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Each of our nominees represents what makes our people extraordinary - those who challenge their own career benchmarks, live our values every day and continue to raise the bar for what’s possible in construction.
Symal is also proud to sponsor the Regional Woman of the Year Award in New South Wales and Queensland, and the Emerging Leader Award in Victoria. These categories recognise women driving positive change in our industry, and we’re thrilled to stand alongside NAWIC in celebrating their achievements.
Meg Cairns – Site Engineer, Symal
Young Achiever Award (VIC)
As secretary of our Women in Construction Working Group, Meg has been championing initiatives that make our sites safer, more inclusive and more supportive for everyone. She’s a driven, values-led engineer who’s quickly become a trusted leader on site. Known for her calm approach, collaboration and ability to deliver under pressure, she’s earned the respect of everyone she works with. Beyond work, Meg is a long-time leader and volunteer with the Beaumaris Life Saving Club, where she’s spent over 12 years serving as Patrol Captain, instructor, and competitor - earning multiple awards for her commitment to community safety and leadership.
Sophie Green – Site Engineer, Wamarra
Young Achiever Award (VIC)
As Wamarra’s first female Site Engineer, Sophie has quickly made her mark. She’s known for her initiative, technical know-how and ability to connect with people at every level. Along with the impact she’s making on site, Sophie has helped roll out our Women in Construction Working Group, Pixii Period Care Initiative, which provides free sanitary products on every site. It’s a simple but powerful change that reflects the care and inclusivity at the heart of our culture.
Courtney Brighton – Project Engineer, Symal
Regional Woman of the Year Award (NSW)
Courtney took charge of one of NSW’s most complex disaster recovery projects - the Shoalhaven Landslip Remediation - managing more than 20 regional sites and helping reconnect communities through critical transport links. She brought confidence, ownership and care to every challenge, often as the only woman on site. Through her people-focused leadership, Courtney built trusted relationships with residents, councils and partners, setting a strong example for others to follow.
Holly Sanders – Project Manager, Symal
Contribution to a Project’s Development Award (NSW)
Holly’s leadership on the Wollombi Road Upgrade in regional NSW is a standout example of innovation and balance. From tender through delivery, she helped shape a design that avoided major community disruption - saving time and cost while maintaining access for locals. Managing the project remotely from New Zealand, Holly proves that flexibility and performance can thrive together, setting a new standard for collaboration and delivery excellence.
Jenna Whitlock – Defence Coordinator, Symal
Future Leader Scholarship Award (NSW)
Jenna is a connector, mentor and changemaker. She’s leading initiatives that create opportunity and inclusion across both construction and Defence - from Indigenous engagement and veterans’ employment to diversity and belonging. Recognised as one of Australian Defence Magazine’s 30 Under 30, Jenna shows that leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about action, impact and helping others succeed.
NSW Project Administration Team – Led by Sarah Baker
Team Innovation Award (NSW)
Our NSW Project Admin team has reimagined how they work - creating the Project Start-Up Guide, a practical tool that’s improving consistency, collaboration and efficiency across our projects. Their initiative has strengthened connections between site and office teams, showing that innovation often starts with people who see a better way and make it happen.
With the NAWIC awards nights just around the corner, we wish all nominees the very best of luck. Regardless of the outcome, your impact is already being felt - inspiring others and helping shape a stronger, more inclusive industry for the future.
To our nominees: congratulations and thank you for leading with purpose, inspiring those around you and helping pave the way for more women to thrive in construction. We’ll be cheering you on to bring it home!
Explore how we’re supporting women in construction through Shine - our program that empowers women across the Symal Group to grow, lead and succeed at every stage of their careers.
