Madeleine McManus OAM has been announced as the recipient of the 2024 John Shaw Medal in front of a packed room of more than 700 transport professionals at Crown Palladium.
The John Shaw Medal is a prestigious award bestowed annually by the national peak body Roads Australia (RA), and is presented to an industry champion who has made a lasting contribution to Australia’s roads.
Ms McManus, currently CEO of the Centre for Professional Engineering Education and Centre for Pavement Engineering Education (CPEE), has been recognised for her outstanding and innovative leadership over an illustrious career in transport and her continuing contribution to the sector going forward.
Over the course of her career, her roles have included National Director of Engineers Australia, the youngest Chair of the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics, a Member of the Victorian Advanced Manufacturing Council and a Board member of the Monash University Engineering and IT Foundation. She was also awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to engineering and education in 2017.
RA Chair Aneetha De Silva congratulated Ms McManus on the achievement and commended her ongoing contribution to the transport industry.
“Ms McManus has left a mark wherever she has been involved, as an agent for change, innovation and diversity,” Ms De Silva said.
“Her career encompasses many firsts, including as Founding Director of the innovative Monash Industry Team Initiative and the youngest Chair of the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics.
“What set Ms McManus apart was not just her individual achievements but her passion for championing a more diverse and sustainable sector from a workforce perspective. She has inspired countless individuals on their own career journey,” said Ms De Silva said.
RA CEO Ehssan Veiszadeh said the John Shaw Medal’s acknowledges some of the sector’s finest individuals.
“We often take for granted the incredible feats that allow our transport network to move goods and people across the nation. This award allows us to pause and acknowledge those who have quietly achieved incredible things across our industry.
“It is also important to acknowledge that Ms McManus is just the third woman to receive this award. Her achievements serve as an inspiration for emerging industry leaders as someone who has done so much to support diversity in our sector,” Mr Veiszadeh said.
Media Enquiries: Elizabeth Kelleher-Cook, Executive Director – Public Affairs – 0414 626 384 / elizabeth.kellehercook@roads.org.au