Do you know an outstanding woman in construction?
Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open!
The HiViZ Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of women across every corner of SA’s building and construction industry. They shine a spotlight on the talent, leadership and impact of women in all roles both on site, in the office and in leadership. And importantly, you don’t need to be a MBSA member to be nominated or to nominate someone. These awards are for the whole industry.
- Award submissions close 15 May 2026.
- Nomination fee: $99
- You may submit as many nominations as you wish across all award categories
- Interviews will take place between 15 and 29 May 2026
- Awards Luncheon will be held on 19 June 2026 at Adelaide Oval.
The winners of each of the six HiViZ Category Awards will be automatically nominated for the Master Builders Outstanding Woman of the Year Award at the Building Excellence Awards held in August.
Each HiViZ Award winner will also receive one complimentary ticket to attend the BEA Awards as part of their recognition.
If you have any questions about these awards, please contact us at hiviz@mbasa.com.au
Award Categories
Each submission will require the nominator to complete 8 questions of up to 200 words each regarding the nominee’s skills, performance and achievements. Nominations are unlimited and organisations may submit as many entries as they wish across all awards categories.
Finalists will be invited to an interview with the HiViZ Committee prior to 29 May 2026.
Young Achiever or Apprentice (up to 30 years old)
Recognises an exceptional female apprentice or young achiever who demonstrates commitment, skill development, and a strong future in the industry.
Criteria
- Open to Women only
- Up to 30 years old
- Demonstrated excellence in technical skills and on‑the‑job performance
- Commitment to learning, safety, and professional growth
- Positive attitude, reliability, and strong work ethic
- Contribution to team culture and workplace values
Eligible Roles (including but not limited to)
- Trade apprentices (e.g. Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, tiling, bricklaying etc)
- Civil construction apprentices
- WHS apprentices
- Business administration or construction administration trainees
- Drafting or design trainees
- Estimating or project support trainees
- Any tradeswomen or bulding industry worker under 30 years old
Tradie of the Year
Honours an exceptional tradeswoman who demonstrates outstanding technical skill, resilience, and impact within her trade.
Criteria
- Open to Women only
- Open to women apprentices over the age of 30 years old
- Excellence in trade skills, workmanship, and on‑the‑tools performance
- Strong commitment to safety, quality and compliance
- Effective communication and collaboration
- Initiative in problem solving, and improving work practices
- Contribution to a positive and inclusive site culture
- Evidence of resilience, reliability, and strong work ethic
- Impact on project outcomes or the trades community
Eligible Roles (including but not limited to)
- Licensed trades (electrician, plumber, carpenter, plasterer, tiler, painter, bricklayer, concreter, roofer, glazier)
- Civil trades (plant operator, machinery operator, traffic controller, asphalt worker etc)
- Unlicensed trades (labourer, trade assistant, demolition worker, fencing installer etc)
- Specialist trades (HVAC, fire services, refrigeration, steel fixing, scaffolding etc)
Exemplary Office Professional
Recognises a woman working in an office-based role who demonstrates exceptional capability, initiative and impact within her organisation.
Criteria
- Open to Women only
- Excellence in role performance
- Contribution to organisational efficiency
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement
- Initiative and problem‑solving
- Leadership and influence
- Commitment to industry values
Eligible Roles (including but not limited to)
- Administration officers
- Construction administrators
- Project coordinators
- HR, payroll, or recruitment officers
- Finance, accounts, or bookkeeping roles
- Marketing, communications, or events roles
- Procurement officers
- Contract administrators
- Design, drafting, or BIM support roles
- Customer service or client liaison roles
Exceptional Site Professional
Honours a woman working in a site‑based role who demonstrates exceptional skill, reliability, and impact across construction operations
Criteria
- Open to women only
- Excellence in site performance
- Strong commitment to safety and compliance
- Effective communication and teamwork
- Initiative and practical problem‑solving
- Contribution to site culture
- Reliability and strong work ethic
Eligible Roles (including but not limited to)
- Site supervisors/coordinators
- Leading hands
- WHS officers or advisors
- Project Officers
- Estimators (site‑based)
- Survey assistants
- Site engineers
- Labourers or trade assistants
- Traffic management supervisors
- Civil site roles (plant operator, spotter, pipelayer)
Outstanding Leader or Business Owner
Honours a woman who demonstrates exceptional leadership or business ownership within the building and construction industry, contributing to strong organisational performance, workforce development, and positive industry impact.
Criteria
- Open to women only
- Demonstrated leadership at any level (team, project, department, organisation)
- Strong business performance, growth, or innovation (for owners)
- Contribution to industry standards, community engagement, or sector improvement
- Commitment to supporting women or underrepresented groups
- Evidence of resilience, adaptability, and long‑term vision
Eligible Roles (including but not limited to)
Leaders at any level:
- Team leaders/Site supervisors
- Project managers/Construction managers
- WHS managers
- Operations managers
- Senior administrators or coordinators
- Department Managers
Business owners:
- Sole traders
- Co‑owners
- Directors
- Partners in construction, trade or consulting businesses
Champion of Change (Open to all genders)
Celebrates an individual who actively drives positive change for women in the building and construction industry.
Criteria
- Open to all genders
- Advocacy for gender equity and inclusion
- Tangible actions improving opportunities or conditions for women
- Leadership in mentoring or sponsoring women
- Influence on policies, practices, or culture
- Evidence of measurable impact
Eligible Roles (including but not limited to)
- CEOs, directors, executives
- Site managers, project managers, construction managers
- HR leaders, diversity & inclusion leads
- Business owners
- Union or association representatives
- Educators, trainers, or mentors
- Male allies in any role
- Women in senior advocacy roles
2026 Awards Luncheon
Join us for an inspiring afternoon at the HiViZ Women’s Excellence Awards, where we celebrate the trailblazers driving excellence across the South Australian building industry..
This event is more than just an awards ceremony; it is a vital platform for networking, visibility, and championing the achievements of women in trades, management, and leadership roles. By attending, you are supporting a culture of inclusion and helping to pave the way for the next generation of professionals. Come help us honour our finalists and winners as we showcase the talent and dedication that continue to strengthen our industry.
Price includes a 3-course lunch plus drinks package, and keynote speaker Em Rusciano.
When: Friday 19 June 2026
Where: Magarey Room, Adelaide Oval
Time: 12.00-3.00pm
EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS 30 APRIL!