Presented annually by Weld Australia, the Welding Excellence Awards recognise the people and projects setting new benchmarks for quality and capability in manufacturing. From advanced automation and safety initiatives to world-class training and education, this year’s winners exemplify how innovation and commitment to craftsmanship continue to strengthen local industry.
Weld Australia CEO, Geoff Crittenden, said the Awards highlight the exceptional talent and ingenuity within Victoria and Tasmania’s welding community. “Our winners are not only delivering outstanding technical outcomes, they’re fostering growth, sustainability, and a culture of continuous improvement. Their work demonstrates that the future of welding in Australia is bright, adaptive, and globally competitive,” he said.
“The calibre of nominees this year reflects a sector that’s embracing change while staying true to the principles of skill, safety and precision. These Awards celebrate more than achievement. They recognise the people shaping the next generation of Australia’s manufacturing excellence,” Crittenden said.
Acciona was the winner of the 2025 Company of the Year Award – Fabrication for its leadership in sustainable infrastructure delivery and its commitment to quality, innovation, and community impact. With more than 46 years of experience in Australia and backed by Acciona’s global expertise, the company delivers mechanical and electrical solutions across energy, water, transport, and industrial sectors. Its recent AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification highlight a steadfast focus on excellence in fabrication, safety, and environmental performance. By embracing Industry 4.0 technologies (like automated orbital welding and advanced laser systems), Acciona has enhanced precision, efficiency, and sustainability across its projects. The company’s dedication to workforce development, diversity, and meaningful community engagement further cements its reputation as a forward-thinking industry leader.
The Runner Up in the Company of the Year – Fabrication category was Uneek Bending.
AGL Bioenergy was the winner of the 2025 Victorian Project of the Year Award for their advanced biogas flare systems for one of Australia’s largest landfill sites. With a strong focus on sustainability and engineering excellence, AGL Bioenergy undertook engineering, design, fabrication, installation, and commissioning of the four advanced biogas flare systems. The landmark project involved the complete lifecycle delivery of high-capacity flare systems, each capable of safely combusting 3,000 m³ of biogas per hour. The systems were designed to meet stringent environmental and safety standards while maximising operational efficiency and reliability. The fabrication phase was a significant undertaking, involving the processing of over 55 tonnes of steel. AGL Bioenergy’s in-house workshop executed the work with precision and coordination, transforming raw materials into complex, high-performance flare systems.
Incat was the winner of the 2025 Tasmanian Project of the Year Award for Hull 096, the world’s largest battery-electric ship. At 130m in length and designed to carry 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, the Hull 096 represents a giant leap in the decarbonisation of large-scale commercial shipping. Launched in May 2025, Hull 096 is being delivered to South American operator Buquebus and will operate between Argentina and Uruguay, reducing emissions across one of the busiest ferry routes in the region. The fabrication of Hull 096 was a project of unprecedented scale. More than 900 tonnes of marine-grade aluminium plate and extrusion were cut, formed, welded, and assembled into a structure of extraordinary precision and complexity.
The Runners Up were: Hanlon Industries for the ICON digital screens at One Wellington Apartments, St Kilda Junction; and Fredericks Fabrication for the West Gate Tunnel Project.
The Runner Up in the Health & Safety in Welding Award was: Marand Precision Engineering. A Highly Commended went to the Victorian State Emergency Services.
The Runner-Up of the 2025 Company of the Year Award – Supplier was Coregas.
Ringwood Training has grown into one of Victoria’s most respected government school RTOs, offering qualifications from Certificate II through to Advanced Diploma across Automotive, Engineering Fabrication, and Information Communication Technology. Its programs combine hands-on practical learning with flexible digital delivery, ensuring students are equipped with real-world skills and pathways to employment. Through partnerships with industry leaders such as Hypertherm, Industrial Laser Solutions, and the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce, Ringwood Training provides access to cutting-edge technologies—including Australia’s first hand-held laser welder—while maintaining close collaboration with employers to keep training current and responsive. The organisation’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and diversity is embedded in every aspect of its operations, from female mentoring programs and renewable energy initiatives to world-class facilities that exceed industry safety standards.
TAFE Gippsland has set a new benchmark in delivering innovative, industry-aligned training that supports both students and employers through Gippsland’s economic transition from coal-fired power to renewable energy. With a proud legacy of community engagement, the organisation offers nationally accredited qualifications across engineering, welding, and clean energy disciplines, supported by state-of-the-art facilities such as the new Port of Sale Campus and the Clean Energy Centre. These advanced training environments, equipped with CNC machinery and high-tech welding systems, ensure students develop the skills demanded by modern industry. Strong partnerships with leading employers, including AGL Loy Yang, EnergyAustralia, and Star of the South, reflect TAFE Gippsland’s proactive approach to aligning training with workforce needs, while collaborations with Trades Women Australia and the Gippsland Women in Industry Network promote diversity and inclusion across the trades.
Reuben Joiner from Service Stream was named the 2025 Young Trades Person of the Year. Beginning his career with work experience at Martin Metal Works, Reuben quickly proved himself as a standout talent—completing his Certificate III in Boilermaking, multiple AS 1796 welding tickets, and the IWI-B Welding Inspector qualification before the age of 25. Currently undertaking his Certificate IV in Engineering alongside his AS 2214 Welding Supervisor and AS 1796 Certificate 10 qualifications, Reuben demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to continuous learning and technical mastery. His experience includes critical work at AGL’s Loy Yang Power Station, where his precision and reliability earned him the respect of both peers and supervisors. Reuben is known not only for his craftsmanship and 100% NDT pass rate but also for his leadership, professionalism, and willingness to mentor others. Whether representing AGL at career expos, volunteering his time to gain additional inspection experience, or networking through Weld Australia events, Reuben embodies the next generation of skilled, engaged, and forward-thinking tradespeople.
The Runner Up in the Young Trades Person of the Year Award was Jack Mattern from Monadelphous.
There were two Highly Commended in the Young Trades Person of the Year Award: Felipe Pereira Cabral from Uneek Bending; and Amber Leyshan from AGL’s Loy Yang A Power Station and Mine in the Latrobe Valley.
Jimmy Abbott from Uneek Bending was named the 2025 Trades Person of the Year. With over 50 years in the trade, Jimmy’s career has been defined by technical excellence, humility, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of welders and fabricators. Beginning his career in 1974 at Babcock & Wilcox in Scotland, he fabricated thick-walled nuclear pressure vessels to the most demanding standards. After immigrating to Australia in 1980, Jimmy joined Comeng, where he rose through the ranks to foreman, leading a team of more than 70 tradespeople in stainless steel rail fabrication. Since 2007, he has been a cornerstone of Uneek Bending, applying his unmatched skill to projects spanning transportation, energy, and heavy industry while helping shape the company’s distinctive culture of quality, teamwork, and humour. Known for his reliability, craftsmanship, and mentorship, Jimmy embodies the values of excellence, respect, and integrity that define the Australian welding profession. His impact extends beyond fabrication—he has built a legacy of knowledge-sharing, workplace camaraderie, and industry pride that continues to inspire everyone around him.
The Runner Up for 2025 Tradesperson of the Year Award was Maddisyn Cornwall-Small from RotaFab.
The Highly Commended for 2025 Tradesperson of the Year Award was Kenneth Maher from Hanlon Industries.
Dodge Deverell from Kangan Institute won the 2025 Victorian Training and Education – Individual Teacher Award for his outstanding dedication to vocational education and his transformative impact on learners within Corrections Victoria. As an engineering and fabrication teacher at Kangan Institute, Dodge brings together deep industry expertise and innovative teaching practice to create meaningful learning experiences for students in correctional facilities. Dodge has played a pivotal role in establishing Welding Centres of Excellence across six Victorian prisons, integrating cutting-edge augmented reality welding systems to bridge virtual learning with hands-on experience. His approachable, inclusive teaching style empowers students of all literacy and numeracy levels to achieve remarkable outcomes. Dodge’s ability to connect with learners from diverse backgrounds, foster trust, and instil confidence has redefined what success looks like in correctional education.
The Runner Up in the Victoria Training and Education Award for an Individual Teacher was Joe Haley from TAFE Gippsland.
There were two Highly Commended in the Victoria Training and Education Award for an Individual Teacher: Alex Terranova from TAFE Gippsland; and Jordan Cleary from Chisholm Institute.
Rick Timmerman from TasTAFE won the 2025 Tasmanian Training and Education – Individual Teacher Award. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, Rick has built a reputation as a calm, patient, and highly skilled educator who inspires confidence and excellence in his students. Holding advanced trade qualifications, including his Certificate 10 Welding Inspector credential, Rick brings technical mastery and industry relevance to every lesson. His practical demonstrations are precise, his feedback thoughtful, and his teaching style both methodical and encouraging, ensuring students not only understand complex welding theory but can apply it with confidence in real-world settings. Rick’s ability to create a respectful and inclusive classroom culture is one of his defining strengths; he takes the time to understand each student’s learning needs, fostering resilience and pride in their achievements. Beyond his classroom impact, Rick plays a vital mentoring role among colleagues, freely sharing his knowledge and supporting new teachers in refining their own instructional practice.
The Runner Up in the Tasmanian Training and Education Award for an Individual Teacher was Luke Bourne from TasTAFE.
Monica Galban won the 2025 VET in Schools Student of the Year Award. A Year 12 student at Keysborough College, Monica is completing her VCE while undertaking a Certificate II in Engineering Studies through Chisholm Institute, where she has excelled both academically and practically. Her skills in MIG and Arc welding, oxy-acetylene cutting, and fabrication have been strengthened through hands-on experience at a structural steel company, where she earned praise for her reliability, adaptability, and eagerness to learn. Monica’s dedication to excellence was further recognised when she qualified to represent Victoria in the 2025 WorldSkills competition for Augmented Reality Welding—an achievement that demonstrates her emerging technical mastery and composure under pressure. Monica plans to combine her trade expertise with a future degree in Industrial Design or Architecture, blending creativity with technical precision to make a lasting contribution to the engineering and fabrication sector.
The winners of the 2025 Welding Professional of the Year Award were:
Karim Shokri from Thornton Engineering for the Victorian Welding Coordinator category. A professionally qualified Welding Engineer with a Master’s degree in Welding Engineering and Metallurgy, Karim has over 20 years of experience in welding inspection, supervision, and coordination across Australia and overseas.
Matthew Swinden from Elphinstone for the Tasmanian Welding Coordinator category. Matthew is a highly skilled welding professional with over 8 years of experience at Elphinstone, a leader in the manufacture of underground and surface mining equipment. Currently serving as a Welding Inspector, Supervisor, and Coordinator, Matthew has played a pivotal role in the delivery of complex fabrication projects in the defence sector.
Damien Ebenwaldner from Arc Structural for the Victorian Welding Inspector category. Damien is known for his meticulous technical standards, unwavering commitment to compliance, and consistently exceptional inspection work across complex structural projects.
Tyler Sharman from Elphinstone for the Tasmanian Welding Inspector category. Tyler Sharman is a highly skilled welding and fabrication professional with over 15 years of experience in the sheet metal industry. Throughout his career, Tyler has consistently demonstrated technical excellence, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to both personal and professional growth within the trade.
Bill Cudera from GBC Weld Works for the Victorian Welding Supervisor category. With over a decade of experience in structural, piping, pressure, and mobile welding, Bill has built a respected reputation in the welding industry for his technical expertise, leadership, and passion for the trade.
Kiah McCreadie from Elphinstone for the Tasmanian Welding Supervisor category. With more than 20 years of experience, Kiah has built a career defined by technical excellence, integrity, and a commitment to professional development. As Welding Supervisor at Elphinstone, Kiah oversees complex welding operations on high-integrity defence projects, ensuring every component meets the most rigorous standards.