The Gold Industry Group (GIG) held its annual networking event at The Perth Mint on Thursday 30 May, which saw over 140 industry representatives attend to connect and hear about the latest GIG activities.
The fourth annual networking event brought members of the gold industry together to mingle amongst the shining displays of The Perth Mint’s gold exhibition room and melt house.
The evening’s address began with GIG Chairman and Perth Mint Chief Executive Officer Richard Hayes, who acknowledged three new Directors, gave a brief history of the GIG’s achievements since its inception in 2015, and provided updates on some of the GIG’s major projects for 2019 and beyond.
“The GIG is creating a national footprint by championing gold and community events, creating educational programs, developing new ways to share the story of gold, and presenting dedicated platforms through which we may support the people in our industry and our society,” said Mr Hayes.
“By integrating ourselves into the broader community, we are driving change. We are creating a positive legacy for gold, and in doing so, we are attracting our leaders of tomorrow and giving new focus to diversity, mental health, education and tourism,” he continued.
The Hon. Bill Johnston MLA, Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Energy; Industrial Relations, then shared his vision for a strong and sustainable future for the gold sector.
The Minister said the recent rise of new exploration projects was encouraging, with recent successful applicants of the Exploration Incentive Scheme co-funded drilling program announced, including a number of GIG members.
Other parliamentary members in attendance included the Hon. Bill Marmion MLA, Shadow Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Energy; Industrial Relations and Ms Libby Mettam MLA, Shadow Minister for Tourism and Small Business.
Netball WA Chief Executive Officer Simon Taylor also addressed guests on the GIG’s recent landmark partnership with netball in Western Australia. Mr Taylor reminisced about his attendance at the GIG’s networking event in 2018 and the 12-month journey required to integrate the two industries in a historic partnership that saw the GIG become the first Principal Partner of Netball WA, Elite Partner of West Coast Fever and Premier Partner of Shooting Stars.
“Last month, our partnership announcement signified for women’s sport in this country a coming of age. The maturation of two industries looking to grow, develop and together make a difference in the communities in which we operate,” said Mr Taylor.
Mr Hayes then reclaimed the lecturn to reflect on the success of the GIG’s recent LIVINWell mental health tour with community partner LIVIN, to deliver empowering and relatable mental health workshops to mine sites, head offices, schools and communities across Australia. Due to the positive response of more than 40 workshops delivered in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and New South Wales, the tour has been extended.
Mr Hayes continued with a reminder for the upcoming GIG & Deloite Breakfast in Kalgoorlie on Tuesday 6 August at the Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum.
He also advised that the second half of 2019 would see the fruition of some key projects, including the official launch of a new Gold Jobs website - a central hub of gold industry job listings in Australia with supporting employment content on courses, training, career tips and more, designed to be used by job seekers, students and teachers alike.
The later half of the year will see the expansion of the GIG’s gold education program rolled out nationally, which includes hands-on activities delivered during engaging presentations at schools across the country. In line with the release of the program, the existing Heart of Gold Australia app will expand to include new and existing interactive gold experiences.
In conclusion, Mr Hayes announced the GIG’s annual Women in Gold Great Diversity Debate would this year see the event extended into a national tour, bringing passionate discussion of gender equality in mining to Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.
