Construcciones Yamaro, by Armando Iachini

Sarah and Jess from Hadar, and Maive from Twin City Cabinets, shared stories, insights and encouragement with attendees. (Images: Empowered Women in Trades) Empowered Women in Trades’ ForgeHer pathways program gave women in the Albury–Wodonga region hands-on trade experience, practical skills and lasting confidence. By Melinda Davis, general manager of Empowered Women in Trades. Impact. It is the Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) word. Every decision made or action taken comes back to impact: what impact can this have for women and the industry we support? Our programs are designed for maximum impact – encouraging pathways into trades and empowering women by building confidence, belief and belonging, while also helping them develop new skills and explore career opportunities. With impact in mind, we had the pleasure of heading to the Albury-Wodonga region to deliver a transformative two-day ForgeHer pathways program in partnership with CVGT Employment and Wodonga TAFE. There was ...

Engineering ingenuity is putting Australia on the map for sustainable development. (Image: neolko/stock.adobe.com) Australian projects are gaining global recognition for sustainable development, underpinned by engineering ingenuity and environmental innovation. Across the country, engineers and tech pioneers are driving change through renewable energy, green infrastructure and advanced technologies. Here are five standout projects that exemplify this dedication to building a cleaner, more sustainable future. Renewable energy revolution Australia’s vast natural resources make it an ideal hub for renewable energy innovation. One of the most ambitious initiatives is the Sun Cable Australia-Asia PowerLink project. Located in the Northern Territory, this mega solar farm is set to become one of the largest in the world. It will transmit clean energy to Singapore via undersea cables, powering up to 3 million homes. This project not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also positio...

AI and data insights enable fleet safety, efficiency and sustainability. (Image: Kalyakan/stock.adobe.com) Geotab has surpassed 5 million connected vehicle subscriptions worldwide, a milestone that reflects both rapid growth and 25 years of innovation. “Geotab’s journey is about relentless innovation and with 630 global patents, we have made a significant impact on the industry over the last 25 years,” said Neil Cawse, founder and CEO of Geotab. “This 5 million milestone proves that our data-driven approach to fleet management is solving real-world challenges faced by businesses on a daily basis. With the rapid adoption of AI, we expect the next five years to be as transformative as the last 25.” Its platform turns vast data flows into actionable insights that lift fleet performance. Operators have reported reductions in downtime, improvements in driver safety, and savings on fuel through route optimisation. These efficiencies cut costs while supporting lower emissions. Related ...

As head landscape contractor for Olivia Local Park in Truganina, Native Space delivered the shelter, large play tower, landscaping and other key elements across the open space. (Images: Native Space) While landscaping is often the final touch on a project, for Native Space, it is just the beginning. In under two years, Native Space has built a reputation for meticulous delivery, technical precision and a sharp design sensibility. From sports ovals and wetlands to vibrant civic landscapes, this Victorian-based company is helping shape some of the state’s most enduring public environments. Whether it is planting 97,000 native species at Epping’s 4Ten Wetlands or installing 7,600 square metres of turf at Smiths Park in Clyde North, the company is laying the groundwork for lasting community spaces . “We’re still a young business, so I’d say we’re young and exciting,” says Tom Earle, business unit manager at Native Space. “We’re expanding, establishing our position in the landscaping...

Opt Hire’s hybrid light towers will be on display at Converge 2025. (Image: Opt Hire) Opt Hire , a specialist in equipment hire solutions, will be fuelling conversations as sponsor of the Coffee Cart at Converge Expo 2025. Converge Expo, being held on 17 and 18 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is a major meeting point for professionals across municipal works, civil and commercial construction. For Opt Hire, sponsoring the Coffee Cart is a way to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable equipment solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs and minimise environmental impact. “Our mission is to be the trusted partner in building a more sustainable future, together,” said Opt Hire business manager David Ewan. “Our sponsorship of the Coffee Cart isn’t just about providing a caffeine boost; it’s an opportunity to connect with industry leaders and showcase our range of sustainable assets. The construction industry is shifting towards more environmentall...

CSF Industries transformed its operations with real-time visibility across every project. (Image: CSF Industries) MYOB names mid-sized construction firms the sector’s growth engine, driving change through sharper margins and smarter systems. Mid-sized firms may not grab headlines like Tier 1 builders or trade on the charm of family-run businesses, but their influence is growing. MYOB data shows these firms sit at the centre of the industry’s next wave, leading a shift toward more efficient and connected ways of building. Mid-sized firms represent just 3 per cent of Australian businesses, yet generate around 30 per cent of private-sector GDP and employment, according to MYOB’s The Bigger Picture report. In construction, that influence is even more pronounced: mid-sized firms are contributing twice the economic output of large construction companies. Valantis Vais, general manager of product and product marketing at MYOB, describes them as ‘outsized contributors to the economy.’...

Andromeda Industries will showcase a creative LEGO model crane with a to-scale blasting mat at Converge Expo 2025. (Image: Andromeda Industries) In the lead-up to Converge Expo 2025, Australia’s premier event for municipal works, civil and commercial construction, the spotlight is on the must-see products set to shape discussions on the show floor. 1800BUGGIES – Stand H11 Check out 1800BUGGIES’ specialised tracked ATVs available for rental Australia-wide. These vehicles are increasingly popular on major projects where the traction and safety of standard vehicles are inadequate in certain conditions and environments. Tracked ATVs are available in two, four or six-person models, with the option of fully enclosed cabins. For more information, visit 1800buggies.com.au Opt Hire – Stand B22 Do not miss the Instagrid Lithium Generator – a game-changer for off-grid power. See how this silent, emission-free solution drastically cuts costs and downtime, replacing noisy, unreliable diese...