Gudang Yadhaykenu man Gavin Corrie has been named BHP's Indigenous Employee of the Year, taking out the top individual honour at the mining giant's 2026 FIRE Awards in Tarntanya (Adelaide).
Mr Corrie, a Remote Maintenance Supervisor at the Goonyella mine in Queensland's Bowen Basin, was at the awards night at Adelaide Zoo when his name was read out.
"Sitting there among so many talented and inspiring people, I honestly wasn't expecting it," he said.
"My first reaction was complete shock. It took a moment for the news to sink in, and then it was quickly followed by a feeling of pride and gratitude. I felt honoured to be recognised, particularly knowing the incredible contributions Indigenous employees make across BHP every day.
"Standing there at the Adelaide Zoo that night was a truly special moment, and one I'll never forget."
Mr Corrie was born on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, with family ties to the Wuthathi people of Shelburne Bay and the Yupangathi people of the Pennefather River region. He grew up in Cairns, where he finished school and completed an electrical apprenticeship before entering the resources sector. He has spent eight years with BHP.
He said mining offered a chance to challenge himself and build a better future for his family, and the industry delivered more than he expected once he got his foot in the door.
"The variety of roles, the technology, the teamwork and the chance to work with people from different backgrounds really appealed to me," he said.
"What has kept me in mining is the people. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to work alongside great leaders, mentors and colleagues who have supported my development and challenged me to grow."
People sit at the centre of how Mr Corrie describes his job. In a maintenance environment, he said, teams rely on each other every day, and he takes pride in building that culture.
"Watching someone step up and succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do," he said.
"At the end of the day, it's not just about the work we complete. It's about the people we develop along the way and the family and friends we go home to."
He credits his mentors, his teams and his family for shaping his leadership, and quotes Thomas Edison on the value of getting things wrong: "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
"Leadership isn't about being perfect," Mr Corrie said. "It's about learning, growing, and showing up better every day. My kids keep me grounded, reminding me to lead by example, both at work and at home."
Mr Corrie said the award belongs as much to the people around him as to himself.
"For my family, it was a moment of immense pride. They've been there through every challenge and success," he said.
"For my community, I hope it reinforces the message that Indigenous people can achieve great things in any field while staying connected to who they are and where they come from. If this recognition inspires even one young Indigenous person to pursue their goals, back themselves, and take up opportunities that come their way, then that means more to me than the award itself."
The FIRE Awards, standing for First Peoples, Inclusion, Recognition and Excellence, recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and allies across BHP's Australian operations. The 2026 ceremony was held ahead of NAIDOC Week, whose theme this year, '50 Years of Deadly', marks five decades of celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, culture, leadership and resilience.
"It's a chance to reflect on how far we've come, acknowledge those who paved the way before us, and recognise the work that still lies ahead," Mr Corrie said.
"Their efforts have created pathways that people like me have been fortunate to walk today."
Georgia Aisthorpe, Gavin Corrie, Kodie Graham, Sedisha Chatfield, and Tyson Brown. Image: supplied.
BHP employs one of the largest Indigenous workforces in the resources sector, reporting 2,475 Indigenous employees across its Australian assets in FY25, or 8.96 per cent of its Australian workforce, with a target of 9.7 per cent by FY27.
BHP Vice President Indigenous Affairs Allan James said Indigenous employees "make an enormous contribution to BHP every day, bringing valuable perspectives, knowledge and leadership to our business".
"The business has been on a path of listening, learning and being honest about where we can improve. The most important thing is that we keep making progress together," Mr James said.
Mr Corrie is optimistic about the Indigenous leaders coming through behind him, and his advice to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people weighing up the industry is simple: back yourself and give it a go.
"Your experiences, values and cultural knowledge are strengths," he said.
"Don't let self-doubt hold you back. Seek out mentors, ask questions, and lean on people who want to see you succeed. There is a place for you in this industry, and the next generation of Indigenous leaders will play a huge role in shaping its future."
FIRE Awards 2026
● Gavin Corrie - Indigenous Employee of the Year
● Sedisha Chatfield - Indigenous Employee of the Year Runner up
● Georgia Aisthorpe - Rising Star
● Kodie Graham - Indigenous Leader of the Year
● Tyson Brown - Indigenous Trainee, Apprentice or Graduate of the Year
