INITIATIVES to close the gender superannuation gap, promote mental wellbeing and increase Indigenous employment were among the workforce initiatives celebrated at the AREEA Industry Awards ceremony last week.

Taking place during AREEA’s 2015 Resource People National Conference Gala Dinner in Perth on 6 August, and hosted by Network Ten’s energetic sports commentator Tim Gossage, the Awards recognised excellence in workforce and employment matters.

“To be globally competitive, Australia’s resource employers need to demonstrate innovation in the way they develop and support their people,” said AREEA chief executive Steve Knott.

“Themes of workforce diversity and employee wellbeing are clearly dominant among this year’s award winners, which shows the industry’s commitment to promoting resource careers to all Australians and developing strong workforces to drive future prosperity.”

Indigenous Employment and Retention Award – Winner: Farstad Shipping

“Offshore vessel operator Farstad Shipping’s partnership with Shell and Woodside saw it engage with Indigenous communities in Broome and the Dampier Peninsula,” Mr Knott said. “A targeted training program has generated employment in the local community and introduced beneficial cultural knowledge within the organisations.” Pictured L-R: Farstad Shipping Deck Officer Ryan Cobb with Executive Vice President Wayne Aitken.

Australian Women in Resources Alliance Award – Joint winners: Santos and Smit Lamnalco

Due to the high calibre of nominees, for the first time, two companies were recognised by AREEA’s gender diversity initiative, the Australian Women in Resources Alliance (AWRA).

“Santos is addressing the gender superannuation gap with the launch of its ‘Superannuation Top Up’ initiative,” Mr Knott said. “Female employees receive employer-paid superannuation while on unpaid parental leave and gain access to valuable financial planning information. Pictured L-R: AREEA chief executive Steve Knott with Santos Remuneration Adviser Mario Calabro.

“Operating in the male-dominated offshore oil and gas sector, Smit Lamnalco should be applauded for prioritising gender diversity, particularly in management positions where female participation has increased from zero to 40%.” Pictured L-R: Smit Lamnalco North Operations Manager Nikki Carter, Managing Director Tony Cousins and HR Advisor Adele Cunningham.

Workforce Innovation Award – Winner: Sodexo Australia

“Specialists in facilities management, Sodexo is bringing mental health and wellbeing to front of mind by building awareness and promoting open discussion among the workforce through its ‘I Hear You’ campaign,” Mr Knott said. “Employees learn the skills to identify signs of personal crisis in friends, family and colleagues, and can help to facilitate meaningful support for those in need.” Pictured L-R: AREEA chief executive Steve Knott with Sodexo Australia CEO Johnpaul Dimech.

Young Professional Award – Winner: Veena Mendez

“Founder of the Women in Oil and Gas Forum, Veena Mendez is a true emerging leader. Her growing network is generating discussion on diversity challenges and is facilitating events and information to help increase the participation of women in oil and gas,” Mr Knott said. “This is all while Ms Mendez performs her busy duties as Chevron Australia’s category team leader.” Pictured: AREEA chief executive Steve Knott with Veena Mendez, Chair and Founder of Women in Oil and Gas.

Prior to the announcement of the Award winners, Mr Knott presented ‘Long Membership Awards’ to organisations that have held AREEA membership for a significant period of time and thus  helped to achieve collective goals and outcomes for the industry.

The Long Member Award recipients are:

45 Years

• Compass Group
• Kingsgate Consolidated Limited

40 Years

• Schlumberger Australia
• Newcrest Mining Limited

20 Years

• Oceanic Offshore
• Onslow Salt
• Maersk Drilling Australia
• Allseas Marine Contractors Australia

5 Year Corporate Partnership

• Coverforce