The 2022 Women in Industry finalists have been announced, celebrating the outstanding success achieved by women in traditionally male-dominated industries.
This year’s finalists demonstrate the exceptional value women have brought to the industries in the past 12 months.
Some companies saw multiple nominations within their ranks.
Weir Minerals picked up nods for cyclone specialist Katherine Walton in Business Development Success of the Year, as well as graduate engineer Monique Yap for Rising Star of the Year.
Bosch Australia (two), Norske Skog (two), KPMG (two) and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, QLD (four) all scored multiple nominations as well.
Komatsu Mining’s director of strategy and performance Christine Morris has been nominated twice for the Excellence in Mining Award and the Mentor of the Year Award.
Another individual, Transport Women Australia board member Merry Manton, has snagged herself two nominations for the Safety Advocacy Award and Excellence in Transport.
Women in Industry ambassador Rachael Ashfield said the awards give women an opportunity to highlight key aspects and career-defining moments of their many years of success and dedication.
The ifm efector marketing manager became the Women in Industry ambassador following her 2020 nomination for the Business Development Success of the Year category, which she subsequently won.
Ashfield has progressed her career steadily, moving from executive assistant to marketing assistant, and now leading the department.
Ashfield encourages women from across the mining, engineering, transport, waste management, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors to grow themselves professionally.
“I am proud of being the ambassador for the Women in Industry Awards, as it means what I do – and the way I do it – are accurate reflections on what ifm strives to accomplish every day,” Ashfield told Safe to Work.
“I want to wish all the women nominated not only the best of luck but moreover, the recognition, support and help to raise the profile for all these wonderful women in the mining, engineering, manufacturing, process control, commercial road transport industries that can go unnoticed.
“Well done to all those nominated.”
Categories for the 2022 Women in Industry Awards
Social Leader of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Komatsu
“Komatsu’s philosophy is passed down from generation to generation through our principles, strategies and the belief that corporate social responsibility is part of our core business and the value we create,” Komatsu Mining director strategy and performance Christine Morris told Safe to Work.
“In regions across the globe, Komatsu continues to provide products and solutions which address social needs and give back to communities where we do business by leveraging the skills and passion of our people.
“We seek to play an active role in supporting the long-term success of society through sustainable efforts that reach far beyond Komatsu, which is why we have decided to sponsor the Social Leader of the Year category.
“This is our opportunity to recognise the women who are driving change in this category – breaking down barriers and creating new possibilities for the next generation.”
Finalists:
- Anne Williams – plant operations manager – rail, John Holland
- Jane Tiller – ethical, legal and social advisor, Monash University
- Jo Withford – senior project engineer, Transport for NSW
- Penelope Twemlow – director, KPMG
- Pranjal Pawar – project manager, Development Victoria
Excellence in Engineering
Proudly sponsored by BAE Systems
“The Women in Industry Awards is a unique platform that recognises and celebrates the achievements of women in engineering in Australia,” BAE Systems Australia engineering director Martin Bartlett told Safe to Work.
“BAE Systems is committed to progressing women and addressing gender diversity and balance in the industry. These awards afford us an opportunity to publicly promote our commitment.
“We are delighted to once again sponsor the Excellence in Engineering category in 2022.”
Finalists:
- Amelinda Ilardi – project manager, ANCA
- Ashleigh Fulcher – mechanical engineer, Viva Energy Australia
- Brownyn Evans – chief executive officer, Engineers Australia
- Narelle Dobson – director special projects, Department of Transport and Main Roads, QLD
- Rachel Barrett – senior verification and validation engineer, Bosch Australia
Excellence in Mining
Proudly sponsored by Weir Minerals
“Weir Minerals is very excited and proud to be supporting the Women in Industry’s Excellence in Mining category, highlighting inspirational female leaders, pioneering initiatives and exceptional talent of today and tomorrow,” the company stated.
“The Women in Industry Awards align with Weir’s own global inclusion and diversity agenda to ensure we develop a culture where everyone’s voice is heard, and where we care for, respect and encourage each other, helping to champion gender equality within our business and our industry.”
Finalists:
- Carly O’Loughlan – director, Ore Contracting WA
- Carrie Heaven – superintendent mine services, Glencore
- Christine Morris – director strategy and performance, Komatsu Mining
Rising Star of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Atlas Copco
“At Atlas Copco, we believe that diversity in business is a critical driver for our long-term success,” the company stated.
“The Women in Industry Awards are a special way in which we can show our commitment to advancing the gender balance in industry.
“As a global company, Atlas Copco recognises the link between diversity and innovation and as we say, ‘there is always a better way’, and contributing to these awards is just one way that we can show that Atlas Copco recognises the talent and achievement of females across our industry.”
Finalists:
- Deanne Heier – product performance specialist, Norske Skog
- Isabella Freeman – project manager, RoadTek / Department of Transport and Main Roads, QLD
- Kirstie Looke – crude scheduler, Viva Energy Australia
- Louisa Jansen – site engineer, Fulton Hogan
- Monique Yap – graduate engineer, Weir Minerals
Safety Advocacy Award
Proudly sponsored by BOC
“BOC has been proudly supporting the Women in Industry Awards for the past seven years. The awards encourage and recognise the success of women in industries that have traditionally been male-dominated including road transport, logistics, rail and bulk handling, infrastructure, mining and engineering,” the company stated.
“The calibre of nominees and winners each year demonstrates considerable leadership and commitment to their various sectors and aligns with BOC’s focus on the pursuit of excellence in industry.
BOC believes the awards are an important event, and it’s critical companies continue to support the participation of women in industry and shine the light on the women who are true role models in leadership.”
Finalists:
- Ainsley Fish – project systems representative, RoadTek/Department of Transport and Main Roads, QLD
- Grace Kube – graduate process engineer, Norske Skog
- Merry Manton – board member, Transport Women Australia
- Sabrina Sequeria – project engineer, Lighting Protection International
- Stephanie O’Dwyer – manager health, wellbeing and innovation, BlueScope Steel
Industry Advocacy Award
Finalists:
- Gina Rinehart – executive chairman, Hancock Prospecting
- Hermione Parsons – director, Deakin University Centre for Supply Chain and Logistics
- Jo Sainsbury – director, Kickass Women
- Kylie Ward – Asia Pacific HR director, Stantec
- Megan McCracken – chair, NAWO
Business Development Success of the Year
Finalists:
- Katherine Walton – cyclone specialist, Weir Minerals
- Kylie Hollonds – managing director, GF Oats Australia
- Lacey Webb – founder and director, Resource Hub
- Louise Johnson – scientific specialist, BOC
- Puneeta Chellaramani – director, KPMG Australia
Mentor of the Year
Finalists:
- Angela Wiggins – chief counsel, BAE Systems Australia
- Christine Morris – director strategy and performance, Komatsu Mining
- Kylie Fraser – president of consumer and healthcare group, Linfox
- Larissa Rose – director consultant, Glowing Green Australia
- Lidia Trehane – software engineering manager, Bosch Australia
Excellence in Transport
Finalists:
- Catherine Baxter – chief operating officer, Metro Trains
- Heather Jones – director, Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls
- Kirstyn Glass – rail operations consultant, Trapeze Group Asia Pacific
- Merry Manton – board member, Transport Women Australia
- Penny Ford – executive director (transport planning services), Department of Transport and Main Roads, QLD
Excellence in Manufacturing
Finalists:
- Cori Stewart – chief executive officer, ARM Hub
- Heidi Bergman – director of manufacturing sciences and technology, Seqirus
- Julie Jones – general counsel and company secretary, Matrix Composites and Engineering
- Noelle Parlier – chief engineer, PACCAR Australia
- Sabrina Sequeria – project engineer, Lighting Protection International
- Shay Chalmers – director, Strategic Engineering Australia
This feature also appears in the March edition of Safe to Work.