The 2025 Women in Industry Award’s Woman of the Year Tammy O’Connor launched her business KingKira Group in 2014 with a dream of providing development opportunities for aboriginal people by offering services to help manage the land where her business operates in Western Australia.
At this year’s Awards ceremony, held at The Carousel on June 19, Tammy took the podium twice. The first time was to accept the Business Development Success of the Year Award.
Freshly returned from a study trip to Harvard, Tammy shared a little of her journey, pointing to the beginning of her business story when a program backed by Andrew Forrest was set up to help traditional owners to get into business.
“I got into the job purely because I wanted to change things for our indigenous community,” Tammy said.
“And, you know, (for) people like myself, that, you know, come from a place, not having money opportunities. I’m from a small town. There’s probably 50 people in it. Most people know it as being the hottest place in Australia, which is Marble Bar.”
A quick look at the KingKira Group’s website, and the timeline of growth, showcases just how far Tammy and her business have come – from a contract to take care of dust suppression at the Roy Hill mine in 2017, to winning a major contract to provide street sweeping services across all of BHP’s Pilbara operations in 2021.
Speaking about the importance of women leading differently, Tammy said it was important to drive change and inspire future generations to break traditional boundaries.
“I think it is important that women lead the industry, and I think we do things a lot differently. Standing up here for the next generation because back in the day growing up my mum didn’t work, my grandmother didn’t work either, and now we see other women in the industry, in leadership, and they can see women can do more than the things we are told we should be doing,” she said.
Prime Creative Media Chief Operating Officer Christine Clancy said the Women in Industry Awards continue to play a vital role in recognising the achievements of women who are breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations.
“These awards celebrate not only technical excellence but also the courage, resilience and leadership it takes to create lasting impact. Each winner is an inspiration and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when diversity is embraced,” Clancy said.
This year’s winners represent a broad cross-section of industry, united by their excellence, leadership, and commitment to creating more inclusive and forward-thinking workplaces.
The 2025 Women in Industry Awards winners are:
- Woman of the Year: Tammy O’Connor – KingKira Group
- Business Development Success of the Year: Tammy O’Connor – KingKira Group
- Industry Advocacy Award: Eileen Breen – NTEX
- Mentor of the Year: Tash Fee – Clough
- Safety Advocacy Award: Mandeep Singh – Ego Pharmaceuticals
- Rising Star of the Year: Jennifer Clements – Consultex
- Excellence in Transport: Kirryn Crossman – SMEC
- Excellence in Engineering: Stacey Daniel – Board Presence
- Excellence in Manufacturing: Naomi Elliott – Concept Labs
- Excellence in Construction: Isolde Piet – Suburban Connect
- Excellence in Energy: Suzanne Shipp – APA Group
- Excellence in Mining: Becky May Felstead – Strong Minds, Strong Mines
The Women in Industry Awards are hosted by Prime Creative Media and are proudly supported by a range of industry partners and sponsors committed to advancing gender equality and innovation across the industrial landscape.
Check out the Women in Industry Awards website for more news.