the earth moving aspects of civil engineering and the underground world of tunnelling engineering and mining seemed to be the perfect mix. I enjoy studying at UOW as they have a very practical approach to mining engineering combining field experience with theory for a comprehensive learning experience, especially including industry experience and networking such as the WIMNet Leadership Workshop.
Attending the NSW Illawarra Women in Mining Network Leadership Course allowed me to strengthen my leadership skills, gain insights and network with established professionals in the industry and connect with peers navigating entry into the mining industry.
The whole day was very valuable for me including Session 1: Psychological Safety, Bravery and the Trust Thermocline. It highlighted how fragile and important trust is to every aspect of leadership and gave me practical strategies for creating safe and supportive environments, which I believe are essential in mining teams. Session 2: The Psychology of leading authentically, highlighted how types of power can influence a workplace hierarchy or organisational leadership and how to navigate it. This section outlined strategies like knowing yourself, being real, staying open and doing what’s right to be a genuine leader. Session 3: Strategic influence and navigating organisational politics. This section spoke to the unwritten social and political rules of organisations and how to navigate potential tensions and pressures.
The course broadened my understanding of leadership in mining by showing that effective leaders have a combination of technical expertise, emotional intelligence and authenticity. It also gave me new perspectives on gender, diversity, and inclusion, I learned that diverse voices not only improve decision-making but also challenge outdated norms in traditionally male-dominated spaces. I left the course with greater confidence to pursue leadership opportunities, supported by new strategies for navigating organisational politics, building influence, and leading authentically.
Networking was another key benefit. Meeting peers, mentors, and role models reminded me that I’m not alone, and that there is a strong community of women supporting each other in mining. Overall, the course challenged me to think differently about myself and my future, encouraging me to see leadership as something achievable and reachable.
Jinny Kalamek, 3rd Year Mining Engineering Student
I became very excited about pursuing a career in the mining industry after attending the Illawarra AusIMM Hunter Valley Mining tour when I had the opportunity to observe real world mining operations and connected with mining professionals. I love studying at UOW where the cost of living is affordable, and the mining degree provides valuable hands-on experience with high graduate employability. My passion for mining grew stronger when I witnessed underground operations. I was fascinated by the idea of becoming a part of such an exciting industry and contributing to the world by providing valuable minerals.
The WIMNet Leadership Workshop was organised to emphasise the power of women in mining. As a young woman in this field, I want to develop my leadership skills and demonstrate that women can drive the mining industry just as effectively as any other gender. My main takeaway from this event is the courage to become more independent and trust in my ability to step outside my comfort zone.
My favourite part of the workshop was Session 1: Psychological Bravery, which focused on the ability to speak up. I used to be afraid of trying new things and often avoided leadership roles because I did not want to make high-risk decisions. This session gave me a new perspective and encouraged me to take on challenges with more confidence.
I also enjoyed the Bingo activity, where I had the chance to speak with many people from different backgrounds. It helped me practise effective communication without judgement. This was a valuable experience, as leadership in mining is not only about technical knowledge but also about making decisions that impact people’s safety and wellbeing. Learning how to be a good leader is therefore crucial in developing the confidence and problem-solving skills required of a mining engineer. The workshop challenged me to see myself not only as a student, but also as someone who can actively contribute to the industry’s growth and sustainability.
Meeting like-minded peers and professionals gave me new perspectives, broadened my understanding of career opportunities, and helped me feel part of a supportive community. It showed me that mining is not only about technical expertise but also about collaboration, teamwork, and shared values. I can apply these skills in any future role, whether as an engineer or a supervisor. I hope initiatives like this continue to empower women and create more inclusive pathways into leadership positions. By fostering mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth, courses like this and the Women in Mining Network can help build a diverse, resilient, and forward-thinking mining industry.
Joshua Noonan, 4th Year Mining Engineering Student
I chose to study Mining Engineering because I enjoy the practical side of engineering and the balance it provides between office-based work and time on site. After completing a summer placement with Alkane Resources, I discovered a real passion for the work and the industry. Mining also offers unique opportunities to travel, experience different parts of the world, and take on diverse challenges. Importantly, it provides strong career development pathways, particularly in leadership roles, which aligns with my long-term goals.
One of the most exciting experiences in my studies so far has been working on my thesis in partnership with a mining company, where I had the opportunity to tackle real on-site challenges. This work focused on improving safety and efficiency within their systems, giving me valuable insight into how engineering solutions can make a meaningful difference in mining operations.
Another highlight has been my involvement in the AusIMM community, which has allowed me to travel to Brisbane and Perth for events such as the National Mining Games and the New Leaders’ Summit. These experiences gave me the chance to represent UOW, build lasting friendships with students from across Australasia, and strengthen my leadership and networking skills.
I came to the NSW Illawarra Women in Mining Network Leadership Course because I really believe in supporting diversity and inclusion. Growing up in a family with mostly women and also seeing the challenges my brother faced living with a disability - especially in the workplace, showed me how important it is to make sure minority groups are supported. Mining is an industry that’s changing, and if we want it to grow stronger, we need to make it more open and inclusive. For me, being here is about showing support, learning from others, and playing my part in making the industry a place where everyone can succeed.
I think courses like this and the Women in Mining Network can really help change the way leadership looks in mining. It’s about creating a culture where different voices are heard, and people feel supported to step up. If more of these opportunities exist, it means the next generation of leaders will come from a wider range of backgrounds and experiences, which can only make the industry better.
Maggie Potter, 4th Year Mining Engineering Student
Mining engineering is my chosen degree as I love applying skills learnt in University in a practical field and I enjoy learning about different innovative ways mines are always improving sustainability. I study at UOW as it is close to home and is well known for Engineering. My most exciting experience so far has been completing Vacation Student Placements in mining, where I gained valuable software and Excel skills while learning first-hand how mine operations run. I particularly enjoyed experiencing both open cut and underground environments, which gave me a broad perspective of the industry. These experiences have strengthened my passion for being part of mining’s future, especially in driving improvements in sustainability and safety.
I came to the NSW Illawarra Women in Mining Network Leadership Course to develop my leadership skills and learn what qualities make an effective leader. I wanted to gain insights into how I can grow into a strong leader and build the ability to lead diverse teams successfully.
The most valuable part of my day was listening to Session 1 on Psychological Safety, Bravery, and the Trust Thermocline. One quote from Julie really stood out to me: “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.” This resonated with me as it highlights the importance of creating safe and inclusive workplaces where people feel comfortable speaking up about unsafe or inappropriate behaviours. It also made me reflect on the kind of leader and team member I want to be in the industry.
The course helped me understand that effective leadership in mining goes beyond technical expertise, it is about fostering trust, ensuring psychological safety, and empowering diverse teams to contribute. It showed me that strong leaders set the standard for behaviour and culture, and that leadership is just as much about listening and supporting as it is about decision-making.
The course has boosted my confidence by providing practical tools and frameworks for leadership. It helped me realise that leadership is a skill that can be developed, and that I don’t need to have all the answers to take on leadership roles. What matters most is being able to communicate effectively, collaborate with my team, and seek support from my network. I now feel more assured in my ability to step into these roles and contribute meaningfully to the industry.
I learned the importance of building psychological safety within teams, as well as strategies for courageous conversations and setting standards that align with my values. I also gained tools for self-reflection, active listening, and leading diverse teams effectively. These skills will help me contribute to positive workplace culture and prepare me for future leadership opportunities.
Justine Calleja, Lecturer Mining Engineering, University of Wollongong
The future of mining depends on strong leadership that champions equity, diversity, and inclusion to harness the full potential of the workforce. Thanks to the support of WIMNet NSW, Illawarra AusIMM, and industry sponsors, the Leadership Workshop Day supported 15 of my engineering students to develop vital leadership skills. This initiative underscores the mining community’s dedication to fostering a healthy, inclusive workplace culture.
Julie Alexander showed us that leadership is the heart of cultural change. I am dedicated to improving equity, diversity and inclusion in my classrooms, within the University of Wollongong and in industry. As an engineer I focus on the metrics to measure my progress and have been focused on improving diversity and gender balance to improve inclusion and culture in the mining industry. Julie reminded me that achieving an inclusive healthy workplace culture will not automatically follow from improving diversity and gender balance. The leadership skills she teaches, combined with a leader’s dedication are essential to achieve culture change and inclusion and then the metrics will follow.
A manager is only a leader when they use their power bases ethically, honestly and authentically to inspire respect, inclusion, and trust consistently in everyday workplace interactions.
Successful culture change requires managers to be leaders. It requires managers to be intentional, coach team members, recognise progress, and foster environments where everyone feels valued. A culture rooted in respect and inclusion requires open dialogue—talking about these values as regularly as talking about safety. Leaders should role model respectful behaviour, coach others to do the same, and create safe spaces for honest conversations about inclusion. I was reminded that as a leader I need to talk about inclusion and respect regularly, role model it, coach and reward the people around me to live it and most importantly, empower people to talk to me and each other about inclusion and respect.
When inclusion is embedded into daily routines, organisations can enhance not only safety and wellbeing but also team performance and morale. A truly healthy workplace is one where everyone feels empowered to contribute and be heard.
I was delighted to see my students (Maria Babaei) feeling empowered and demonstrating bravery and leadership by contributing their experiences in the group conversations Julie facilitated.
Julie Alexander has certainly helped me, and my students improve our skills to be leaders and to be able to create more productive, healthy and inclusive workplaces in the mining industry. Most importantly, the day taught my students that they don’t need to be in a leadership role to be leaders. It allowed them to see themselves as leaders right now and has given them the skills and confidence to take initiative and actively provide leadership in their study and work environments.
I would strongly recommend anyone interested in developing their career in the mining industry and interested in improving their skills in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to join the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the Women in Mining Network to have access to very impactful career development opportunities like this year’s WIMNet Leadership Workshop.
By investing in leadership and fostering inclusive cultures today, we set the stage for a sustainable, innovative, and resilient mining industry tomorrow.
Acknowledgements
A heartfelt thankyou to WIMNet NSW and WIMNet Illawarra for all the work that went into the Leadership Workshop Day: Stephanie Gelland, Amanda West, Kate Bevan (Murphy), Tania Smith, Emma Stacey, Anne De-Leuw, Katherine Courtney. Julie Alexander, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has – Margaret Mead”
Many thanks to the sponsors - Develop Woodlawn, Glencore, Newmont, Regis Resources, Evolution Mining, Illawarra Branch AusIMM, WIMNet NSW - whose support makes initiatives like these possible. Your commitment drives meaningful change in our industry.