MHD WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARDS
A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION AT THE WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARDS
Melbourne hosted the Women in Industry Awards in April, recognising exceptional women across various industries, including engineering, supply chain and logistics.
T
he Women in Industry Awards were presented in partnership with MHD Supply Chain Solutions and other Prime Creative titles to celebrate not only the winners and nominees, but all women in these industries for their commitment, diligence, and dedication. Mining, road transport, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, bulk handling, waste management, and rail and infrastructure are all traditionally male-dominated industries. The awards provided an opportunity to recognise the achievements and dedication of the women who work in these industries. One of this year’s judges, Kylie Fahey, Institute of Quarrying Australia CEO, says it was a big honour to be involved in the awards. “Anything that we can do to be showcasing the incredible roles that women play in the industry, support diversity and inclusion, and certainly looking to promote for more females to join such an incredible industry, is wonderful,” Kylie says. Judging for the third time, Kylie noted the breadth of nominations that stood out to her this year. “Even within the categories themselves, there’s just such a range of innovation and a range of different projects and businesses that are put forward,” Kylie adds. “It’s wonderful to also see the levels of people that are nominating. We’ve seen everyone from leading CEOs of very large, listed companies, right through to people that are working at the coalface of health and safety work like health and safety officers. I think something that’s very refreshing about the awards is that
56 | MHD JUNE 2022
they are open to everybody. “We are encouraging that profile of females that are working in the industry, and they’re working in such a variety of roles, and I think that’s a real strength of the process and the strength of recognising what women are doing for the industry, and equally encouraging more females to join.” Engineers Australia CEO Dr. Bronwyn Evans was a notable double winner, taking home the Woman of the Year and
“
Anything that we can do to be showcasing the incredible roles that women play in the industry, support diversity and inclusion, and certainly looking to promote for more females to join such an incredible industry, is wonderful.
”
Excellence in Engineering awards. BAE Systems, Excellence in Engineering category sponsor, says it was especially proud to sponsor the award. “We have female engineers to thank for many of the world’s greatest innovations, yet they make up only 12 per cent of engineers employed in Australia,” BAE Systems says. “Awards such as these are important
to not only celebrate achievement, but to also provide inspiration to others to break down barriers and excel in the engineering industry,” it adds. Bronwyn says there is still more that needs to be done to increase the number of women in the industry. “Nights like tonight are important so we can celebrate our successes,” Bronwyn says. “However, we still need to have difficult conversations about education, bias, assumptions and missed opportunities for women in industry,” she adds. “We know we will have succeeded when women are represented 50 per cent top-to-bottom. I urge all of us here tonight to use our profiles and our influence to be role models and to be champions for the amazing women who are joining our industries and professions.” All nominees and winners should be incredibly proud of the work they have achieved and the dedication and commitment they have shown throughout the industry. Other winners from the evening included: • Jo Withford – Social Leader of the Year • Larissa Rose – Mentor of the Year • Stephanie O’Dwyer – Safety Advocacy • Christine Morris – Excellence in Mining • Megan McCracken – Industry Advocacy Award • Shay Chalmers – Excellence in Manufacturing • Catherine Baxter – Excellence in Transport • Lacey Webb – Business Development Success • Monique Yap – Rising Star of the Year.
