Endeavour Energy, Ausgrid, Essential Energy and Transgrid have joined forces for the first time to put women first and drive change in one of the country’s most male-dominated sectors.
The New South Wales energy distribution and transmission companies hosted the Women from the Field Conference, on Tuesday 9 September, bringing together 250 women working in field-based roles across the state’s electricity networks.
With the theme: Connect. Energise. Thrive., the conference will celebrate the growing presence and impact of the many talented women who are making remarkable contributions within the energy sector in New South Wales. These extraordinary women are flourishing in traditionally male-dominated roles – from apprentices and engineers to senior leaders and field operators.
As New South Wales transitions to renewable energy, these women are powering change, providing safe and reliable electricity to millions of homes and businesses across the state, and delivering critical infrastructure to support the state’s clean energy future.
The conference explored how women in field-based roles can drive inclusive collaboration and collectively take steps towards a working environment where everyone can thrive. This includes challenging stereotypes and biases, supporting career development, encouraging male allies, and raising awareness of the benefits of gender equity, to leave a lasting legacy for the next generations.
Ausgrid Group Executive People and Culture, Celina Cross, said that Ausgrid is focused on unlocking the potential of women across our business, amplifying their voices and creating a genuinely inclusive culture.
“Women now represent 20.2 per cent of Ausgrid’s 3100-strong workforce, with 20.9 per cent of management roles and 28 per cent of our apprentice field roles held by women,” she said.
“We’re embracing the opportunity Women from the Field presents to foster open conversations and build a more inclusive workplace across the sector. This event is the ideal forum to foster open conversations about issues that truly matter to women.”
Endeavour Energy Chief Data, People & Sustainability Officer, Melissa Irwin, said that this is more than a conference, it’s a movement.
“We’re seeing a powerful shift in the industry, and this event is about amplifying the voices of women who are leading that change,” she said.
“Innovation thrives when people with different perspectives feel safe to share ideas and be heard. We’re proud to have achieved at least 50 per cent female representation in our apprentice intakes for the last three years. This event is about creating stronger connections, welcoming difference, and empowering the diversity of talent in our people.”
Essential Energy said that NSW’s main electricity networks are taking real action to promote and encourage more women to enjoy rewarding careers in the state’s rapidly growing energy industry. A gender diverse workforce is linked to better outcomes for both people and businesses, increasing potential for innovation and more effective decision making, and allowing our people to bring their best selves to work and reach their full potential.
Transgrid Executive General Manager of Delivery, Jennifer Hughes, said Transgrid is delighted to join its distribution network partners to celebrate the remarkable contribution many talented women are making to the state’s energy sector.
“After 17 years working in the energy sector including as an electrical engineer, I am proud to see the real cultural shift underway in our industry helping women flourish in traditionally male-dominated roles,” she said.
“Transgrid offers an inclusive, diverse and family-friendly workplace, with many opportunities for women at all levels across our organisation.
“Women now make up 30 per cent of our workforce and we are working hard to achieve even greater gender equality, with a range of successful initiatives driving further change and more career pathways for women.
“The biggest challenge of our times – the massive shift to renewable energy in New South Wales – calls for nothing short of full participation by women in all parts of the electricity industry.”
