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2024 Awards for Excellence Winners Citation

AWARD 1: BARPA CRYSTAL VISION AWARD

Winner: Georgia Davey | NORSTA Maritime

Georgia is the inaugural Program Manager for the Regional Maintenance Provider (RMP) North, supporting naval vessels in Darwin. With over twelve years of experience as a project and program manager in the NT, she champions women in construction, Defence, and STEM, mentoring many individuals.

Currently, she leads a maritime sustainment program focusing on traineeships in engineering and project support. A single parent, Georgia aims to create industry change and be a role model for her two sons.

 

AWARD 2: NAWIC NT Award for Allyship

Winner: Jessie Risk | AKJ Services

Jessie is the Managing Director of AKJ Services (AKJS) proudly 100% Larrakia and Female owned civil construction business. Jessie is committed to leading the way in gender equality, which is demonstrated with a 20% skilled female workforce. A statistic which is only continuing to grow with 33.3% of AKJS apprentices being women.

 

AWARD 3: AKJ SERVICES, EMERGING TALENT FOR OFFICE PROFESSIONAL AWARD

Winner: Mikaela Nugent | DCOH Pty Ltd

Mikaela Nugent is a dedicated Project Coordinator at DCOH Pty Ltd, working on the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre Project. She has contributed to multi-award-winning projects like the Warren Park Rugby League Stadium and Nightcliff Police Station.

Known for her leadership, project coordination, and stakeholder communication skills, Mikaela's nomination for the ’Emerging Talent Office Professional Award’ highlights her exceptional achievements and potential as a future leader in the construction industry. Her dedication and community involvement make her a role model for aspiring professionals.

 

AWARD 4: GTNT TRAINEE, APPRENTICE OR STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD

Winner: Victoria Carter | M.E.C. NT

In 2023, Victoria began an apprenticeship with M.E.C. NT, studying for a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician at Charles Darwin University. Despite working in various traditionally female-dominated sectors to support her family and husband's career, Victoria always aspired to work in the electrical trade, influenced by her handy father.

Now, she is embracing the challenges of her apprenticeship, gaining experience in residential and commercial projects. With the support of a positive employer, Victoria is committed to becoming fully qualified and fulfilling her dream of an electrical career.

 

AWARD 5: DCOH, CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL

Winner: Lauren Ward | Jaytex Construction

As a Project Manager at Jaytex Construction, Lauren excels in leadership and problem-solving across diverse construction sectors. Her career includes contract management, project coordination, and administration in remote Northern Australia.  

Holding diplomas in Project Management and Business Administration, Lauren recently managed a fibre network upgrade, showcasing her strategic problem-solving and resource management. Her commitment to safety, client satisfaction, and mentorship highlights her dedication to stakeholder wellbeing and talent development, solidifying her as an exceptional leader in the construction industry.

 

AWARD 6: M&J BUILDERS, LEADERSHIP AND MENTORING AWARD

Winner: Rowena Wong | DCOH Pty Ltd

Rowena Wong is a visionary leader and advocate for gender equality and Indigenous employment pathways in the local construction industry. As Local Industry Capability Manager at DCOH, she creates employment opportunities, particularly for women and First Nations people, and fosters community and industry engagement. With over 20 years in Mining and Construction, Rowena has excelled in roles including HR Manager and Project Manager.

She champions mentorship, pairing experienced women with emerging talent to support career development. Rowena actively promotes construction careers to young women through site visits, career fairs, and guest lectures, making a significant impact on DCOH and the broader community.

 

AWARD 7: INTRACT, ACHIEVEMENT BY AN INDIGENOUS WOMAN AWARD

Winner: Amanda Chick | Sitzler

Amanda is an integral member of Sitzler’s precontracts team, having been with the company for over seven years. As Senior Bid Coordinator, she is responsible for the tracking of opportunities before they are released to market, then leads the development of content, manages bid resources and their inputs throughout the tender period. Amanda has the final responsibility for compiling and submission of Sitzler’s building and civil infrastructure bids. 

In her time with Sitzler, Amanda has been instrumental in the prepositioning and tendering for work which has seen Sitzler’s precontracts team secure over $2 billion of work for the local construction industry in the Territory alone.

 

AWARD 8: ECOZ, ACHIEVEMENT IN HEALTH, SAFETY AND/OR ENVIRONMENT AWARD

Winner: Christy Sharp | Think Safe Solutions

Christy has worked across building and construction, mining, and non-profit sectors. She is committed to fostering a positive health and safety culture and has a proven track record in driving change and achieving company goals.

Christy's strong leadership skills have led to successful health and safety program implementations and the establishment of her own business with Ray Pratt. She helps companies meet compliance requirements and achieve strategic targets.

 

AWARD 9: FOUNDATION RECRUITMENT. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND/OR DIVERSITY AWARD

Winner: Naomi Anstess | NTIBN | Saltblack

Naomi is an Erubam Le and Gumeroi woman, born, raised and educated in Darwin on Larrakia Country. She is an Indigenous Business Specialist, the current Big Boss (CEO) of the NT Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) and runs her own consultancy SaltBlack.

She is all about encouraging more women to join the industry with the development of policies to reflect gender equality and ensure fair workplaces for women such as including maternity leave policies.

 

AWARD 10: McMahon Services TRADESWOMAN of the YEAR

Winner: Mereraina (Naina) Kora

Naina’s journey in the construction industry highlights her dedication, expertise, and leadership. Starting as a Laboratory Technician in 2010, she quickly gained recognition for her meticulous work in Construction Material Testing.