General News
25 July, 2024
Kenmare woman wins mining award
Kenmare resident Fiona Czuczman was recognised as an Exceptional Woman in Victorian Resources at a recent awards ceremony held by the Minerals Council of Australia in Ballarat.
The 2024 Victorian Women in Resources Awards highlight advocacy, leadership and professional success of women in the mining sector, and aims to encourage more females to get involved in the mining industry.
Ms Czuczman, a community relations officer, was one of four women to be recognised at a ceremony for an industry which is historically dominated by men.
She said she felt "absolutely chuffed" to be recognised, and that her nomination came from her work with the Australian Institute of Geoscientists.
"While a lot of it was paid work, there was also a lot that was volunteer work - supporting members, running conferences, all of those things," Ms Czuczman said.
“The nomination was about acknowledging the work I have done, and around the change I've had from supporting the industry to jumping into the industry.
"I feel like I have put a lot of work in, and for both external people and my peers to recognise that, I feel that is wonderful."
Ms Czuczman studied geology at university after completing school, and off and on has spent 30 years in the resources and mining industry.
It was a curiosity about earth, nature and the planet that led her down this career path, and her first job was as a geologist at a mine in Central Victoria.
"For the last few years I have worked for the ASX-listed S2 Resources," Ms Czuczman said.
“With them, I am engaged to look after the likes of the farmers and make sure they understand our rights, as well as finding a way to work together in a responsible way”
Minerals Council of Australia executive director James Sorahan said there was an extremely high calibre of contenders for the awards.
"Women are making a significant contribution to the industry through leadership and promotion of diversity in the resources sector," Mr Sorahan said.
"Winners come from a broad range of backgrounds and pathways to the sector, including community engagement, geoscience and trades, demonstrating mining’s diverse workforce."
All four of the women recognised at the awards will now attend the Mineral Week conference and dinner in Canberra in September, where Ms Czuczman will find out if she will receive a national award.
"Regardless of if I lose or win, it is absolutely amazing to have the opportunity to be there and be counted among the other finalists," Ms Czuczman said.