Roy Hill director takes out top gong

Roy Hill’s commercial director Claire Negus has received top honours at the 2016 Women in Resources Awards presented by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy last Friday.

More than a 1000 people gathered at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre to celebrate gender diversity in a cross-section of technical, operational and corporate roles in the resources sector.

Distinguished guests included the Governor of Western Australia, the Hon. Kerry Sanderson AO, the Premier of Western Australia, the Hon. Colin Barnett MLA; Minister for Women’s Interests, the Hon. Liza Harvey MLA and more than 80 students through the Inspiring Girls initiative.

Ms Negus said it was an honour to be recognised in the Outstanding Women in Resources category for her work mentoring women in the work place and through the Women in Resources School Speakers initiative.

She attributed much of her success to her inspiring mother and great mentors throughout her career.

“I was most inspired by my mother who was the Vice Chancellor of Curtin University,” she said.

“My mum pushing me is what developed my attitudes about always having a go no matter what.

“I’ve also had some amazing mentors throughout my career both men and women and lucky enough to work in a supportive environment where innovation is encouraged and great leadership is demonstrated.”

Ms Negus encouraged other women in the Pilbara to consider a career in the resources industry.

She added men were a crucial part of achieving gender equality and helping to build a diverse in the workplace.

“Women need to know about the vast career opportunities that are available in resources, our operational capacity within WA has almost doubled in the last 10 years,” she said.

“Just because the industry has seen a decline recent years doesn’t mean there aren’t amazing opportunities.

“You’ve just got to have clear goals in whatever you do and be relentless in achieving those goals.”

Ms Negus was among a plethora of Roy Hill finalists including Jodi Moffitt for outstanding young woman in resources and Jeanette Hasleby for women in resources champion.

BHP Billiton also had a Pilbara winner, Megan Kline, who took out the outstanding young woman in resources category.

BHP Billiton Nickel West was recognised in the Outstanding Company Initiative category for its job sharing initiative.

Shell Australia’s Michael Schoch was awarded the Women in Resources Champion Award and Suzan Drake-Brockman took out the People’s Choice Award for Alcoa Australia.

Executive Chairman of the Hancock Prospecting Group, Mrs Georgina Rinehart received the Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming just the third woman to be given the honour.

CME chief executive Reg Howard-Smith congratulated all winners and finalists recognised at the Awards and thanked sponsors for their ongoing support.