The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) awards for excellence, hosted by the National Association of Women in Construction NSW Chapter, have recognised companies working to improve women’s participation in the construction industry.
More than 1100 guests attended the ICC Ballroom in Sydney to celebrate Australia’s largest awards program for women in construction – where 40 finalists were honoured across 13 categories.
Laing O’Rourke took out the top prize, the Lendlease Crystal Vision Award, for its equal parental leave policy that provides six months’ leave on full pay regardless of gender.
“Laing O’Rourke is committed to a 50/50 balance between men and women by 2033. Achieving this ambition demands a suite of innovative policies, and this industry-first approach will help Laing O’Rourke to improve gender balance while attracting and retaining the top talent.”
“The NAWIC Awards for Excellence showcase the achievements of women in construction, building and related industries, and applaud the hard work of women, men and organisations to make our industry more diverse and inclusive”.
Deanne Forrest, Ashma Husna and Vivien Murnane from Transport for NSW were awarded for their work on nation-building infrastructure projects.
Coulston said: “The NSW Government is delivering the largest transport infrastructure program in Australia’s history and is using this opportunity to not only shape our cities, but to also create a stronger and more diverse workforce. The collaboration between client, contractor and subcontractor is essential to see true change and ensure a sustainable future for our industry”.
Roberts Co, Health Infrastructure NSW and University of NSW were awarded the John Holland Award for Team Innovation for a “game-changing” trial of a five-day work week (as opposed to notoriously long hours typical in the industry) on the Concord Hospital Redevelopment Project, which has inspired other projects and organisations to follow suit.
Awarded Richard Crookes Business Woman of the Year was Hassell’s global head of design Liz Westgarth, and John Holland’s construction director Steve Kiddle was named the ADCO Champion of Change.
Megan Lohrisch accepted an award for contribution to sustainability on behalf of CPB Contractors.
NAWIC NSW president Georgia Coulston said: “The NAWIC Awards for Excellence showcase the achievements of women in construction, building and related industries, and applaud the hard work of women, men and organisations to make our industry more diverse and inclusive”.