Recognition for top women in construction

The local chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction has recognised the achievements of Western Australian women at its annual awards, held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning.

Now in its seventh year, the awards celebrate the contributions and achievements of women within the state’s construction industry.

NAWIC WA president Rebecca Carrick said the number of women working in construction was rising annually, and that this year’s winners showcased the variety of career options available for women.

“It’s important to recognise the contribution and value women add to the construction workforce,” she said.

“We received an exceptionally high calibre of entrants across the nine categories this year, and all winners truly deserve recognition for the creativity and passion they bring to the industry.”

Arup consulting group leader Kate West won the top accolade, the Swan Group vision award, with the judges’ comments highlighting her role in improving and promoting diversity in her workplace and across the sector.   

More than 450 people attended the awards, which were hosted by media personality Gretel Killeen.

Below are the 2017 National Association for Women in Construction Awards WA winners.

• Wood & Grieve outstanding contribution to construction award: Noreen O’Shea, APP Corporation senior project manager.

• Shape outstanding achievement in safety award: Jenny Jones, BGC Contracting national health and safety manager.

• APP creating the best project award: Natalie Geier, The Perth Children’s Hospital Architects Alliance.

• Gainsborough social responsibility in construction award: Tina Godden, WA Country Health Service acting program manager.

• Probuild young achiever award: Claire Lynch, APP Corporation project manager.

• CBRE lifetime achievement award: Linda Hamilton, Buildcraft WA director and owner.

• HASSELL innovation award: Shevaun Stringer, Jackson McDonald senior associate.

• ARUP diversity and inclusion champion:  Shelley Phillipson, Wood & Grieve Engineers national marketing manager.