2018 NAWIC Awards for Excellence

An industry-leading diversity strategy, an influential business leader, exceptional teams and talented tradespeople were among the winners of this 2017 NAWIC Awards for Excellence.

CPB Tradesperson Scholarship
Taylor Louise Perrin, Capital Veneering

A trained cabinet maker with natural curiosity and ambition, Taylor Louise Perrin moved quickly from building basic joinery items to responsibility for running a team of workers. As the junior estimator and project manager at Capital Veneering, Taylor manages large commercial joinery jobs while balancing estimating in a challenging role as one of only seven women in a 70-strong company.

CBRE University Scholarship
Erin Louise Gonthier

Passionate about environmental sustainability, social justice and mental health issues, Erin Louise Gonthier has a Bachelor of Architectural studies with Honours under her belt and is currently completing a Master of Sustainable Built Environment at the University of NSW. Driven by the potential for buildings to positive influence quality of life, Erin is committed to a career pursuing sustainable design strategies.

Probuild Award for Project Manager of the Year
Emelye Coleridge, Laing O’Rourke

After returning from parental leave, Emelye Coleridge took on a challenging project with multiple stakeholders, managing workflows and balancing her team’s personal responsibilities through a sophisticated staff rostering system. Emelye stood out among a close field for demonstrating adept project management skills across all facets – from strategic thinking at the earliest stages through to successful delivery

Procore Scholarship for Future Leader
Meisha Stevens, Wood & Grieve Engineers

A talented acoustic engineer with both technical and people skills, Meisha Stevens has successfully innovated and led a change management process to support women in engineering and construction. Whether she’s hosting a workshop or cultural diversity celebration, encouraging networking or mentorships, Meisha has had a lasting impact on her business culture and the industry.

Laing O’Rourke Business Woman of the Year Award
Alison Mirams, Roberts Pizzarotti

Rising through the ranks from contract administrator to lead Australia’s newest construction firm, Alison Mirams has strong commercial expertise and significant site experience. A visionary business woman, Alison held senior executive roles at Lendlease and Multiplex before taking on the challenge as CEO of Roberts Pizzarotti. Passionate about growing the female talent pool, Alison is a mentor, speaker and promoter of women and girls in construction

Roberts Pizzarotti Award for Contribution to a Project’s Development
Angela Jeffery, NSW Health

As the Project Director on the $200m Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital Stage 2 redevelopment, Angela Jeffery delivered the planning phase milestone within budget and two months ahead of program. The judges were impressed with Angela’s work delivering NSW Health’s first robotic pharmacy, which displayed a consultative approach and strategic thinking. The result? New state-of-the-art facilities for the people of NSW.

John Holland Award for Team Innovation
Kylie Cochrane, Aurecon

Harnessing innovative technology to stakeholders during the upgrade to Wynyard Station, Kylie Cochrane and her all-woman team at Aurecon stood out among a competitive field. With a human-centred approach to designing and constructing infrastructure, Kylie’s team created the NovoView project app, ensuring the 110,000 commuters who walk through Wynyard Station each day were not only informed but included in the upgrade

Hassell Award for Innovation in Design
Elizabeth Creswell, ADCO

As the senior design manager on the highly-complex Shellharbour City Hub development, Elizabeth Creswell overcame multiple design challenges through dedication, hard work and a commitment to innovation. Elizabeth applied cutting-edge technology and worked closely with multiple tradesmen, craftsmen and artists to deliver the three-dimensional curved roof and bespoke interior, while also meeting strict sustainability benchmarks.

MPA Award for Achievement in Construction Refurbishment and Fitout
Michele Biruski, Stockland

A lynchpin of Stockland’s $414 million redevelopment of the Green Hills Retail Centre, Michele Biruski successfully supervised multiple stakeholder groups – including 500 fitout contractors across 220 tenancies – while the base rebuild was under construction and the site remained an active retail centre. Displaying an impressive commitment to innovation, Michele introduced a new online management tool which is now being applied across similar Stockland projects.

Acoustic Logic Award for Contribution to Sustainability
Amy Julie Hogan

Demonstrating exceptional depth of knowledge and experience in environmental and social sustainability, Amy Julie Hogan has made a positive impact on the industry. She works closely with the Green Building Council of Australia and has delivered water and energy monitoring programs for retirement living developments and community outreach programs. The judges found Amy Julie’s work assessing social return on investment in the retirement living space is “truly remarkable”.