The function focused on the importance of relationships, company culture and initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining women.

Key speakers included some high-powered Thiess women: non-executive director Ros Kelly, the executive manager corporate affairs and communications, Diane Bettess, and the executive mining manager for Queensland, the Northern Territory and Pacific, Simone Wetzlar.

Thiess said the more than 80 people at the function included representatives from government, mining companies, research organisations, consultants, recruitment agencies, law firms and Thiess employees.