As the construction and infrastructure sector in Queensland continues to scale new heights, the annual QMCA Awards remain a powerful platform to celebrate excellence, progress, and the people who make it all happen. Among the highlights of the event is the 4020 Consult Emerging Professional category—an award designed to spotlight the next generation of leaders.
For Paulina O’Hagan and Madie Broom of 4020 Consult, the category isn’t just a sponsorship opportunity—it’s a statement about their belief in the future of the industry. Following the awards, the pair shared their reflections on the event, the people behind the projects, and the future of infrastructure in Queensland.
A Celebration of Collective Effort
For Paulina, this year marked her first time attending the QMCA Awards. With fresh eyes, she found herself struck by the energy and purpose in the room. It wasn’t just a corporate gathering—it was a celebration of an industry working together toward something bigger than itself.
“It was very inspiring,” she said. “It was a fantastic way to celebrate the industry’s achievements—what the professionals and the projects represented. Every piece of the puzzle fit together: the hard work, the passion, the dedication. It really showcased how every company and individual plays a role.”
Madie, who’s attended several awards events over the years in both contractor and advisory roles, echoed that sentiment—emphasising how unique the QMCA Awards are in their scope.
“It’s about the holistic approach,” she explained. “Contractors, clients, professional services—all parts of the ecosystem come together to celebrate not just outcomes, but the people behind them. That’s what makes the event so powerful.”
Emerging Professionals: A Window into the Future
4020 Consult’s sponsorship of the Emerging Professional category reflects their commitment to championing new talent. This year’s finalists were not only impressive for their achievements but also made a powerful statement about the changing face of the industry—with all three finalists being women.
“It was something we could be really proud of,” said Madie. “Not just as a company, but as an industry. These young women were intelligent, passionate, and driven—clear evidence that the future is in safe hands.”
Paulina shared similar optimism about what lies ahead for the sector.
“The talent coming through is exceptional,” she said. “There’s a generation coming through that understands what it means to put in the hard yards. They’re not expecting things to be handed to them—they’re working for it. I absolutely think that in 20 years, we’ll see a winner of the 4020 Emerging Professional Award win the Dale Gilbert Lifetime Achievement Award.
Collaboration Over Competition
One of the standout features of the QMCA Awards is the camaraderie on display. Despite being a competitive industry, the tone of the evening was one of mutual support and shared celebration. That, according to Paulina and Madie, reflects a deeper truth about how modern infrastructure projects are delivered.
“Yes, we’re technically competing,” said Paulina, “but we’re also one team. Everyone wants to deliver a great project, get home safely, and celebrate success. Teamwork is essential—not just within companies, but across the industry.”
Madie added that many of the most successful projects in Queensland are joint ventures—a physical embodiment of industry collaboration.
“It’s never just one company at the forefront,” she said. “Consultants, contractors, subbies, planners—everyone contributes. And it’s great to see all of them being celebrated together.”
Encouraging the Next Generation to Step Forward
As recruiters and advisors who work closely with early-career professionals, Paulina and Madie know how intimidating awards programs can seem from the outside. Their advice? Don’t wait for perfection—just start.
“Give it a go,” Paulina urged. “There’s nothing to lose. You’ll meet people, you’ll learn, and you’ll grow. A mentor or someone more experienced can help guide you—but ultimately, it starts with believing in yourself.”
Madie pointed out that being recognised in a program like the QMCA Awards can be a catalyst for long-term success in what is, despite its size, a tightly connected industry.
“Put yourself out there. Nominate, or ask a colleague to nominate you,” she said. “You never know where it will take you. And if you’re building a reputation across contractors, that visibility will open doors throughout your career.”
Infrastructure: Building More Than Just Projects
Paulina and Madie bring unique perspectives to the sector. Paulina began her career in civil design and has a deep appreciation for seeing projects evolve from concept to construction. For her, being part of something tangible—and vital—is a major source of pride.
“I love watching things get built and knowing I was part of it,” she said. “You’re helping shape the infrastructure of everyday life. It’s not just about roads or tunnels—it’s about being part of something that really matters.”
Madie’s path has been equally dynamic, beginning in labour hire before moving through technical recruitment to senior advisory roles. Her journey has given her a strong belief in the importance of varied career pathways.
“There isn’t just one road from graduate to project manager,” she explained. “There’s design, estimating, commercial, professional services—it’s a huge industry with so many directions. And the people in it are incredible—passionate, driven, and committed.”
A Moment of Reflection
This year’s ceremony included a particularly poignant moment—a spoken-word performance by Rupert, which brought the room to a hushed stillness.
“He pulled on everyone’s heartstrings,” said Paulina. “It was beautiful.”
“The room was completely still,” added Madie. “Even the most senior leaders were visibly moved. It was unlike anything I’ve seen at a corporate event—it captured the emotion and humanity of what we do.”
Looking Ahead: Queensland’s Infrastructure Opportunity
With Brisbane’s Olympic infrastructure pipeline gaining momentum, Queensland is entering a golden era of investment and opportunity. For anyone considering a career in infrastructure, Paulina and Madie are unequivocal: the time is now.
“There’s no better time to get involved,” said Madie. “We don’t yet have the workforce to deliver what’s planned. That creates a huge opportunity—for career changers, graduates, and anyone with transferable skills. Whether it’s technical, legal, commercial, or hands-on roles, we need people.”
And for those unsure about how to take that first step, the 4020 Consult team is always ready to help.
“We’re more than recruiters,” said Madie. “If someone’s stuck, thinking about what’s next, we’re always happy to sit down for a coffee and help them work it out. That’s what we love to do—connect people and projects, and help shape careers.”
About 4020 Consult
At 4020 Consult, we’re all about “Connecting people & projects”. Based in Queensland, we specialise in Infrastructure and Utilities, helping businesses source the talent they need to succeed. It all started in 2017 when we decided to do things a little differently—steering away from the usual transactional approach and focusing on building genuine, long-lasting partnerships.
We’ve found that success comes down to one thing: People. That’s why we focus on delivering more than just talent—we bring the right people to the right roles, making sure our clients and candidates feel supported every step of the way. Whether it’s finding standout professionals, assembling project teams, or adding expertise to in-house operations, we’re here to help businesses thrive and create lasting impact.
As we’ve grown, we’ve stayed true to our roots, making sure every client—big or small—gets the same high level of service. We feel lucky to work with some amazing businesses and to see the positive change we help bring to their teams. At 4020 Consult, it’s not just about finding talent—it’s about driving success, together.
Learn more about 4020 by downloading their key information HERE
