The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has held a day of key industry events in Emerald on Wednesday June12, celebrating and promoting Indigenous Employment in the resources sector, and the importance of regional communities to the state's resources sector.
QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson said Emerald was an ideal venue to host the events.
"We are extremely proud to be hosting QRC's Indigenous Business Forum which promotes new employment and business opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and companies across Queensland," Ms Hewson said.
"Thanks to support from sponsors and QRC members Jellinbah Group, Thiess and Coronado, over 100 people attended the forum to learn about two new QRC Indigenous Practitioner Guides on Employment and Training, and Procurement.
"The guides will assist both resources companies and Indigenous organisations to support and promote new economic and social opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and companies within the industry," Ms Hewson said.
The resources sector is proudly the biggest private sector employer of Indigenous women and men in Queensland and new figures released at the forum revealed the number is growing.
"In the last financial year, thanks to support from our member companies, Indigenous participation in the Queensland resources sector workforce increased from 5.3 per cent to a new record high of 6.4 per cent," Ms Hewson said.
"31 per cent of them are women compared to the 22 per cent average across the whole workforce.
"These are well-paid jobs providing good incomes and livelihoods to people living in regional and remote communities in Queensland," Ms Hewson said.
"It was also very encouraging to see resources companies increase their spend with Indigenous suppliers, contractors and local businesses from $93.8 million to $142.5 million.
"While these are impressive figures, events like the QRC Indigenous Forum in Emerald will open new opportunities to do even better."
An Indigenous Student Experience was also facilitated as part of the forum, with 16 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Emerald SHS, Marist College, Blackwater SHS and Clermont SHS gathering at the Outback Exploratorium to hear from community Elders and industry professionals.
"The students had a full day where they gained a greater understanding of the role cultural heritage assessments play in mining operations and potential for study in this area through the UQ Skills team," Ms Hewson said.
The student experience, delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) with the generous support of Whitehaven, ended with the students joining forum attendees for a special session on career progression for Indigenous workers in the resources sector.
"The day provided the students with a chance to connect with resource industry professionals and identify potential employment/study pathways to be part of the resources future in this region."
A Resources Roundup rounded off the QRC's big day in Emerald, bringing local community, business and resources sector representatives together, sponsored by Kestrel Coal Resources.
"The Roundup was a great opportunity for local community and business leaders to speak with resources sector representatives about future local plans and opportunities in the industry," Ms Hewson said.
"Latest QRC figures revealed the resources sector contributed $2.7 billion to the Central Highlands Local Government area last financial year and supported more than 12,600 local jobs.
"These are well-paid jobs providing good incomes and livelihoods to people living in regional and remote communities in Queensland," Ms Hewson said.
"It was also very encouraging to see resources companies increase their spend with Indigenous suppliers, contractors and local businesses from $93.8 million to $142.5 million.
"While these are impressive figures, events like the QRC Indigenous Forum in Emerald will open new opportunities to do even better."
An Indigenous Student Experience was also facilitated as part of the forum, with 16 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Emerald SHS, Marist College, Blackwater SHS and Clermont SHS gathering at the Outback Exploratorium to hear from community Elders and industry professionals.
"The students had a full day where they gained a greater understanding of the role cultural heritage assessments play in mining operations and potential for study in this area through the UQ Skills team," Ms Hewson said.
The student experience, delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) with the generous support of Whitehaven, ended with the students joining forum attendees for a special session on career progression for Indigenous workers in the resources sector.
"The day provided the students with a chance to connect with resource industry professionals and identify potential employment/study pathways to be part of the resources future in this region."
A Resources Roundup rounded off the QRC's big day in Emerald, bringing local community, business and resources sector representatives together, sponsored by Kestrel Coal Resources.
"The Roundup was a great opportunity for local community and business leaders to speak with resources sector representatives about future local plans and opportunities in the industry," Ms Hewson said.
"Latest QRC figures revealed the resources sector contributed $2.7 billion to the Central Highlands Local Government area last financial year and supported more than 12,600 local jobs.
