Search
Five women from across the Symal Group have been recognised as finalists in the 2026 National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Awards, celebrating leadership, innovation and excellence across the construction industry.
The finalists represent a diverse range of disciplines spanning project delivery, engineering, trades, sustainability and stakeholder engagement, demonstrating the breadth of talent helping shape the future of our business and our industry.
Shining a light on our finalists! Five different career paths. Five different areas of expertise. One shared drive to do things better.
Their nominations recognise more than individual achievement. Together, they reflect the culture we've built at Symal Group, one where people are supported to grow, challenge conventional thinking and make a meaningful impact on the projects and communities we serve.
Chelsea Seville – Project Delivery Award
A key player in the delivery of the $108 million Pakenham Roads Upgrade – Work Package 3, Chelsea has brought innovative thinking, collaborative leadership and a focus on empowering her team to deliver outstanding project outcomes while reducing disruption for the local community.
Alex Holman - Young Achiever Award
Alex’s nomination recognises her rapid progression as an engineer and her contribution to major projects, including the Pakenham Roads Upgrade and the Suburban Rail Loop. Combining technical expertise with thoughtful planning and a genuine commitment to her team, Alex is showing what’s possible for the next generation of industry leaders.
Tori Kellett – Tradesperson Award
Tori’s journey into construction is a reminder of the opportunities that open when people back themselves and take a different route. After moving from early childhood education into civil construction, she has built experience across surveying, plant operation, construction planning and landscaping.
A proud Yorta Yorta women, Tori was the first woman and youngest participant to graduate Wamarra's Bulabul Leadership Program. She’s passionate about opening doors for more women and First Nations people to build their careers in construction.
Ronja Kraus – Sustainability Award
Finding better ways to build is at the heart of Ronja’s work. Her nomination recognises her role in developing an innovative low-carbon concrete mix using calcined clay, bringing together suppliers, technical specialists, clients and delivery teams to turn an emerging concept into a practical solution.
It's work with the potential to reduce embodied carbon across future infrastructure projects, demonstrating how collaboration and fresh thinking can help move the industry forward.
Rebecca Somerville – Communications, Stakeholder and Media Management Award
Major infrastructure projects are about more than what's happening on site. They're also about the people who live, work and move around them.
Working on the Eastern Freeway – Burke to Tram Alliance, Rebecca has built trusted relationships with residents, businesses and community stakeholders, supporting major construction milestones with clear communication, transparency and genuine engagement.
Alison Laing, Chief People & Culture Officer said the finalists highlight the breadth of talent across the Group and what can happen when people have the opportunity to grow, lead and make a difference.
"These nominations recognise five exceptional women who are making a difference in very different ways, but all share a commitment to collaboration, innovation and excellence," Alison said.
"We're incredibly proud to see their contributions recognised by NAWIC. Their achievements reflect not only their own dedication, but the culture we've built together, one where people are supported to learn, lead and create opportunities for others."
Across Symal Group, we're committed to creating an industry where more women can build rewarding careers across every discipline. Through mentoring, leadership development, technical training and meaningful project opportunities, we're investing in the next generation of leaders while continuing to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce.
Congratulations to Chelsea, Alex, Tori, Ronja and Rebecca on this outstanding achievement. We're looking forward to cheering them on when the NAWIC Award winners are announced in October.
