Cate Fennell has been awarded the G A Taylor Medal.

She was presented the accolade for best paper at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) NSW State Conference, for her presentation ‘What makes an Engineer today?’

Cate’s presentation identified the barriers that limit students from entering a career in engineering.

She also highlighted the need to change the way the profession is depicted to school students in order to address the major skills shortage in the industry.

Parkes Shire Council’s General Manager, Kent Boyd praised the cadet’s efforts.

“Cate is a fantastic role model, not only for young women, but for all youth considering a career in engineering,” Mr Boyd said.

“Cate strives to break down the barriers that limit young people from entering the industry and challenge the traditional representations of engineers.”

The annual IPWEA NSW State Conference took place at Crowne Plaza in the Hunter Valley between November 8-10.

The event surrounded the theme of ‘Engineering, Taking NSW Forward’.

About 370 people attended the awards gala dinner where 91 projects and profiles were celebrated by peers and key stakeholders.

The conference brings together delegates from across the state who are engaged in infrastructure, asset management, road and rail safety, transport, water and waste water, risk management, the environment and sustainability, technical innovation and technology.

The conference encourages representatives from the local government sector, like Parkes Shire Council, to join together and exchange ideas.

It’s also an opportunity to create discussions on how engineering can continue taking NSW forward and build stronger communities.

And in exciting news for the Parkes resident, Cate will now go on to represent the state at the National IPWEA Conference in 2019.