2026 Construction Woman of the Year Finalists
Abbie Forrester - Canberra Contractors
Abbie Forrester began her construction career as a labourer at just 17, developing hands-on experience that shaped her practical, people-focused leadership style. Through perseverance and continuous learning, she progressed into senior management roles while championing safety, efficiency and inclusivity across civil projects. Abbie also gives back to the industry by leading gender diversity initiatives and employment pathways that support women and underrepresented groups entering construction.
Chloe Templeton - Construction Control Australia
Chloe Templeton progressed from Site Administrator to Contract Administrator by combining strong organisational skills with deep commercial and contractual expertise. She delivers exceptional outcomes through disciplined contract management, clear communication and early risk identification across complex projects. Chloe is also a respected mentor, supporting junior staff and strengthening governance, professionalism and capability within project teams.
Chen Chen - Kolak Living
Chen Chen is a highly skilled pre-construction professional whose background in civil engineering and quantity surveying underpins her expertise in cost planning, procurement and project coordination. She provides exceptional stakeholder service by safeguarding
budgets, maintaining transparency and guiding clients and trades through complex decision-making processes. Chen’s structured, calm and accountable approach consistently delivers efficient, well-managed project outcomes.
Satomi Honda - Lendlease Construction
Satomi Honda is a civil engineer whose career progression from geotechnical engineering to project delivery has shaped her strong technical judgment and planning capability. At Lendlease, she provides exceptional stakeholder service through clear coordination, thorough documentation and proactive issue resolution across civil scopes. Satomi also gives back to the industry through mentoring and knowledge sharing, supporting the development of confident and capable junior engineers.
Matine Osa - Joss Construction
Matine Osa has built a respected construction career through adaptability, commercial acumen and calm leadership across large-scale education and government projects. Entering the industry without a traditional construction background, she earned trust by mastering contracts, procurement and project delivery through curiosity and discipline.
Matine actively gives back through mentoring and involvement in industry networks, helping foster a more inclusive and high-performing construction sector.
Suthinee Muangsaen - Design Construct Industries
Suthinee Muangsaen played a pivotal role in delivering the Dhammadharo Buddhist Temple by bridging traditional Thai architectural design with Australian construction standards. Fluent in Thai and English, she coordinated international designers, local trades and key stakeholders to ensure cultural integrity and regulatory compliance. Her
leadership, cultural intelligence and calm problem-solving enabled the successful delivery of a complex, multicultural project.
Charlotte Thompson - Projex Building Group
Charlotte Thompson transitioned from accounting into construction, bringing strong financial discipline and commercial insight to complex project delivery. She has demonstrated leadership through the successful coordination of technically challenging and sustainability-focused projects, including award-winning Green Star developments. Charlotte also mentors colleagues and advocates for women in construction, supporting capability growth and inclusive industry culture.
Nipuni Kasturi Arachchi - Sunny Homes ACT
Nipuni Kasturi Arachchi is a building designer whose architectural training and international experience inform her thoughtful, technically precise design work. She delivers high-quality outcomes by coordinating closely with clients, consultants and approvals authorities to ensure compliance and buildability. Nipuni also supports her workplace and wider industry through mentorship, collaboration and a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible design.
Kristin Budsworth - BMD Group
Kristin Budsworth progressed from document control into senior quality management through exceptional attention to detail, rapid learning and professional integrity. As Quality Manager on major infrastructure projects, she leads quality assurance, audits and digital system implementation while maintaining strong stakeholder trust. Kristin also mentors
colleagues and supports industry networks, setting a benchmark for quality leadership and balance in construction careers.