INITIATIVES to close the gender superannuation gap, promote mental wellbeing and increase Indigenous employment were among the workforce initiatives celebrated at a national resource industry awards ceremony last night.
Hosted by Australia’s resource industry employer group, AREEA, during its annual national conference in Perth, the 2015 AREEA Industry Awards is the only resource industry event dedicated to recognising 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,” says 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. A targeted training program has generated employment in the local community and introduced beneficial cultural knowledge within the organisations,” Mr Knott says.
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. Female employees receive employer-paid superannuation while on unpaid parental leave and gain access to valuable financial planning information,” Mr Knott says.
“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%.”
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 says.
“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.”
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. This is all while Ms Mendez performs her busy duties as Chevron Australia’s category team leader,” Mr Knott says.
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