Above and beyond: Celebrating our CCF People and Training Award finalists

Proudly celebrating our people across the Symal Group, recognised as finalists in the 2026 CCF Victoria People and Training Awards.

These awards recognise those shaping capability, creating opportunity and strengthening our industry through leadership, learning and genuine care for others.

Each of our finalists reflects what makes both our people and business extraordinary, supported by a strong focus on investing in learning and development across the Group. Consistently pushing what’s possible, innovating with intent and building better together in the way they show up every day. 

Shining a light on our finalists and their achievements

Lachy Simpson – Project Manager, Symal

Leadership Excellence

On the Pakenham Road Upgrade – Work Package 3, Lachy is leading one of Symal’s most complex projects, managing utilities, traffic staging and multiple work fronts. Known for his calm, clear approach, he’s built a team that is organised, accountable and focused on getting the job done right.

He is recognised for backing his people and for encouraging engineers and supervisors to take ownership and challenge thinking. Also, playing a key role in developing Ignite graduates through on-site exposure to planning and delivery.

Sustainability team, Symal

Sustainability and Circular Economy Excellence

The Sustainability team is shaping how sustainability shows up across our projects, embedding it into planning, delivery and decision-making.

Over the past 18 months, they’ve rolled out ESG frameworks and climate reporting, strengthening how emissions and performance are tracked across the business. On site, they’ve worked alongside delivery teams to trial plant electrification, alternative fuels and modular EV charging, while increasing the use of low-carbon and recycled materials.

By keeping it practical and close to delivery, they’ve helped teams achieve better environmental outcomes without slowing things down.

Learning and Development team, Symal

Training Employer of the Year

Building capability from the ground up sits at the centre of how learning is delivered across Symal. Through programs like Spark, Charge and Ignite, our people are supported from early experience through to graduate roles, building skills on the job with the right guidance along the way.

Learning is part of everyday delivery, supported by mentoring, structured training and qualifications across safety, leadership, trade and high-risk work.

Since early 2025, more than 50 graduates have joined the business, with most undergraduates progressing into graduate roles, showing the true strength of these pathways.

Taylor Head – Assets and Personnel Manager, Unyte

Administrator of the Year

Taylor plays a key role in keeping projects running smoothly behind the scenes, connecting teams, suppliers and clients to make sure everything stays on track. She’s known for finding better ways to work, improving systems and processes so teams can move faster and with more confidence in the information they rely on.

When things get busy, Taylor brings calm and clarity, keeping workstreams aligned and communication clear so delivery teams can stay focused on the job.

Her consistency and willingness to support others make her someone the team can always rely on.

Wamarra

First Nations Leadership

Wamarra is delivering major infrastructure across NSW and Victoria, while creating meaningful career pathways for Aboriginal people in civil construction and providing a genuine solution to social procurement.

The Bulabul program focuses on developing future Aboriginal leaders through hands-on experience, communication, decision-making and supervision pathways. With more than 90 Aboriginal employees forming the majority of its team, the business combines delivery with structured development, giving their people real exposure to civil construction from day one.

Across it’s projects, Wamarra has delivered 25 work packages, including one major package where 75 Aboriginal workers delivered 85,000 hours, representing 65% of total project hours. This reflects its ability to deliver at scale while maintaining strong Indigenous participation.

With the CCF Victoria People and Training Awards on Friday, 8 May, we’re looking forward to coming together to celebrate the incredible impact the people across our industry continue to make.

To all our finalists, congratulations. The way you back each other, challenge yourselves and keep raising the bar is what makes a lasting difference. We’ll be cheering you on!