Industry friends and colleagues gathered to recognise the outstanding contributions of Queensland’s best and brightest in the construction sector.
On Friday, 21st March 2025, more than 500 leaders from the Queensland construction industry gathered for the highly anticipated Queensland Major Contractors Association (QMCA) Excellence Awards.
Held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, the annual event was a fantastic afternoon filled with industry recognition, inspiration and celebration – spotlighting the contributions of professionals and projects that are shaping Queensland’s infrastructure legacy.
The QMCA Awards has cemented its place as a must-attend event on the construction industry calendar, and this year was no exception. Attendees networked with industry friends and peers over a gourmet three-course lunch, enjoyed live entertainment and heard from influential industry figures. The event included a special performance by renowned Australian poet Rupert McCall OAM.
The awards ceremony featured categories including Project of the Year, Design Excellence, Technology and Innovation, and the Sustainability and Community Award.
The ‘IPS James Sheldon Construction Professional of the Year Award’ was proudly presented to Matthew Hemsworth from CMC. This award, introduced in honour of the late James Sheldon, commemorates the legacy of a beloved IPS founding member who left a big impact on the industry before his passing at just 32 years old in 2020.
A chartered professional Civil Engineer, Matthew has contributed to the delivery of 10 major infrastructure projects ($20m to $350m+) for government and private clients, with extensive experience in the delivery of bridges, concrete structures and civil works.
The judges were most impressed with Matthew’s positive mindset and his calm, solutions-focused approach to challenges; the kind of construction professional who will give back to the industry in spades. Matthew also best embodied the love of this industry and the spirit of curiosity and endeavour that encapsulated the construction professional that James Sheldon was.
“The QMCA Awards are a platform to celebrate the individuals and teams driving our industry forward,” said IPS Managing Director Sascha Kurz.
“We are so proud to honour James’ legacy with this award, ensuring recognition for his passion and commitment to engineering lives on- while also recognising the rising stars shaping the industry’s future.
“Congratulations to Matthew for this well-deserved recognition, together with all the other winners and nominees!”
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