NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) has continued to build and recognise the talent of hard-working women in the construction industry by honouring eight inspiring WA women and innovative companies for their achievements at the NAWIC Awards for Excellence.
Hosted by the NAWIC WA Chapter, more than 520 guests gathered at the grand ballroom within The Westin Perth for the annual awards on Thursday 1 November.
The winners of each of the eight categories were announced during the breakfast, which was hosted by renowned media personality, business owner of Mamamia and women’s advocate, Mia Freedman, who additionally led a post-event Q&A for finalists and sponsors.
“The Awards celebrate both rising female stars and recognised leaders across the construction and property industry, as well as those organisations who support and guide female talent,” said Miriam D’Souza, director of NAWIC and senior projects lawyer. “Ultimately our goal is to help create a sustainable and successful pipeline of women entering into construction, who have the opportunity to lead, learn and collaborate.”
A panel of industry experts selected winners based on strict criteria. Among those recognised was Kasey Venter managing director of Elite Compliance – a Western Australian building surveying, compliance management and universal access company – who was awarded the prestigious Swan Crystal Vision Award.
The judging panel commented that the building surveying industry was particularly male dominated, even within an already male dominated sector, and to succeed in setting up not one but three companies was a testament to Venter’s strength and determination.
“We felt that Kasey demonstrated a genuine approach to business, career success, mentoring and creating a pathway for women in the industry and a true and dedicated commitment to her passions outside of the work- place,” they said.
Other women honoured included Louise Stewart of ProjectPAY with the Hassell Innovation Award and Jessica Corica of CPB Contractors with the Probuild Young Achiever Award (see full list below).
D’Souza said the level of professionalism from all entrants was exemplary. “We’d like to acknowledge all the nominees this year, who showed vision and commitment to achieving their career goals and encouraging the development of other women within the industry,” she said. “Thanks goes to our judges – Anya Stephens, Carly Barrett, Kris Mainstone, Dave Eden, Nadia Van Dommelen and David Humphreys – for dedicating their time to encouraging and recognising high achieving women in the construction industry.
“We’d also like to warmly thank out sponsors for their generous support, including Swan, Hassell, Lendlease, Arup, Proubuild, Wood & Grieve, TBH and Discus Print.”
The complete list of category winners:
Swan Crystal Vision Award:
• Winner: Kasey Venter of Elite Compliance
Hassell Innovation Award
• Winner: Louise Stewart of Projectpay
• Commendation: Melanie Binks of Multiplex
Lendlease Outstanding Achievement in Safety Award:
• Winner: Kirsty Edwards of Probuild
Arup Diversity and Inclusion Award:
• Winner: Vivienne Edwards of Wood & Grieve Engineers
Probuild Young Achiever Award:
• Winner: Jessica Corica of CPB Contractors
• Commendation: Kassia Ralston of Arup
• Commendation: Tafadzwa Cleocologne Mawire of SHAPE
Wood & Grieve Outstanding Contribution to Construction Award:
• Winner: Sarah Palmer of Boral
• Commendation: Teresa Mcguane of BUILT
TBH Social Responsibility in Construction Award:
• Winner: Sandy Anghie of Historic Heart Of Perth
• Commendation: Heather Macrae of Cox Architecture
• Commendation: Toni Neck of Thinke Design
Discus Print and Signage Creating the Best Project Award:
• Winner: Hannah Galloway of HASSELL
• Commendations: Kris Goodwin of Multiplex
All photography © Jillian McHugh