The QMCA Innovation and Excellence Awards have once again proven to be a powerful platform for celebrating the brightest achievements in Queensland’s construction and infrastructure sectors. Sascha Kurz, Managing Director of IPS and a member of the QMCA Awards Judging Panel, shared her insights on why the awards are so critical—not only for recognising industry milestones but also for inspiring continuous improvement and innovation.
“The QMCA Awards give our team a valuable opportunity to be inspired by the achievements, innovations and excellence of some of the best and brightest in our industry,” said Kurz. “Our company motto is ‘Driving Difference’. From the very start, IPS was founded with a vision to set a new standard of excellence and innovation, and there’s no better place to see industry improvement celebrated than at these awards. It truly energises our mission.”
A Celebration of Industry Passion and Diversity
This year’s entries across the various award categories have particularly impressed Kurz. She noted the diverse range of applicants who have shared their stories and innovative ideas, emphasising that their passion for the construction industry is palpable.
“It was great to see a diverse range of applicants for the award. Hearing all of their stories not only inspired me but also sparked ideas for practical changes I can implement in my day-to-day work,” she explained. “Each applicant’s deep commitment to delivering projects that genuinely impact our community stood out, affirming the vital role of excellence in our field.”
Honouring a Legacy: The IPS James Sheldon Construction Professional of The Year Award
A highlight of this year’s ceremony is the IPS James Sheldon Construction Professional of The Year Award, named in honour of the late James Sheldon. An exceptional former colleague and founding member of IPS, this award pays tribute to a man whose technical expertise and relentless pursuit of sustainable engineering solutions left a lasting impact on the industry.
Kurz recalled Sheldon’s invaluable contributions.
“From our inception, James was an irreplaceable asset to the IPS team. His remarkable skills, particularly in water infrastructure and his innovative approach to problem solving, set a benchmark for excellence. At only 32, his life was tragically cut short doing what he loved best, and this award is a heartfelt tribute to his legacy. It inspires us all to be courageous and adventurous in our pursuit of excellence.”
Driving Industry Growth and Enhancing Standards
Beyond recognising individual achievements, industry awards like these play a critical role in driving the broader advancement of the construction and infrastructure sectors. Kurz believes that such accolades not only celebrate success but also function as essential benchmarks for industry standards.
“Industry awards aren’t just about recognition—they are a tool for growth and long-term success. They set crucial benchmarks, drive innovation and sustainability, and encourage adherence to best practices. This has a direct, positive impact on our communities by enhancing both business outcomes and public safety,” she said.
Kurz further emphasised that these awards help attract and retain top talent in an industry facing significant challenges. The positive profile that comes with award-winning projects bolsters the reputation of recognised businesses, while also offering career advancement opportunities for skilled professionals.
“Awards create a sense of accomplishment and engagement among employees. Recognised contributions encourage talented professionals to stay within the sector, continuously driving improvements and fostering a culture of excellence,” she added.
A Message of Assurance to the Community
The winners of the QMCA Awards send a resounding message to both the business community and government stakeholders: “you are in safe hands.” As Queensland’s construction industry braces for a golden decade, amidst challenges such as resource shortages, the recognition of innovative individuals and groundbreaking projects instils confidence in the sector’s ability to navigate future demands successfully.
“Seeing these individual and project winners gives an overarching comfort that we have the brains and the passion to meet the challenges ahead,” Kurz affirmed.
Advancing Queensland’s Construction and Infrastructure Sectors
According to Kurz, the impact of the QMCA Innovation and Excellence Awards extends far beyond personal accolades. The awards are instrumental in promoting best practices in critical areas like safety, sustainability, and technological advancement. They foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and strengthen public–private partnerships – key ingredients for a robust, future-ready industry.
“These awards not only enhance quality standards but also inspire continuous improvement through knowledge sharing and skill development. By spotlighting excellence, they contribute significantly to the overall progress and public trust in our industry,” she concluded.
The QMCA Awards continue to be a beacon of inspiration for the construction and infrastructure sectors, driving excellence and innovation that promise to shape a more sustainable and dynamic future for Queensland.
For more information about the awards and upcoming events, visit 2024 Innovation and Excellence Awards – Queensland Major Contractors Association
IPS
Awards Sponsor
IPS provides dynamic project management, planning and engineering services to the infrastructure and broader construction sectors, offering expert technical and advisory services across the full project lifecycle – from project development phases, transaction and procurement processes, through to design and delivery of complex, large-scale, and sensitive projects.
Read more about our projects here: www.ipsorg.com.au/experience
Bringing together a team of over 30 highly skilled professionals and leveraging our trusted network of reputable industry partners, IPS delivers optimal project outcomes on the most challenging engineering projects through our best-in-class efficiency, diligence and collaboration with our clients. Our proven difference is the powerful blend of project management expertise and rich technical acumen we bring to each project, enabling IPS to cover a broad range of our clients’ needs and provide the required solutions with a high degree of understanding and efficiency.
Our portfolio spans government agencies, Tier 1 contractors, local councils, and specialist consultants, giving us a 360-degree view that powers integrated, transparent, and customised solutions at any project stage.
Maintaining a non-negotiable standard of excellence, IPS is leading the way in forging a new benchmark of quality for the infrastructure sector.
Learn more about IPS by visiting their website
