The Gold Industry Group hosted its 8th Annual Networking Sundowner on Wednesday May 1 at QT Perth, connecting with more than 100 members and guests to celebrate the gold industry and share the impact of its latest activities.

*Gold Industry Group Chair Kelly Carter*

Gold Industry Group Chair and Gold Fields Executive VP and Group Head of Legal & Compliance Kelly Carter opened the evening by welcoming members and guests amid such an exciting time for the Australian gold sector.

*The Honourable David Michael MLA, Minister for Mines and Petroleum*

“We convene tonight during a period of unprecedented growth and opportunity. With economic conditions driving record gold prices and production volumes, the Australian gold sector has reclaimed its place in the national spotlight,” she said.

Ms Carter said it was up to everyone in the gold industry to harness this momentum wisely and to lay the foundations for sustained success.

“Through our continued collaboration, we can create lasting benefits not only for our industry, but for the environment, the economy, and the communities that host us.”

Ms Carter went on to highlight some of the Gold Industry Group’s achievements of the past year, including a record-breaking 12 months for the National Gold Education Program.

*GIG Board Director and of Perth Mint GM of Commercial Development Cameron Alexander*

“In 2023, we had our biggest year to date for our National Gold Education Program, reaching more than 6,000 students, delivering more sessions, and training more facilitators than ever before,” she said.

“This program is not only changing students’ perception of gold mining, but it’s also providing our members the opportunity to build lasting connections with the industry’s future leaders.”

*National Gold Education Program Facilitator of the Year Teresa McGrath*

2023 was also another impressive year for the Gold Jobs platform, which saw an exciting surge in female interest and engagement from our ‘Land Your Dream Job’ campaign, in partnership with Netball WA and West Coast Fever.

“This ongoing campaign has driven a record number of women to explore the site, and now more people than ever before say they would consider a career in gold,” Ms Carter said.

*GIG CEO Kristy Reilly interviews West Coast Fever’s Jess Anstiss, Sunday Aryang, and Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard*

“In a time where attracting top talent is paramount, initiatives like Gold Jobs are crucial for broadening the industry’s talent pool and ensuring its long-term success and sustainability.”

Ms Carter then introduced the esteemed guest for the evening, the Honourable David Michael MLA, Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Ports; Road Safety; and Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport.

Minister Michael expressed his excitement about the future of the WA gold industry and envisioned a thriving sector in 2050.

“Can I start with a big thank you to the Gold Industry Group and its members for the significant contribution you make to Western Australia’s gold sector,” he said.

“We are proud of the long, rich history associated with gold mining in our State, and long may it continue.”

The Minister said he was excited by the statistics released in the Gold Industry Group’s 2023 Impact Report, which indicated that almost half of the visitors to the Gold Jobs website were female.

“With a strong pipeline of gold projects on the horizon in Western Australia, this bodes well for the sector because as we know from the Impact Report - a diverse and inclusive workforce, rich in varied perspectives and experiences, fuels innovation and propels success,” he said.

It was now time to present the annual Gold Class Awards, acknowledging outstanding contributions to the National Gold Education Program from members and their employees.

Bellevue Gold received the Company of the Year Award for delivering 25 Gold Class Sessions in 2023, while Teresa McGrath from AngloGold Ashanti Australia was crowned Facilitator of the Year.

Teresa spoke highly of her appreciation and passion for the Program, which she said allows her to connect with her community and inspire the next generation.

Gold Industry Group CEO Kristy Reilly then provided an update on the Group’s successful partnership with Netball WA, West Coast Fever, and Shooting Stars.

The partnership is continuing to foster positive outcomes for both industries, and in 2023 alone, there was a 50% increase in people viewing the gold industry favorably.

A panel discussion with West Coast Fever superstars Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Jess Anstiss, and Sunday Aryang concluded the formalities.

The crowd heard insights into the team’s 2024 campaign, and the players shared what they loved most about heading out to regional communities.