Program for 2026
Day 1
8:00AM
Coffee & Croissant Registration
9:00AM
Kitty Prodonovich, Master of Ceremonies | Event Opening
9:10AM
Sharon Todd | Welcome to Country
9:15AM
PHCCI Opening Address
9:25AM
Lily Meneghel, Rio Tinto | Leading the Pilbara Forward
Delivered by a senior leader from our exclusive event partner, this keynote will open the day with insights from one of the resources sector’s most respected voices. Drawing on extensive leadership experience, they will share insights on the future of the region, the resources industry, and the vital role women play in shaping both.
9:55AM
Women who hold the Line: Leadership & Resilience in the Pilbara
Lily Meneghel, Rio Tinto | Sinead Booth, Fortescue | Kate Holling, BHP | Kate James, DT Infrastructure
Led by four leaders from the Pilbara’s largest resource companies, this panel dives into how women tackle high-pressure challenges, make tough calls, and harness grit to lead with impact and resilience.
10:45am Morning Tea
11:25AM
Kate Holling, BHP | The Moments that Make or Break a Career
Every career has defining moments – decisions, risks and turning points that shape your path. This keynote will share candid insights from their journey, highlighting pivotal choices and challenges that have shaped their leadership.
11:55AM
Beyond Mining: Building Communities People Choose to Stay In
Virginia Miltrup, City of Karratha | Jodie Swaffer, City of Karratha | Jacinta Behrend, Town of Port Hedland | Lee Furness, Town of Port Hedland
Mining drives the economy – but people drive the community. Shire and council leaders discuss what it takes to create Pilbara communities people choose to call home.
12:40PM
Virginia Miltrup | 100 Women: The Power of Purpose and Collective Action
12:50pm Lunch
1:50PM
Men in Leadership: Support, Accountability and What We've Learned
Dan Mossman, GM Port BHP | John Brereton, GM Port Fortescue | Dale Stewart, CEO Town of Port Hedland | Paul Maney, Manager Operations Rio Tinto DSL | Casey Fimmel, Hancock GM Port and Rail
This panel brings together senior male leaders from across the Pilbara’s mining and local government sectors to reflect on their role in shaping more inclusive workplaces for women. Through honest conversation, this discussion will unpack leadership blind spots, lessons learned through experience, and the actions required to move beyond intention and into meaningful, lasting change.
2:35PM
Morag Lowe, First National Hedland | Community-Centric Business: Lessons Learnt While Scaling
Delivered from the owner of a successful small business, this keynote will explore why people matter more than transactions and how building trust and engagement has driven their long-term success in the Pilbara.
3:05PM
What Am I Doing Here? Lost in the Pilbara
Jade Skotniczny, Soak in Dampier | Kelly Gudgeon, Westerman Jiliya Institute | Morag Lowe, First National Hedland | Kate James - DT Infrastructure
Hear candid, funny and inspiring stories from a panel of women who never planned to settle in the Pilbara…until they did. This panel will explore work, community, and the adaptation required to find success in one of the most remote corners of Australia.
4:00pm Forum Closes
5:30PM
Sundowner
Enjoy a signature Pilbara cocktail, connect with incredible women from across the region, and get involved in our exciting charity auction, all while soaking up the relaxed Pilbara atmosphere.
Day 2
6:30AM
Rays Breakfast
Start your day right with a delicious breakfast between 6:30AM and 9:00AM. Book your breakfast spot, grab a coffee, refuel and get ready for another big day of connection, inspiration and conversation.
6:30AM
Ebb & Flow | Yoga Session
A moment to breathe, reset and reconnect before a day filled with stories, connection, inspiration and the incredible women who continue to shape our region.
8:00AM
Registration
9:00AM
Kitty Prodonovich, Master of Ceremonies | Event Opening
9:10AM
Bernadette Harris, Rio Tinto Winu Project| Official Opening by Exclusive Event Partner
Join Bernadette Harris from Rio Tinto’s Winu Project as she officially opens the Women of the Pilbara Forum. Bernadette will welcome delegates and set the scene for day two of conversation, reflecting on the importance of strong leadership, collaboration and creating opportunities for women across the Pilbara.
9:30AM
From Port to Purpose: Three ports. Three leaders. Three different perspectives on leading in the Pilbara
Michelle Radley, Rio Tinto | Lily Meneghel, Rio Tinto | Briony Briskey, Rio Tinto
Join General Managers across Rio Tinto’s Pilbara port operations for an honest conversation about leadership, purpose and the people behind some of the region’s most significant operations. From navigating the challenges of remote leadership to building strong teams and communities, hear how three women are shaping the future of the Pilbara from the port to the boardroom and beyond.
10:15am Morning Tea
11:00AM
Invisible Leadership: Women that are Shaping our Communities in Volunteer Roles
Relma Bule-Turner, PKUC / TaeKwondo | Joanne Waterstrom Muller, Karratha SES | Lisa Shields, Marine Rescue Port Hedland | Shelby Noble, Marine Rescue Port Hedland
Behind every thriving community are volunteers who give their time, energy and expertise while already balancing careers and family commitments. Their leadership may be quiet, but their impact is undeniable.
11:45AM
Susan Grylls, PKUC | Education as Your Launchpad: Turning Learning into Tangible Career Outcomes in Regional Contexts
Turning learning into action. This keynote will discuss leveraging skills, how local education and training can open doors, and how women can equip themselves with the right skills in the Pilbara.
12:15pm Lunch
1:25PM
Making the Pilbara Home: Women Leading Regional Engagement
Tui Magner, Karlayura Rodeo Inc | Daiva Gillam, Regional Development Australia | Jessica Wilson, Bugarrba
Events strengthen community identity, connection, and pride. This panel discussion will provide insights into driving projects that create lasting impact in remote communities.
2:00PM
Jessica Evans, Pilbara Cosmetic and Wellness | Wellness without Overwhelm: A Sustainable Approach for Busy Women in Regional Communities
Grounded in the realities of busy schedules and regional living, this keynote explores a practical, no-nonsense approach to wellbeing. It focuses on achievable, sustainable habits that support energy, health, and overall balance – without the pressure of perfection. Attendees will walk away with realistic strategies that fit into everyday life, empowering them to feel their best in a way that’s both manageable and lasting.
2:30PM
Tess Jasmine, Connect & Empower | Lifting as We Climb: Mentoring and Advocating for Each Other
Explore the art of empowering women around you. Gain actionable strategies to mentor, sponsor, and advocate for your peers, and discover how celebrating each other’s success fuels collective growth.