Maximising Your Potential: Lessons from WA Mining Club’s Miners Mingle Panel Discussion

Maximising Potential in WA Mining: A Night of Insight and Inspiration

The WA Mining Club has long been a beacon for connection, conversation, and growth in Western Australia’s mining industry. But last week, they outdid themselves with the Miners Mingle event themed “Maximising Your Potential.” Held in the heart of WA’s mining community, this panel discussion lit a fire under the crowd and reminded everyone that no matter where you are in your career journey, there’s always room to grow.

The vibe? Electric. The stories? Raw and inspiring. The impact? Lasting.

Here at Cameron Facilities, we pay close attention to industry conversations like these. They don’t just shape careers—they shape the future of leadership and workforce development across remote sites and mining communities.

Panel Power: Who Spoke and What They Shared

Moderated by the ever-engaging Matt Michael, the panel brought together three powerhouse voices from across the mining sector:

• Claire Parkinson – known for her work in leadership development and mentoring

• Debbie Morrow (GAICD) – a governance professional with deep insight into strategic growth

• George Bauk – a respected industry leader with a passion for future-focused mining

These speakers didn’t hold back. Each speaker shared personal stories of career highs, lessons learned through hard work, and the unwavering determination required to succeed in the mining industry. And more importantly, they spoke with honesty, empathy, and encouragement, qualities sometimes overlooked in a high-performance industry.

4 Core Themes from the Panel Discussion

1. Back Yourself Confidence Over Perfection

One major message echoed by all speakers was the importance of backing yourself. Whether applying for a new role, considering a pivot, or leading a team through change, self-belief is crucial.

“You won’t always have all the answers, but that doesn’t mean you’re not the right person for the job,” expressed Claire Parkinson.

Many attendees, particularly early-career professionals who often underestimate their readiness for leadership roles, resonated with this statement.

2. Mentoring Matters: Guidance Can Change Trajectories

George Bauk emphasized the life-changing effects of mentorship in his journey. By building relationships with those further along the path, emerging leaders can accelerate their learning curve and avoid avoidable missteps. Learn how we support personal growth through our Wellness and Mental Health Program.

At Cameron Facilities, we see mentorship not just as a bonus but as a strategic pillar in empowering remote camp teams, particularly those in isolated regions.

3. Just Do Your Best, Progress Over Perfection

Too often, professionals get caught up in aiming for perfection. But as Debbie Morrow shared, the goal should be consistent progress, not flawless execution.

In high-stakes environments like mining operations or remote facility management, teams perform better when they’re encouraged to try, fail fast, learn, and grow, rather than fear making mistakes.

4. Networking Is Everything

The event itself was a living testament to the power of networking. Miners Mingle wasn’t just a panel discussion; it was a community accelerator. Old connections were rekindled, and new ones were forged over shared goals and ambitions.

Want to grow your mining network? Discover our Mining Camp Management Services that create environments where collaboration thrives.

Why These Conversations Matter for the Future of Mining

The mining industry is changing rapidly, driven by tech, sustainability goals, and evolving workforce dynamics. Events like these keep the human side of leadership in focus.

Here’s why this matters:

• Retention & Culture: In mining camps and remote sites, culture is everything. Investing in people—mentorship, empowerment, and trust—helps retain top talent.

• Mental Health & Resilience: Mining workers often face isolation. Encouraging self-belief and support networks is essential for mental wellness.

• Diverse Leadership: By spotlighting different leadership journeys, we build space for more inclusive, empathetic leaders to rise.

Reflections from the Industry

The crowd was a who’s who of WA mining. Notables like Jordan Pedley, Linda P. Bernard, Cassandra Brennan, Rob Humphryson, and Barry Upton were all present, engaging in conversations that extended far beyond the event’s closing remarks.

We spoke with one attendee from a Pilbara-based site who said:

“This was the first event where I felt like the conversation wasn’t just about business—it was about people. Real people and real challenges.”

At Cameron Facilities, that sentiment resonates deeply. As a company offering remote camp catering and integrated property services in WA, we understand that operational excellence starts with human-centered leadership.

Our Commitment: Empowering Potential Across Every Site

What this event reminded us is that everyone has potential, from the kitchen staff in a remote camp to the engineers designing infrastructure in Perth.

We’re inspired to:

• Continue supporting career development through on-site mentoring

• Create safe spaces that enable emotional wellness and resilience

• Foster inclusive leadership pipelines across all levels of our workforce

Learn more about the WA Mining Club and their ongoing efforts to grow the mining sector through collaboration and professional development.

Until Next Time, Miners Mingle

As James Fox said in his post:

“How bloody wonderful was that!”

And he’s right. The Maximising Your Potential panel didn’t just talk about leadership—it modeled it. With each speaker’s story, every handshake exchanged, and each challenge named out loud, the WA Mining Club reaffirmed what leadership in mining should look like: real, relational, and rooted in purpose.

From all of us at Cameron Facilities, here’s to backing yourself, building your network, and never settling for less than your full potential.