The Young Professionals started the month off with their first sundowner of 2021, ‘The Importance of Diversity in Mining’, at the Ritz-Carlton. Their special keynote speaker was the Honourable Ken Wyatt AM MP, who provided an insightful and engaging presentation on the importance of diversity. He also touched on positive effects of diversity and how the industry can leverage diversity to drive further innovation across the sector. Our Young Professionals take great pride in creating a forum for other young professionals to express their ideas and thoughts on how to create a more sustainable sector for the future.
Again, Anzac Day for those of us in Perth was observed by neighbours standing at the end of their driveways to help ‘Light Up the Dawn’. With public services, marches and other commemorative gatherings made impossible again this year by the lockdown measures to keep us safe, Anzac Day was once again commemorated in an unconventional way. It was great to read and see photos of those on site paying their respects.
Unfortunately, we also had the Premier confirming that there was to be a 3-day lockdown for the Perth/Peel region, which was lifted on Tuesday, 27 April at 12:01am, but as a stepped down approach interim restrictions were put in place until 12.01am, Saturday 1 May 2021. These interim restrictions included limits on events, which unfortunately meant that our April Luncheon that was to be held on Wednesday, 28 April 2021 had to be cancelled. We would like to advise we are working with the speaker to secure another date, as we know you were very keen to hear from Michael Gollschewski, Vice President Operations – Australia, Alcoa. We thank you for your understanding with regards to this and would like to reassure you that the safety and wellbeing of all our members and attendees is of paramount importance and our top priority.
This also means that the AGM has been deferred, more details on this will follow shortly.
We thank all of you for your continued support and understanding and look forward to seeing you at our next luncheon in May, where we will be discussing ‘Sustainability & Climate Change – Past to Present Alignment and Values’.
Natalie Taylor
WA Mining Club President