NAWIC CEO Cathryn Greville with the award recipients.
A talented field of 21 finalists from across the country gathered in Sydney for the National Association of Women in Construction’s National Awards for Excellence event on 9 May.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has been proudly at the forefront of driving positive change to enable and benefit women and underrepresented groups for the past 30 years.
The national awards highlight the outstanding achievements of women, organisations and male allies in construction across four categories. The event was sponsored by Built and was also a celebration of NAWIC’s 30th anniversary.
A special 30 Year Anniversary Award was presented to NAWIC Australia’s founder, Professor Paula Gerber, to acknowledge her unwavering commitment, hard work, and loyal service.
National award recipients:
• National Presidents’ Choice Award — Janelle Baron from South Australia. The award recognises overall outstanding achievement in the construction industry. Janelle is an experienced Estimating Manager with over 30 years in civil infrastructure, specializing in cost solutions across water, roads, building and structures for resource and government projects.
• National Business Award — JLL PDS. This award recognises businesses driving positive change to foster and support greater gender balance and equity in the construction industry. JLL PDS has been operating in Australia and New Zealand for over two decades, offering diverse real estate services including project management, design and build services, and technical advisory. With over 450 specialists, they prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion, delivering high-quality, inclusive spaces across a wide range of projects.
• National Male Ally Award — Nigel Gorman from Queensland. This award recognises men in the construction industry who actively champion gender equity and diversity by taking meaningful actions that foster inclusivity. Nigel is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the trades, serving as Co-Chair of NAWIC QLD’s Future Male Allies Committee. With over 30 years in the painting industry, he has trained hundreds of apprentices and business owners through Aussie Painters Network. His commitment to mentorship and innovation continues to shape the future of the trade.
• National Crystal Vision Award — Niamh Murphy from Western Australia. This award recognises advocacy, empowerment and championing of women in the construction industry. Niamh is the founder of Cailin Mining & Civil, leading Australia’s first live mine site training program, where students gain unlimited hands-on experience. In just 20 months, she trained 800 students, built over 50 industry partnerships, and expanded from one machine to a to a fully operational fleet, reshaping how machine operators are trained.
NAWIC CEO Cathryn Greville congratulated the winners on their achievements.
“In NAWIC’s 30th anniversary year we are proud to honour the outstanding achievements of the visionaries, the collaborators, and the trailblazers who continue to shape a positive and inclusive future for our industry.
“Critical to seeing women advance is showcasing the great work happening on the ground to ensure women have successful careers in construction. Our Awards for Excellence recognise the people and organisations who are building and living those careers, around the country.
“Congratulations to our winners and finalists, your exceptional work is helping to drive cultural change in the construction industry.”
For more information about the national awards visit https://www.nawic.com.au/Site/Awards/National _Awards.aspx