Women in Infrastructure Dinner Highlights the Power of Early Influence and Industry Inclusion in Tasmania

The 2026 Women in Infrastructure Dinner, held in Launceston on 10 April and hosted by the Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania Ltd, brought together professionals from across Tasmania’s infrastructure and construction sector for an evening focused on recognition, reflection, and industry inclusion.

More than a formal gathering, the event highlighted the growing visibility of women in a traditionally male-dominated sector, as well as the increasing importance of allyship in shaping more equitable workplaces. Industry leaders, project managers, engineers, and emerging professionals shared a space that reflected both progress made and the work still ahead in building inclusive infrastructure careers.

A central theme of the evening was the importance of early influence in shaping leadership pathways. This was powerfully articulated in a keynote address that reflected on how formative experiences—often subtle rather than dramatic—can determine professional direction and resilience over time.

A view of the the event during a panel discussion 

The address emphasised that leadership is not always defined by formal authority, but by the accumulation of influence through everyday interactions: teachers who recognise potential, family members who model resilience, and workplaces that create space for growth. These early influences, it was noted, often become the foundation for long-term leadership identity.

The keynote also called on industry decision-makers—employers, managers, and senior leaders—to recognise the weight of their influence. In sectors such as construction and infrastructure, where career pathways can be difficult to access for underrepresented groups, leadership extends beyond project delivery to include the creation of opportunity, trust, and visibility for others.

Catherine Loppy, Keynote speaker at the event 

A significant part of the discussion focused on the lived reality of being “the first” in any professional space—whether as a woman in leadership, an early career professional breaking into senior roles, or an ally supporting inclusion. While such positions can carry isolation and pressure, they also create opportunities to identify systemic gaps and actively reshape organisational culture.

The event also underscored the importance of male allyship in advancing gender equity in infrastructure. Rather than symbolic support, the emphasis was placed on consistent, practical actions that enable participation, development, and recognition of women across all levels of the industry.

From a broader community perspective, events of this nature contribute significantly to social cohesion and professional development within Tasmania. They provide structured opportunities for networking, mentorship, and knowledge exchange, while also reinforcing the value of diversity in economic sectors that are central to regional development.

Within the African Tasmanian community, leaders such as Catherine Loppy have played an important role in strengthening participation and visibility across professional and civic spaces. Her leadership reflects a broader trend of African diaspora engagement in community development, professional advancement, and cross-cultural contribution within Tasmania. Through involvement in initiatives that connect communities and promote inclusion, she represents a growing cohort of leaders bridging cultural identity with active participation in Australian public life.

The evening concluded with recognition of industry excellence, including the announcement of Hazell Bros Group as the recipient of the Women in Infrastructure Industry Award 2026, acknowledging their contribution to advancing inclusion and professional development within the sector.

As Tasmania continues to expand its infrastructure capacity, events like the Women in Infrastructure Dinner serve as important platforms for reflection and progress—highlighting not only technical achievement, but also the human leadership required to build sustainable, inclusive industries.