BMA Childcare recognised in QRC’s Awards for Women

BMA Childcare, an initiative launched by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance in response to ongoing critical early childhood education and care (ECEC) shortages in the Queensland communities of  Moranbah and Dysart, has secured the 2025 Excellence in Diversity Programs and Performance award at the Queensland Resources Council’s (QRC) Resources Awards for Women. 

The awards were announced earlier this month at a ceremony held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.During the ceremony, QRC revealed its latest data which shows the proportion of women employed in Queensland’s resources sector increased to a new record high of 23 per cent in 2023-24, making the affordability and accessibility of ECEC a priority issue for the mining sector.

BMA Childcare goes some way to addressing this issue through supporting the professional development of educators in the region, as well as advocating for longer term solutions to addressing the issues identified by stakeholders.  

A recent report from advocacy body The Parenthood outlined that 86 per cent of families living in regional, rural, and remote communities struggle to access ECEC, a position reinforced by QRC Chief Executive Janette Hewson who, when speaking with industry publication mining.com.au, said resource operations are primarily based in regional and remote locations, and as such, there are challenges around availability for accommodation and access to services such as health, education, and daycare (sic.).

“In particular, limited access to childcare (sic.) can present a significant challenge and the QRC is a strong advocate for more childcare facilities in regional and remote areas to help address this issue.”

BHP reports there are an estimated 822 childcare places required in coal mining regions such as Moranbah, Dysart, Blackwater, and Emerald. In addition, there are an estimated 508 after school care facilities needed, with only 306 available. 

Significant achievements recognised

A number of key achievements made by BMA Childcare were recognised in determining the award allocation, including establishing the Childcare Leadership Alliance (CLA), recruiting more than 30 international educators, reducing waitlists by 50 per cent and enabling approximately 100 families to access care.

Other accolades recognised on the night included Glencore’s (LON:GLEN) head of capital studies and projects Jackie Rose’Meyer winning the Exception Woman in Queensland Resources award, and Stanmore’s (ASX:SMR) principal business improvements Ashley McCarty-Griffiths winning the Exceptional Young Woman award. 

The 2025 Resources Awards for Women, was co-hosted by QRC and WIMARQ, and supported by BMA. 

The QRC is Queensland’s peak body for coal, metal, and gas explorers, producers and suppliers. 

Access the original coverage of this story here.