The Gold Industry Group celebrated the vital contribution of its Gold Class Facilitators in inspiring the future industry leaders of Australia’s gold industry through the delivery of Gold Class Sessions at its annual Gold Class Awards.
The Gold Class Awards were presented at the GIG’s Industry Sundowner on 15 June, where Evolution Mining Community Relations Officer Tara Rout won the highly regarded Gold Class Facilitator of the Year for 2021.
Ms Rout delivered six Gold Class Sessions in 2021 across both primary and secondary schools and received amazing feedback from teachers and students. In her speech, Ms Rout said it was vital to educate the “little miners of tomorrow” and she absolutely loved being a part of the National Gold Education Program.
Gold Fields received the award for Company of the Year for a second year running, with nine Gold Class Facilitators delivering 20 sessions.
GIG Chair and Gold Fields Vice President of Legal and Compliance Kelly Carter also expressed her pride in the Program, and thanked members and facilitators for their commitment to the Program and their incredible contribution to educating students.
“I am thrilled to see our National Gold Education Program continue to flourish with amazing feedback from teachers, students, and industry champions,” Ms Carter said.
“The impact of our program would not be possible without the passionate employees that dedicate their time to delivering our Gold Class Sessions to primary and secondary students.”
Now in its 3rd year, the National Gold Education Program is having a huge impact in changing industry perceptions and developing the leaders of tomorrow, reaching more than 1500 schools and tens of thousands of students to date.
Feedback from teachers has been overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of students wanting to find out more about careers in the gold industry at the end of a session.
Minister for Mines and Petroleum the Honourable Bill Johnston MLA presented the awards to the passionate workers who had dedicated their time to delivering the most Gold Class Sessions to schools each term and received much positive feedback.
Congratulations to our incredible Gold Class Award winners:
Gold Class Facilitator of the Year for 2021 - Evolution Mining Community Relations Officer Tara Rout.
Gold Class Facilitator Award for Term 2 in 2021 - Novo Resources Recruitment Advisor Nicole Reweti, Gold Road Resources Executive Administrator and Office Coordinator Jessica Jones and Gold Road Resources General Manager of Capability and Culture Stuart Jenner.
Gold Class Facilitator for Term 3 in 2021 - The Perth Mint Officer Training and Communications Rosie Villalba and Evolution Mining Community Relations Officer Tara Rout.
Gold Class Facilitator for Term 4 in 2021 - Gold Fields Senior Exploration Geologist Jay Stafford.
Gold Class Facilitator for Term 1 in 2022 - Gold Fields Unit Manager: Taxation, Australasia Daniel Borgas.
Rosie Villalba, who took out the award for Gold Class Facilitator for Term 3 in 2021, said it was an absolute pleasure to be part of the Program, and to share a little bit about her role and the gold industry with future generations.
“As a facilitator, I volunteered my time to visit different schools of WA and run Gold Class Sessions to educate students on the value of the sector to the community and economy, how the industry solves problems through Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), and the diverse range of careers available in Australia’s gold industry,” Ms Villalba said.
Ms Carter concluded the awards ceremony by encouraging members and workers to take an active role in the program and become Gold Class Facilitators.
“I really encourage members to actively participate in the Program, it is such a rewarding experience. I was amazed by the response of the students, how engaged they were in the activities and how many questions they had about our industry,” she said.
“This is the best possible opportunity to engage both kids and their teachers, and let your staff showcase our sector and the opportunities available.”
Find out more about the Gold Industry Group’s National Gold Education Program proudly supported by its members: education.goldindustrygroup.com.au
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Facilitator of the Year Evolution Mining Community Relations Officer Tara Rout with Gold Industry Group Chair Kelly Carter and CEO Rebecca Johnston.
Minister Johnston with Gold Road Resources Executive Administrator & Office Coordinator Jessica Jones and Novo Resources Recruitment Advisor Nicole Reweti.
Minister Johnston with Perth Mint Officer Training and Communications Rosie Villalba and Evolution Mining Community Relations Officer Tara Rout.
Minister Johnston with Gold Industry Group Treasurer and Gold Fields Unit Manager: Taxation, Australasia Daniel Borgas.
Minister Johnston with Gold Fields Executive Vice President Stuart Matthews accepting on behalf of Gold Fields.