The Gold Industry Group hosted its seventh annual networking sundowner with more than 100 guests on May 3 at QT Perth, celebrating the industry’s community impact, sharing its latest activities, and acknowledging the extraordinary contribution of its Gold Class Facilitators.
Gold Industry Group CEO Kristy Reilly
Gold Industry Group CEO Kristy Reilly opened the evening by acknowledging the incredible impact the gold industry was having in regional communities and wider society.
GIG Director and Northern Star Resources Executive Manager of Corporate Services Rebecca Ciotti
“From small-scale explorers to large multinational corporations, everyone in this room has a role to play in building a legacy of positive impact, as we continue to connect more Australians to the gold industry and ensure its sustainability for the future,” Ms. Reilly said.
Ms. Reilly said the night was all about celebrating the importance of the gold industry and all that it represents, as well as recognising the hard work and dedication of the people who make it thrive.
West Coast Fever shooters Jhaniele Fowler and Sasha Glasgow
“Let us commit ourselves to working together to ensure that the gold industry continues to be a shining example of innovation, sustainability, and prosperity for years to come.”
Gold Industry Group CEO Kristy Reilly then invited respected Wilman, Bala-dong, Bin-jareb, Whadjuk Nyoongar man Olman Walley on stage to deliver what was a memorable and lively Welcome to Country.
The crowd was captivated by Mr. Wally as he freestyled on the didgeridoo and shared fascinating stories about the region’s 30,000-year mining history .
Novo Resources Geologist Liz Abel with Minister Johnston
Ms. Reilly then shared updates on the Group’s signature programs, including the popular Gold Jobs website, which received an impressive 7,500 job applications and showcased over 1,000 vacancies last year alone.
Gold Fields GM Gruyere Karl Stokes with GIG Director and Gold Road Resources CFO John Mullumby
“An industry is only as good as the people it attracts. It's the talented, dedicated, and passionate individuals who bring innovation, creativity, and fresh ideas to the table. And it's up to us to make sure we are attracting the best and brightest to gold,” Ms Reilly said.
“In 2022, we had our most successful year to date, reaching more Australians, posting more roles, and having more people apply than ever before.”
“It’s fantastic that so many members see the Gold Industry Group as a key partner in promoting their employer brand and assisting with their talent acquisition strategy.”
AusEarthEd Lead Educator Sally Budge, Gold Fields Recruitment Advisor Stephanie Logan, Gold Fields Recruitment Superintendent Jodi-Leigh Brentnall, and Netball WA GM Community Beth Harvey.
Gold Industry Group Director and Northern Star Resources Executive Manager of Corporate Services Rebecca Ciotti then stepped up to discuss the Group’s landmark partnership with Netball WA, West Coast Fever, and Shooting Stars.
Ms. Ciotti said the ongoing partnership had been incredibly successful in boosting netball participation and building the industry’s profile within women’s sport more broadly.
“At the heart of both our worlds sit shared values around diversity, inclusion, health, and wellbeing – and I’m excited to see our relationship strengthen into the future,” Ms. Ciotti said.
Guests were then treated to an insightful Q&A with West Coast Fever’s superstar shooters Sasha Glasgow and Jhaniele Fowler.
The players shared insights into their season so far and spoke highly of their time out in regional gold mining communities and mine sites.
“It’s very eye-opening for us – we love our jobs but at the same time, it is so interesting to see what employees from the gold industry get to do on a daily basis,” Ms. Glasgow said.
“I’ve gone underground, I’ve been to the SuperPit and I am still in complete awe and amazement around what is done in the industry.”
Western Australia’s Minister for Mines and Petroleum, the Honourable Bill Johnston MLA, then provided an address before joining Gold Industry Group Director and Perth Mint General Manager of Commercial Development Cameron Alexander on stage to outline his vision for the industry’s future.
Minister Johnston encouraged the gold industry to showcase its great work in local communities and expressed his excitement at the level of new investment in the space.
“We’ve also seen 1.1 billion dollars invested into exploration for gold here in Western Australia last year which is the third highest level of investment into finding new mines,” Minister Johnston said.
“Gold is where our heart is, and we will continue to support the industry, and I hope we can continue to engage to overcome any challenges that present themselves.”
The night’s formalities concluded with the presentation of the prestigious Gold Class Awards, celebrating the extraordinary contribution of the Group’s Gold Class Facilitators in inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.
Ms. Reilly said she was incredibly proud of the success of the National Gold Education Program, which was face-to-face with more than 4,000 students in classrooms across Australia in 2022.
“For many young people, the classroom is where they first start to think about what they want to do with their lives. Our Program provides an invaluable opportunity for workers to share their passion for the industry and act as role models for these students,” Ms. Reilly said.
“By sparking an interest in the gold industry, we have the potential to alter the life direction of these children, helping them to discover a fulfilling and rewarding career, one that they may not have considered before.”
Novo Resources Geologist Lz Abel took home the top honour of Gold Class Facilitator of the Year for 2022, for delivering an incredible 13 Gold Class Sessions across both primary and secondary schools and receiving amazing feedback.
It was a huge year for Novo Resources, which also won the award for Company of the Year for the first time, with 4 facilitators delivering the most sessions by any company in 2022.
Read our Gold Class Awards feature article.
READ MORE EDUCATION, COMMUNITY, GIG AND MEMBER NEWS.
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