Melanie Orr named AIPM 2024 Australian Project Professional of the Year

Beca is proud to announce Melanie Orr – Associate in our Australian Airports team, has been recognised as the 2024 Australian Project Professional of the Year at the prestigious AIPM Project Management Achievement Awards.

In response to her outstanding achievement, Melanie said “I’m honoured to be recognised as the Australian Project Professional for 2024.

Within the Australian Airports team at Beca, I have been given the opportunity to work on some great projects for Melbourne Airport that continue to make everyday better for their team and the travelling public. To be recognised for my project delivery in this way is truly humbling. Over the course of my 15-year career at Beca, I have been supported by many incredible leaders and peers, and this award wouldn’t have been possible without them”.

Her words were echoed by Tim Swain - Manager AU Airports, who said “It has been such a pleasure watching Mel grow professionally over the years into an exceptional project professional and leader. 

As a part time employee and mother of two, Mel has been able to thrive in our Airports business and plays a critical role in the successful delivery of our project portfolio, across which she drives efficiency, accountability and success. Her skill of providing clarity on complex issues has contributed to her developing trusted, high-quality relationships with our clients.

She leads through a culture of authenticity, inclusion and care, which fosters the growth of our early career team members and empowers them to be their best".

Andrew Mailer, Managing Director - Beca Australia added "Whether it be on site or interactions in our offices, it's easy to see how Beca's Airports team embodies our core value of partnership; such as enthusiasm for our client's success. This outstanding achievement is well deserved recognition of Mel’s leadership and contribution at Beca over many years, as we continue to focus on creating a community where our talent thrives.  Congratulations to Mel and the wider Airports team".

The winners were announced on Tuesday October 22 at a gala dinner and awards night at the National Convention Centre Canberra, as part of AIPM’s (Australian Institute of Project Management) 2024 National Conference.

"Over the course of my 15-year career at Beca, I have been supported by many incredible leaders and peers, and this award wouldn’t have been possible without them” - Melanie Orr

About Melanie

A distinguished Project Management Associate in our Australian Airports Team who begun her career with Beca in 2009, Melanie today performs a leadership role over a portfolio of complex, major aviation projects here in Australia.

This includes the transformative Melbourne Airport Third Runway (M3R), Taxiway Zulu and Project Wominjeka, all located at Melbourne Airport – who are one of Beca’s valued and longstanding aviation clients.

Melanie is a strong advocate for applying best practice project management principles for the delivery of her projects, with a clear framework to guide her team in delivering great outcomes for clients. She is passionate about genuine teamwork and enjoys empowering the next generation of project leaders who work alongside her, helping to build a thriving community within Beca where our younger talent can thrive.

Melanie recently completed our Killibinbin Sponsorship Program - an exciting initiative hosted by Beca that is aimed at empowering women within our Australian organisation as they navigate their journey from mid-level positions to senior leadership roles. She also works part-time and is proud of how she has successfully balanced her busy career, motherhood and the unique demands that both roles bring.

A special mention to our other national 2024 Project Management Achievement Award finalist – the EastLink Resurfacing Project (in partnership with ConnectEast Pty Ltd and Downer Group), which won the ‘Construction/Engineering Project’ category for Victoria on August 30.

Well done Melanie and our fellow 2024 winners at state and national level!

“It has been such a pleasure watching Mel grow professionally over the years into an exceptional project professional and leader. She leads through a culture of authenticity, inclusion and care, which fosters the growth of our early career team members and empowers them to be their best" - Tim Swain

About the Project Management Achievement Awards

Established in 2000 by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM), the Project Management Achievement Awards (PMAAs) recognise, honour, and promote outstanding achievements in program and project management. Each year project teams across Australia submit their projects, which are then assessed by a judging panel of project experts. Winners of each category are awarded at two levels: State and National, and presented at the Project Management Achievement Awards event ceremony.