WOMEN IN RESOURCES AND MANUFACTURING TASMANIA AWARDS

2025 Award Winners

June 20, 2025 | Boatshed Launceston

Sixteen exceptional women from across Tasmania’s Resources, Mining, and Manufacturing sectors were honoured on Friday at the 2025 Women in Resources and Manufacturing Tasmania Awards, held in Launceston.

Hosted by the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC) in partnership with the AUSIMM women in mining network Tasmania (WIMNET), the annual awards shine a spotlight on the women transforming traditionally male-dominated industries and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

TMEC CEO Ray Mostogl said these awards go beyond recognising individual excellence, they reflect a broader cultural shift taking place across our industries.

“We’re seeing workplaces evolve into more inclusive, innovative environments where women are not just participating, they’re leading. From the shop floor to the boardroom, they’re redefining what’s possible in mining and manufacturing.”

“The momentum is real, and it’s being driven by the people and organisations in this room. Together, we’re building a cleaner, smarter, more diverse future for Tasmania’s industrial landscape.”

Chair of the Judging Panel, Ted Bradshaw, highlighted the awards’ role in inspiring future generations. “These finalists are role models, not just for women, but for the entire industry,” Mr Bradshaw said. “These awards not only honour the incredible contributions of women in our industries, they also recognise the organisations that actively support, empower, and create meaningful career pathways for them”

The awards recognise excellence across multiple categories, with winners in the resources categories progressing to the National Women in Resources Awards hosted by the Minerals Council of Australia in Brisbane on 9 September 2025. The winners of the Exceptional Woman in Tasmanian Manufacturing will receive a funded place in the TMEC GEMS Program.

The 2025 awards are proudly supported by Bell Bay Aluminium, Liberty Bell Bay, MMG Ltd, Cement Australia, TasRail, and The Elphinstone Group.

The 2025 Winners Are...

Exceptional Woman in Tasmanian Resources Award sponsored by Bell Bay Aluminium

Winner: Jessie Cooke, MMG Ltd

Jessie Cooke’s 18-year mining career reflects resilience, leadership, and advocacy. Rising to Superintendent – Mine Engineering at MMG Rosebery, she’s driven cultural change, championed psychological safety, and led high-performing teams. Her authentic leadership inspires inclusive workplaces where people feel valued, safe, and empowered to challenge norms and lead courageously.

Highly Commended: Kruti Patel, GHD Ltd

Exceptional Young Woman in Tasmanian Resources Award sponsored by Cement Australia

Winner: Lauren Brooks, Bell Bay Aluminium

Lauren is an emerging leader in Tasmania’s resource sector, known for her technical excellence and inclusive leadership at Bell Bay Aluminium. She’s delivered strategic maintenance improvements, mentored peers, and championed STEM outreach. Her resilience, innovation, and community focus make her a standout role model and future industry leader.

Highly Commended: Samara Ignoti, Bell Bay Aluminium

Outstanding Tasmanian Tradeswoman, Operator or Technician Award sponsored by Liberty Bell Bay

Winner: Belinda Westergreen, Timberlink

Belinda Westergreen has risen from night-shift cleaner to Team Leader at Timberlink’s Bell Bay site, becoming a trailblazer in quality and leadership. She developed a company-wide training program, boosted team performance, and championed diversity, driving operational excellence and inclusion through resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to continuous improvement.

Highly Commended: Anita Jones, Liberty Bell Bay

Exceptional Woman in Tasmanian Manufacturing Award sponsored by the Elphinstone Group

Joint Winners: Kim Clifford, Incat and Monique Koski, Timberlink

Kim Clifford, Incat
Kim has shaped Tasmania’s manufacturing sector for over 30 years through visionary leadership at Incat. As Managing Director of Incat Marketing, she championed gender inclusion, cultural change, and mentoring. Her legacy is a more inclusive, values-driven workplace and a lasting impact on people, community, and Tasmania’s industrial future.

Monique Koski, Timberlink
Monique is the first woman to lead the site at Timberlink as a Site Manager in nearly 40 years. With 20+ years in forestry and manufacturing, she’s driven a 10% production boost and championed inclusive hiring, mentoring, and Indigenous engagement, blending operational excellence with a passion for diversity and empowerment.

Highly Commended: Meagan Bennett, Liberty Bell Bay

Inclusion & Diversity Champion in Tasmanian Resources, award sponsored by MMG Ltd

Winner: Teresa Lemaire, Bell Bay Aluminium

Teresa is a values-driven leader in the resources sector, championing inclusive, neurodiverse-friendly workplaces. As co-chair of her Diversity and Inclusion Committee, she promotes equitable practices, mental health support, and flexible recruitment. Her collaborative leadership empowers diverse teams, fostering innovation, resilience, and a culture where everyone can thrive.

Excellence in Company Programs and Performance in Tasmanian Resources, sponsored by Tasrail

Winner: Vanessa Skipworth, Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council

Vanessa Skipworth created the award-winning GEMS Program, transforming how Tasmania’s resource sector supports women. Through leadership development, mentoring, and accredited learning, GEMS achieved a 95% completion rate in 2024. Vanessa’s collaborative approach fostered industry partnerships and lasting cultural change, creating a scalable model for gender equity and workforce development.