On June 19, 2025, Melbourne’s The Carousel shimmered with more than just glamour—it glowed with purpose, pride, and the powerful stories of women reshaping Australia’s industrial landscape. The 2025 Women in Industry Awards brought together a diverse group of leaders, visionaries, and advocates whose work continues to challenge conventions and redefine excellence across sectors long dominated by men.
From mining and manufacturing to construction, transport, and energy, this year’s winners are proof that progress is not just happening—it’s being led by bold, brilliant women determined to build a more inclusive and innovative future.
Tammy O’Connor: A Dual Honor for a Fearless Leader
The highest accolades of the evening went to Tammy O’Connor, founder of KingKira Group, who was named Woman of the Year. But her night didn’t end there—Tammy also took home the Business Development Success of the Year award, celebrating her dynamic leadership in civil construction and mining.
Her rise to prominence has not just been about business growth—it’s about breaking ground, both literally and metaphorically. KingKira Group, under Tammy’s direction, has become a force for change in an industry historically closed to women and First Nations entrepreneurs.
“The first time was scary, but the second time is even scarier,” Tammy said during her acceptance speech—a reference to her second time stepping into the national spotlight. Her words reflect the weight of leading by example and the responsibility that comes with being a symbol of progress.
She spoke powerfully about the need for women to lead differently, not by mimicking traditional models of authority, but by forging new paths rooted in inclusion, empathy, and resilience.
Honouring Change-Makers Across Every Sector
The evening wasn’t just about individual wins—it was about collective transformation. The 2025 Women in Industry Awards recognised a remarkable group of women for their achievements, advocacy, and contributions to workplace evolution.
Here’s a closer look at the other distinguished winners:
Industry Advocacy Award: Eileen Breen – NTEX For amplifying women’s voices and promoting gender equity across infrastructure and logistics. Mentor of the Year: Tash Fee – Clough Honoured for her commitment to guiding and empowering the next generation of engineers and project leaders. Safety Advocacy Award: Mandeep Singh – Ego Pharmaceuticals A standout voice for health and safety innovation, making workplaces safer and more supportive. Rising Star of the Year: Jennifer Clements – Consultex Recognised for her potential, impact, and emerging leadership in industrial consulting. Excellence in Transport: Kirryn Crossman – SMEC Celebrated for her role in shaping smarter, more sustainable transport solutions. Excellence in Engineering: Stacey Daniel – Board Presence A respected leader known for her technical prowess and advocacy for diverse boardroom representation. Excellence in Manufacturing: Naomi Elliott – Concept Labs Applauded for pushing boundaries in consumer product development and industrial innovation. Excellence in Construction: Isolde Piet – Suburban Connect For overseeing large-scale construction projects with excellence and attention to inclusive practices. Excellence in Energy: Suzanne Shipp – APA Group For her groundbreaking work in renewable energy and corporate sustainability. Excellence in Mining: Becky May Felstead – Strong Minds, Strong Mines Recognised for her commitment to mental health and resilience in high-risk mining environments.
More Than Awards: A Movement for Inclusive Industry
What set this year’s awards apart wasn’t just the brilliance of the winners, but the conversations sparked throughout the evening. At its heart, the Women in Industry Awards is about visibility, community, and legacy. It highlights the fact that change isn’t just possible—it’s already happening.
These women are transforming industries by introducing new ways of thinking, building inclusive cultures, and making workplaces safer, smarter, and more compassionate. In sectors where representation still lags, their success sends a clear message: there is no limit to what women can achieve.
And it’s not just about gender. Many of the winners represent intersections of race, heritage, and experience that make their stories all the more powerful. Leaders like Tammy O’Connor—an Indigenous businesswoman—are redefining what it means to lead in Australia’s modern industrial economy.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Awards like these are not just moments of recognition—they’re mirrors held up to society, showing what’s possible when barriers fall and talent rises. For young girls in classrooms, university labs, and trade schools across Australia, these stories are seeds of ambition. They tell every aspiring engineer, builder, scientist, and CEO: “There’s space for you here.”
And perhaps that’s the greatest achievement of all. These women are not only changing industries—they’re changing minds, futures, and expectations.
As Tammy O’Connor said so powerfully, it’s about leading differently. Because when women lead with authenticity, courage, and vision, industries don’t just evolve—they thrive.
Let the 2025 Women in Industry Awards be a reminder: the future is being built—and it’s being built by women.
