Three outstanding leaders have been recognised for their exceptional contributions to Australia’s transport network at the 2025 Roads Australia John Shaw Dinner.
The highest honour of the evening, the John Shaw Medal, was bestowed upon its 30th recipient, David Stuart-Watt AM, currently Client Director for Transport ANZ with WSP.
This medal recognises an industry champion who has made significant and lasting contributions to the transport sector both in Australia and internationally.
Over his distinguished 46-year career, Mr Stuart-Watt AM has been a driving force in advancing Australia’s transport interests, notably during his tenure as President of Roads Australia. His work has spanned the entire infrastructure lifecycle, from planning to operation, earning him widespread respect as a transport leader.
A key achievement includes establishing the Roads Australia Fellowship Program, demonstrating his commitment to mentorship and fostering future industry leaders.
“The John Shaw Medal is the pinnacle award in our industry, and I am extremely honoured to be recognised in this way. Thank you to Roads Australia, WSP for nominating me and my family for supporting me throughout my career.
Roads, Transport and Infrastructure is one of the most inclusive and collaborative industries to be a part of and is where I have enjoyed a challenging and rewarding career;” said Mr Stuart-Watt AM.
The Ray Fisher Award for Technical Excellence was presented to Dr Torill Pape, a preeminent expert in bridges and structures and currently Deputy Chief Engineer (structures) with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Dr Pape’s nearly 25-year career has been marked by practical contributions to major transport projects nationwide, underpinned by her extensive scholarship, including the Austroads Engineering Guideline to Bridge Asset Management. Her innovative work in data-driven structural asset management and collaborative research initiatives have significantly enhanced the industry’s technical capabilities and governance.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have been supported, mentored and sponsored by incredible engineers and leaders who have helped me excel in my career. They have also been instrumental in embedding a deep sense of personal responsibility regarding developing and maintaining transport infrastructure that is safe and functional for our community.
We are at the precipice of a once in a generation change for Australian transport – the the need to adopt more sustainable practices, the challenges in our energy sector, the digital revolution and the upcoming Olympics. It is an exciting time to be a civil engineer, but we need to ensure we promote our profession and invest in future generations to maintain the pipeline of technical excellence in our field,” said Dr Pape.
The inaugural Fellowship Alumni Award, launched to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the Roads Australia Fellowship Program, was awarded to Alex Yee, the Chief Executive Officer for Egis ANZ.
A participant in the inaugural year of the Fellowship Program in 2015, Mr Yee has emerged as an innovative leader in the transport sector. Over the past three years, he has extended Egis’s reach in transport, built environment, energy, water and asset management to scale a team from 150 to 1200 in three years across ANZ.
“Ten years ago, Roads Australia took a leap of faith and created a program that invested in developing a diverse, dynamic group of emerging transport leaders capable of making a better transport future for tomorrow. I was fortunate to be part of that first cohort and, along with 19 of my peers, benefited from the mentorship and experience that the program offered.
Today, as the CEO of Egis in ANZ, I am incredibly proud to be the first recipient of the Roads Australia Fellowship Alumni Award. However, I am even more proud of how the program has evolved and grown over the last 10 years with the support of Roads Australia to an alumni network of more than 300 – many of whom now sit in executive roles across our transport sector;” said Mr Yee.
Roads Australia Chair, Aneetha de Silva, congratulated the award recipients, stating, “Roads Australia is delighted to celebrate the remarkable individuals who are shaping the future of Australia’s transport system.
David’s visionary leadership, Torill’s technical brilliance, and Alex’s unwavering support for emerging talent are truly inspiring and reflect the strength and dedication within our industry.
“Their achievements underscore the diverse talent and commitment that drives innovation and excellence in Australia’s transport sector. As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Roads Australia Fellowship Program, it’s particularly fitting that this year’s awards recognise three individuals who have been pivotal to its success.”
Delivered in partnership with presenting partner Gamuda, the 2025 John Shaw Dinner was held at Sydney ICC Grand Ballroom on Thursday 3 April 2025.