Bernard is the Associate Director of Mining & Industrial Services at Zenith Search, where he partners with mining companies across Western Australia to build the leadership and technical capability that underpins performance. His journey in the industry started on site and has evolved into working alongside owners, operators and contractors at a strategic level – giving him a genuine appreciation for both the people and the challenges that drive our sector.
Bernard previously had the privilege of serving on the Young Professionals Advisory Committee (now EPAC) at the WA Mining Club, where he was deeply committed to creating meaningful opportunities for emerging leaders and strengthening the future pipeline of our industry. Bernard cares deeply about the WA mining sector especially its people, its future, and the role we all play in shaping it. He believes the Club has a unique platform to connect, influence and elevate the industry – and is motivated to contribute to that in a meaningful way.
Proposer: Bernard Hoogenboezem
Seconder: Tim Taylor
Has been a WA Mining Club Member since 2019
Kit is the founder of Found Procurement, a Western Australian heavy machinery and equipment procurement business supporting the mining and construction sectors. He work closely with project managers, contractors, suppliers, and asset owners to simplify equipment sourcing, reduce downtime, and improve project efficiency across Australia.
Kit’s background has given him strong exposure to business development, stakeholder engagement, and the operational challenges faced across the resources industry. He’s passionate about building genuine industry relationships and creating value through practical problem-solving, communication, and innovation.
Outside of business, Kit has a strong interest in endurance performance, discipline, and personal development, which has shaped his approach to leadership and resilience.
Proposer: Kit Pirrottina
Seconder: James Fox
Has been a WA Mining Club Member since 2024
John’s role at the WA School of Mines is one that brings together the global, government and Industry segments that enables mining, minerals and energy education to be accessible at a time of great change, disruption and opportunity. The global reputation of the WA School of Mines ( WASM ) makes his role somewhat easier – with John having the backing of a great team to help make this happen.
John have a background in business, banking and government that has helped him build a strong personal network in Australia and globally and this has been helpful in creating new opportunities for WASM and Curtin in South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He’s lucky to be in this great role and working with some amazing people here in Australia and around the world.
Proposer: John O’Neill
Seconder: Barry Upton
Has been a WA Mining Club Member since 2025
Matthew is a WA‑based mining professional who has built a career around people, practical problem‑solving, and a genuine love for the resources industry. Over the years, Matthew has worked across a range of commodities and operations, gaining hands‑on experience onsite (DIDO/FIFO) and within local fabrication workshops and, with this, has a deep appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that define mining in Western Australia.
Matthew have a down‑to‑earth approach, steady leadership style, and commitment to creating safe, supportive environments where teams can thrive. He values connection and contributing to the broader community to keep the industry progressively moving forward.
Proposer: Matthew Bourke
Seconder: Tim Taylor
Has been a WA Mining Club Member since 2024
When Peter arrived in WA for the first time in 1989 – he was met with a thriving city. In 1995, Peter was lucky enough to join Hammersley Iron in 1995 as a Treasury Accountant. Over 30 years later the mining industry is the heartbeat of the entire nation – creating in the order of $170 billion + gross value since the 2020’s. Upwards of 25% of government revenue and contribution. Mining touches every person in Australia and Peter has personally benefited in all aspects of my life from the Mining sector. He have a Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance), a Post Graduate Degree in Marketing and an Masters of Business Administration.
Proposer: Peter Taliangus
Seconder: Jared Dales
Has been a WA Mining Club Member since 2023
Amanda is the Principal of Strategic Partnerships at AGuyIKnow, where she work across the mining, energy and government sectors to help bridge the gap between strategy, systems and what actually happens in practice. Amanda has been fortunate to be involved with the WA Mining Club through the Get into Mining program, supporting the design and delivery of digital systems, participant engagement and learning experiences. She feels it’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute to something that genuinely improves both the efficiency of the program and the experience for participants.
Amanda is passionate about ensuring the next generation has access to sustainable and meaningful employment, and strongly believes people can achieve great things when they are supported and believed in. Alongside her professional work, Amanda provides mentorship through a community-based program, connecting individuals to opportunities and helping build confidence and capability.
She’s particularly driven by creating practical, engaging experiences that not only build skills, but open doors. Amanda says is excited by the opportunity to contribute to the Emerging Professionals program and support its continued growth and impact for both participants and industry.
Proposer: Amanda Beresford-Long
Seconder: Graham Hall
Has been a WA Mining Club Member since 2025
Tracey Chan is the Head of Finance for Australia, with extensive experience supporting mining and resources organisations across Western Australia. She has a strong, hands‑on background in financial management, budgeting, cash flow oversight, governance, and reporting, developed through working closely with operational, executive and board‑level stakeholders.
As Treasurer, Tracey would bring a disciplined and transparent approach to managing the Club’s finances, with a strong focus on financial sustainability, clear reporting, and supporting the Committee in effective decision‑making. She enjoys working collaboratively and contributing to practical outcomes that support the long‑term success of member‑based organisations.
Proposer: Tracey Chan
Seconder: Barry Upton
Has been a WA Mining Club Member since 2025
Shane is an accomplished Civil Engineer and project leader who brings over 15 years of experience and a genuine passion to the Western Australian resource sector. Having worked across various stages of the project lifecycle—from initial engineering to operations management, Shane has developed a well-rounded perspective on what makes the WA mining community thrive.
Throughout his career, Shane has focused on delivering quality outcomes for both major and mid-tier mining organizations. His approach combines a grounded understanding of onsite realities with a thoughtful, strategic outlook on commercial success. For Shane, the strength of the industry lies in its people; he takes great pride in mentoring the next generation of project professionals, fostering a culture of growth, efficiency and collaboration.
Shane’s contribution to the sector is characterized by his commitment to building lasting relationships and his dedication to the long-term health of the industry. He is eager to bring this spirit of partnership and his deep operational knowledge to the WA Mining Club, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for all its members.
Proposer: Shane Waldron
Seconder: Christian Chandler
Has been a WA Mining Club Member since 2024
Helmut Vordermeier is a systems engineer and senior manager with over 40 years of experience delivering complex projects in defence, aerospace, telecommunications, public safety, and the resources sector. Based in South Perth, Western Australia, he specialises in governance, and the integration of essential operational technologies.
In mining, he has supported major companies including BHP and Fortescue Metals Group through critical infrastructure delivery, commercial management, and technology upgrade projects. He brings deep expertise in tailoring communications, voice, and data systems to mining operations, helping sites transition from legacy technologies to modern, reliable solutions that mitigate future risks of technology obsolescence and production impacts.
A committed advocate for health and safety, Helmut has authored whitepapers on OH&S and delivered projects under stringent safety and governance standards. As a long-standing WA Mining Club member, he is seeking a Committee position to contribute his governance, management, and technology transition expertise to support the Club and the industry.
Proposer: Helmut Vordermeier
Seconder: Rob Humphryson
Has been a WA Mining Club Member since 2023
Anthony is the Sales and Operations Manager at Tolvr Pty Ltd, a Western Australian fabrication company supporting the mining sector with heavy fabrication, structural steel, and mining attachments. With over 18 years of experience in the industry, Anthony has held senior roles across operations, workshop management, and business development, working closely with major miners, OEMs, and contractors throughout WA. His background spans field services, asset management, and manufacturing, giving him a practical understanding of both site and workshop environments.
Anthony is passionate about strengthening collaboration across the mining supply chain and supporting the next generation of industry professionals. Through his involvement with the WA Mining Club, Anthony has seen the value of strong industry networks and the role they play in driving connection and opportunity. If elected to the Committee, Anthony aims to contribute practical industry insight, support meaningful engagement between members, and help ensure the Club continues to deliver value across all levels of the industry.
Proposer: Anthony Walsh
Seconder: Russell Wells
Has been a WA Mining Club Member since 2023
Russell Stokes is the General Manager – Aviation Sales at CASAIR Group, a Western Australian, family-owned aviation business with over 33 years supporting the resources sector. Based at Jandakot Airport, he leads the delivery of tailored aviation solutions across exploration, development, and production, with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and operational performance.
Working closely with mining operators across Western Australia, Russell brings a practical understanding of the commercial, logistical, and operational challenges of remote projects. His focus is on improving connectivity to site, reducing operational risk, and delivering efficient, fit-for-purpose aviation outcomes that support productivity.
With broad exposure across multiple clients and projects, Russell has built a strong industry network and a reputation for being commercially pragmatic and solutions-focused.
Russell is seeking to contribute to the WA Mining Club Committee to support the Club’s continued growth and relevance, with a particular focus on strengthening member engagement and expanding the Club’s network.
Proposer: Russell Stokes
Seconder: Mike Murphy
Has been a WA Mining Club Member since 2024
Brandon Gibbs is a commercial and operational professional with experience across engineering services, asset management, and the mining sector. He currently serves as General Manager at Thermal Engineering, where he is responsible for leading strategic growth, overseeing day-to-day operations, and driving commercial performance across the business.
Brandon’s experience is strongly rooted in mining sector capital and maintenance projects, having progressed from Mechanical Engineer to Project Engineer, Project Manager, and now General Manager. His background includes specialist HVAC-R and electrical works, as well as experience operating within an OEM environment. This progression has provided him with a well-rounded perspective across the full project lifecycle, from technical design and execution through to commercial delivery and operational leadership.
He brings a practical, commercially focused approach to leadership, combining technical expertise with financial and contractual acumen. Brandon has experience managing complex projects, structuring agreements, mitigating risk, and aligning stakeholder interests in fast-paced, high-demand environments. He was also selected to participate in the WA Mining Club Emerging Leaders Program, recognising his leadership potential within the resources sector.
Proposer: Brandon Gibbs
Seconder: James Fox
Has been a WA Mining Club Member since 2023
