NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

Nominations are now open for the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) (WA) Awards for Excellence, which recognise outstanding achievements made by women in the construction industry.

Now in its fourth year, the NAWIC (WA) Awards for Excellence recognise inspirational Western Australian women who play a crucial role in what is a traditionally male-dominated industry.

As part of the launch of the awards, the NAWIC Western Australian chapter also announced Alannah MacTiernan as its inaugural patron.

Last year’s NAWIC award winners Melanie Marshall and Kathleen Kusinski are encouraging women in the construction industry to be proud of their achievements and nominate themselves and their colleagues.

Ms Marshall and Ms Kusinski won the ISIS Crystal Vision Award for their significant commitment in advancing and furthering the interests of women in the construction industry. The women are the directors of MKDC – a design firm which employs 12 women and has contributed over $50 million worth of contracts to the Western Australian construction industry over the past 2 years.

“Recognition as being leaders in our field for not only design but delivery as well has resulted in our reputation and MKDC brand being more visible,” said Ms Kusinski.

“We are often told by developers and builder’s what a great name and reputation we have. Part of that can be attributed to the winning of the NAWIC award as the promotion of excellence is what MKDC aspire to.”

NAWIC WA president Hayley McBride said the awards provided the opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women in the industry and to reward their enthusiasm, skills and commitment.

“This year, for the first time, we will offer an Outstanding Achievement in Safety Award, to recognise not only the critical importance of safety in our industry but also the key role that so many women play in ensuring safety is a priority within construction,” said Ms McBride.

Breaking the Chains – Women Challenging the Industry is the theme of the NAWIC (WA) Awards for Excellence, which will be judged by a panel of industry experts across 6 categories:

·      Swan Group Crystal Vision Award

·      Doric Outstanding Contribution to Construction Award

·      The Bin Guys Triple Bottom Line Sustainability Award

·      John Holland Outstanding Achievement in Safety Award

·      Lend Lease Innovation in Design Award

·      Brookfield Multiplex Young Achiever Award

To nominate yourself or a colleague visit NAWIC by Thursday 30 January 2014.

The awards will be presented at a cocktail function on Thursday 20 March 2014 at the Fremantle Prison.