2026 International Women's Day Luncheon

Join us for the 2026 International Women’s Day Luncheon at NSW Parliament House, an inspiring afternoon that brings together women in engineering, local government, and public works to recognise achievement, strengthen connections, and spotlight the future of women’s leadership across our profession. We are honoured to welcome Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, as our Guest of Honour. The program will also highlight the Women in Leadership Commendation Awards and celebrate the contributions of those driving positive change in public works.

 

 

Guest of Honour

We are pleased to announce Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, the Governor of New South Wales being our guest of honour at the 2026 International Women's Day Luncheon. Her Excellency will give an address to attendees, as well as present the Women in Leadership Commendation awards.

 

Public Works Professionals Welcome
This event is for you if you are:

• Working in engineering, local government, or public works and passionate about fostering diversity and inclusion in these professions
• Interested in networking with industry leaders and peers
• Looking to hear from inspirational women in leadership and learn about the future of diversity in public infrastructure

 

 

 

Event Highlights

• Welcome address and award presentation by Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC.
• Networking Opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections.
• Three-Course Meal carefully crafted to offer a memorable dining experience while you connect and engage with other attendees.

 

 

Women in Leadership Commendation
The Women in Leadership Commendation Awards return in 2026 to once again celebrate the outstanding contributions of women in public works engineering. Following the success of the inaugural award, this year’s commendations will recognise both experienced and emerging female leaders who are driving positive change and fostering diversity within the industry. The Female Leader in the Industry award acknowledges those with over a decade of experience who have demonstrated leadership and advocacy for diversity, while the Emerging Leader in the Industry award honours young professionals (35 and under) making a meaningful impact early in their careers. These awards will be presented during the 2026 International Women’s Day Lunch.

 

"Receiving the Women in Leadership Commendation was such an incredible moment for me. It’s a reminder of how powerful it is when women support each other and lead with purpose. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for others to thrive and seeing our industry become more inclusive and innovative every day." Marnie Coates, Winner of the 2025 Female Leader in the Industry

"I am incredibly honoured and humbled to be recognised as the Emerging Leaders Award for 2025 at the International Woman’s Day. This is one of the highlights of the year for me, and I keep looking at the little award trophy on my bookshelf! What made it truly special was being surrounded alongside so many incredible women in the engineering and construction industry, all working towards better and more resilient communities. Seeing the leadership and what everyone is up to is incredibly inspiring. This recognition has given me an extra boost to keep learning, keep contributing and keep opening doors for the next generation coming through." Jocelyn Do, Winner of the 2025 Emerging Leader in the Industry

 

 

2026 Women in Leadership Commendation Award Nominations

We are currently seeking nominations for both the Female Leader in the Industry Award and the Emerging Leader in the Industry Award. If you know of a women who displays the qualities outlined in the below award criteria, we encourage you to nominate her in the link below.

 

View the award criteria	Submit a nomination

 

Nominations for the 2026 Women in Leadership Commendation Awards close COB 5 February 2026.

 

 

Proud Event Partner