For more than half a decade, CBUS has proudly supported the Queensland Major Contractors Association (QMCA) Innovation and Excellence Awards. For Anne Kemp, Employer Manager at CBUS, the reason is simple: the awards celebrate the people and projects that define Queensland’s construction and infrastructure industry.
“The awards are really about celebrating the industry,” Anne says. “Not just celebrating but celebrating the best of the best.”
As the sponsor of the CBUS Project of the Year over $100 million category, Anne and the CBUS team have a front row seat to some of the most significant infrastructure achievements in the state. The category recognises projects of exceptional scale, complexity and impact, and the finalists each year represent the very highest standards of delivery.
“It’s testament to the industry when you see the finalists in that category,” she says. “Any project over $100 million is already going to be outstanding, and to have several competing for the title shows the strength of the sector.”
A celebration of the industry
For Anne, the awards represent much more than a ceremony or trophy. They are an opportunity for the industry to pause and recognise the effort, expertise and collaboration that goes into delivering major projects.
The excitement in the room on awards day, she says, speaks volumes.
“The atmosphere is always incredible. When the winners are announced, the excitement is very genuine because everyone in the room understands how hard it is to win one of these awards.”
In the Project of the Year category, particularly, the competition is fierce.
“It’s not an easy category to win. You are up against the best projects in the state, and often the judging comes down to very fine margins.”
That shared understanding of the effort behind the projects creates a unique spirit of camaraderie in the room.
“Even though companies might be competitors outside, everyone is cheering when the winners are announced. There’s a real sense of pride in what the industry achieves together.”
The people behind the projects
Anne has also been closely involved in the judging process in recent years, giving her a deeper appreciation of the individuals and teams behind the projects.
“The judging is a real honour,” she says.
“What stands out every time is the humility of the people who are nominated. They are always very honoured to be there, and when you ask what they love most about the industry, they always say the same thing: it’s the people.”
That strong sense of community is something Anne believes defines the construction and infrastructure sector.
“Nearly everyone you meet is trying to leave a legacy. They want to leave the industry better than how they found it.”
The stories shared during judging reinforce that sense of purpose.
“People talk about the mentors who helped them when they first joined the industry, and how that inspires them to give back and support the next generation coming through.”
Inspiring the next generation
With Queensland facing an enormous infrastructure pipeline in the coming decade, Anne believes initiatives like the QMCA awards play an important role in attracting and retaining talent.
“Absolutely they do,” she says. “These awards showcase the success of individuals and teams and demonstrate what a rewarding career this industry can offer.”
As the state prepares for major investments leading into the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, that visibility will become even more important.
“Queensland is a great place to live and work. When people from other states see the calibre of people involved in organisations like QMCA and the projects being delivered here, it becomes a real drawcard.”
The awards also highlight the strong future leadership emerging within the industry.
“In some of the categories, like Young Professional of the Year, you see some truly outstanding people coming through. It gives you real confidence that the future of the industry is in good hands.”
A legacy for Queensland
For Anne, one of the most powerful aspects of infrastructure work is the lasting legacy it creates for communities.
Many of the people she meets through the awards process speak proudly about the projects they have helped deliver.
“They’ll say it’s a real moment of pride when they can take their kids to a bridge or a road they worked on and say, ‘I helped build that.’”
These projects, she says, are more than engineering achievements. They improve daily life for Queenslanders.
“Everything in that category is making Queensland a better place to live. It might be safer roads, cleaner water or better ways for people to move around the state.”
The awards also help shine a light on the complexity behind infrastructure projects.
“Most people see a road or a bridge and think it’s just the surface they can see,” Kemp says. “But the judging process really shows how much work, planning and expertise goes into what happens underneath and behind the scenes.”
A partnership that strengthens the industry
CBUS’s continued support of the awards reflects its deep connection with the construction industry.
“Supporting the awards is important for us because we want the industry to be stronger and better,” Anne explains.
Working alongside QMCA has also strengthened the partnership between the organisations.
“QMCA is a fantastic partner for CBUS. The awards are incredibly well supported, and they genuinely go from strength to strength every year.”
For Anne personally, being involved in the event’s planning and delivery has been especially rewarding.
“It’s great to be able to contribute ideas and help make the event even better each year,” she says.
The moment that matters
As the sponsor of one of the awards’ most prestigious categories, Anne will once again take to the stage to present the CBUS Project of the Year over $100 million award.
It is a moment she never takes for granted.
“You see the excitement in the winners’ faces when their project is announced,” she says.
“You know how much blood, sweat and tears have gone into delivering that project. To be recognised as the best in the state is an incredible achievement.”
For Anne, that moment captures exactly why the awards matter.
“It’s the best part of the day. Everyone is just so genuinely excited and proud of what they’ve achieved.”
United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as Trustee for the Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund ABN 75 493 363 262 (Cbus and/or Cbus Super)
Since 1984, CBUS has backed members and helped employers keep super straightforward for their business. Today, we’re still member‑owned – backing your business and your people, not shareholders.
You’ll get straightforward super administration, solid service and local support when you need it. We also invest in your industry through Cbus Property*, helping to create jobs and opportunities that benefit the industry.
And when the rules change, we’ll keep you across what matters so you can stay focused on building your business.
Need a hand? Contact Anne Kemp, Manager Employer at anne.kemp@cbussuper.com.au or 0458 617 976 for support.
*Cbus Property Pty Ltd is a wholly-owned entity of United Super Pty Ltd, and is responsible for the development and management of a portfolio of Cbus Super’s property investments.
This information is about Cbus and doesn’t take into account your specific needs. You should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination to decide if Cbus is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au for a copy.
United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as Trustee for the Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund ABN 75 493 363 262 (Cbus and/or Cbus Super)
