In a male-dominated workforce, the achievements of female counterparts can occasionally be suppressed due to a lack of diversity and inclusivity; after consecutive successes in 2022 and 2023, Prime Creative Media’s Women in Industry Awards is returning to platform the important role all women play across every industry.
According to the Australian Government’s 2022 labour market insights, 13.3 per cent of the construction industry – which holds 1,322,100 workers – are female; a total of 176,000 workers.
Put plainly, the construction industry – in which the crane industry resides – is an industry heavily dominated by males.
With over 100,000 jobs in construction currently going unfilled, industry leaders such as the Australian Constructors Association (ACA) are highlighting the urgent need to create a more diverse, accepting and inclusive workforce to address these shortfalls. In turn with accounting for the lack of skilled labour in the construction industry, a recent report by global management consultants McKinsey stated companies are likely to be profitable if they display a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce.
With this objective in mind, Prime Creative Media launched its annual Women in Industry Awards night in 2013 to acknowledge the exceptional women who have achieved success in their respective industries through leadership, innovation and commitment.
The Women in Industry Awards recognise outstanding women across a range of industrial sectors – such as mining, transport, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, bulk handling, waste management, rail and construction and infrastructure – that are traditionally male-dominated.
2023 sponsor Fulton Hogan Australia’s CEO Graeme Johnson spoke of his “pride” in his company’s role in being involved with the initiative for a second year running.
“This sponsorship demonstrates our commitment to supporting and driving change within predominantly male industries, doing what we can to make heavy industry more attractive and accessible for women to join and stay,” he said. “Fulton Hogan recognises that diversity is not only essential for us to change, adapt and grow, but it also good for business and results in happier workplaces with a better culture, leading to better retention of our people.”
Supported by over 30 different media mastheads and publications, the 2023 Women in Industry Awards saw a 95 per cent increase on its 2022 counterpart for nominations across 10 different categories, with the number hitting a record 160 nominations in the 2023 edition. The gala dinner that accompanies the event sold out for the first time in the event’s history, recording a 55 per centattendance increase compared to the 2022 edition.
2023’s winners for their respective categories included:
• Business Development Success of the Year: Stefanie Frawley from TMX Global.
• Excellence in Construction: Trudy Grimshaw, Department of Finance, WA.
• Excellence in Engineering: Elsa Antunes, James Cook University.
• Excellence in Manufacturing: Kristi Riordan, Harvest B.
• Excellence in Mining: Ashara Moore, BHP.
• Excellence in Transport: Coralie Chapman, Humes Concrete Products.
• Industry Advocacy: Jemma Walshe, Fulton Hogan
• Mentor of the Year: Teagan Dowler, The BCW
• Rising Star of the Year: Sophia Kurianski, Jinolo
• Safety Advocacy: Giselle Phillips, Fredon QLD
• Woman of the Year: Giselle Phillips, Fredon QLD
2023’s ‘Excellence in Manufacturing’ Sponsor and current 2024 sponsor PACCAR highlighted the importance of “championing inclusion and diversity in the workplace”.
“PACCAR has a long and proud history of supporting women in all areas of its global businesses,” said Director of Sales and Marketing Michael Long, “and recognises programs such as Women in Industry Awards help promote women more broadly than its own company and industry.”
After its roaring success in 2023, Prime Creative Media’s ‘Women in Industry Awards’ event is set to be held on June 20, 2024, in Sydney. With nominations opening up for the eleventh edition online, now is the time recognise the women who are driving change in the industry and creating barriers for the next generation.
The details:
• Nominations will close on Friday 19 April 2024.
• Nominations are unable to be withdrawn once nominations are closed.
• Nominations must be completed in one sitting; a partially completed form cannot be saved and reopened at a later date.
• All nominees must reside and work in Australia.
• Please have any supporting documentation (i.e. references, photographs, resumes) ready to upload; file sizes shouldn’t exceed 5MB.
• All nominations must be accompanied by a high-resolution image (at least 1MB in size) suitable and approved for print publication.
• All finalists are required to have a representative at the Gala Awards evening should they be successful. To assist with this, all finalists will be provided with one complimentary ticket to attend.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the forthcoming event. If interested in sponsoring Women in Industry Awards 2024, please visit https://womeninindustry.com.au/sponsors/.
READ MORE:
- Winners announced for WIIA 2020.
- Diversity in construction at Inside Construction Expo.
- CICA Diversity Network officially launches.