More than 1,100 guests gathered at the ICC Ballroom in Sydney to attend Australia’s largest awards program for women in property and construction — hosted by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) NSW Chapter.
NAWIC NSW Chapter President Georgia Coulston said: “The construction sector is Australia’s third largest employer, but women make up just 12 per cent of the workforce — and just 2 per cent of trades.
“This statistic has been stagnant for more than 40 years and this is an industry issue, not a gender issue.
“Lifting women’s participation is key to boosting productivity, addressing critical labour shortages and building our nation’s future.”
Coates was presented the Lendlease Crystal Vision Award for its remarkable transformation of hiring practices, flexible working arrangements and support for emerging female leaders.
Design practice HDR Regional Managing Principal Cate Cowlishaw was honoured as the Richard Crookes Business Woman of the Year.
John Holland’s NSW Submissions Team secured the Scentre Group Award for Team Innovation, with an 80 per cent female team that challenges industry standards.
The Transport for NSW Tradesperson Scholarship was awarded jointly to Samantha Decolongon and Stacey Swetnam, both ambassadors for women in non-traditional construction roles.
MBM Founding Director David Madden was presented with the ADCO Champion of Change Award in recognition of his personal and professional commitment to gender equality.
Ashley Barnes of Richard Crookes Construction received the Acoustic Logic Regional Woman of the Year Award for her achievements in delivering innovative projects and advocating for gender equity.