2024 Woman of the Year winner Derelle Mitchell was just one of many women recognised for their achievements in last year’s Women in Industry awards.
She was awarded the prestigious title for her excellence in manufacturing, working for Health Focus Manufacturing in Queensland.
Organised by Prime Creative Media, the awards encompass a wide array of industries such as waste management, mining, transport, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, bulk handling, rail, construction, infrastructure, and energy.
Mitchell’s drive to rekindle her career after raising her children led her to seize an opportunity to acquire the assets of a cosmetic manufacturing company in 2011, marking the humble beginning of HFM.
Starting with a small team in a “big green shed”, HFM has grown over the past decade to accommodate more than 40 staff members with over 200 years of combined experience.
“I started this business from very humble beginnings,” Mitchell said when accepting the Woman of the Year award.
“The most enjoyable thing I get from my job is getting people jobs, and I love what I do.
“It takes a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and sacrifices for work every day. I wake up every day at 4 o’clock in the morning, and I love it, especially the people I work with. I wouldn’t be sitting here right now if it wasn’t for them.”
Other notable winners in 2024 included Kathleen Kelly (McConnell Dowell) for Safety Advocacy, Kate Leone (UGL) for Rising Star, and Allyson Woodford (APA Group) for Excellence in Engineering.
The 2025 nominations close May 9, so be sure to nominate someone for any of the below award categories:
- Business Development Success of the Year
- Excellence in Construction
- Excellence in Engineering
- Excellence in Energy
- Excellence in Manufacturing
- Excellence in Mining
- Excellence in Transport (Proudly sponsored by Kenter)
- Industry Advocacy Award:
- Mentor of the Year:
- Rising Star of the Year (Proudly sponsored by Atlas Copco)
- Safety Advocacy Award (Proudly sponsored by Paccar Australia)
- Woman of the Year (Proudly sponsored by Fulton Hogan)
Each year, the Women in Industry Awards culminate in a gala dinner, bringing together industry leaders, nominees, and supporters to celebrate the achievements of the finalists and winners.
The 2025 awards night will be held in Melbourne on 19 June 2025. Help celebrate with us by purchasing a ticket here.
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