The ATS has officially opened applications for the 2025 Women in Tunnelling Achievement Award, inviting nominations from across the tunnelling and underground construction sector to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of women in the industry.
First launched in 2021, the biannual award shines a spotlight on women making an impact in technical, operational and leadership roles within tunnelling. The accolade also seeks to inspire the next generation by showcasing role models who are driving change, advancing innovation, and demonstrating excellence in what remains a traditionally male-dominated field.
The award, which is organised by the ATS Diversity in Tunnelling Group, has become a key initiative in the ATS calendar. The inaugural winner, Diane Mather, was recognised in 2021 for her extensive contributions to tunnelling and mining in Australia and internationally, and in 2023, Helen Baxter-Crawford received the award for her expertise in effectively bridging the gap between geological understanding and engineering requirements.
Applications for the 2025 award are open to all women working in or associated with the tunnelling sector. Nominees should demonstrate outstanding technical achievements, commitment to safety, leadership in project delivery, or significant contributions to industry development or diversity initiatives. Applicants may self-nominate or be nominated by a colleague or friend.
The winner will receive $5,000, presented at the Australasian Tunnelling Conference (ATC) in Perth in November 2025, as well as a significant platform for career visibility and industry recognition.
ATS Diversity in Tunnelling Chair, Nadine Makin, encourages whole-of-industry participation saying the award is a way to honour those who often contribute quietly but powerfully behind the scenes.
“This award has attracted an incredibly high calibre of nominations in the past and we fully encourage all leaders – male and female – to get behind this award by self-nominating or putting forward a world class female colleague,” she says.
“Recognising the excellence of women in tunnelling and associated industries helps drive cultural change across the industry and builds a more inclusive tunnelling community, which is good for everyone.”
The ATS also acknowledges the generous support of award sponsor Bouygues Construction Australia, whose continued commitment has enabled the award to grow in prominence and reach.
“Sponsoring this award reflects the company’s broader focus on equity and innovation in underground construction,” explains Nikola Colusso, National Marketing and Communications Executive at Bouygues. “We have supported it since its inception and are thrilled to be associated with this important initiative.”
Entries for the 2025 Women in Tunnelling Award are open now and will close at midnight on Sunday 15 September.
Applicants can either self-nominate or be nominated by a colleague, with nominations assessed by a panel of industry experts.
Apply or learn more about eligibility criteria and the nomination process
The 2025 winner will be announced during the ATC Gala Dinner in Perth in November 2025.
