Click here for photos of GIRLS Mentoring Finale

Young women from across Queensland have gathered today in Brisbane to celebrate their completion of a unique six-month female mentoring program.

The 20 Year 12 students have been involved in the popular Girls in Resources Leadership Skills (GIRLS) mentoring program with each young woman connected to an experienced female mentor working in the resources industry.

The GIRLS mentoring program is delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), in partnership with Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ).

QRC Chief Executive Officer, Janette Hewson, said the GIRLS mentoring program, is now in its sixth year, and has had a positive impact on the young women who have been through the program and the resources industry.

“Having a mentor in the resources sector, while completing your Year 12 studies, is invaluable and will help the students as they make decisions about their career pathway,” said Mrs Hewson.

“It is an exciting time to join the resources sector as we meet the challenges of increasing sustainability and decarbonisation targets, while meeting productivity demands,” she said.

“We need the enthusiasm and innovation of young people to help us on that journey.”

WIMARQ Co-chair, Sally Rayner said the resources and energy industry was committed to increasing the number of females in their workforce

“Initiatives like the GIRLS mentoring program play a crucial role in attracting talented young women to be a part of our resources future, which helps create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment,” said Ms Rayner.

“There is an abundance of career opportunities for women interested in trade and professional roles in the resources sector, this mentoring experience will give them the confidence to pursue those dreams.”

Over 80 per cent of previous participants in the mentoring program have gone on to have a professional or trade career in the resources sector.

Charlotte Congram from Wavell State High School said she did the program to connect with more girls who were interested in STEM and to get the wisdom of a mentor, working in the industry.

“I am keen to study engineering and maths next year and having a mentor who is an experienced in these fields through her role at BHP has motivated me to pursue a career as a mining engineer,” said Charlotte.

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) is the platinum sponsor for the program and has been an enthusiastic supporter since its launch six years ago.

BMA’s Head of Human Resources Tamara Barden said they were delighted to be involved in a program which inspired young women to achieve their career goals.

“This is about more than financial sponsorship, many of our people have been involved in the program as students and then returned to be a mentor to others, which is a testimony to its success,” said Ms Barden.

“The GIRLS mentoring program connects the students with a mentor who can guide them as they make decisions about their tertiary or training studies after school,” she said.

“It is a highly respected program which is having an impact, with four out of five participants going on to have a professional or trades career in the resources industry.”

In addition to BMA, the program has been supported by: ConocoPhillips: Jellinbah (gold sponsors); Glencore Technology; Rio Tinto; Thiess; Whitehaven Coal (Silver sponsors); Coronado: Fitzroy: Idemitsu (Bronze sponsors).

Students graduating from the 2024 GIRLS mentoring program are from the following schools:

• Kirwan State High School (Townsville)

• Good Shepherd Catholic College (Mount Isa)

• Pioneer State High School (Mackay)

• Moranbah State High School

• Gladstone State High School

• Biloela State High School,

• Blackwater State High School

• Moura State High School

• Bundaberg State High School

• St Rita’s College (Clayfield)

• Mount Gravatt State High School

• Somerville House (South Brisbane)

• Wavell State High School

• Centenary State High School (Jindalee)

• St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School (Ascot)

• St Hilda’s School (Southport)