Mining may be one of the most male-dominated industries in Australia, but things have been changing at Newcrest Mining’s Cadia Valley Operations (Cadia).

“Over the past five years, we have developed a range of programs to support women in their return to the workforce and create an inclusive environment that provides flexibility to support the individual needs of each employee,” said Cadia Acting General Manager, Aaron Brannigan, marking International Women’s Day 2020.

Cadia’s Diversity and Inclusion Program, launched five years ago, aims to create a work culture that welcomes and values the diversity of employees, said Aaron.

For example, the Parents and Bubs program keeps employees on parental leave in touch with the workforce while on leave. Once a quarter, employees on parental leave are invited to a morning tea where the Cadia Valley Operations General Manager provides an update on all things which have been happening at work while the parent has been away.

It is also an opportunity to connect with other parents, said Aaron.

“While the Parents and Bubs program has traditionally been utilised by females, our parental leave program is offered to both men and women and a number of our male employees who have opted to take paternal leave are also benefiting from this initiative,” he said.

To support and encourage women back into mining, after leaving to have children, Cadia created the Non-Working Mining Mums program.

Through this program, Cadia offers flexible work arrangements, which often is not something people associate with the mining industry, and 100 per cent of women who have participated in this program have continued in the mining industry.

Two years ago, Cadia added a private area for nursing mothers to express, and last 2019 opened a purpose-built lactation room. The facility was created in consultation with working mothers and midwives to provide a private place where women can express and store breastmilk.

The facility has provided women with more choices on when to return to work and the option to continue breastfeeding.

All part of Cadia’s commitment to creating an inclusive culture and providing equal opportunities for its wide range of employees, said Aaron.