250 women from the field unite to shape NSW’s energy future

In a first for NSW, leading energy distribution and transmission companies, Endeavour Energy, Ausgrid, Essential Energy, and Transgrid have joined forces to host the Women from the Field Conference, bringing together 250 women working in field-based roles across the state’s electricity networks.

Held in Sydney on Tuesday 9 September and themed 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 NSW. These extraordinary women are flourishing in traditionally male-dominated roles - from apprentices and engineers to senior leaders and field operators.

As NSW transitions to renewable energy, these women are powering change, providing safe and reliable electricity to millions of homes and businesses across NSW, and delivering critical infrastructure to support the state’s clean energy future.

The conference will explore 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: “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% of Ausgrid’s 3,100-strong workforce, with 20.9% of management roles and 28% of our apprentice field roles held by women. 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: “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. Innovation thrives when people with different perspectives feel safe to share ideas and be heard. We’re proud to have achieved at least 50% female representation in our apprentice intakes for the last 3 years. This event is about creating stronger connections, welcoming difference, and empowering the diversity of talent in our people.”

Essential Energy Chief Operations, People and Safety Officer, Amalie Smith: “We’re incredibly proud of the women at this conference and across our entire business driving innovation and collaboration throughout regional, rural and remote New South Wales. The rapid pace of the energy transition requires diverse thinking and lived experience to embrace the complex opportunities ahead. Women in operational roles are critical to shaping the network of the future and to addressing the current skills gap as we continue to build a smarter, safer and more inclusive energy future.”

Transgrid Executive General Manager of Delivery, Jennifer Hughes: “Transgrid is delighted to join our 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. “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 percent 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 NSW - calls for nothing short of full participation by women in all parts of the electricity industry.”

For media information, to arrange and interview or obtain photos, contact:

Endeavour Energy: Vida Cheeseman, 0410 597 547, vida.cheeseman@endeavourenergy.com.au

Transgrid: Mark Nolan 0429 047 136