BHP supports athletes beyond sport

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), a BHP (ASX: BHP) and Mitsubishi Development joint venture, has partnered with the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) to support athletes in life beyond competition.

The Dream Twice athlete employment initiative, QAS’s flagship program, helps athletes transition into industry careers, while still competing or after retirement.

This partnership with BMA will now open doors for athletes to enter the resource sector and support Australia’s world-class mining industry.

BMA asset president Adam Lancey says the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to investing in people who bring unique strengths to the workforce.

“Athletes — with their discipline, drive and resilience — bring the kind of thinking and energy that make them great members of our diverse teams,” he said.

“As Brisbane starts preparing for 2032, we’re excited to support the development of our athletes and provide opportunities beyond sport.”

Olympic silver medallist Maddison Keeney is an example of an athlete that has successfully transitioned to a career in mining, exemplifying the dual-career success the initiative aims to foster.

Since joining BHP in 2021, Ms Keeney has worked as a coal mining systems specialist for fleet management systems, balancing her elite diving career with a growing professional identity in the resource sector.

Ms Keeney says the flexibility of her role has allowed her to maintain her training schedule while gaining valuable experience in a high-performance workplace.

“Diving will always be part of me, but working at BHP has helped me realise I can have more than one identity,” she said.

“As athletes, we’re used to pressure, working in teams and always pushing ourselves.

“It’s amazing how much that mindset translates into the workplace.”

The program connects athletes with employers who value the unique attributes they have developed through competitive sport — including resilience, adaptability and a strong work ethic.

QAS partnerships director Dr Jessica Walker says the collaboration with BMA is a natural fit.

“BMA understands the value athletes bring — they’re adaptable and driven,” she said.

“This partnership gives them the chance to build those strengths into long-term careers.”