A unique six-month mentoring program aimed at empowering young women in the resources sector has now come to a close, marking a major moment for 20 Year 12 students from across Queensland.
The Girls in Resources Leadership Skills (GIRLS) program brought together participants from as far north as Cairns and west to Roma, pairing each with an experienced mentor working in a professional or trade role within the resources industry.
Delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) — the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) — in partnership with Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ), the GIRLS program is designed to ignite aspirations and pave pathways for young women eager to join the industry.
QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson emphasised the program’s impact on industry diversity and opportunity.
“The evidence is in the results of this program – with over 90 per cent of last year’s participants now undertaking studies to enter the industry or already working as apprentices,” Hewson said.
“You cannot underestimate the power of a great mentor – especially for Year 12 students at a critical point in deciding their study or apprenticeship pathway after school.”
Hewson further highlighted the resources sector’s promising future.
“They’ll enjoy significant personal rewards and the thrill of contributing to an industry leading the way in developing technologies and innovations that will shape our future,” she said.
“I know the partnership the students have made with their mentors has helped them to define their study preferences after school and excite them about pursuing a career in resources, either in a professional or trade role.”
WIMARQ Co-chair Sally Rayner reflected on the long-term value of the mentoring scheme, stating: “The GIRLS program gives young women with an interest in science, technology, engineering, maths (STEM) and trades the support and confidence they need to thrive by connecting them with industry professionals,” Rayner said.
“We want to champion a future where diversity is celebrated, and every young woman can see herself in this industry.”
For participants like Lilly Brady, a Year 12 student from Bundamba State College and QMEA Student Ambassador, the program has been transformative.
“My mentor, Emily, gave me a deeper understanding of the different roles an engineer can have on a mine site and helped me to grow as a person,” Lilly said.
“She has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams of going to university and studying mining/environmental engineering.
“Ultimately, I would like to become a tailings engineer so I can work on environmental sustainability around a mine site.”
“The GIRLS program has made me feel like the future is full of opportunity rather than the unknown.”
Major resource sector employers have thrown their support behind the initiative.
Platinum sponsor BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has been involved since the program’s inception seven years ago.
“We’ve seen firsthand the impact of this program – with over 80 per cent of past mentees pursuing careers in STEM or resources,” said Lydia Gentle, Head of Engineering at BMA.
“And we’re thrilled that many of our own employees have gone from mentees to mentors, showing the lasting value of these connections.”
The 2025 GIRLS mentoring program has also received support from Jellinbah Mining, Whitehaven Coal, Glencore Technology, Thiess, Coronado Global, and Idemitsu Australia, and was delivered in partnership with Metisphere, organisational psychology.
This year’s cohort, hailing from 20 different schools and regions, celebrated their achievements at a special finale event, with many naming the experience as a turning point in their study and career ambitions.
The GIRLS program continues to inspire, equipping young women to take confident steps into careers that shape Queensland’s resources future.