Emeritus Professor Colleen Hayward AM will join the board of Mineral Resources (MinRes) on 1 January as an Independent non-executive director.

Professor Hayward, a respected senior Noongar woman with more than 35 years of experience developing and leading programs to support and empower Aboriginal people in Western Australia, has held senior appointments at a community, state and national level.

Her fields have spanned health, training, employment, law, and education, including at Edith Cowan University where she is an Emeritus Professor in the School of Education.

Professor Hayward was awarded the 2008 National NAIDOC Aboriginal Person of the Year Award and in 2006 received the Premier of Western Australia's prestigious Multicultural Ambassador's Award. In 2009, she was inducted into the WA Department of Education's Hall of Fame for Achievement in Aboriginal Education.

Professor Hayward was inducted into the WA Women's Hall of Fame in 2012 and recognised as a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia; and in 2015 was celebrated as one of Murdoch University's Distinguished Alumni for her work in the areas of equity and social justice.

MinRes' chairman James McClements said that as the company grows it needs to expand its board and incorporate a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds.

"Colleen's appointment as Independent Non-Executive Director will enhance Board diversity and bring specialist skills that reflect the growing needs of the business," he said.

"Through her highly awarded work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Colleen brings important skills and insights that will strengthen our approach to cultural heritage, traditional owner partnerships and community engagement."