2015 GEMCO Women in Resources Northern Territory Award Winners

Outstanding Tradeswoman/Operator/Technician

Jacqui Purdon

Originally trained as a dental nurse, Jacqui started driving trucks at GEMCO after moving to Groote Eylandt with her family. Jacqui is currently operating the Hitachi 2500 Excavator, the first female excavator operator at GEMCO since 1987. She is also Crew Trainer, elected Union Delegate and Acting Leading Hand when required.

Gender Diversity Champion

Tim Hewitt

Tim holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Hons) and an MBA. Tim’s current role is Mining Manager at Newmont’s Tanami Operations. He is a key supporter of the Newmont Women’s Network Tanami, promoting the team to Newmont leaders, with the aim of assisting it to become a self-sustaining, cross functional network.

Exceptional Young Woman in Resources

Eleanor Lober

Born in Victoria, Eleanor holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) Hons from Monash University. Eleanor joined the BHP Billiton Graduate Program and her current role is Engineer – Maintenance Analysis and Improvement at GEMCO. Eleanor is the Vice President of the Groote Eylandt Country Women’s Association, co-ordinator of the Sunday School Program in Angurugu. Eleanor also teaches piano and is the assistant coach of the Jujitsu Club. Eleanor won the Australian Young Citizen of the Year Groote Eylandt 2015

Exceptional Woman in Resources

Leonora Wehrmann

Leonora holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University H/V, Dresden, Germany. Leonora’s current role is the Northern Territory Technology Manager with the Welding Technology Institute of Australia. In 2014 Leonora was an invited speaker at the International Women’s Day function at Parliament House.

Excellence in Diversity Program and Performance

Newmont Women’s Network Tanami

The Newmont Women’s Network Tanami (NWNT) was founded to assist in the attraction, retention and development of female employees at Newmont Tanami Operations. It is an employee initiative functioning separate from the Newmont Tanami Operations business, however it has support from the NTO management team and the broader Newmont Global Inclusion and Diversity Strategy. By providing educational opportunities, development sessions and a mentoring program, the NWNT aims to improve diversity in the work force.