An innovative trial of a five-day work week, a six-month parental leave policy and nation-building infrastructure projects that are growing the female talent pool are among the winners of National Association of Women in Construction NSW Chapter’s 2022 NAWIC Awards for Excellence.
More than 1,100 guests gathered for Australia’s largest awards program for women in construction at the ICC Ballroom in Sydney for the second time in 2022 – following a hiatus in 2021 – to celebrate 40 finalists in 13 categories.
“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,” says NAWIC NSW President Georgia Coulston.
Construction giant Laing O’Rourke was presented with the night’s most prestigious prize, the Lendlease Crystal Vision Award, for an equal parenting 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.”
Transport for NSW picked up three awards, with Deanne Forrest, Ashma Husna and Vivien Murnane applauded for their work on nation-building infrastructure projects.
“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,” Ms Coulston notes.
Global Head of Design at Hassell, Liz Westgarth, was named Richard Crookes Business Woman of the Year. “Liz is passionate about the contributions that women make to design and is championing diversity to deliver creative design solutions that best reflect communities and drive systematic change.”
Roberts Co, Health Infrastructure NSW and University of NSW took home the John Holland Award for Team Innovation for a “game-changing” trial of a five-day work week on the Concord Hospital Redevelopment Project that has since been adopted by other construction companies.
John Holland’s Construction Director Steve Kiddle was named the ADCO Champion of Change for a multi-faceted approach to diversity. “Steve faces complex engineering challenges every day and works with his team to innovate and push boundaries to overcome them. He has applied the same approach to diversity with a genuine commitment to create an inclusive environment for all,” Ms Coulston says.
“We applaud the leaders and innovators who have stepped up their efforts over the last year to enhance inclusion, flexibility and wellbeing across countless companies and to demonstrate why a diverse construction industry is in the best interests of our entire nation.”