2008 Awards

NAWIC Queensland 2008 Excellence Awards - and the winners are………

The winners of the NAWIC Queensland 2008 Excellence Awards were announced on Friday, 31 October at an evening of high glamour attended by Her Excellency, the Governor of Queensland, Penelope Wensley AO and other special guests at MIRRA in Fortitude Valley

The award winners with Bovis Lend Lease Queensland General Manager, Peter Ward, and also NAWIC Qld President Radmila Desic.

This year’s awards attracted an unprecedented number of entries with nominations sky-rocketing to 66 compared to 24 in 2007.

The awards were judged by a panel of 21 judges from NAWIC Queensland’s Council and sponsoring organisations.

Winners of the NAWIC Queensland 2008 Excellence Awards are:

Brisbane CityWorks Crystal Vision Award

4 nominees:

1. Gaylene Dunemann – Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd
2. Melinda Horton – Cement Australia
3. Karen Lyon Reid – Department of Public Works (finalist)
4. Robyn Williams – Queensland Rail (finalist)

WINNER: Karen Lyon Reid, Executive Director, Queensland Government Accommodation Office, Department of Public Works

Judges rationale: Karen won this on the basis of her significant management and administrative role that has seen her involved with establishing policy particularly related to women working within the department, enacting legislation and providing a high level of mentoring to other women in the organisation.

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Department of Public Works Award for Achievement in Construction (general / building)

5 nominees:

1. Rosemary Axon – Project Services, Department of Public Works
2. Lyla Cobiac – Brisbane City Council Water Distribution and Larochette Pty Ltd
3. Susie Pearn – Atkinson Project Management, a division of Connell Wagner
4. Nicola Powell – Project Services, Department of Public Works
5. Natasha Schlaadt – McCarthy Homes

WINNER: Rosemary Axon, Principal Project Manager, Product Services Education Portfolio, Department of Public Works

Judges rationale: With over 20 years experience in the construction industry, Rosemary is highly regarded in her field for her various contributions to the built environment, and in particular to various public sector projects including education facilities.

In particular, Rosemary’s recent involvement on the complex Roma Street Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Station project has demonstrated her commitment to successfully manage client groups and external stakeholders within tight budgets and programs.

Civil Contractors Federation Award for Achievement in Construction (civil works)

8 nominees:

1. Kathryn Bujtor – Hatch Associates Pty Ltd
2. Lyla Cobiac – Brisbane City Council Water Distribution and Larochette Pty Ltd
3. Gaylene Dunemann – Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd
4. Kirsty Heron – Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd
5. Sue Korecki – Laing O’Rourke
6. Katie McGlade – Brisbane CityWorks
7. Saori Peguicha – Thiess Pty Ltd
8. Natasha Roy - Civdec

WINNER: Natasha Roy, Project Engineer, Civdec

Project: Runway Blast Protection at Brisbane Airport for Airbus A380

Judges rationale: Natasha balanced what was not only a demanding project, but also a demanding environment involving airside civil aviation considerations, night works, stringent post construction daily activities, quality demands of an open, operational domestic and international airport, thus ensuring the safety of the travelling public. Her commitment to the project and project team was qualified with an excellent safety performance and the quality of the final workmanship delivered.

Natasha's nomination received unanimous endorsement from the judges as an outstanding demonstration of leadership, commitment and persistence to a project. Delivery of the project within the constraints imposed was a test of the successful management for a complex construction plan by Natasha.

BUSY at Work Award for Achievement in Design

2 nominees:

1. Hwe Choo Kong – Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd
2. Heidi Newman – Project Services, Department of Public Works

WINNER: Heidi Newman, Interior Designer / Project Manager, Project Services, Department of Public Works

Projects: Brisbane Entertainment Centre Foyer Refurbishment and Queensland Rugby League Headquarters fitout

Judges rationale: Heidi's project includes BEC & QRL's Headquarters which displayed a complex array of bringing together clients and design. In her nomination, she demonstrated influence, ownership and quality project management.

The judges would like to congratulate Heidi in this award. In her submission, Heidi demonstrated a high degree of her own potential and clearly outlined her attention to detail, commitment, motivation and focus to drive a project from inception through to design and construction. We wish Heidi success and know that she will be very successful in her career path.

Mission Australia Award for Achievement in Product Supply and Application

3 nominees:

1. Sarah Brooks – Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd
2. Yvonne Hartnell – Thiess Pty Ltd
3. Theresa Seath – Brisbane CityWorks

WINNER: Yvonne Hartnell, Senior Project Planner, Thiess Pty Ltd

Projects: Bundamba Advanced Water Treatment Plant

Judges rationale: Yvonne’s quote from her executive summary “The road to success is always under construction” by Lily Tomlin was a fitting statement to the achievements she has made during her career, demonstrated through a colourful work career and a self-less commitment to working as a volunteer in low-income communities in Central and South America, Nepal and Mexico. She has described her interaction in both academic and fieldwork as having set her in good stead for a civil industry career and acknowledgement that, respect is given where respect is due regardless of gender or occupation. Her commitment to persistence has made Yvonne a worthy winner of the Mission Australia award, congratulations.

Yvonne’s nomination received unanimous endorsement from the judges as an outstanding demonstration of commitment to the completion of a project.

John Holland Award for Achievement as a Business Woman

9 nominees:

1. Carol Boman – Cement Australia
2. Dana Burrows – VERB Consulting and the Northern Busway Alliance
3. Kerry Carmody – Q Build, Department of Public Works
4. Lyla Cobiac – Brisbane City Council Water Distribution and Larochette Pty Ltd
5. Saori Peguicha – Thiess Pty Ltd
6. Shirley Reeder – ARUP
7. Theresa Seath – Brisbane CityWorks
8. Lorelle Taylor – John Holland Pty Ltd
9. Michelle Walker – Laing O’Rourke

WINNER: Kerry Carmody, Regional Manager, Q Build South Coast Region, Department of Public Works

Judges rationale: As Regional Manager of the Q Build South Coast Region, Kerry has been critical in ensuring the success of Q Build’s Southern Group division.

Her awareness of the trends and developments in the industry, together with her receptiveness to change, willingness to seek improvements and proactive approach to difficult situations makes her a worthy recipient of this award.

Construction Skills Queensland Award for Contribution in Building and Construction Trades

7 nominees:

1. Cheri Alexander – Apprentice Carpenter, Q Build – Department of Public Works
2. Kasey Leigh Grosser – Apprentice Electrician, Brisbane CityWorks
3. Sarah Henry – Apprentice Carpenter, Q Build – Department of Public Works
4. Allison Julian – Apprentice Electrician, Q Build – Department of Public Works
5. Toni-Sarria McMullen – Apprentice Plumber, Clifcorp Pty Ltd
6. Ricki-Lee Rimmington – Carpenter, Q Build – Department of Public Works
7. Jenna White – Apprentice Plumber, Q Build – Department of Public Works

WINNER: Allison Julian from Mount Isa, Apprentice Electrician, Q Build, Department of Public Works

ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD: Tonia-Sarria McMullen – 16 year old plumbing apprentice from Parkinson

Leighton Contractors Award for Achievement in Sustainable Development

4 nominees:

1. Gemma Child – Project Services, Department of Public Works
2. Loretta Finocchiaro – SMEC | Northern Busway Alliance
3. Hwe Choo Kong – Leighton Contractors
4. Joyce Law – City Design, Brisbane City Council

WINNER: Loretta Finocchiaro, Environmental Manager, SMEC

Project: Northern Busway Project (Royal Children’s Hospital to Windsor)

MERIT AWARD: Gemma Child, Senior Environmental Scientist, Project Services, Department of Public Works

Laing O’Rourke Award for Innovation

6 nominees:

1. Jenna Green – Thiess Pty Ltd
2. Heidi Gustafson – Q Build, Department of Public Works
3. Dr Karen Manley – Queensland University of Technology
4. Christine Murray – Project Services, Department of Public Works
5. Saori Peguicha – Thiess Pty Ltd
6. Petie Walker – Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd

WINNER: Christine Murray, Senior Procurement Manager, Project Services, Department of Public Works

Judges rationale: Public art is often undervalued and it is always difficult to solve the conflicting priorities of artistic intent, context, materials and the 'up close and personal' nature of this form of art.

Christine Murray, with her all girl team, has shown outstanding innovation in the integration of public art into the public built environment that effectively balances functional, architectural and artistic requirements and is a most worthy recipient of this award that recognises the achievements of women in innovation within the construction industry.

Office for Women Award to a Young Achiever

11 nominees:

1. Cheri Alexander – Apprentice Carpenter, Q Build, Department of Public Works
2. Kathryn Bujtor – Civil Engineer, Hatch Associates Pty Ltd
3. Cherise De Vere – Site Engineer, Bovis Lend Lease
4. Jenna Green – Health, Safety Environmental Advisor, Thiess Pty Ltd
5. Kasey Grosser – Apprentice Electrician, Brisbane CityWorks
6. Sarah Henry – Apprentice Carpenter, Q Build, Department of Public Works
7. Allison Julian – Apprentice Electrician, Q Build, Department of Public Works
8. Eliose Liddell – Building Cadet, Laing O’Rourke
9. Chris McAlister – Spatial Consultant, GeoSolutions Australia
10. Karen Reynolds – Bell Thomasson Builders
11. Ricki-Lee Rimmington – Carpenter, Q Build, Department of Public Works

WINNER: Chris McAlister, Spatial Consultant/Surveyor, GeoSolutions Australia

Judges rationale: The judges considered that Chris McAlister is not only passionate about her chosen career, but is also a very high achiever, having received a number of excellence awards during her education, and as a result of her professional endeavours. The judges were impressed not only by Chris’ technical ability, but also by her extensive volunteer contribution to her profession, which includes supporting initiatives to promote surveying, particularly to women.

Cement Australia Award for Achievement in Marketing, Community Engagement/Consultation and Communication

7 nominees:

1. Dana Burrows – VERB Consulting and the Northern Busway Alliance
2. Natasha Hardy – Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd
3. Vivian Lim – Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd
4. Julia Miles – Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd
5. Vanessa Page – Working with Q Build Campaign, Q Build, Department of Public Works
6. Vanessa Page – “Think Safe, Act Safe” Campaign, Q Build, Department of Public Works
7. Alison Williams – SMEC

WINNER: Alison Williams, Community Relations Manager, SMEC

Project: PacificLink Alliance Tugan Bypass

Judges rationale: Alison is indeed a worthy recipient of this award as she managed the community consultation program for a significant, high profile, complex and very emotive project – Tugan Bypass. Demonstrating true leadership, Alison guided the community relations team through a multitude of stakeholders, government jurisdictions, and potential issues resulting in minimal disruption and early project completion.

The judges would also like to make a special mention / high commendation to Julia Miles.

MERIT AWARD: Julia Miles, Community Relations and Stakeholder Manager, Leighton Contractors

Project: Inner Northern Busway, Queen Street to Roma Street

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