2024 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The resources and energy sector’s most innovative, inclusive and people-focused businesses have been celebrated with the 2024 AREEA Industry Awards, proudly sponsored by Sodexo and Northern Star Resources.

Announced at Gala Dinner events in Brisbane and Perth, the annual Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association Awards recognise workplace excellence of individuals and organisations – especially in building culture and opportunity.

A judging panel of industry representatives selected winners from nominees in categories of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Future Leader, Diversity & Inclusion and Workforce & Workplace Relations Innovation.

AREEA CEO Steve Knott AM said the winners reflected the industry’s commitment to productive and highly-motivated workplaces.

“These are transformative times for the resources and energy sector, with great challenges but phenomenal opportunities,” Mr Knott said.

“Rapid technological shifts, global supply, demand and price volatility and the Albanese Government’s sweeping IR changes are having an impact.

“At the same time, resources and energy continue to provide the nation’s economic ballast, driving the first back-to-back Commonwealth surpluses in 16 years.

“The industry is adapting and innovating, developing low-cost, lower carbon strategies and technologies and upgrading skills to ensure productivity and job security are enhanced and strengthened, keeping our sector robust and profitable.

“Ongoing investment in culture and leadership is another important factor in this exciting next phase.

“The resources and energy sector would be nothing without its people and the AREEA Industry Awards honour those who have gone above and beyond.

“Their inspiring efforts are a tribute to the industry as a whole.”

2024 AREEA Industry Award winners

Mental Health & Wellbeing Award – Sodexo

SodexoFit App and START (or Safe, Trusting and Respectful Teams) were designed over 12 months and launched in March and May this year respectively.

SodexoFit App includes modules on psychosocial health and support services, and connects to the START program.

START promotes teams where people feel included, supported, respected and psychologically safe and healthy. Since its launch, Sodexo has recorded a 29 per cent increase in reports of psychosocial hazards – showing education about what constitutes unsafe practices, is working.

Sodexo is enhancing a culture where employees are empowered to call in and call out unsafe, disrespectful or antisocial behaviour.

On the back of this success, the company intends to replicate Australia’s program for its diverse industries across 45 countries.

Future Leader Award – Callan Hunt (Newmont Australia)
Sponsored by Northern Star Resources

In recent years, Callan has driven Newmont Cadia’s Indigenous Buddy Program to new heights.

The program pairs Indigenous buddies on site with Indigenous employees or contractors who are new to mining or to the Cadia gold mine in NSW.

Under Callan’s stewardship, the resurgent program has significantly boosted the workplace experience of Cadia’s Indigenous employees, setting a new standard for inclusivity and support in the mining industry.

Through his dedication and values-based approach, there are more people involved with the program, deepening and broadening the impact of its professional, social and cultural outreach across all employees.

Callan is a shining example of how one person’s commitment can make a real difference.

Diversity & Inclusion Award –Thiess
Sponsored by Sodexo
Across 33 projects and offices in Australia, the Thiess Group employs 552 Indigenous people, representing 7 per cent of its workforce.

In 2023, site-based “Yarning Circles” were held at various projects, which informed the agenda and approach for an inaugural national Indigenous Employee Conference in Meeanjin (Brisbane) in May 2024.

The highly-successful conference identified key priorities and actions including improved cultural safety and establishing a formal Indigenous mentoring program.

Workforce & Workplace Relations Innovation Award – Chevron

Chevron Australia’s new headquarters One The Esplanade (or 1TE) sets a new global standard for people-focused workplace design.

Among the innovative features are:
• A creche, an accredited parent’s room and a school holiday program to help remove barriers to workforce participation;
• A multi-faith room for all religions and beliefs that includes accessible ritual washing facilities;
• Quiet areas with minimal distraction to allow focus; and
• Guidance from Noongar leaders and Elders on cultural recognition initiatives.

With more than 1500 occupants, Perth’s One The Esplanade is truly a workplace for now and the future.

AREEA congratulates all this year’s Industry Award winners and nominees. Your efforts continue to make our sector great, and our nation’s future brighter.