The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CME) Women in Resources Awards (WIRA) are expanding in 2026, with the addition of a new category recognising women who have played a key role delivering significant projects or initiatives.
The Outstanding Contribution or Achievement Award becomes the eighth gong on offer as WIRA returns for a 17th year.
CME Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Tomkinson said the new award was designed to spotlight women who had driven measurable impact for their organisation or the broader resources sector.
“The Outstanding Contribution or Achievement Award has been created to bridge the gap between young women near the start of their careers and senior leaders with decades of leadership experience,” Ms Tomkinson said.
“We felt like there was an opportunity to focus on women who are mid-career and doing incredible things but didn’t really fit into any of the existing categories.
“With eight awards now up for grabs, WIRA is cementing itself as the resources sector’s premier event and a powerful platform to share the remarkable stories of the women driving both cultural change and operational excellence in our sector.”
In addition to introducing a new award category, the former Women in Resources Technological Innovation Award has been refreshed and renamed the Women in Resources Technology Award.
The updated name and criteria reflect a broader focus – recognising not only those who have created new technologies, but also women leading the development, implementation, or optimisation of significant technology solutions across the sector.
The eight award categories at WIRA 2026 are:
- Outstanding Woman in Resources Award
- Outstanding Young Woman in Resources Award
- Woman in Resources Technology Award
- Outstanding Contribution or Achievement Award
- Outstanding Operator/Technician/Trade Woman Award
- Outstanding Company Initiative Award
- Champion of Women in Resources Award (any gender)
- People’s Choice Award
Ms Tomkinson encouraged both companies and individuals interested in WIRA to check the award criteria and nominate women kicking goals in their field.
“WIRA is so much more than just an awards ceremony – it has become an annual celebration of some of the best our industry has to offer and a source of inspiration, regardless of gender,” Ms Tomkinson said.
“Many of our past WIRA winners have faced significant adversity and hardship in their careers, and they have often had to break through barriers to allow other women to follow in their footsteps.”
Nominations for WIRA 2026 are now open. For more information and to complete a nomination, visit wira.net.au
Media contacts:
Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719
Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382
