For 10 years, Atlas Copco Group has stood behind a simple but powerful idea: when women in industry are recognised, the whole sector moves forward.
In 2025, that commitment reached a meaningful milestone. A decade of partnership with the Women in Industry Awards. And in 2026, Atlas Copco Group stepped into a new role as Principal Partner, deepening its support for a national platform that honours women across Australia’s most traditionally male dominated sectors.
For Natalie Douglas, Communications Manager, Holding Southeast Asia and Oceania, the partnership is both professional and personal.
“The Women in Industry Awards recognise outstanding women across a range of industrial sectors that are traditionally male dominated. They celebrate leadership, break barriers, and advocate for diversity across the industrial economy. My role is to support the partnership and help ensure these stories are seen and heard,” she explains.
A national stage for women across industry
Unlike many awards programs that focus on a single profession, the Women in Industry Awards bring together mining, manufacturing, engineering, transport, energy, logistics, waste management, rail and construction under one national platform.
That breadth matters.
Industrial sectors do not operate in silos. Innovation in energy influences mining. Advances in manufacturing shape transport. When women across these fields are recognised collectively, it shifts the narrative of who industry is for.
The event has grown into a key national gathering, attracting senior industry leaders, sponsors, nominees and advocates for gender diversity. It is not just a night of celebration. It is a signal to the market that excellence in industry looks different to what it did a generation ago.
“At Atlas Copco Group, we believe that inclusion drives innovation. These women are role models who show what’s possible when talent is nurtured and opportunity is equitable. We are honoured to support them and to help shape a more inclusive future for industry.”
— Wendy Buffa Pace, Vice President, Holding South-East Asia and Oceania, Atlas Copco Group
From sponsorship to leadership
Atlas Copco Group’s involvement has evolved over time. In Australia, the organisation has proudly sponsored the Rising Star of the Year award, recognising women early in their careers who have demonstrated remarkable promise or achieved significant milestones.
Discover how Atlas Copco Group is supporting women to thrive
For Natalie, this category carries particular weight.
“When you see a young engineer or operations leader recognised so early in her career, it changes what feels possible,” she says. “It tells other women watching that there is space for them here.”
The step up to Principal Partner in 2026 reflects a deeper alignment between the awards and Atlas Copco Group’s culture.
Across its compressed air, vacuum, energy and assembly solutions, the company serves industries where women have historically been underrepresented. Supporting a cross sector initiative that celebrates women challenging norms mirrors its belief that careers are fuelled by curiosity, initiative and lifelong learning.
“When women across industry challenge norms, spark new ideas and push boundaries, it reflects exactly what we stand for. Supporting this initiative strengthens our vision of a workplace where diverse perspectives ignite innovation and where future talent feels inspired to see what is possible when they unite their strengths with ours,” Natalie says.
Recognition that reaches beyond the room
Awards nights are often seen as symbolic. Yet the ripple effect can be practical and profound.
A nomination can become a confidence boost that shifts a career. A win can open doors to leadership pathways. A visible celebration of women in mining or rail can influence a school leaver’s subject choices.
The Women in Industry Awards offer something rare: cross sector recognition that elevates women collectively rather than in isolation. It reframes industry not as a collection of separate disciplines, but as a shared ecosystem strengthened by diverse perspectives.
For organisations considering a similar initiative, Natalie offers grounded advice.
“Find a voice and an outlet to celebrate the moments,” she says. “Welcome different perspectives and ideas. That will help you on the journey.”
It is a reminder that change does not always begin with a sweeping program. Sometimes it starts with recognition. With visibility. With a decision to amplify stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Looking ahead
As Atlas Copco Group steps into its role as Principal Partner, the message is clear. Gender balance in industry is not a side conversation. It is central to innovation, resilience and long term success.
The women recognised through the Women in Industry Awards are not just award recipients. They are engineers redesigning processes, operators improving safety, leaders transforming teams. Their impact shapes Australia’s industrial future in real time.
By backing this platform for a decade and beyond, Atlas Copco Group is making a public commitment to the kind of industry it wants to help build. One where recognition fuels confidence, confidence fuels progress, and progress belongs to everyone.
