Queensland-based ‘Sisters in Mining’ program wins national recognition

Published: 07/12/2014

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]21 November, 2014 – A unique training pathway which helps put Indigenous women behind the wheel of 100-tonne mining haul trucks has gained national recognition, winning an Australian Training Award.

The program, called ‘Oothungs (Sisters) in Mining’ is designed to maximise employment opportunities for Indigenous women in the mining sector.

A collaborative effort involving leading mining contractor Thiess, mine owner Wesfarmers Curragh and The Salvation Army Employment Plus, it has just won the Australian Training Award for Industry Collaboration*.

‘Oothungs (Sisters) in Mining’ is a pre-employment program to prepare participants for a career as a trainee haul truck operator.

In addition to the technical competencies, this program involves numerous sessions, driving a state-of-the-art simulator, and participants also receive important life-skills training in areas such as goal setting, negotiation, nutrition and managing money.

The program has been successful at two Central Queensland mines – Wesfarmers Curragh  coal mine near Blackwater and the Lake Vermont coal mine near Dysart.

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