Mrs Tindale took home the gender diversity champion crown at the prestigious function, which recognises the increasing contribution women make to our world class mining industry and mining supply chain in NSW.

She co-founded the Hunter Valley chapter of WIMnet in early 2013, and works with committee members to deliver the WIMnet NSW Mentoring Program, from the matching process to the promotion of the initiative within BHP and externally across the NSW resources industry.

Mrs Tindale has been a member of BHP’s Coal Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the past two years.

The company’s community and corporate affairs specialist was also part of the NSW Energy Coal Diversity Network, and strongly advocated for BHP’s participation in the annual NSW WIM Awards and the WIMnet NSW Mentoring Program.

She promotes initiatives like the WIMnet NSW Mentoring Program and WIMnet NSW networking events internally at BHP as a way to assist the company with its aspirational goal for gender balance by 2025.

Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Women, and Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies presented the awards at a special event at McCullough Robertson Lawyers in Sydney.

“Women make significant contributions to a range of industries across NSW every day and mining is no exception,” she said.

“These awards are an excellent celebration of the achievements and opportunities for women pursuing a career in mining.”

Exceptional woman in NSW mining - sponsored by Mine Wealth + Wellbeing

Nicole Brook - Glencore Coal Assets Australia

Exceptional young woman in NSW mining - sponsored by BHP

Kristy Christensen - South32 Illawarra Coal

Gender diversity champion - sponsored by BHP

Deirdra Tindale - BHP / WIMnet

Excellence in diversity programs and performance in NSW - sponsored by BHP

Diversity and Inclusion at GHD – GHD

Outstanding Tradeswoman/Operator/Technician - sponsored by BHP

Hana Newbury - Peabody, Wilpinjong Coal Mine