AusIMM has announced the ambassadors for its 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) Event Series, with seven industry leaders set to feature in the national campaign.
Nominated by AusIMM’s IWD Signature Partners, the 2026 ambassadors have been recognised for their leadership and efforts to promote more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces across the resources sector.
The ambassadors are:
- Kara Gear AAusIMM, general manager of learning and development at Whitehaven
- Kerry Turnock FAusIMM, head of geoscience excellence at BHP
- Ivy Lee, director supply chain APAC at Weir
- Michelle Radley, general manager ports Dampier at Rio Tinto
- Kate Bills, general manager – sustainability, marketing and communications at Sandvik
- Gabrielle Mudge, managing director, ANZ resources practice at Accenture
- Helen Gibson MAusIMM, vice president Australasia (underground soft rock) at Komatsu
The ambassadors will be profiled as part of AusIMM’s IWD campaign, which the organisation describes as Australia’s largest celebration of women in mining. Seven lunches are scheduled to take place nationally between 26 February and 13 March 2026.
According to AusIMM, the ambassadors will share insights from their leadership journeys and perspectives on diversity, equity and inclusion, with a focus on driving positive cultural change across the industry.
Each event will feature a keynote speaker alongside a two-course lunch, providing networking opportunities for industry professionals.
The 2026 IWD Event Series locations and keynote speakers are:
- Brisbane – 26 February: Anna Meares OAM
- Adelaide – 3 March: Dorinda Hafner
- Kalgoorlie – 4 March: Emma Swanson
- Perth – 6 March: Jelena Dokic
- Melbourne – 10 March: Bec Daniher
- Sydney – 12 March: Tess Brouwer
- Hunter Valley – 13 March: Tess Brouwer
Further information, including ticketing details, is available via the AusIMM International Women’s Day Event Series webpage.
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