Joanne Farrell, ACT General Manager at Kane Constructions, has been named the winner of the Professional Excellence Award – Projects over $60m at the 2025 ACT Australian Institute of Building (AIB) Awards, acknowledging her exceptional leadership on one of the country’s most significant civic projects.
As the lead on the New Southern Entrance works at the Australian War Memorial, Joanne oversaw a delivery marked by complexity, precision and cultural responsibility. The project involved constructing a new subterranean entrance below the heritage-listed forecourt, integrating theatre and function spaces, accessibility upgrades and structural alterations to the original 1941 building, all while keeping the Memorial fully operational.
Joanne’s leadership was central to the successful handover of the redesigned Parade Ground in time for the ANZAC Day service, a milestone achieved despite weather delays, heritage sensitivities and challenging site conditions. Her approach brought together technical rigour, stakeholder alignment and team-wide cohesion to deliver a result that enhances the Memorial’s visitor experience while honouring its history.
This recognition reflects not only the complexity of the work, but the calibre of leadership required to bring it to life.
