Josh Chiat Kalgoorlie Miner
Outgoing WA School of Mines Alumni Association resident Bill Beament sees fostering improved relations between the Kalgoorlie campus and Curtin University administration in Bentley as his greatest achievement in the role.
Over the past five years, Curtin has invested significant resources at WASM, including the new $32 million Agricola student accommodation, even as student numbers have declined.
Mr Beament said it was important to convince the university of the significance of the more than century-old institution, which he claimed produced 40 per cent of the Australian mining industry’s leaders.
“It punches above its weight so I think elevating that importance and getting Curtin to understand the importance of the brand . . .that was probably my proudest achievement, was getting all stake-holders aligned,” he said. “It’s
taken about 10 years to get all stakeholders aligned to a future vision of the school of mines.” Entering the role about seven years ago after previously sitting as WASMA’s vice-president, the Northern Star Resources executive chairman’s public profile has grown alongside his time at the helm.
WASM Alumni vice-president and Saracen Mineral Holdings managing director Raleigh Finlayson is being tipped as the likely frontrunner when Mr Beament stands down at the organisation’s upcoming annual meeting.
“It’s fair to say Ral’s done a great job as vice-president and he carries a lot of weight out in the members and the wider community,” Mr Beament said.
The history of the Western Australian School of Mines Alumni (WASMA) reflects the ups and downs of the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) and the role it has played in supporting graduates in a range of activities and events. It also describes the important role that graduates have played in ensuring WASM remains in Kalgoorlie. Learn more.
