The resources and energy industry’s leading individuals and organisations were celebrated at the AMMA Industry Awards in Melbourne on Thursday night (1 August).
Presented at the Gala Dinner of Australian Resources and Energy Group AMMA, the awards celebrated leadership, innovation and excellence in the sector.
The AMMA Gala Dinner is the industry’s annual workforce celebration and deservedly puts the spotlight on the sector’s high-achievers, in front of industry leaders and peers.
AMMA Chief Executive Steve Knott praised the high level of award winners across five categories covering key workforce-related areas of the industry.
“It’s fantastic to see the shining stars of the resources and energy industry get the recognition they deserve through the prestigious AMMA Industry Awards,” he said.
“As always, the calibre of this year’s award winners highlighted the tremendous work being undertaken by individuals and organisations across Australia’s resources and energy industry.”
“From human resources and industrial relations excellence to diversity and inclusion, outstanding young professionals and contractor excellence, AMMA is very proud to celebrate success amongst the most important part of our industry – our people.”
“The achievements of our industry’s people highlights the vast array of diverse talent in resources and energy who are not only leading our sector but Australia wide.”
The initiatives and programs implemented by resources and energy employers reinforced Australia’s standing as a global leader in key workforce areas, Mr Knott said.
“The people in Australia’s resources and energy industry are continually innovating and improving workforce and operational practices,” he said.
“These are the people and organisations driving our industry to ensure a brighter future for all Australians – and it is incredibly important we celebrate the high achievers of our sector.”
Young Professional Award Presenting the award is Nathan Fay, Chairman of ExxonMobil Australia (award sponsor) with Fiona Forsyth from New Hope Group. 
Diversity & Inclusion award Head of External Relations and Public Affairs at Heathgate Resources (award sponsor) Stephen Halliday with Linda O’Farrell, Group Manager Fortescue People. 
Health & Wellbeing award Presenting the award is AMMA Chief Executive, Steve Knott, with John Sheridan, Executive Director – Offshore & Remote, Compass Group Australia. 
Contractor Workforce Excellence award AMMA Board Member and Chief Operating Officer of Woodside Energy, Meg O’Neill, with Pilbara Resource Group director Scott Thompson. 
Workforce & Workplace Relations Innovation award Presenting the award is Paul Cooper, CEO of Mining, Asia Pacific from Sodexo (award sponsor), with Linda O’Farrell, Group Manager Fortescue People.
Award winners
Contractor Workforce Excellence award – Pilbara Resource Group
Pilbara Resource Group has developed a range of strategies and a positive employment engagement model to deliver a high performance, safety-focused workforce. Working on some of Australia’s most remote project sites, the company looked outside the box on communication, upskilling and training. This included replacing standard HR practices with initiatives that resonated with Aboriginal workers, securing a 75% retention rate.
Workforce & Workplace Relations Innovation award (sponsored by Sodexo) – Fortescue Metals Group
Fortescue identified an opportunity to offer employment to highly skilled and professional veterans to address the company’s shortage in sourcing skilled heavy diesel fitters. The company developed the Rapid Trades Upskilling Program – a four-week course to build on the veterans’ experience, qualifying successful participants with relevant work licences.
Since the launch of the program, 82 veterans have commenced work with Fortescue as heavy diesel mechanics, increasing productivity at a retention rate of 99%. A number of veterans have also transitioned into leadership positions after a short period.
Health & Wellbeing Award – Compass Group (Australia)
Compass Group implemented a grassroots campaign encouraging employees to talk about mental health and feel comfortable in seeking assistance if facing personal challenges. A video message was compiled involving 4 employees talking about their personal battles, resulting in the ‘Got Your Back’ campaign.
At the same time, a peer support program was developed within the organisation. The campaign gained traction and interest across various social media platforms, which led to the #GotYourBack hashtag being emblazoned on PPE, helping a number of employees seek and receive support for mental health.
Diversity & Inclusion Award (sponsored by Heathgate Resources) – Fortescue Metals Group.
Judges were impressed with the success of Fortescue’s Vocational Training & Employment Centre, which has gone from strength-to-strength, which has assisted in Aboriginal people now making up 13 per cent of the company’s Australian workforce.
The program is delivering an ongoing employment pipeline for Aboriginal people, focus on breaking down barriers to entering the workforce and achieving their career goals. The revolutionary program has grown from an office in South Headland to a national network supported by the government, and for many participants, changing lives through employment.
Young Professional Award (sponsored by ExxonMobil) – Fiona Forsyth from New Hope Group
Fiona excelled in a challenging role since being seconded to Bengalla Mine as Integration Services Advisor, following New Hope Group’s majority shareholder acquisition.
She has been a key part of integration at the site, building positive relationships and working with managers and operational teams to review and plan for a smooth transition.
Fiona’s approach resulted in an overall cost reduction, and productivity improvements, as well as increased social interactions between employees and the forming of positive new relationships. The judges were particularly impressed with Fiona’s ability to use a variety of techniques to increase engagement and influence behaviours.
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