Nominations and entries are now open for the 2009 National Association for Women in Construction Qld (NAWIC) Crystal Vision Awards, which recognise the achievements of women in Queensland’s construction industry. The association is expecting strong interest in the awards this year, with tougher economic conditions encouraging more women to look for ways to develop and promote their businesses.

NAWIC Qld President, Radmila Desic, says: "You don’t have to win to benefit. Entering the awards gives women in construction the confidence to know that you can not only do the job, but have also been recognised by others as being more than capable of delivering.” Last year’s Crystal Vision Award winner, Department of Public Works accommodation office executive director, Karen Lyon-Reid, said her win had enabled her to share her passion with like-minded women, raise her profile and focus on her goals for the future.

Entrants will be judged on a range of criteria including best practise, innovation, initiative, technical complexity, challenges overcome and future aspirations.

In 2009, there are 11 award categories:
- Crystal Vision Award for advancing and furthering the interests of women in the construction industry
- Award for Achievement in Construction (general / building)
- Award for Achievement in Construction (civil works)
- Award for Achievement in Design
- Award for Achievement in Product Supply and Application
- Award for Achievement as a Business Woman
- Award for Contribution in Building and Construction Trades
- Award for Achievement in Sustainable Development
- Award for Innovation
- Award for a Young Achiever
- Award for Achievement in Marketing, Community Engagement/Consultation and Communication

The Awards will be presented at a gala dinner on Friday 25 September in the Plaza Terrace Ballroom at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
To nominate visit www.nawic.com.au