Meet Our 2025 Speakers
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Alison Brereton
Nicholson Construction
Amy Dowel
Seymour Whyte
Anne Boyle
Alchemy Construct
Beck Ricardo
Icon
Bohemia Hookham
Sustainability Manager, Construction
Lendlease
Bronwyn Williams
Cathryn Greville
Chief Executive Officer
NAWIC
Claire Hudson
Richard Crookes Constructions
Dominique Gill
Urban Core
Emma Baptist
Monadelphous
Gladys Woods
Haslin Constructions
Ivan Fratric
BMD Group
Jacqueline Larkings
WorkSafe Victoria
Jeanette Sleiman
CPB Contractors
Jennifer Perkins
TAFE NSW
Jessie Murray
ADCO Constructions
Kate Leone
UGL
Katrina Rio
Major Road Projects Victoria
Kayla Collins
Laing O'Rourke
Liz Holzschuster
Newpol Construction
Mary Canagaratnam
Figurehead Construction
Mathanki Aru
Structerre Consulting
Nancy Italiano
Acustruct
Nicole Neal
McConnell Dowell
Nicole Strickland
Laing O’Rourke
Nuria Florentino
South Australia Department for Infrastructure and Transport
Paisley Flinn
Sienna Homes
Penelope Arnold
GS E&C
Rachael Lee
Clough
Rebecca De Cicco
DBM Vircon | Women in BIM
Samantha Grant
Lendlease
Sharon Gray
CPB Contractors
Sinèad Redmond
GeelongPort
Skye Bowie
Queensland Building and Construction Commission
Soheila Moradi
Major Road Projects Victoria
Stefanie Nutt
John Holland | NAWIC
Tayla Fairthorne
Kapitol Group
Tracey Mitchell
CYP Metro Tunnel
Jennifer Perkins
Director Skills Excellence Network - Construction & EnergyTAFE NSW
Speaking at
April 30, 08:50 am
Opening remarks from the chair
Roundtable 7: Moving from a trade or site role to management
April 30, 17:30 pm
Closing remarks from the chair
May 1, 16:45 pm
Closing remarks from the Chair & end of Women in Construction Summit 2025
Cathryn Greville
Chief Executive Officer
NAWIC
Cathryn is an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) leader, lawyer and qualified director with nearly two decades of experience working with organisations and industries across ESG and regulatory arenas and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. Her background includes working in the construction and built environment sector, within accountability bodies, leading professional and industry membership associations, working with underrepresented groups, and advising and representing organisations across commercial, ESG and equal opportunity law, compliance and strategy as an in-house legal counsel and former court advocate.
Immediately prior to joining NAWIC in November 2024, Cathryn was leading a programme focused on both organisational diversity and inclusion, and the sector-wide behavioural and cultural change required to positively impact the outcomes of the UK construction and built environment sector and the communities it serves. In this capacity, she advised and worked directly with a range of businesses to shift stubborn attitudes, address underrepresentation and attract, develop and promote talent.
Cathryn brings tertiary qualifications in construction, law, public policy, international relations and governance.
Speaking at
April 30, 09:00 am
From insights to action: Shaping the future of women in construction
Jessie Murray
Commercial Manager Defence and Special ProjectsADCO Constructions
Jessie Murray is an experienced commercial manager with a strong background in the construction industry, specializing in defence and special projects. With over 13 years of expertise, Jessie has honed a deep understanding of project management, contract administration, and construction law. She currently serves as the Commercial Manager for Defence and Special Projects at ADCO Constructions, a role she has held since February 2024.
A roll up your sleeves and get the job done mentality. High personal regard for stakeholder coordination and management, including but not limited to client, consultant and subcontractor/trade partners.
Speaking at
April 30, 09:30 am
PANEL DISCUSSION: Many paths, one destination: building a successful career
Emma Baptist
Operations Manager – VictoriaMonadelphous
Emma is the Operations Manager for Monadelphous Group’s Victoria Branch. A seasoned professional with 20+ years of industry experience, Emma has been integral to Monadelphous’ success on major construction and maintenance projects across Australia.
With a broad skill set in civil engineering and construction services, Emma has traversed multiple industries, accumulating an extensive foundation of leadership knowledge. Her management approach embraces diverse perspectives throughout project delivery. As a senior leader, Emma is actively shaping the company’s future from graduate engineer development and Victorian Operations growth to Monadelphous Group’s ongoing sustainability in the industry.
Speaking at
April 30, 09:30 am
PANEL DISCUSSION: Many paths, one destination: building a successful career
Nuria Florentino
Skills and Legacy Director, Torrens to Darlington ProjectSouth Australia Department for Infrastructure and Transport
Experienced General Manager with a strong strategic focus on business success. Proven leadership skills and a strong record of accomplishment managing change initiatives, implementing diversity programs and delivering effective employee engagement strategies. I play an integral part in the organisation’s leadership team, and strategic planning process, representing the people within the business.
Nuria currently serves as the Skills and Legacy Director for the Torrens to Darlington Project, a role she has held since August 2024. With a strong background in human resources, organizational development, and performance management, Nuria has consistently delivered impactful results across major projects in Australia.
Speaking at
April 30, 09:30 am
PANEL DISCUSSION: Many paths, one destination: building a successful career
Roundtable 3: Fostering work-life balance in a demanding industry
Anne Boyle
Site SupervisorAlchemy Construct
Speaking at
April 30, 09:30 am
PANEL DISCUSSION: Many paths, one destination: building a successful career
Skye Bowie
Chief Integrity & Risk Officer and Acting Chief Building RegulatorQueensland Building and Construction Commission
Skye Bowie is a seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience in regulation, financial services, and the building industry. She began her career at the Department of Public Prosecutions and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), where she honed her skills in complex legal and regulatory environments.
At ASIC, she spearheaded initiatives against corporate scams and financial malpractices where she developed a deep understanding of consumer centric design and vulnerabilities experienced by many consumers.
Whilst working in Dublin, she developed a passion for innovation which led her to explore regulatory technology solutions in international banking and financial services, enhancing compliance, risk management, and transparency. She champions innovation through digital strategies and projects that enhance system interoperability and regulatory capability. Her vision is to reduce risk and harm in Queensland's construction industry by leveraging technology and collaborative partnerships to create a more sustainable, customer-focused regulatory future.
Currently serving as Acting Chief Building Regulator at the QBCC, she has led significant strategic reforms to enhance service delivery and compliance. She established a new division within the QBCC, launched a mediation and conciliation pilot programme that achieved a 53% resolution rate among 920 cases, and implemented technological solutions to enhance efficiency and job satisfaction, allowing staff to engage in more impactful activities.
When Skye is not busy regulating, she can be found tending to her food garden which became a hobby during covid lockdowns after she attended a landscaping course run by the designer of Roma Street Parklands Lawrie Smith AM and another by Jerry Coleby-Williams from Gardening Australia. Otherwise, she spends her time travelling with her husband, often returning to his homeland in Ireland.
Speaking at
April 30, 11:10 am
Innovation as a catalyst for women in construction leadership
Katrina Rio
Acting Director Social & Sustainable InfrastructureMajor Road Projects Victoria
Katrina Rio is a highly accomplished leader in the civil infrastructure sector, with over 18 years of experience across diverse roles in project management, human resources, and governance. As the Director of Social Value, Capability & Inclusion at Major Road Projects Victoria, Katrina plays a key role in driving diversity, inclusion, and social procurement initiatives within the civil construction industry. She is dedicated to creating more equitable employment opportunities, particularly for Aboriginal communities, and enhancing industry capacity and capability across major infrastructure projects in Victoria.
With a strong foundation in leadership and strategic project controls, Katrina has a proven track record of managing large-scale infrastructure projects, building high-performing teams, and fostering inclusive work environments. Her ability to combine strategic vision with a passion for social impact has positioned her as a transformative leader in the industry.
Speaking at
April 30, 11:40 am
WOMEN IN ACTION CASE STUDY: A roadmap to advancing gender equity and diversity on construction sites
Rachael Lee
Senior Manager, Environment and SustainabilityClough
As Senior Manager - Environment and Sustainability for Clough- Webuild Group in Australia, Rachael has been at the forefront of the industry’s sustainability transformation. With over 15 years of expertise in sustainability strategy, environmental law, and decarbonization, she focuses on delivering value-driven outcomes by embedding sustainability into every facet of construction operations.
Rachael’s achievements include leading teams to deliver award-winning ISC and Green Star ratings, pioneering decarbonization strategies, and building cultural frameworks that position sustainability as a core business driver. She believes sustainability is not just about compliance—it’s a driver of innovation, profitability, and productivity. By aligning construction practices with ESG standards, value engineering, and innovative thinking, Rachael helps reshape the industry to meet today’s challenges while creating a more sustainable future.
Speaking at
April 30, 12:00 pm
INDUSTRY TREND SPOTLIGHT: Sustainability's role in shaping today's construction projects and tomorrow's environmental and business outcomes
Kayla Collins
Senior SupervisorLaing O'Rourke
Speaking at
April 30, 13:30 pm
PANEL DISCUSSION: Insights from the ground – revelations & guidance from women in trade and site roles
Kate Leone
Communications EngineerUGL
Kate Leone is an accomplished communications engineer with a diverse background in mechatronics, engineering design, and project leadership across major infrastructure projects in Australia. Currently serving as a Communications Engineer at UGL, Kate is leading the design of critical communication systems for the M6 Stage 1 road tunnel project, including emergency telephone and GNSS packages, as well as tunnel fibre optics and radio communication systems. She has been recognized as an emerging leader in the field, with several awards and leadership roles that reflect her commitment to excellence, innovation, and diversity in engineering.
Kate's career path has been marked by her ability to combine technical expertise with leadership and advocacy, particularly around social inclusion, diversity, and the development of young professionals. She is deeply passionate about fostering inclusive environments and providing opportunities for underrepresented groups in engineering.
Speaking at
April 30, 13:30 pm
PANEL DISCUSSION: Insights from the ground – revelations & guidance from women in trade and site roles
Beck Ricardo
Site SupervisorIcon
Speaking at
April 30, 13:30 pm
PANEL DISCUSSION: Insights from the ground – revelations & guidance from women in trade and site roles
Jacqueline Larkings
Inspector Construction, Field Operations Health and SafetyWorkSafe Victoria
Speaking at
April 30, 13:30 pm
PANEL DISCUSSION: Insights from the ground – revelations & guidance from women in trade and site roles
Samantha Grant
Workforce & Stakeholder ManagerLendlease
Samantha Grant is a passionate and dynamic leader specializing in diversity, inclusion, and leadership development, with a strong focus on advancing women’s participation and leadership within traditionally male-dominated industries. Currently serving as the Women in Construction Lead at ACCIONA AU & NZ, Samantha is driving initiatives that foster gender diversity, promote inclusion, and empower women in the construction sector. She is committed to creating opportunities for women to thrive in industries where their representation is often underrepresented.
With over a decade of experience in diversity consulting, leadership training, and community-building, Samantha has held several impactful leadership roles. She has worked across various sectors, including education, government, and infrastructure, advocating for policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion. Her background in consulting, leadership programs, and education has given her a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing women in the workforce.
Speaking at
April 30, 14:10 pm
WOMEN IN ACTION CASE STUDY: Embracing flexibility to advance careers & retain talent
Stefanie Nutt
People and Culture Director – M7-M12 Integration Project | DirectorJohn Holland | NAWIC
Stefanie Nutt is an accomplished People and Culture leader with a strong focus on creating inclusive and high-performing work environments. With extensive experience in human resources, organizational development, and project management, Stefanie is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, sustainability, and collaboration across industries. Her career spans a range of high-profile infrastructure projects and organizations, where she has driven strategic HR initiatives, sustainability programs, and diversity-focused leadership practices.
Currently serving as the People & Culture Director for the M7-M12 Integration Project, a $1.5 billion infrastructure project in Sydney, Stefanie leads the people and internal communications function. She is responsible for ensuring that the project team is equipped with the tools, resources, and culture needed to deliver the project successfully, while prioritizing employee engagement, inclusion, and wellbeing.
Speaking at
April 30, 14:30 pm
SKILLS SPOTLIGHT: Developing the essential but often overlooked skills you need to influence others and succeed in construction
Claire Hudson
Head of Workforce Planning & RecruitmentRichard Crookes Constructions
Claire Hudson is a highly experienced and strategic workforce planning professional, with a deep expertise in recruitment, talent acquisition, and organizational development. Known for her ability to drive workforce strategy and create future-focused talent solutions, Claire is passionate about aligning human resources with business goals, fostering growth, and delivering exceptional results.
Currently, Claire serves as the Head of Workforce Planning & Recruitment at Richard Crookes Constructions (RCC), a leading construction company in Sydney, where she is responsible for shaping the company’s workforce strategy. In her role, she designs and implements strategic recruitment plans to attract the talent needed for RCC’s future growth, ensuring alignment with the company’s evolving needs and objectives.
Speaking at
April 30, 15:00 pm
FIRESIDE CHAT: Achieving a thriving construction career while nurturing a fulfilling personal life
Roundtable 4: How to deal with difficult co-workers, managers & situations
Penelope Arnold
Human Resources DirectorGS E&C
Penelope Arnold is an accomplished Human Resources executive with over 15 years of experience in managing HR functions, driving people strategies, and leading complex projects in high-growth and industrial environments. With a focus on fostering positive workplace cultures and ensuring operational excellence, Penelope is passionate about creating impactful HR solutions that align with business objectives and drive sustainable success.
Currently serving as the Human Resources Director for GS Engineering & Construction Australia (GS E&C), Penelope plays a vital role in shaping the company's HR strategy and driving people-focused initiatives that support its mission to deliver innovative engineering solutions and iconic infrastructure projects. She is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Managing Director. Penelope leads the HR function, providing strategic guidance and operational expertise to ensure the organization attracts, develops, and retains top talent while aligning HR initiatives with overall business objectives.
Speaking at
April 30, 15:00 pm
FIRESIDE CHAT: Achieving a thriving construction career while nurturing a fulfilling personal life
Gladys Woods
General ManagerHaslin Constructions
In 1991 while Gladys Woods was pursuing an academic career, her partner started a Civil Contracting business. From inception, Gladys took on responsibility for the financial, legal, compliance, HR and ESG aspects of the business. While the company was still fairly small she was able to maintain her teaching career but by 2008 after a decade of juggling 2 part time roles it became untenable to keep doing both, so she moved into the full time role of GM at Haslin.
The company has grown considerably since then and over the years the role has presented many different challenges, particularly in leadership, strategy and organisational management. Along the way she have developed a passion for Civil and is dedicated to making it an even better industry through diversity, innovation, equality and social and environmental responsibility.
Speaking at
Roundtable 1: Practical strategies & actionable steps to drive diversity on construction sites
Soheila Moradi
Digital Engineering Manager, North East Link ProjectMajor Road Projects Victoria
Soheila Moradi is an accomplished Digital Engineering professional with over 8 years of experience in the construction and infrastructure sectors, specializing in Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Twins, and cutting-edge technology solutions. She has successfully delivered high-profile infrastructure projects and is passionate about harnessing digital tools to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and innovation of built environments. Soheila is known for her ability to lead and execute complex digital engineering strategies, bridging the gap between technology and real-world applications.
Currently, Soheila serves as the Manager - Digital Engineering for the Central Package of the North East Link Program, one of Victoria's largest infrastructure projects. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the digital engineering function, driving innovation through digital transformation, and ensuring the integration of advanced engineering technologies into the project delivery.
Speaking at
Roundtable 2: Navigating how technology is shaping our projects and our roles
Mathanki Aru
Victoria State ManagerStructerre Consulting
Mathanki Aru is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in leadership and consulting within the architectural and construction industries. She currently serves as the Victorian State Manager for both L+R Consulting and Structerre Consulting, subsidiaries of The Five Group. In these roles, she excels in driving strategic initiatives, optimizing operations, and leading high-performing teams across both commercial and residential sectors. Mathanki has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results and fostering collaboration to achieve business objectives.
Prior to her current roles, Mathanki was a Business Consultant at Aru Consulting from 2016 to 2022. She transitioned from her successful tenure as a General Manager in the multi-residential sector to offer tailored consultancy services. She brought her expertise in architectural design, value management, and builder tender assessments to clients, ensuring optimal outcomes through transparency and detailed analysis. Notably, she designed award-winning display homes, further solidifying her reputation for excellence in craftsmanship and innovative design.
Speaking at
Roundtable 5: Overcoming imposter syndrome and communicating with confidence
Bohemia Hookham
Sustainability Manager, Construction
Lendlease
Bohemia Hookham is a Sustainability Manager at Lendlease, Registered Architect, Certified Passive House Designer, Living Future Accredited Professional, and Green Star Accredited Professional. In her work at Lendlease she drives and leads projects’ sustainability outcomes from design through construction and delivery. She is passionate about regenerative design, biophilic architecture, and moving the construction industry towards absolute zero carbon.
Bohemia is actively involved in sustainability within the built environment industry and is an active member of MECLA’s Demand Side working group, a Committee Member of the Victorian Sustainability Committee at the Property Council of Australia, a Course Facilitator for LFIA’s Living Future Accreditation Aus/NZ Intensive, and has previously been a Board Director at the Australian Passivhaus Association, taught Master of Architecture students at the University of Melbourne, and participated as a judge for the Living Future Institute of Australia’s ILLUMANATE competition.
In her previous role at DesignInc, Bohemia played a key role in delivering the Glenroy Community Hub, which was the first public building in Australia to achieve Passivhaus certification, and is targeting Living Building Challenge Petal certification.
Speaking at
Roundtable 6: Constructing a sustainable future
Liz Holzschuster
HSEQ ManagerNewpol Construction
Speaking at
May 1, 08:50 am
Opening remarks from the chair
Sharon Gray
Group Manager – Diversity, Indigenous and Social InclusionCPB Contractors
Sharon is Kamilaroi and of Scottish descent and grew up in Toowoomba, Queensland, where she began her studies and early career focusing on improving education, training and career opportunities for Aboriginal Australians.
She is an accomplished Indigenous leader with experience in driving cultural, inclusion and diversity transformation in education, government and industry.
Sharon is motivated by her desire to see equality for all Australians, with diversity and inclusion at the core of society. Her personal motto is Education, Awareness and Action.
At CPB Contractors, Sharon leads the development and implementation of the company’s Indigenous and Social Inclusion Strategy and Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan.
Speaking at
May 1, 09:00 am
WOMEN IN ACTION CASE STUDY: Collaborating with Indigenous communities – a path to inclusive development
Ivan Fratric
General Manager VIC/SA/TASBMD Group
With over 20 years of experience in construction leadership, Ivan has a reputation for delivering high-quality outcomes across large-scale projects. Overseeing BMD’s major construction operations in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, his expertise is underpinned by a focus on resource optimisation and fostering strong relationships.
A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Ivan is committed to breaking down barriers in the construction industry. He focuses on creating alternate entry pathways based on individuals’ professional skills, promoting equitable opportunities for everyone. Ivan is cultivating a culture at BMD where equity in opportunity and the elimination of bias are ingrained, leading to a naturally diverse and inclusive workforce.
Ivan brings a practical perspective to the panel discussion, sharing strategies and insights to advance inclusivity and support women’s careers in construction.
Speaking at
May 1, 09:30 am
PANEL DISCUSSION: Overcoming gender bias & discrimination – how can we meaningfully drive real progress?
Alison Brereton
Project ManagerNicholson Construction
Speaking at
May 1, 09:30 am
PANEL DISCUSSION: Overcoming gender bias & discrimination – how can we meaningfully drive real progress?
Jeanette Sleiman
Senior Design ManagerCPB Contractors
Speaking at
May 1, 09:30 am
PANEL DISCUSSION: Overcoming gender bias & discrimination – how can we meaningfully drive real progress?
Tracey Mitchell
Senior Safety AdviserCYP Metro Tunnel
Speaking at
May 1, 11:10 am
Practical solutions to elevate physical safety and mental health & wellbeing
Rebecca De Cicco
Director Digital Engineering | Global Chair and FounderDBM Vircon | Women in BIM
Speaking at
May 1, 11:40 pm
INDUSTRY TREND SPOTLIGHT: How Digital Engineering is redefining project deliverables, teams, and capabilities
Nicole Strickland
Senior Environmental AdvisorLaing O’Rourke
Nicole Strickland is an experienced environmental professional with a robust background in environmental advisory roles across the construction, infrastructure, and sustainability sectors. With a strong track record in compliance, environmental management, and project support, Nicole has contributed to some of Australia's most significant infrastructure projects, ensuring they align with environmental regulations and sustainability goals.
Nicole currently serves as a Senior Environmental Advisor with Laing O'Rourke, bringing expertise in managing environmental risks and ensuring compliance with environmental policies on complex construction projects. Her role includes providing strategic environmental guidance and leading the environmental team on project delivery, with a strong focus on maintaining sustainability standards and achieving regulatory compliance.
Speaking at
May 1, 13:10 pm
INDUSTRY TREND SPOTLIGHT: Practical implementation of ESG initiatives in construction projects
Tayla Fairthorne
ESG ManagerKapitol Group
Tayla is an accomplished environment and sustainability professional with over 7 years experience in the construction industry. She began her career as an environmental consultant, working on major road and rail infrastructure projects with a focus on environmental compliance and remediation. At Kapitol Group, Tayla initially led advancements in environmental management systems and sustainable construction practices as Environment and Sustainability Manager. Now, as ESG Manager, she drives the company’s comprehensive approach to ESG priorities, ensuring Kapitol Group is positioned to lead in sustainability and innovation.
Speaking at
May 1, 13:10 pm
INDUSTRY TREND SPOTLIGHT: Practical implementation of ESG initiatives in construction projects
Amy Dowel
Construction Project ManagerSeymour Whyte
Amy is a Project Construction Manager at Seymour Whyte, leading the Clyde Road Upgrade Project Engineering team. The Project will widen the existing Clyde Road at Berwick in both directions including the widening of the existing Clyde Road Bridge over the Princes Freeway. Prior to this role, Amy spent 5 years as a Senior Project Engineer with John Holland, working on both the Hobsons Bay Main planning and constructing 40m deep tunnelling shafts and working on the Westgate Tunnel Project widening the freeway in the West Zone.
Having worked on several infrastructure projects across Victoria and New South Wales, Amy has experience in both civil and structures road construction. Known for being creative, passionate, and proactively taking on responsibility whilst focused on safe efficient delivery.
Speaking at
May 1, 13:40 pm
WOMEN IN ACTION CASE STUDY: Harnessing teamwork and collaboration for ongoing project success
Nancy Italiano
Creative Design DirectorAcustruct
Nancy Italiano: From Fashion Design to Pioneering Women in Construction
Nancy's journey into the construction industry began in the world of fashion design, where she developed expertise in forecasting, design, and production while working with leading Melbourne fashion houses. This experience inspired her to bring a fresh, innovative perspective to the building industry, leading to the establishment of Acustruct™ with her husband, Danny, nearly 24 years ago.
As the Creative Design Director of Acustruct™, Nancy oversees a team of talented planners, designers, and supervisors, contributing to the company's reputation for blending innovative construction with timeless design. Over the years, she has seamlessly taken on roles such as estimator, project manager, and CFO, reflecting her versatility and commitment to excellence.
Nancy has also pursued specialised training in areas such as Green Living Building, waterproofing, and product functionality, further enhancing Acustruct’s in-house capabilities. Her dedication to continuous improvement recently led to the launch of AcuDesign, an in-house studio that offers a comprehensive building and design service tailored to clients’ unique needs.
In addition to her leadership at Acustruct™, Nancy is a member of the MBAV Housing Committee, where she advocates for progressive building practices and brings a fresh perspective to the industry. She also serves as part of the stage judging panel for the MBAV Excellence in Housing Awards, recognising outstanding achievements in construction and celebrating industry innovation.
Her hands-on approach to design—balancing functionality, aesthetic appeal, and on-site practicality—sets her apart as a leader in her field.
Nancy’s commitment to empowering women in construction culminated in the creation of projectHER—a groundbreaking platform designed to enable women to lead construction projects from concept to completion. By focusing on project management rather than physical labor, projectHER equips women of all ages with the confidence and skills to excel in supervisory roles within the building industry.
Recognised as a mentor and industry trailblazer, Nancy frequently shares her expertise with aspiring professionals across various sectors. Her innovative mindset and passion for inclusion continue to shape the future of construction, paving the way for the next generation of leaders.
Speaking at
May 1, 14:10 pm
SKILLS SPOTLIGHT: Saving a construction project in crisis
Nicole Neal
General Manager – Health Safety Environment and SustainabilityMcConnell Dowell
Nicole Neal is a senior executive with over 15 years of experience in driving health, safety, environment, and sustainability (HSES) strategies within the infrastructure, construction, and consulting sectors. She is a trusted leader with a passion for integrating sustainability into business operations, promoting environmental stewardship, and ensuring health and safety compliance across complex projects. Nicole excels in leading cross-functional teams, developing innovative solutions, and delivering impactful outcomes that align with both regulatory standards and corporate goals.
Nicole currently serves as the General Manager of Health, Safety, Environment, and Sustainability for McConnell Dowell in Australia, overseeing the company’s HSES strategy across the region. In this role, she is responsible for embedding safety and sustainability principles into all aspects of operations, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and driving initiatives that minimize environmental impact. Nicole leads a team dedicated to delivering safe, sustainable, and high-quality projects in alignment with McConnell Dowell’s values and client expectations.
Speaking at
May 1, 15:00 pm
INDUSTRY TREND SPOTLIGHT: Adapt or fail – the growing importance of climate resilience in construction
Sinèad Redmond
Head of Infrastructure DeliveryGeelongPort
Sinead Redmond is a qualified civil engineer and project manager with over 18 years of experience in project delivery across various sectors. As the Head of Infrastructure Delivery at GeelongPort, she leads engineering, asset management, and project management functions, driving key initiatives and overseeing large teams. Sinead is a skilled business development strategist with a strong track record in managing stakeholder expectations and delivering successful projects.
Beyond her professional role, Sinead is an active leader in industry volunteering organizations, where she has influenced policy changes, mentored peers, and developed programs and events that promote gender equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her commitment to industry development and fostering inclusive environments is at the core of her leadership philosophy.
Speaking at
May 1, 15:30 pm
SKILLS SPOTLIGHT: Leading by example – embodying resilience and flexibility in your team
May 1, 16:00 pm
PANEL DISCUSSION: Empowering the next generation of women in construction
Dominique Gill
Managing DirectorUrban Core
Dominique Gill is the CEO of Urban Core, a multiple award-winning construction company with $80 million in annual revenue and offices in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Dominique is a pioneer of diversity and inclusion – Urban Core, a female-led builder, employs 50 percent women. A vocal champion for the industry, Dominique promotes the importance of a career in construction to schoolchildren through NexGen, a foundation she launched in 2022. Urban Core has won awards for Excellence in Construction from the Master Builders Association multiple times. Dominique also won the 2021 Crystal Vision Award from the National Association for Women in Construction.
Speaking at
May 1, 16:00 pm
PANEL DISCUSSION: Empowering the next generation of women in construction
Paisley Flinn
Operations ManagerSienna Homes
Paisley Flinn is an accomplished operations and customer services leader with over a decade of experience in the construction and residential development industries. With expertise in project management, team leadership, process optimization, and customer satisfaction, Paisley has successfully driven operational efficiency and quality improvements across multiple organizations. Her comprehensive understanding of business operations, coupled with her focus on people management and strategic planning, has allowed her to deliver sustainable results and enhance the customer experience in every role.
Paisley currently serves as Operations Manager at Sienna Homes, where she is responsible for overseeing the company's operational functions. In this role, she manages key aspects of project delivery, ensuring that homes are built to the highest quality standards while meeting customer expectations. Paisley’s focus on optimizing workflows, managing supplier relationships, and driving margin improvements has contributed to Sienna Homes' ongoing success and growth. She is committed to fostering a collaborative and productive team environment while delivering exceptional value to clients.
Speaking at
May 1, 16:00 pm
PANEL DISCUSSION: Empowering the next generation of women in construction
Mary Canagaratnam
Project ManagerFigurehead Construction
Mary's remarkable career progression from University Cadet to Project Manager in just seven years is a testament to what success can look like for a young woman in construction. Her involvement in company taskforce groups focused on improving gender equity highlights her commitment to fostering a more inclusive workplace, aligning with the belief that "there is space for you."
Mary’s achievements are not only inspiring to women but also to allies in the construction industry. She exemplifies the qualities of dedication, intelligence, and feminine strength, challenging traditional barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry for all.
Speaking at
May 1, 16:00 pm
PANEL DISCUSSION: Empowering the next generation of women in construction
Bronwyn Williams
Keynote Speaker, Mentor, PhD ResearcherBy guiding women to understand their own drivers, needs and values Bron helps women reconnect with their own power, so they can confidently negotiate their salaries and pursue leadership positions, unapologetically celebrating their achievements along the way.
Speaking at
April 29, 09:00 am
Management and Leadership Skills for Women in Construction and Infrastructure
Become a Speaker
Thank you for your interest in becoming a speaker at Women in Construction Summit 2025. Please fill out the form and let us know what you're interested in speaking on. Someone from our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
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“I heard so many experiences from the speakers and it was great to know you're not alone and others were in your shoes before, so it gives you more confidence to improve your skills. It was a great opportunity for women at a management level to participate in this conference.”
Alma Chehr Manager of CNW Energy, CNW Electrical Wholesale