Australia’s 2026 Women in Industry Awards recognised the remarkable achievements of women who are shaping the future of the country’s industrial sectors.
Hosted at Doltone House Darling Island Wharf in Sydney, the event brought together innovators, trailblazers and change-makers from across the nation.
Following a record number of nominations and attendance of more than 350 industry professionals, supporters, and guests at the gala dinner, the 2026 Awards marked the largest event since the program’s inception.
“The quality of nominations received this year has once again been exceptional,” said Molly Hancock, Head of Events Marketing at Prime Creative Media.
“Every nominee and finalist has demonstrated excellence in their field, a commitment to delivering outstanding results, and a determination to make a positive difference within their organisation, industry and community.”
The 2026 Awards featured 15 categories celebrating outstanding achievement across leadership, emerging talent, workplace safety, and excellence in a diverse range of industries.
This year’s program introduced four new award categories, including Women in Leadership, Marketer of the Year, Excellence in Health and Medicine, and Tradeswoman of the Year, further expanding recognition of women’s contributions across these key sectors.
The evening culminated with the presentation of the program’s highest honour, the Woman of the Year Award, which is chosen from the winners of the 15 nominated award categories.
Taking home the premier award this year is Brooke Adamson, Process Operations Manager at Newmont, who also won the Excellence in Mining Award.
“There are so many phenomenal women, and also men, that play a key role in mining and industry in general that support women,” she said while accepting the award.
“And without a lot of those sponsors and advocates for myself, giving me the confidence to put my name forward and know I can do it, I wouldn’t be here tonight. So, thank you for this. I am incredibly honoured.”
Adamson noted that while industrial sectors were making progress in recognising the role that women play, there is still work to do.
“It is known that women need to check eight of 10 boxes when applying for a job relative to men who will tick six boxes and apply,” she said.
“We need to help boost confidence, call out behaviours that aren’t aligned with our values, and stand beside women. We need to be their biggest supporters and advocates, and we need to encourage everyone in our industry to do the same.”
Beyond recognising outstanding achievements, the Women in Industry Awards serve as an important platform for fostering connection, collaboration and progress across Australia’s industrial sectors.
More information and the full list of winners can be found here.
