Western Sydney Airport Soars at Boomtown! Awards
Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) has landed top honours at the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue’s annual Boomtown! Project of the Year Awards.
More than 330 business executives, industry leaders, local mayors and senior government representatives joined NSW Minister for Transport, the Arts, Music and the Night-time Economy, Hon. John Graham MLC, and Federal Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities, Hon Clare O’Neil, to celebrate the region’s award-winning projects.
Now in its 10th year, Dialogue CEO Adam Leto said the sold-out Boomtown! The Project of the Awards was an ideal opportunity to showcase the people and partnerships shaping Greater Western Sydney’s future growth.
“These outstanding transport, infrastructure and property initiatives are all delivering great social, economic and environmental outcomes for the region,” Mr Leto said.
“The Dialogue congratulates this year’s impressive list of winners. From community hubs to global transformational infrastructure, all are playing a vital role in connecting the region, driving innovation and shaping the future of the state and the nation.”
Minister John Graham, who presented the coveted Project of the Year award to WSI CEO Simon Hickey, said Western Sydney was leaping forward.
“This is one of the most diverse cities in the world. The energy, the diversity, this is where it comes from,” Mr Graham said.
“You can really see the plan coming together here at these awards. Big projects, small projects -it’s really an exciting leap forward for Western Sydney.”
With Minister O’Neil, Dialogue Chairman Christopher Brown AM presented the Chairman’s Prize to Rev. Bill Crews AM, to celebrate the opening of the Blacktown Health & Wellbeing Clinic, and to Annabelle Daniel OAM, CEO of Women’s Community Shelters, to mark the launch of Biyani House Modular Crisis Accommodation.
Mr Brown said the Dialogue was honoured to recognise the care, courage and compassion of the community leaders, Rev. Crews and Ms Daniel.
“Boomtown doesn’t just recognise major economic infrastructure projects, it also rewards those who are working hard to provide the vital social infrastructure our community needs,” Mr Brown said.
“Bill Crews has spent decades standing up for people doing it tough, and this clinic reflects his extraordinary commitment. Its impact will be immediate and longlasting for families across Western Sydney.
“Biyani House shows what’s possible when leadership meets compassion to create a safe and urgently needed refuge for women and children. This changes lives and strengthens our region.”
The ministers were joined at the gala event by Dialogue Patrons Lucy Hughes Turnbull AO, Dr Kerry Schott AO, and Cameron Clyne, who were also on hand to present awards to the people and initiatives celebrated on the night.
Simon Hickey, WSI CEO, said he was delighted to see the airport’s new terminal and runway recognised with both the Outstanding Transport Project and Project of the Year awards as the exciting countdown to opening continues.
“This is a terrific way to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible workforce and all the key partners and stakeholders that have helped deliver this once-in-a-generation project for Greater Sydney,” he said.
“This airport will reshape Sydney’s and Australia’s global connectivity and aviation landscape and continue to be a catalyst for ongoing economic growth, trade, and investment in Australia for decades to come.”
Chairman, Christopher Brown AM, presented Dialogue Life Membership Awards to outgoing Endeavour Energy CEO, Guy Chalkley, and to Transport for NSW Coordinator General, Howard Collins OBE, recognising their professional contribution to the region.
“They have both been great champions for Greater Western Sydney over many years, and we’re proud to acknowledge their dedication, professionalism and passion. Western Sydney is stronger for their work, and we thank them for the positive impact they’ve made and specifically their support for the Dialogue’s efforts to build a Western Sydney/East London partnership.”
The Boomtown Project of the Year award winners are:
Outstanding Social Housing Project – Rosemeadow Stage 3 Seniors Housing, Homes NSW
Outstanding Sustainability Project – Bradfield City First Building, Bradfield Development Authority
Outstanding Civic Leadership Project TIE – Campbelltown Commuter Carpark, Campbelltown City Council and Reinvigoration of Camden Civic Centre, Camden Council
Outstanding Affordable and Build-to-Rent Housing Project – Connect Westmead, BNP Paribas Asset Management and SGCH
Outstanding Transport Project – Western Sydney International Airport Terminal, Runway and Access Infrastructure, WSI
Outstanding Innovation Project – Lower South Creek Treatment Program, Sydney Water
Outstanding Tourism Project – Novotel Sydney Cabramatta, Cabravale Club Resort
Outstanding Sport and Recreation Project – Parramatta Eels Centre of Excellence and Kellyville Memorial Park Community Centre, Parramatta Eels
Outstanding Arts and Culture Project – Wollondilly Shire Council Performing Arts Centre, Wollondilly Shire Council
Outstanding Health, Education & Research – Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building, Ingham Institute Macarthur
Outstanding Freight and Logistics Project – Moorebank Regional Distribution Centre, Woolworths Group
Outstanding Health Infrastructure Project – The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Stage 2 Redevelopment – Paediatric Services Building, Health Infrastructure
Outstanding Community Infrastructure Project TIE – Light Horse Park Accessible Kayak Launch, Liverpool City Council and Shannons Paddock Playground, City of Parramatta
Outstanding Hospitality and Entertainment Project – Oran Park Hotel, Momento Hospitality
Outstanding Education Project – Suburban Study Hub – Macquarie Fields, TAFE NSW
The Dialogue thanks event partners: All Things All Creatures, AV1, Business Events Sydney, City of Parramatta, Novotel Sydney Olympic Park and Pentode Communications.