The annual Women in Industry Awards will be held at The Carousel in Melbourne on June 19, 2025, with tickets currently on sale.
Organised by Prime Creative Media, these awards have been running for more than a decade, shining a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of women who are not only excelling in their fields but are also actively driving change, breaking down barriers, and inspiring the next generation of female leaders.
The awards seek to recognise women across a range of different industries – from transport and mining, to engineering and infrastructure.
During a special gala dinner event, awards will be presented across these 12 categories:
• Business Development Success of the Year
•Excellence in Construction
• Excellence in Engineering
• Excellence in Energy
• Excellence in Manufacturing
• Excellence in Mining
• Excellence in Transport (Proudly sponsored by Kenter)
• Industry Advocacy Award
• Mentor of the Year
• Rising Star of the Year (Proudly sponsored by Atlas Copco)
• Safety Advocacy Award (Proudly sponsored by Paccar Australia)
• Woman of the Year (Proudly sponsored by Fulton Hogan)
At previous iterations of the Women in Industry Awards, the awards have highlighted the diverse talents and significant impact of women across various sectors.
A case in point is the 2024 Woman of the Year was Derelle Mitchell from Health Focus Manufacturing (HFM), who was also recognised for Excellence in Manufacturing.
Determined to rekindle her career after raising her children, Derelle took up an opportunity to acquire the assets of a cosmetic manufacturing company in 2011, marking the beginning of HFM.
Starting with a small team in a “big green shed”, HFM has grown over the past decade to accommodate more than 40 staff members with over 200 years of combined experience.
“I started this business from very humble beginnings,” she said when accepting the 2024 Woman of the Year award. “The most enjoyable thing I get from my job is getting people jobs, and I love what I do.
“It takes a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and sacrifices for work every day. I wake up every day at 4 o’clock in the morning, and I love it, especially the people I work with. I wouldn’t be sitting here right now if it wasn’t for them.”
Taking out the 2024 Transport Woman of the Year Award was Anne Modderno, the first female managing director at Swietelsky Rail Australia. Since her appointment in May 2023, Anne has made significant strides in aligning the company’s operations with a new strategic direction. She also actively advocates for inclusivity and diversity within the transport sector, promoting initiatives to increase female participation and close the gender pay gap.
The Women in Industry Awards aim to celebrate the women who are moving industry forward, showing the next generation what’s possible.
To secure your tickets to the event, please visit womeninindustry.com.au.