The Queensland Resources Council’s (QRC) 2025 Indigenous Awards has highlighted the achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to Queensland’s resources sector by naming 15 Indigenous individuals and three Indigenous-owned companies as finalists.

The awards ceremony, set for 25 June at Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre, will celebrate the outstanding talent and impact of Indigenous people and businesses across the state.

QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson said the awards demonstrate the sector’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous inclusion.

“The awards recognise the outstanding Indigenous talent in the resources sector and in 2025 our finalists come from across the state and from diverse management, operational and specialist roles that the sector offers,” Hewson said.

“All our finalists are exceptional and deserve recognition for what they contribute to the sector, to the state of Queensland and for the role they play in encouraging more Indigenous people to work in the resources sector.”

Among the finalists are three school students from the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), reflecting the sector’s focus on creating genuine pathways for young Indigenous Queenslanders.

The QRC notes that the resources industry is Queensland’s largest private sector employer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with Indigenous participation reaching a record 6.4 per cent last year.

Notably, nearly a third of Indigenous employees in the sector are women, significantly above the industry-wide average of 23 per cent.

The awards feature categories such as Exceptional Indigenous Person in Queensland Resources, Indigenous Advocacy, Indigenous Rising Star, Exceptional Indigenous Business, Best Company Indigenous Initiative, and Exceptional Indigenous QMEA Student.

Finalists gain industry recognition and valuable networking opportunities, with exposure to over 300 stakeholders.

The QRC will release updated data on Indigenous representation in the sector at the awards event, further underscoring the industry’s efforts to foster diversity and opportunity.

The biennial awards continue to play a vital role in celebrating and promoting Indigenous excellence and participation in Queensland’s resources sector.