PRESS RELEASE: New directors share vision for Gold Industry Group
The three newest members of the Gold Industry Group’s (GIG) Board of Directors have outlined their exciting vision for the Group as it looks to expand upon its array of impactful programs and partnerships in 2024.
Darren Stralow (CEO, Bellevue Gold), Julie Jones (General Counsel & Joint Company Secretary, Gold Road Resources), and Wayne Bramwell (MD & CEO, Westgold Resources) recently joined the GIG Board of Directors.
The Group is also excited to announce that Mr. Bramwell has also stepped into the role of Vice Chair.
These appointments are expected to significantly enhance the Group’s initiatives in education, sustainability, and community engagement, with each bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to propel GIG forward.
GIG Chair, Kelly Carter (Executive Vice President & Group Head of Legal & Compliance, Gold Fields) highlighted the industry’s current state of “unprecedented growth and opportunity” at the Group’s Annual Sundowner.
“With economic conditions driving record gold prices and production volumes, the Australian gold sector has reclaimed its place in the national spotlight,” Ms. Carter said. “It is up to us to harness this momentum wisely and to lay the foundations for sustained success. Through our continued collaboration, we can create lasting benefits not only for our industry, but for the environment, the economy, and the communities that host us.”
The new Directors share a passion for collaboration and showcasing the positive impact of the gold industry. Mr. Stralow emphasised the importance of the GIG in communicating the industry’s value to stakeholders.
“The Gold Industry Group is a terrific example of collaboration and cooperation of some great companies, and to be a part of the Group’s leadership moving forward is going to be ‘a great experience,’” Mr. Stralow said.
“The gold industry needs to show all stakeholders, from the public to government officials, that gold is a great contributor of wealth, jobs, and benefits for all involved, and the Gold Industry Group is an ideal conduit for that,” he said. “The Gold Industry Group is uniquely placed to not only show that gold creates value that everyone can share with, but also to ensure that the gold mining industry has a seat at the table for key discussions that could affect everyone in the resources industry.”
Mr. Bramwell, boasting nearly three decades of experience, joins the Board as Vice Chair with a focus on promoting the industry’s economic value.
“I’m proud of the gold industry’s contribution to Australia and passionate about telling our industry’s story to the world,” Mr. Bramwell said. “Unbeknownst to many, Australia’s gold industry generated $25.3B in revenue in FY23. The Gold Industry Group has a tremendous opportunity to build the profile of this cornerstone industry to the wider community.”
“The gold industry is collegiate in nature. Collaboration is everything and the true power of the industry lies in using the collective strength of the many gold industry members and participants to grow our education, community, and employment programs,” he said.
Mr. Bramwell added his excitement to work with other Gold Industry Group members to raise awareness of the opportunities within the gold sector and to “create value for the people who work within it and the communities in which we operate.”
The Group’s commitment to the community is exemplified by its landmark partnership with Netball WA, West Coast Fever, and Shooting Stars. This partnership has fostered connections within the vast netball community while positively reshaping public perception of the gold industry.
Julie Jones, a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, expressed her enthusiasm about joining the Board.
“I am pleased to be able to enhance the visibility of career opportunities within the gold industry, particularly for women, and ensure that the education programs assist in developing knowledge and pathways for individuals to thrive in the sector,” Ms. Jones said.
“I look forward to contributing to fostering growth, sustainability, and inclusivity within the industry while making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Through netball, we can provide greater access to sports programs for underprivileged communities and leverage the partnership to champion women’s participation in sport and the workforce,” she said.
2024 is shaping up to be another significant year of growth for the GIG. The Group’s National Gold Education Program is poised to surpass its record of reaching 6,000 students in 2023. Additionally, Gold Jobs, the Group’s employment platform, has seen a surge in users, with female users notably increasing by 26% in the past year.
The three new Directors bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the Board, solidifying the GIG’s leadership within the Australian gold industry. Together, they will continue to promote long-term initiatives that showcase the industry’s value to the economy and community.
Long-term Directors who remain on the Board and continue to contribute to its growth and success include Andrea Maxey (Vice President Investor Relations, Communication & ESG, AngloGold Ashanti Australia), Fiona Murfitt (Vice President Sustainability (HSE, Risk and Social Responsibility), Evolution Mining), Cameron Alexander (General Manager of Commercial Development, Gold Corporation – The Perth Mint), and Rebecca Ciotti (Executive Manager Corporate Services, Northern Star Resources).
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About the Gold Industry Group
The Gold Industry Group is a member-based, not-for-profit industry association governed by a Board of Directors. The Group connects the community to Australia’s gold industry by championing long-term initiatives that grow understanding of its value.
For more information visit www.goldindustrygroup.com.au
