Daracon Group’s Workforce Development Lead, Ana Saiao has taken out the Women in Civil Construction Excellence Award at the 2025 CCF NSW People Awards.
This recognition comes off the back of Ana’s work on the Hexham Straight Widening Alliance, where she was responsible for delivering social procurement outcomes, and for identifying and addressing the barriers limiting female engagement across the construction industry.
Ana implemented a range of initiatives that bolstered diversity and inclusion and helped set a precedent for inclusive practices in construction in NSW.
Ana said the work completed on the project helped address key challenges in workforce diversity and inclusion. She led two pre-employment programs for Indigenous workers, including an Indigenous Female Pre-employment Program that enabled 10 women to enter construction through flexible roles, building confidence and creating clear career pathways.
“I am incredibly grateful to be able to do the meaningful work I do every day, and to be recognised for that work by CCF NSW is a wonderful affirmation,” Ana said.
Ana also developed SheBuilds, a four-part program empowering women with professional skills and networking opportunities, and introduced CED Talks to improve understanding of technical project aspects across the workforce.
On top of these initiatives, Ana maintains a commitment to mentoring, with her participation in the CCF NSW and NAWIC Mentoring Programs, weekly mentoring for female workers and Indigenous trainees.
The impact of these initiatives has been so significant that what started on the Hexham project is now being adopted across not only the Daracon Group, but the wider industry.
“Seeing these initiatives create tangible value, and now be replicated on other projects across NSW, has been incredibly rewarding,” Ana said.
“I look forward to continuing this work and seeing the industry evolve into a space where everybody can thrive.”
IMAGE | Daracon Group’s Workforce Development Lead, Ana Saiao has taken out the Women in Civil Construction Excellence Award at the 2025 CCF NSW People Awards. Image credit: CCF NSW.
