BHP Billiton S Africa : Lauren Keleher named a finalist in this years QLD Resources Awards for Women

A big congratulations goes to Lauren Keleher, Engineering Projects, BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) Hay Point Coal Terminal, who has been named a finalist in next year's QRC/WIMARQ Resources Awards for Women.

Nominated in the Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources category, Lauren dedicates much of her time to promoting female participation in the resources industry as well as working with students to encourage more students to take STEM subjects in high school.

'Since I started university, my goal has been to play a part in building diversity and a sustainable gender balance within the resources sector,' Lauren said.

'Each year I'm seeing more opportunities presented to young females in industries relating to STEM and I really want to make sure these opportunities are known and to encourage women to take them.'

Lauren first joined the industry as an undergraduate with BMA in shutdowns and then continued at Hay Point Coal Terminal.

After working for a few years with an engineering consultancy based in Mackay, Lauren returned to Hay Point as a Specialist Engineer.

'Since joining BMA, I have immersed myself within the project team as well as with the Local Inclusion and Diversity Council. I am a strong advocate for empowering the next generation and Hay Point Coal Terminal is aligned with this vision.'

Lauren is particularly passionate about promoting flex work, working with leaders and team members to embed flex initiatives in the site's culture.

'Flex work has become an incredibly important part of working at BHP and I am working with the site's Inclusion and Diversity Council to it ensure it becomes part of the Hay Point culture. The sessions will play a key role in us exploring flexible work and how we can better enable this within our teams,' Lauren said.

'These sessions also look at the barriers to success and how we can break them down.'

Resources Awards for Women winners will be announced at the annual QRC/WIMARQ Resources Awards for Women and International Women's Day Breakfast on 8 March 2019.