Construcciones Yamaro: NAWIC awards celebrate excellence in construction
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) National Awards for Excellence recognise contributions to industry growth and gender diversity.
By Cathryn Greville, CEO of NAWIC.
NAWIC’s vision is to build an equitable construction industry for all, and further change is still needed in the sector to achieve that.
Progress is being made, and I believe we are on the cusp of a cultural shift in construction – one where workplaces accommodate the needs of all workers, regardless of background.
Our National Awards for Excellence recognise the achievements of those working on the ground to drive this cultural change.
The awards celebrate the achievements and innovation of women, organisations and male allies across four categories: the Crystal Vision Award, the Business Award, the Presidents’ Choice Award and the Male Ally Award.
Crystal Vision Award winners at chapter level progress as finalists in the national category. Chapter presidents select a standout individual from their respective awards for entry into the National Presidents’ Choice Award category, and winners in the remaining two categories are selected from public nominations.
Selected from 55 nominees and 24 finalists, the winners were announced on 13 April.
The GO Company (Tasmania) took home the National Crystal Vision Award, which recognises advocacy, empowerment and the championing of women in construction. Co-founded by electricians Jasmyn Smith and Logan Barnett, The GO Company supports women in underserved industries by providing essential sanitary solutions. Throughout their careers, Smith and Barnett have experienced the barriers women face on worksites, from lack of representation and mentorship to inadequate access to facilities and hygiene products. Rather than accepting these issues as ‘part of the job’, they chose to turn lived experience into meaningful action. They also advocate for stronger regulation and enforcement around access to toilets on worksites, promoting women’s hygiene facilities as essential safety infrastructure.
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Diana Quiceno of BLD Engineers Victoria received the National Presidents’ Choice Award, which recognises overall outstanding achievement in construction. As founder and director of BLD Engineers, Quiceno has built a commercially sustainable consultancy delivering project management and engineering services across energy, rail, transport, road and airport infrastructure. She leads by example, creating a workplace culture based on respect, capability and opportunity. She actively mentors women and migrant engineers, providing guidance, confidence-building and practical support.
Laing O’Rourke (NSW) was named the National Business Award winner, which recognises businesses driving change to foster and support gender balance and equity in construction. The company has advanced gender equality through targeted, measurable initiatives supported by data, transparent reporting and a shift from isolated initiatives to systemic reform embedded within business strategy. As a result, Laing O’Rourke has seen increased female representation, promotions and senior leadership participation, supported by policies such as gender-neutral parental leave and investment in early talent through the Inspiring STEM+ program.
Jack Batty (ACT) took out the National Male Ally Award, which recognises men in construction who actively champion gender equity and diversity by taking meaningful actions that foster inclusivity. He is a proactive ally and mentor, promoting inclusivity not as an aspiration but as a daily practice in his role with John Holland and with NAWIC. For Batty, being a male ally means using his position and influence to support, advocate for and create opportunities for women in construction. He also recognises that diversity extends beyond gender and is a vocal advocate for intersectionality, championing initiatives that support First Nations people, LGBTQIA+ colleagues and other underrepresented groups in construction.
The achievements of the winners demonstrate the outcomes that come from prioritising fairness, inclusion and respect, creating environments where everyone feels valued and able to succeed.
Read more about the winners and how to nominate for upcoming chapter awards at nawic.com.au
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