Built Communication, Stakeholder, and Media Management Award: Miranda Russel, CYP Design & Construction Joint Venture
Miranda graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Digital Arts) from the Australian National University in 2006, majoring in visual arts, film, and animation. She began her career as a Graphic Designer in 2012, working with small and medium-sized businesses in Melbourne. Miranda's introduction to the construction industry came in 2016 with the Metro Tunnel Early Works (MTEW) package, the community’s first interaction with the Metro Tunnel Project. As Graphic Designer, Miranda played a key role in visually delivering community, stakeholder, and media strategies to minimise disruption during works like service relocations, site preparation, acoustic shed construction, and shaft excavations near landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the City Baths. In 2018, Miranda was invited to join the Metro Tunnel Tunnels & Stations team as Senior Graphic Designer, expanding her role to include site embellishment planning. Here, she developed detailed documentation for branded fencing, hoarding banners, safety signage, and other creative applications, developing what is now industry standard for major infrastructure projects. Her illustration skills allow her to simplify complex CAD and technical drawings into easy-to-understand diagrams that are displayed in project collateral and high-profile locations like Flinders Street Station and Melbourne Central Station. In April 2021, Miranda became Senior Media, Communications, and Design Advisor, leveraging her extensive project knowledge and relationships with various workforce teams to strengthen media strategies, stakeholder engagement, and creative content production. Her work, featured on platforms like the Big Build website and social channels, has dramatically improved audience engagement. She also creates impactful internal communications, including newsletters, videos, and an annual end-of-year compilation video celebrating project progress and staff contributions. As a licensed drone operator, Miranda now refines her photography and videography skills while managing an extensive media asset library. She remains a vital resource and advocate for the construction industry and its workforce.
Lendlease Project Delivery Award: Gosia Suchorska, Winslow Infrastructure
Gosia Suchorska is a professional civil engineer with over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry. Her expertise lies in project management, commercial, estimating, and high-risk civil works, gained in tunnelling, rail, bridge, and road infrastructure. Gosia's experience has been gained across may states of Australia and Internationally. Gosia has held various roles in various companies, including Winslow Infrastructure as a Project Director, Fulton Hogan as a Senior Project Manager and Project Manager, City of Stonnington as an Asset Management Engineer, and John Holland as a Lead Project Engineer/Acting Package Manager, Project Engineer, and Tunnel Methods Engineer. Gosia's responsibilities have included managing teams, coordinating with authorities and stakeholders, developing designs, overseeing contracts and agreements, and ensuring project delivery within time, cost, quality, safety, and environmental constraints. As a Project Director at Winslow Infrastructure, Gosia manages the design, planning and execution of major projects. She fosters a culture of high performance in safety and budget diligence and is passionate about continuous improvement and developing her team's capabilities. As a strong advocate for diversity and wellbeing, Gosia aims to increase the representation of women in the industry. She is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and believes that diversity improves decision making and project outcomes. An effective leader, Gosia sets standards through her actions and strives for excellence in the construction sector.
Symal Emerging Leader Award: Joanna Ly, BMD
Joanna Ly is currently employed as a Senior Project Engineer at BMD. She is a highly motivated and skilled civil infrastructure professional, with extensive experience across project delivery, stakeholder engagement and pre-contracts planning. With a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering with First Class Honours from Monash University and a Bachelor of Science, Major in Mathematics and Minor in Ecology and Conservation, Joanna brings a sustainability lens to the construction industry. Joanna commenced her infrastructure career as a graduate project engineer, working on the Monash Freeway Upgrade Project for VicRoads South Eastern Projects before working her way to Senior Project Engineer on the Mordialloc Freeway Project. Shifting to BMD in early 2021, Joanna worked as Site Engineer and Project Engineer on the Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade Project in partnership with Major Road Projects Victoria and has since worked on the Devonport Terminal 3 project for TT Lines (Spirit of Tasmania). Joanna is currently working as a Senior Project Engineer on the planning stage of the Point Cook Road Upgrade, also in partnership with Major Road Projects Victoria. Joanna’s experience spans the full project lifecycle, from supporting early-stage planning and business case development where she was exposed to the processes needed to set up a project for success. Joanna has successfully managed complex civil works in live traffic environments, developed strong stakeholder relationships and led teams to meet deadlines on time and within budget. Her empathetic communication style and technical capability have helped foster strong client relationships and deliver high-quality outcomes. Joanna is deeply committed to team development and inclusive leadership, mentoring graduates and junior engineers. She aspires to become a project manager in the infrastructure sector, combining technical excellence, strong leadership, and a people-first approach to deliver complex projects and shape a more inclusive, sustainable construction industry.
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Multiplex Young Achiever Award: Can (Tica) Ge, WGAVIC
Tica is a senior structural engineer and team leader with nearly six years of accomplished experience in delivering complex projects in the Transport Infrastructure sector. Her work as a bridge and structural engineer covers a diverse portfolio across Vitoria and interstate. Tica has led and supported major inspection and asset management programs, including the assessment of over 3,000 assets for ARTC and more than 2,000 structures for the Department of Transport. Her recent successful delivery of the B12 Inspection in Eastern Victoria exemplifies her technical expertise and leadership. Her work in this project saw her manage and guide a team of 8 engineers to complete 146 Level 2 inspections under tight time and budget constraints, while ensuring compliance with RSIM 2022 standards and maintaining high client satisfaction. Her expertise extends to Level 3 inspections, load rating assessments, bridge remediation design, and proof engineering. Notable achievements include receiving client commendation for her work on the Swan Island Load Condition Assessment and delivering complex structural models and remediation designs for aged and corroded infrastructure such as the saltwater scrubber and trestle tower at Nyrstar Hobart. Tica’s contributions also include embodied carbon assessments for digital signage projects, supporting clients in their journey toward net zero emissions. Her hands-on approach in engineering and construction field work, such as the Forest Creek Bridge Remediation, highlights her ability to lead on-site execution with precision and collaboration. Throughout her career, Tica has worked with leading clients including DTP, ARTC, V/Line, MTM, MRPV, RPV, Yarra Trams, and various local councils. Her commitment to technical excellence, client engagement, and inclusive project environments continues to set a high standard in the engineering and construction industry.
John Holland Crystal Vision Award: Jacqui Mackrell, Lendlease
Jacqui Mackrell is a Senior Project Manager at Lendlease with almost two decades of experience delivering some of Victoria’s most significant civic and commercial projects. A highly respected advocate for women in construction, Jacqui is known for combining empathetic leadership with strategic thinking to improve project outcomes and advance equity across the industry. Since joining Lendlease through the graduate program in 2008, Jacqui has worked across cost planning, engineering, design and project management. Her portfolio includes developments such as Bendigo Hospital, The Australian Federal Police Headquarters at 140 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Park Redevelopment Stage 2, and the Queen Victoria Market Renewal. Jacqui is currently leading delivery of the $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation, a complex civic redevelopment involving work in live environments, heritage constraints and multiple high-profile stakeholders. Identified as a leader early in her career, Jacqui was selected to be part of Lendlease’s Future Leadership Team from 2016–2020, where she helped shape enterprise responses to industry-wide challenges. She is currently a senior sponsor of Tradie Bootcamp, championing the Lendlease-Box Hill Institute initiative helping women into skilled trades historically dominated by men. Jacqui holds a Bachelor of Construction Management and Bachelor of Design (Architecture), a Master of Architecture (Design) and is currently completing a Master of Construction Law at the University of Melbourne. During her final undergraduate year at Deakin University, Jacqui won the Donald J Cant Prize for Quantity Surveying (achieving the best all-round results in Quantity Surveying). As a mother of two young children, Jacqui models the reality of senior construction leadership roles for women. She is deeply committed to advancing opportunities for women in construction, championing both people and policy to help create a better industry.
Kapitol Group Tradesperson or Apprentice Award Winner: Coco Ranford Southern Program Alliance (ACCIONA)
With four years in the construction industry, Coco’s journey has been nothing short of a whirlwind. On her first day at the Cheltenham Level Crossing Removal Project, still clear in her mind, she nervously asked a co-worker, “Do I put my hard hat on now?” From that moment to now being nominated for a national NAWIC award, Coco is beyond belief and so proud. Following Cheltenham, Coco spent two years in traffic management, working across multiple sites. This period was foundational, it introduced her to the industry’s pace, structure, and teamwork. It was during this time Coco made the decision to leave university studies in psychology behind and pursue construction full-time. The turning point for Coco was building up the courage to ask a superintendent about available roles. With courage and inquisition her career path was forever changed. Since then, Coco’s professional development has taken off. At Glen Huntly, she began working in FRP (Form, Rio, Pour), contributing to building capping beams. Standing on-site, knowing her input helped build something her children can one day see, remains a memorable accomplishment. Coco gained hands-on experience with steel fixers, learning conventional formwork, pecaform, cage assembly, and concrete pouring. Then she moved into storm tank installation. Learning the full lifecycle of a critical but hidden piece of infrastructure was very meaningful for Coco. Later, Joining the ‘Tele Team’ at Parkdale, using dogging skills that she didn’t have two years previously. She practised hand signals in her car to ensure safe operation under a viaduct. Coco’s career progression has been fast and fulfilling. Most recently, before going on maternity leave, she has started to also focus on leadership and inclusion, joining the Women @ SPA team, part of Southern Program Alliance and ACCIONA’s broader initiative to support and empower women in construction.
CPB Contractors Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality Assurance Award Winner: Dierdre Porter, Southern Program Alliance (MTM)
Dee Porter is a dynamic and well-respected member of the Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) and Southern Program Alliance (SPA) Projects' Rail Safety Team. Although relatively new to the rail industry, Dee has made a significant impact in a short time, bringing a wealth of experience from a diverse professional background. She transitioned into Rail Safety following a successful career in the aviation sector, where her focus on safety, compliance, and operational excellence laid the groundwork for her current role. Before her aviation career, Dee was a well-published journalist and editor within the Professional Writing and Corporate Communications sector. Her strengths in writing, editing, and presenting have since become invaluable assets to the Rail Safety Team. Dee is frequently sought after for her ability to communicate complex safety information in a clear and engaging way. She is known for delivering exceptional project presentations, toolbox talks, and written materials, and she often assists others with communication strategies across the project. Dee is the recipient of numerous reward and recognition awards, including the esteemed MTM & LXRP Booms Award for her dedication, innovation, and leadership. A natural collaborator, she is widely regarded as approachable, personable, and a trusted advisor across the project. Dee is also an enthusiastic mental health and wellbeing advocate and is regularly approached for her warm, supportive guidance. Her passion for mentoring has seen her participate in multiple mentoring programs, where she shares her career journey and supports others navigating their own development. As a forward-thinker, Dee embraces and teaches the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence, helping her team “work smarter, not harder”. Frequently invited to represent the project at events and extra-curricular initiatives, Dee Porter exemplifies modern safety leadership — blending safety, innovation, and humanity in all she does.
ADCO Industry Ally Award Winner: Marco Assorati, Spark North East Link
Marco is a qualified civil engineer specialised in hydraulics and civil structures with over 28 years’ experience in infrastructure worldwide. He joined Webuild in 1998 and after holding a wide range of management roles in several countries around the world, in 2015 was appointed General Operation Manager ANZ and South East Asia, overseeing DC and PPP projects development in the area including metros, railways, tunnels, roads, bridges and hydroelectric power plants. In October 2018 Marco was appointed Executive Director Asia Pacific in charge of business and operations in the entire region. While serving as Executive Director Asia Pacific, Marco has overseen Webuild growth in Australia leading the local team in the successful bid for Snowy 2.0 (the largest pumped hydro project in Australia), North East Link in Melbourne (the largest PPP project in Australia’s history), and, more recently, Sydney Metro Western Sydney Metro SSTOM PPP (the single largest contract ever awarded by Sydney Metro). Between September 2022 and March 2023 Marco also promoted and successfully led the acquisition of Clough, one of the oldest and more reputable engineering and construction companies in Australia. In June 2023, Marco was appointed the Executive President of Clough, a Webuild Group company. Under his tenure Australia has quickly become the second largest single market after Italy.
ADCO Industry Ally Award Winner: Matt Phelan, Spark North East Link
Matt Phelan is a highly experienced tunnelling and infrastructure specialist with over 25 years in the civil construction industry. His career began in 1996 on the Melbourne City Link project, where he worked as a Tunneller and Leading Hand, progressing quickly into leadership roles. Between 1998 and 2001, Matt served as Shift Boss on major tunnelling projects including the Wombarra Storm Water Tunnel and Sydney’s M5 Tunnel, managing both excavation and lining in challenging ground conditions. From 2001 onwards, Matt took on senior site roles across a range of infrastructure and mining projects, including work in the Hunter Valley coal mines and the Palmer Street Drain Diversion. As Superintendent, he led key components of the Lane Cove Tunnel and EastLink Tunnel projects – overseeing tunnel development, excavation, and civil works. Matt stepped into General Superintendent roles on high-profile projects such as the Sydney Desalination Plant, Brisbane’s Airport Link, Wonthaggi Desalination, and the Regional Rail Link. From 2018 to 2022, he was General Superintendent for the Metro Tunnel’s CBD works in Melbourne. Matt is currently the Project General Superintendent on Victoria’s largest road project – the North East Link.
UGL Design Awards Winner: Olga Mikhaylova, CPB Contractors
CPB Contractors’ Engineering and Design Director Olga Mikhaylova is an accomplished engineering leader with more than 20 years’ experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Australia and internationally. Her versatile background includes leadership roles spanning roads, rail, buildings, airports, water, mining, and renewables, making her a highly respected figure in the construction industry. Throughout her career, Olga has demonstrated exceptional capability in technical leadership, project management, and innovation. She has successfully managed diverse stakeholder groups, having worked extensively with government clients, major contractors such as CIMIC, international engineering consultancies, and research organisations. A key highlight was her influential secondment to Sydney Metro Authority, contributing significantly to the Sydney Metro West reference design. Currently serving as Engineering and Design Director on Victoria’s Suburban Rail Loop East Tunnels South package, Olga leads a multidisciplinary team of more than 500 professionals. She oversees critical areas such as Engineering and Design, Digital Engineering, Systems and Safety Assurance, Technical Interfaces, and Temporary Works. Notably, Olga championed a world-first large-scale implementation of ground-freezing technology, significantly reducing community disruption and environmental impacts, setting a new sustainability benchmark for the industry. Beyond technical achievements, Olga actively advocates for gender diversity, inclusion, and equity. She sponsors and leads the BuildHER project-wide program at Suburban Connect, fostering a supportive culture for women. She regularly engages with Engineers Australia, sharing career insights and promoting professional development, especially among women and emerging professionals. Olga is dedicated to industry collaboration and innovation. She frequently presents at industry events, including the Australian Tunnelling Society, and maintains strong academic partnerships - such as with Monash University - to integrate cutting-edge research into practice. Her holistic approach to engineering excellence reflects her commitment to advancing both the industry and its people, inspiring current and future generations of construction professionals.
Mirvac Businesswoman Award Winner: Diana Quiceno,BLD Engineers
Diana Quiceno, who arrived from Colombia in 2003, is an accomplished Electronics Engineer with over 18 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Australia´s construction, rail, energy, water, telecommunications, and airport sectors. Her experience involved programs such as the M80 North East Link, Victoria’s Rail Transformation, and the Melbourne Airport Runway Widening. Diana has consistently taken on leadership roles in planning, coordinating, and delivering high-impact projects—earning industry recognition, including a NAWIC Award for Project Management. Diana has built a strong reputation in the construction industry for her ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage high-value contracts, and drive the successful delivery of projects from concept to completion. Her expertise includes project controls, stakeholder engagement, and risk management, with a focus on delivering outcomes that meet both technical and social objectives. As the sole-founder and Director of BLD Engineers, Diana has made a significant impact by combining engineering capability with social purpose. Under her leadership, BLD Engineers has become a certified Social Enterprise, providing high-quality engineering services while promoting diversity and inclusion in the construction industry. Through targeted employment, mentoring, and professional development initiatives, she has supported the integration of women and migrant engineers into infrastructure roles — helping address workforce shortages and reshape industry norms. Diana’s achievements reflect her dedication to building not only infrastructure, but also a more inclusive and future-ready construction sector. Her leadership, innovation, and advocacy continue to inspire change across the industry.B11
ACCIONA Sustainability Award Winner: Anastasia Adams-Picard, Lendlease
Anastasia Adams-Picard is a Sustainability Coordinator at Lendlease who has rapidly distinguished herself as one of the most capable and future-focused sustainability professionals in Australian construction. Her leadership on the $1.1 billion Frankston Hospital redevelopment – her first major project – has delivered measurable, replicable outcomes that set new benchmarks for the industry. Anastasia began her construction journey as an undergraduate site engineer while completing a double degree in Civil Engineering (Honours) and Commerce, majoring in Sustainability at Monash University. During this time, she joined the award-winning Monash Solar Decathlon Team, where she led the materials team and gained early experience in building envelope design, lifecycle analysis, and resilience – skills she later applied on the Frankston Hospital redevelopment. After joining Lendlease’s graduate program, Anastasia stepped into a role on Frankston Hospital, eventually assuming full sustainability coordination responsibilities. Her performance spanning airtightness, condensation management, thermal performance, energy modelling, procurement, and stakeholder engagement has been praised by peers, stakeholders and senior executives. Committed to lifelong learning, Anastasia has obtained Green Star Accredited Professional status, Certified Passivhaus Tradesperson credentials, and working-at-heights certification to personally inspect site conditions. She actively contributes to Lendlease’s Building Physics and Embodied Carbon working groups and presents regularly to students to inspire the next generation of sustainability professionals. Anastasia’s leadership style is hands-on, collaborative, and technically rigorous. She is focused on building trust across all levels by investing in shared understanding and mutual success. Her results speak for themselves: millions in cost savings, multiple project “firsts,” and over 50 colleagues now equipped to deliver best-practice sustainability on future projects. With her sharp technical acumen, education-first mindset, and commitment to integrated sustainability solutions, Anastasia is already helping shape the future of sustainable construction.
Congratulations to winners, finalists and nominees.