Australian Power Equipment sponsors the Women in Industry Awards 2026

Why was it important for you to sponsor these awards?

For me, this one is quite personal. Being named a finalist in the Women in Industry Awards was a really meaningful moment, and it gave me a genuine appreciation for how important visibility and recognition are. As a business, we want to support more of those moments for other women.

At Australian Power Equipment, we believe strong industries are built through diversity of thought, opportunity, and leadership. Sponsoring the Women in Industry Awards is important to us because these awards recognise the women who are helping shape sectors that have traditionally been male-dominated — from mining and manufacturing to energy, infrastructure, transport and engineering.

For us, it’s about more than recognition; it’s about visibility and creating pathways. We wanted to support an initiative that celebrates capability, resilience and innovation, while also encouraging the next generation of women to see these industries as places where they can build meaningful and successful careers.

As a business, we are values-led. Supporting the awards aligns closely with our focus on community contribution, sustainability, and investing in people who are making a positive impact. We also know firsthand how important sponsorship, mentoring and advocacy can be in helping women step confidently into leadership roles.

You’ve played a key role in your company as co-director. What are some achievements you are proud of?

Well, definitely being a Finalist in last year’s awards in Business Development was a proud achievement! And I think what helped me be a Finalist was all the achievements, both big and small, along the way.

One of the achievements I’m most proud of is helping grow Australian Power Equipment from a small business established during Covid into a nationally recognised company working across mining, tunnelling, renewables and infrastructure sectors. Being recognised in the AFR Fast Starters list was a wonderful milestone, but what matters most to me is how we achieved that growth — through relationships, trust, technical capability and staying true to our values.

I’m also incredibly proud of the culture we’ve built as a business. We’ve worked hard to create a company that balances commercial outcomes with genuine environmental and community impact. Our support of organisations like Aussie Ark and Taronga Conservation Society Australia is something very close to my heart, because it demonstrates that industry can contribute positively beyond the projects we deliver.

Another key achievement has been helping position sustainability and circular economy thinking within high-voltage infrastructure. Traditionally, industries like mining and power have not always been associated with sustainability conversations, so being able to advocate for refurbished and repurposed equipment solutions alongside new technologies has been incredibly rewarding.

Personally, I’m proud that I’ve remained ‘true to myself’ throughout the journey. I’ve learned that leadership does not need to fit a single mould — you can lead with professionalism, empathy, resilience and values all at the same time.

Abby Crawford of Australian Power Equipment, was a finalist in 2025 Women In Industry Awards

What does it mean to you to be a ‘Woman in Industry’, and what advice would you give to this year’s finalists?

To me, being a woman in industry means helping create space for others while continuing to challenge yourself professionally. It means contributing to industries that are evolving rapidly, bringing different perspectives to decision-making, and proving that leadership can look different from traditional expectations.

It also means understanding that success is not always linear. There will be challenges, moments of self-doubt, and times where you feel outside your comfort zone — but those moments often become the ones that shape your confidence and resilience the most.

My advice to this year’s finalists would be to genuinely celebrate this achievement. Industries like mining, manufacturing, engineering and infrastructure are demanding sectors, and being recognised amongst your peers is something to be incredibly proud of.

I would also encourage them to back themselves, even before they feel fully ready. Some of the best opportunities come from saying yes before you have every answer. Build strong relationships, stay curious, continue learning, and never underestimate the value of authenticity. People remember capability, but they also remember integrity, kindness and how you make others feel.

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