Industry excellence was on display as Australia’s leading women took centre stage last night at the 2026 Women in Industry Awards.
Bringing together innovators, trailblazers and change-makers from across the nation at Doltone House Darling Island Wharf in Sydney, the awards recognised the remarkable achievements of women who are breaking barriers, driving innovation and shaping the future of Australia’s industrial sectors.
Following a record number of nominations and attendance of more than 350 industry professionals, supporters and guests at the gala dinner, the 2026 Women In Industry Awards marked the largest event since the program’s inception.
In her opening address, Prime Creative Media Head of Marketing – Events, Molly Hancock, praised the high calibre of this year’s nominations and reflected on the growing influence of the awards in championing achievement, leadership and innovation across the industry.
“The quality of nominations received this year has once again been exceptional,” she said.
“Every nominee and finalist has demonstrated excellence in their field, a commitment to delivering outstanding results and a determination to make a positive difference within their organisation, industry and community.”
The 2026 Awards featured 15 categories celebrating outstanding achievement across leadership, emerging talent, workplace safety and excellence in a diverse range of industries.
This year’s program introduced four new award categories including Women in Leadership, Marketer of the Year, Excellence in Health and Medicine and Tradeswoman of the Year, further expanding recognition of women’s contributions across these key sectors.
The 2026 Women in Industry Awards winners are:
- Tradeswoman of the Year – Shannen Jeffery, Newmont
- Women in Leadership – Karlie Zec, Tiny Tins
- Mentor of the Year – Laura Canning, Komatsu
- Excellence in Transport – True Ross, Ross Transport
- Excellence in Mining – Brooke Adamson, Newmont
- Industry Advocacy Award – Tatiana Delendik, Grundfos
- Rising Star of the Year – 30 years and under – Caitlin Barlow, JATEC Transport
- Business Development Success of the Year- Yuan Yuan, Sykes Group
- Excellence in Health and Medicine – Dr Sarah Crowe, OOXii
- Marketer of the Year – Caroline Luczynski, SMEC
- Excellence in Energy – Louise Bishop, Zinfra Operations
- Excellence in Construction – Alysse Reedy, Fulton Hogan Construction
- Excellence in Manufacturing – Charline Siccardi, Argon & Co
- Safety Advocacy Award – Sarah Barnbrook, Away from Keyboard Inc.
- Excellence in Engineering – Hoda Ehsani, Fortescue
The evening culminated with the presentation of the program’s highest honour, the Woman of the Year Award, which is chosen from the winners of the 15 nominated award categories.
Taking home the premier award this year was Brooke Adamson from Newmont.
In her speech, Adamson took the time to thank her family.
“If you think you can’t have a career and be a mother, I am proof that you can,” she said.
“But I couldn’t do it without the support of my family or also my partner who has sacrificed part of his career to support myself.
“There are so many phenomenal women and men that play a key role in mining and industry in general that support women, and without a lot of those sponsors and advocates I wouldn’t be here tonight.
“So, thank you for this. I am incredibly honoured.”
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