At CCF Victoria, we’re focused on supporting women who are rolling up their sleeves and making a real impact in the civil construction industry.

Our Women in Civil brunch is all about recognising the practical, hands-on contributions women are making on-site, in project management, and in leadership roles. The theme "This is my story" showcases the amazing journeys women take to get into the civil construction industry.

This event is a celebration of the achievements of women in civil construction, both in their workplaces and in the broader community. You will hear from women who are shaping the future of civil construction and learn how they’ve built their careers, tackled obstacles, and found opportunities for growth in a traditionally male-dominated field.

 

GUEST SPEAKERS

 Madeleine McManus OAM  |  CEO

Madeleine McManus OAM, FIEAust, NER, CPEng, EngExec, and RPEV is a distinguished engineer and leader with over 25 years of experience. She is currently the CEO of CPEE, Global Director of Robogals, a member of the National Pavement Taskforce, and co-chair of National Sustainable Cities. Madeleine also serves on various government, academic and industry committees, including the Victorian Government’s Construction Leadership Group, the National Pavement Research Hub and the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI).

Her previous roles include Director of Industry Engagement at Monash University, the first female Chair of Engineers Australia Victoria, National Director of Engineers Australia, and founding Director of the multiple award-winning Monash Industry Team Initiative. She led the response to the Black Saturday Bushfires and was the Project Director for building the world’s largest LEGO suspension bridge for the World Engineering Convention in Melbourne in 2019.

Madeleine continues to volunteer in STEM education, mental health in construction, and digital construction advisory roles. She has extensive experience in engineering, construction, management, consulting, and innovation across various sectors, both in Australia and internationally. She is a Fellow of Engineers Australia and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, and she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2017 for her services to engineering and education. She has recently been awarded the John Shaw Medal in 2024 by Roads Australia, in recognition of her outstanding and innovative leadership over an illustrious career in transport and her continuing contribution to the sector going forward.

Madeleine is passionate about promoting engineering, STEM, and diversity, whilst making a positive impact in her community.

 

 Alexis Davison  |  Executive Program Director, Major Roads Projects Victoria

Alexis is an experienced leader with more than 25 years’ experience spanning all stages of project delivery, including the development of strategies, project planning, funding submissions, planning and environmental approvals, and design and construction. During her extensive career, Alexis has held key roles on major projects in the public and private sectors in Australia and the UK.

Alexis is an Executive Program Director at Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV), and is responsible for overseeing a diverse range of areas including: Project Development, Land Planning and Environment, Engineering and Innovation, Social Value and Inclusion, Sustainability, Roads Program Delivery, and ecologiQ – an initiative she was instrumental in bringing to life across Victoria’s Big Build program of works.

Alexis actively champions the need to address the under-representation of women in the construction industry and is a regular mentor in the Women in Transport mentoring program. She was a key driver in the development of MRPV’s internal Gender Equality Action Plan, and in the roadmap Towards Gender Equity (2024-2027) developed in collaboration with the Victorian National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC); a plan to work with construction partners to drive equitable gender outcomes across new MRPV projects.

 

 Annie Kessell  |  Executive Manager – Industry Engagement and Member Services, CCF Victoria

Annie has a proven track record of success in the construction industry. Joining the CCF team in 2018, Annie brings over two decades of expertise in horizontal and vertical build sectors. Her strategic approach has enabled her to manage multifaceted projects delivered on time and within budget.

Annie specialises in construction systems, strategy and facilitation. Knowledgeable and informed, she has been instrumental in enhancing the resilience of stakeholder relations and manages the team responsible for engagement, industry collaboration and business development in delivering Membership Services.

Liz Aitken | Partner, National Head of Workplace Relations & Safety,  SLF Lawyers

Liz is an award-winning workplace relations lawyer bringing knowledge, experience and passion to her work. With a track record of delivering strong client-focused results, Liz’s drive and dynamism make her sought-after as an HR business partner and legal advisor.

Liz’s talent is turning workforce challenges into opportunities for positive cultural change, increased productivity and advancement of business goals.

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