Trailblazing leaders, innovative projects, and transformative workplace policies took centre stage at the 2024 NAWIC NSW Awards for Excellence.
The event, hosted by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) NSW Chapter, drew a record-breaking 153 nominations across 13 categories and attracted over 1,100 industry professionals to Sydney’s ICC Ballroom.
NAWIC NSW Chapter President Georgia Coulston emphasised the significance of the awards, stating: “This is more than an awards night — it is a call to action.”
She highlighted the critical need for change in the construction industry, noting that women comprise just 12 per cent of the workforce and only 2 per cent of trades — a figure that has remained stagnant for over four decades.
Lendlease Crystal Vision Award
Natalie Haydon of Multiplex, known as ‘Hard Hat Nat,’ received recognition for creating the Jump Start Juniors – Multiplex | LEGO Australia Learn to Build program.
This initiative inspires primary school students to explore construction careers while championing female leadership.
Richard Crookes Business Woman of the Year Award
Sianne Bennett, Head of Human Resources at Gamuda Australia, was honoured for her transformative leadership.
Under her guidance, Gamuda grew from 10 employees to more than 750 in just five years, achieving a 30 per cent female workforce and a 65 per cent female graduate participation rate.
ADCO Champion of Change Award
Greg Anderson, Alliance Manager for the Mulgoa Road Upgrade Alliance, was recognised for achieving 31 per cent female representation on his project through a holistic approach to diversity and mentorship.
Additional Winners
- MPA Award for Achievement in Construction, Refurbishment and Fitout: Brie Ranchhod, Design Manager with Kane Constructions
- CPB Contractors Award for Contribution to Sustainability: Robyn Simpson, National Manager – Environment and Sustainability at Coates
- Scentre Group Award for Team Innovation: Lendlease Workforce Participation Team
- Hassell Award for Innovation in Design: Afrida Salma, CIMIC Group’s CPB Contractors Design Engineer
- Ferrovial Project Manager of the Year Award: Melanie Bowden, Project Director at CPB Contractors
- Roberts Co Award for Contribution to a Project’s Development: Carinne Watson, CPB Contractors’ Health Facility Planner
- Laing O’Rourke Future Leader Scholarship: Lufeng Zhang, chartered civil and environmental engineer
- Transport for NSW Tradesperson Scholarship: Jordyn Allan
- John Holland University Scholarship: Imandee Jayawardena
- NAWIC Regional Woman of the Year Award: Eliza Blight, ADCO’s Project Engineer
The 2024 NAWIC NSW Awards for Excellence showcased the immense talent and potential within the construction industry.
As Georgia Coulston concluded: “Each of us holds the power to address the challenges ahead. But only by working together can we build an industry where everyone thrives.”
