Corrs Chambers Westgarth Award for Diversity: Stephanie Alekna, Keller
Stephanie Alekna, Keller’s first and youngest female Construction Manager and current Chair of the Keller Women in Construction (KWIC) Committee, has led transformative cultural change across the business. With over 16 years in the industry, her people-first leadership and strategic DEI initiatives have reshaped Keller into a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for women and diverse talent.
ADCO Award for Achievement in Construction (General Building): Sarah Britton, Icon Group
Sarah Britton, Project Coordinator at Icon, has made a significant and lasting contribution to construction practices through her work on complex building projects across Queensland and New South Wales. Since joining the industry via the Icon Graduate Program in 2017, Sarah has consistently demonstrated technical rigour, a commitment to quality, and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges inherent in modern construction delivery.
Her coordination work on the $111M Upper House residential tower helped deliver Queensland’s first 5-Star Green Star As-Built residential building – setting a new benchmark for sustainable, high-density construction. Sarah ensured full compliance with sustainability targets while maintaining design intent, constructability, and programme integrity. Her input supported the project’s recognition through multiple industry awards, including the UDIA National and CTBUH Global Awards.
Sarah’s impact extends beyond project outcomes. She has helped elevate internal construction practices through mentoring junior staff, contributing to quality assurance processes, and supporting initiatives focused on diversity, inclusion, and leadership. She led key compliance functions on Defence projects, ensuring operational integrity and adherence to rigorous security and safety requirements within highly regulated environments.
Her involvement in the Icon Emerging Leader Program, NAWIC, and quality auditing training reflects her commitment to continual improvement within the construction industry. Sarah applies best practice in risk management, design coordination, and stakeholder engagement to enhance project delivery and performance outcomes.
With a unique career journey from allied health to construction, Sarah brings analytical depth, leadership potential, and cross-disciplinary insight to the built environment. Her contributions to quality, sustainability, and fostering an inclusive industry culture position her as a deserving recipient of the ADCO Constructions Award for Achievement in Construction (General Building).
Acciona Award for an Emerging Leader: Ash Raju, Brisbane Airport Corporation
Ash Raju has established herself as a multi-award-winning leader, transforming the construction industry with her visionary approach to leadership. At the heart of Ash’s leadership philosophy is a commitment to people, purpose, and collective progress; values that have consistently inspired others and driven meaningful change.
One of her most impactful contributions was as the Oceania Lead for University Engagement at Turner & Townsend, where she identified a crucial gap between students and industry opportunities. Ash pioneered a mobile-first graduate recruitment platform, revolutionizing the way students accessed the industry. An innovative system that not only bypassed traditional gatekeepers but also significantly increased diversity across gender, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Her initiative reshaped how talent is accessed and cultivated, earning her multiple accolades including the Infrastructure Spot Award in 2021.
Through mentorship, Ash guides countless women, international students, and underrepresented groups, helping them navigate the challenges of a male-dominated industry. Ash’s leadership extends beyond professional success, with a deep personal commitment to creating inclusive environments. Her choice to wear traditional Indian sarees in corporate settings challenged industry norms, sparking vital conversations around identity, and belonging.
Ash’s work at Brisbane Airport Corporation further exemplifies her leadership in action.; where Ash spearheads initiatives that result in substantial project savings and accelerated delivery times, setting a new benchmark for public-private partnerships.
Ash’s vision extends far beyond personal success; she is determined to build a future where diverse voices and bold ideas drive innovation and collective-progress. To shape the future of aviation infrastructure with sustainable, community-centred, and inclusive measures. Ash intends to continue leading with purpose, empowering the next generation of leaders, and ensuring that we build safe spaces not just for today, but for every tomorrow.
Award for Achievement in Post-Construction: Charmaine Milne, CPB Contractors
Charmaine Milne has worked in both site and corporate roles within the construction industry for 16 years. She is currently Handback Assurance and Systems Manager for Cross River Rail Delivery Authority’s Rail, Integration and Systems (CRRDA RIS) package. She manages a team of seven direct and three indirect reports to deliver Operational Readiness and Practical Completion for stabling yards, stations and corridor upgrades, and the new tunnel.A quality and information professional, Charmaine is passionate about improving the handover of construction projects by developing automation initiatives to streamline and digitise data collaboration. Her construction knowledge supports her in developing strategies and setting up processes linking interdependencies, ensuring cross-discipline impacts are identified and controlled effectively.
Charmaine supports and mentors women, graduates and those looking to advance their careers or change direction. Charmaine is currently training an Information Coordinator to move into a Completions Advisory role and is mentoring and training an undergraduate and two graduate engineers.Always challenging the status quo, Charmaine is recognised as an influential leader, enthusiastic about raising the capability of support functions to the benefit of clients, projects and CPB Contractors.
Previously, Charmaine worked as the National Quality and Systems Analyst for CPB Contractors’ Corporate Office, as the Lead Auditor and Information Manager across Thiess and Leighton Contractors brown and greenfield LNG projects, and as the Project and Commissioning Coordinator for Downer.Charmaine studied a Bachelor of Science and has continued her professional development with a Diploma of Project Management; both the Foundation and Practitioners sections of the APMG Change Management certification; CIMIC Train the Trainer course; and a Diploma of Quality Auditing. She is also a trained Integrated Management Systems Lead Auditor for ISO 9001 (Quality), 14001 (Environment) and 17001 (Safety) systems. She has recently enrolled in the Construction Skills Training Centre’s Certificate IV in Building Project Support – Contract Administration and Estimating.
Award for Excellence in Construction Support: Jodie Louise Grant, John Holland
Jodie Grant is a highly accomplished communications, stakeholder engagement, and social performance specialist with extensive experience delivering some of Australia’s most significant infrastructure projects. Currently serving as the Senior Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager at John Holland, Jodie is leading the stakeholder engagement strategy for the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project. Her career highlights include key roles on iconic projects such as Sydney Metro’s Tunnels and Station Excavation (TSE) and Operations, Trains, and Systems (OTS) contracts, as well as the Inland Rail Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 (N2NS) project.
Jodie is known for her ability to foster collaboration, mentor teams, and deliver tailored engagement strategies that align with both client goals and community needs. Her expertise in proactive communication, innovative stakeholder engagement, and building trust has not only enhanced project outcomes but also created lasting legacies for the communities impacted by her work. Through her dedication, leadership, and adaptability, Jodie continues to set a benchmark for excellence in the construction industry.
CSQ Tradie of the Year: Madilyn Sanderson, CV Services Group
Madilyn Sanderson is currently a Leading Hand at CV Services. She has been nominated for her exceptional progress and contributions to the CV Services and the construction industry. In just 6 years and 10 months of working with CV Services, she has successfully completed her apprenticeship, advanced into a tradesperson role, and then quickly progressed to a Leading Hand.
Madilyn's dedication, technical expertise, and independence have established her as a valuable team member and a key player in numerous projects. Her rapid career progression highlights her commitment to achieving excellence and her ability to deliver high-quality results consistently. As a leader, Madilyn demonstrates reliability and valuable problem-solving skills, earning the respect of her colleagues and clients.
Madilyn’s journey with CV Services showcases her quick growth and impact within the company. Her contributions have been instrumental in driving project success, creating an inclusive working culture and making her a standout professional in the construction industry. Madilyn Sanderson is truly an asset to CV Services in more ways than one and is a role model for others, inspiring through her dedication and exceptional performance.
Crystal Vision Award: Constructionarium Australia
Constructionarium Australia is a not-for-profit organisation transforming how young professionals and students enter the construction industry. Through hands-on, eight-day build programs and strategic initiatives, like all-female builds and school-based early intervention, Constructionarium is creating measurable pathways for women to lead in construction. With over 900 alumni, inclusive governance and a growing impact, Constructionarium is shaping a more diverse and future-ready workforce.
Lendlease Award for Achievement in Health & Safety, Sustainability, or Environment: Wai Ching (Catherine) Hai, ViridAU
Catherine Hai, an Environmental Consultant (ViridAU), has played a leading role in delivering environmental excellence on Powerlink’s Genex Kidston Connection Project. With a background in wildlife biology and engineering, Catherine has led key initiatives in ecological protection, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance. Her calm leadership, innovative use of spatial technologies, and commitment to restoration and cultural heritage outcomes have delivered measurable environmental benefits and strengthened trust with communities and project stakeholders.
Male Ally of the Year: Michael Furey,WeAspire
A scientist by training, an Army officer by experience, and an entrepreneur by instinct, Michael Furey became one of the youngest Commissioned Officers in the British Army, has founded six companies, built and led multimillion-dollar businesses, and transformed leaders at every level.
His global career in renewable energy has been innovative and market leading, bringing knowledge from his work in the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States and Africa to the Australian market.
Michael left his energy and finance career, inspired to be a world class coach and help more women navigate the challenges his wife faced as a woman in construction. As the Co-Founder and Head Coach at WeAspire, Michael has committed himself and his career to becoming a behind the scenes champion of diverse leaders, and an active male ally.
Career highlights include:
• Founded a global charity in his early 20s which innovatively installed solar on a remote African hospital, a renewable energy start up and an affordable housing investment firm
• General Manager of $100m energy company at 29 where he improved efficiency by 40% in under six months
• Co-designed and/or led 33 leadership programs, delivered 2,400+ hours of coaching, majority for emerging female leaders in construction
• Awarded Young Social Pioneer by the Foundation for Young Australians
• Volunteered 500+ hours of coaching to emerging leaders, helping women gain promotions, navigate workplace bullying and sexual harassment, and provided a space for them to decompress, strategise and then soar
• Delivered free training to over 100 aspiring leaders across regional Queensland
• Decade-long volunteer with Power of Engineering, inspiring high school girls to pursue STEM careers
A sought-after speaker, author of two books and host of the Emerging Excellence podcast, Michael leads with clarity, care, and courage to create confident, inclusive leaders who shape the future of construction.
McConnell Dowell Mentee/Mentor of the Year: Bojana Zivec, RP Infrastructure
Bojana is an accomplished Senior Project Manager with a diverse background spanning project management, site supervision, contract management, and engineering. With over 23 years of industry experience, she has successfully delivered complex projects across various sectors, consistently achieving outstanding outcomes for all stakeholders. Bojana’s proactive and strategic approach to safety, risk mitigation, time management, and cost control, coupled with her authentic leadership style, has earned her a reputation as a respected and trusted figure in the construction industry.
With more than 11 years of experience delivering major health infrastructure projects across Queensland, Bojana has demonstrated her ability to lead complex refurbishments in operational environments and expansions to existing facilities. Her calm, practical guidance, combined with strong communication skills, enables her to build collaborative, high-performing teams that can deliver under pressure.
Beyond her technical expertise, Bojana is a passionate advocate for the development of emerging professionals, with a particular focus on creating pathways for women in construction and beyond. Her commitment to mentorship, inclusivity, and empowerment has supported countless individuals in building confidence, overcoming challenges, and progressing their careers.
Through her dedication to project excellence and people development, Bojana continues to make a lasting impact, strengthening the culture of diversity, leadership, and support within the construction industry.
McIlwain Apprentice/Trainee/Student of the Year: Emma Klint-Pedersen, McIlwain
Emma Klint-Pedersen is an Undergraduate Engineer at McIlwain Civil Engineering and a second-year Civil Engineering student at QUT. Since beginning her career in 2024, Emma has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and a proactive approach to applying her knowledge in real-world settings.
Emma’s academic accolades include the Engineers Australia Certificate of Excellence, the QUT Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Award, and a Women in Engineering Scholarship.
She is a passionate advocate for diversity in STEM, mentoring high school students through QUT’s ASPIRE program and participating in initiatives like Construct Her and Constructionarium Australia, empowering and mentoring young women to both build their knowledge and explore career pathways in the civil construction industry.
Emma is widely respected for her maturity, leadership, and commitment to equity in engineering, qualities that make her a standout emerging professional and a role model for the next generation of young female engineers.
QBCC Award to a Young Achiever: Annika Jackson, ACCIONA
Annika’s passion and purpose is evident to everyone who meets her.
After leaving school in Year 11, Annika accepted a Human Resources Administration role (traineeship) on Toowoomba Second Range Crossing – a project that landed in her local community. This role opened her eyes to the many site-based construction industry career opportunities on offer. A devastating sports injury temporarily derailed plans, prompting a pivot into a project support role at Brisbane Metro in 2020 while completing a Diploma of Science, Environmental and Sustainability - the first person in her family to obtain a tertiary degree.
A proud Indigenous woman with ties to the Mandandanji and Gunggari people, Annika has also volunteered as the first Queensland Representative on ACCIONA’s First Nations Leadership Group, where she proactively used her voice to share learnings and perspectives to drive Indigenous awareness and stronger connection across the business. Annika has also represented Indigenous Australians through her role on the industry’s Indigenous Participation in Construction Committee.
In 2023 Annika transitioned into a Construction Worker role with ACCIONA on the Gold Coast, and she hasn’t looked back! Her drive to support co-workers and motivate others to succeed saw her take on mentor roles in Women in Construction programs at Brisbane Metro and Coomera Connector Stage 1 North, where she’s guided young Indigenous women to explore new career pathways in construction.
Annika loves the comradery of working in a construction crew and the mental and physical benefits of site-based work. Having faced her own mental health challenges in the past, she’s passionate about building resilience in others and breaking down stereotypes, as a MATES in Construction Connector and Site Health & Safety Representative.
Having accomplished so much at a young age, our industry’s future is certainly looking bright with Annika driving positive change one site at a time!
QUT Award for Achievement in Design: Maddy Arrow, McNab
Maddy Arrow is a Design Manager at McNab with over eight years of industry experience. She holds a Bachelor of Architectural Design and a Master of Architecture and is a registered Architect under Board of Architect’s Queensland.
Since joining McNab two years ago, Maddy has already contributed to six projects across a diverse range of sectors, including residential, industrial, and social and affordable housing, demonstrating both her versatility and depth of expertise. Maddy is also playing a key role in McNab’s builder-developer projects, including The Tannery and Lucia, both high-end multi-residential developments where her positive impact is already being felt across multiple teams.
One of her standout achievements to date is leading the full design process and management for the Logan Social Housing project, officially named ‘Jinndii Waijung’ meaning Mother’s Nest. Delivered for The Lady Musgrave Trust, the project includes four apartments, communal indoor and outdoor spaces, and parking. This project is designed to provide a safe and supportive
environment for women and their young families escaping domestic and family violence. This work reflects Maddy’s design expertise as well as her commitment to meaningful, purpose-driven projects.
Within McNab and across the wider industry, she is widely respected for her impressive work ethic, strong technical capabilities, and for being a role model to younger women pursuing careers in design and construction.
Seymour Whyte Award for Achievement in Construction (Civil Works): Cymone Perry, CPB Contractors
Cymone is a high achiever, having won a Commonwealth Scholarship for Engineering, which she took up at Griffith University. Cymone completed two periods of engineering work while an undergraduate, was President of the Griffith University Young Engineers for two consecutive years, represented Griffith University at the International Conference for Engineering Sustainability in Paris in 2009 and Graduated as Engineer of the Year in 2011.
Following graduation, Cymone has worked across a range of projects small and large, and a range of industries including oil and gas, commercial, industrial, and healthcare. She is currently a Senior Project Engineer with CPB Contractors, leading delivery of the CopperString Workers Accommodation Facilities for Powerlink.
Passionate about sharing knowledge and skills with team members and younger engineers, , Cymone’s teams leave the project with more skills than they arrived with.
This year, Cymone completed her Diploma in Project Management, formalising her knowledge and skills in a discipline at which she already excels.
Symal Regional Woman of the Year: Claudia Brassard, Stantec
Claudia Brassard is an Olympian and one of regional Queensland’s most respected infrastructure leaders. With a career spanning capital delivery, water security, and disaster recovery, she is known for her strategic mindset, steady leadership, and a commitment to delivering infrastructure that matters to people and communities.
In 2024, Claudia was appointed to lead the disaster recovery effort for Douglas Shire following Cyclone Jasper. The situation was complex, with communities isolated, water supply critical, and frustration high. Claudia brought focus and coordination to the response, restoring essential services and securing over $180 million in funding for long-term recovery and resilience. Her approach prioritised community outcomes, local contractor participation, and strategic packaging of works to ensure both speed and sustainability.
Based in Townsville, Claudia brings unique insight into the realities of delivering infrastructure across northern Australia’s remote and climate-challenged environments. She understands the importance of local knowledge, timely decision-making, and practical solutions that reflect the needs of each community.
Claudia is deeply invested in regional capability and passionate about increasing visibility and opportunities for women in construction and engineering. Through her mentoring work, inclusive leadership, and ability to drive meaningful outcomes under pressure, she has become a trusted, visible, and inspiring figure across the industry.
Wiley Award for Achievement as a Businesswoman: Athena Venios,Keller
Athena Venios, Managing Director of Keller Australia, is a seasoned construction leader with over 30 years of experience spanning transport, infrastructure, and ground engineering. Her transformative leadership has redefined what’s possible for subcontracting businesses—creating a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and inclusivity while driving commercial success for Keller Australia. Athena’s bold vision and strategic reforms have positioned Keller as a benchmark for innovation and values-driven performance in the industry.
Congratulations to winners, finalists and nominees.