Celebrated Members
We recognise the outstanding individuals, groups, and organisations who have made a lasting impact on the WA School of Mines and its alumni community. We honour four distinguished categories: Life Members, Honorary Members, Champions of WASM, and Honour Board Inductees. Each has demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, or achievement that reflects the spirit and values of WASMA.
Life Members
Life Members of the WA School of Mines Alumni are individuals who have made exceptional, long-term contributions to WASMA or the School. Chosen by Council, they have demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and service that have shaped the direction and strength of our alumni community. These members are recognised not only for their efforts in times of growth, but also for their guidance during challenging periods. Below, we honour our Life Members and the lasting impact of their contributions.

Phil Plaisted is a highly experienced professional in the mining and metallurgical industry, particularly known for his extensive work in the diamond sector. Phil graduated from the WA School of […]
Read MorePhil Plaisted
2024

Christian Price commenced his involvement with the WASMA Council in August 2012 when he became the founding Kalgoorlie Branch Committee Chair. Over the next ten years, Christian rose to the […]
Read MoreChristian Price
2023

Ken Brinsden has been a WASMA Council Member and also served on the WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering Advisory Council. Ken is a WASM Mining Engineering […]
Read MoreKen Brinsden
2023

Neil Warburton says mentoring people and seeing them succeed is one of his top three career highlights. His willingness to give back to the industry where he’s enjoyed a standout […]
Read MoreNeil Warburton
2022

Raleigh Finlayson was awarded WASMA life membership to recognise the remarkable role he played in the success of the Alumni, initially as Vice President and then as President, as well […]
Read MoreRaleigh Finlayson
2021

Bill Beament graduated from the WA School of Mines (WASM) in 1996 with a degree in Mining Engineering. He brings over 20 years of experience in the resources sector, having […]
Read MoreBill Beament
2018

Sabina Shugg, a 1993 Mining Engineering graduate, has made a significant contribution to the Alumni over a 10 year period of continuous service as a council member and as a […]
Read MoreSabina Shugg
2017

Tony James, Managing Director of Carbine Resources, was awarded Life Membership of the WASM Alumni in August 2016, recognising his decade of service as Alumni President. He remains active in […]
Read MoreTony James
2016

Clive Annear achieved a Diploma in Mining and spent 20 years specialising in underground mining operations across the Golden Mile, Norseman, EZ Rosebery (TAS), and Cobar Mines (NSW). During this […]
Read MoreClive Annear
2015

Jack Ernest Larkin Manners, a Life Member of the WA School of Mines Graduates Association, was born in 1922 in Kalgoorlie. He was the eldest son of Joe Manners, General […]
Read MoreJack Manners
1951
Honorary Members
Honorary Members are recognised for their meritorious service to the WA School of Mines Alumni, the school, or the wider resources industry. This honour may be awarded to WASM graduates or non-graduates whose contributions have been consistently of a high standard and widely valued by the Council and Alumni community. Through leadership, advocacy, or active volunteer support, these individuals have helped further the mission and objectives of WASMA. Below, we recognise our Honorary Members for their valued service and dedication to the WASMA community.

Dr Peter Lilly has over 35 years of experience in mine planning and design, project development, consulting engineering, applied research, and academia. He has served as Director of the UWA […]
Read MoreDr Peter Lilly

Dr Suzanne Parry is the daughter of Keith Parry and a trustee of the Keith Parry Foundation. She has continued her father’s legacy through her ongoing support of WASM and […]
Read MoreDr Suzanne Parry

Peter Wreford was a prominent figure in the mining industry, recognised for his dynamic leadership across major exploration and development projects. He served as Director of BP Minerals Australia, the […]
Read MorePeter Mathews Wreford

Dr Charles Warman was the inventor of the world-class Warman Pump and founder of Warman International, a global manufacturer and distributor that transformed the mineral processing industry. Born in Kalgoorlie […]
Read MoreDr. Charles Warman
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Champions of WASM
Champions of WASM are individuals, groups, or organisations who are not WASM graduates but have made extraordinary contributions to enhancing the reputation of the WA School of Mines and its graduates. Their support may include substantial financial assistance, the provision of goods or services, infrastructure, scholarships, or sustained academic and industry engagement. These efforts have helped strengthen WASM’s reputation as a world-class institution. Below, we celebrate our Champions of WASM for their extraordinary support and commitment to the School and its graduates.

Barney Allen was the inaugural Director of the WA School of Mines, bringing with him extensive experience and academic distinction. Prior to his appointment, he served as Director of the […]
Read MoreFB (Barney) Allen

Sir John Forrest was Western Australia’s first Premier from 1890 to 1901, and a prominent surveyor, explorer and politician at both state and federal levels. He played a key role […]
Read MoreSir John Forrest

Sir Arvi Parbo was one of Australia’s most influential industrial leaders, holding simultaneous chairmanships of WMC, BHP and Alcoa. He played a critical role in championing the mining industry as […]
Read MoreSir Arvi Parbo

Emeritus Professor Odwyn Jones was a transformative leader in mining education and a Patron of the WA School of Mines Graduates Association. He served as Resident Director of WASM in […]
Read More Professor Ifan Odwyn Jones
Honour Board
The Honour Board recognises WASM graduates, groups, and organisations who have achieved outstanding success in their careers or made significant contributions to WASM, industry, or society. Nominations are proposed by the Honours Selection Committee and approved by the WASMA Council and a majority vote of members. A key category is High Achieving Graduates—alumni recognised for exceptional leadership, innovation, public service, or professional impact. Below, we showcase our Honour Board inductees and proudly share their exceptional achievements.

Sir Laurence Brodie-Hall was born in London in 1910 and migrated to Australia in 1924. Starting as a farm-hand in NSW, he later moved to Western Australia and began gold […]
Read MoreSir Laurence Brodie

Keith Parry was a respected leader in the Australian mining industry, known for his operational excellence and dedication to mentoring future leaders. He began his career as a surveyor and […]
Read MoreKeith Parry

Dr Charles Warman was the inventor of the world-class Warman Pump and founder of Warman International, a global manufacturer and distributor that transformed the mineral processing industry. Born in Kalgoorlie […]
Read MoreDr. Charles Warman

Peter Wreford was a prominent figure in the mining industry, recognised for his dynamic leadership across major exploration and development projects. He served as Director of BP Minerals Australia, the […]
Read More


