Diversity and inclusion and how they can deliver profound benefits for the nation were the themes among finalists for the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) NSW Chapter’s annual awards for excellence.
Last week, the organisation announced its winners.
Nominations this year hit a record high of 153 across 13 categories, with more than 1100 industry professionals attending the presentation ceremony.
The not-for-profit organisation is run by women volunteers and allies that host and deliver various events to further women in the construction industry. Members and its committee come from a wide range of fields in the industry and aim to address diversity issues, celebrate the achievements of female colleagues, educate, and provide career opportunities.
Georgia Coulston, president of the NSW Chapter, said that the awards night was more than a celebration – it was a call to action.
“The NAWIC NSW Awards for Excellence spotlight exceptional leadership and challenge the status quo. Together, we can dismantle barriers, lead with empathy and lay the foundations for a future where every contribution builds lasting impact.”
Coulston said critical change was needed – when women comprise just 12 per cent of the construction workforce and only 2 per cent of trades, and the figure has been stagnant over the last four decades.
“This isn’t just a gender challenge; it’s an industry-wide opportunity. Elevating women’s participation is essential to solving labour shortages, boosting productivity and securing Australia’s future.”
At the forefront of award winders was the Lendlease crystal vision award, which was won by Multiplex’s Natalie Haydon (affectionately known as “Hard Hat Nat”), who was recognised for her engaging workshops for primary school students to explore careers in construction, including a partnership with LEGO, as well as championing female leadership.
Also notable is the CPB Contractors Award for contribution to sustainability, which was awarded to Robyn Simpson, national manager for environment and sustainability at Coates, for spearheading strategies that minimise emissions and embodied carbon in her company’s projects.
Simpson’s achievements include implementing data visibility systems across Coates 145 branches, allowing the company to access trend analysis and pinpoint sustainability priorities. This led to the installation of solar panels across 26 branches, with the company using almost 70 per cent of the solar energy generated.
Also interesting was the ADCO champion of change award, which was given to Greg Anderson, the alliance manager for the Mulgoa road upgrade alliance. He championed and achieved a 31 per cent female representation on his project through mentorship and a holistic approach to diversity.
NAWIC’s president, Coulston, added, “We encourage more men in the industry to take Greg’s lead to innovate, advocate and take risks to create change.”
“Each of us holds the power to address the challenges ahead. But only by working together can we build an industry where everyone thrives.”
“We encourage more men in the industry to take Greg’s lead to innovate, advocate and take risks to create change.”
Other award winners include:
- Richard Crookes Business Woman Of the Year Award: Sianne Bennett, head of human resources at Gamuda Australia
- MPA Award for Achievement in Construction, Refurbishment And Fitout: Brie Ranchhod, design manager with Kane Constructions
- Scentre Group Award for Team Innovation Winner: Lendlease Workforce Participation Team
- Hassell Award for Innovation in Design Winner: Afrida Salma, CIMIC Group’s CPB Contractors design engineer
- Ferrovial Project Manager of The Year Award Winner: Melanie Bowden, project director of the Mindyarra Maintenance Centre project in Dubbo
- Roberts Co Award for Contribution To A Project’s Development Winner: Carinne Watson, CPB Contractors’ health facility planner
- Laing O’Rourke Future Leader Scholarship Winner: Lufeng Zhang, A chartered civil and environmental engineer for Laing O’Rourke
- Transport for NSW Tradesperson Scholarship Winner: Jordyn Allan for the Gamuda’s Tunnelling Pre-Employment Program
- John Holland University Scholarship Winner: Imandee Jayawardena, assistant quantity surveyor with MBM
- NAWIC Regional Woman Of The Year Award Winner: Eliza Blight, ADCO’s project engineer on the Griffith Base Hospital
