CICA 2025 'Project of The Year' Winner: Alvero – Pluto Train 2
Lift of The Year Awards
The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) proudly recognises excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievements in the Australian crane industry through the prestigious CICA Lift of the Year Awards. These awards are presented annually at the CICA Conference, celebrating the industry’s most impressive and technically challenging lifts.
Con Popov Memorial Award
The Con Popov Memorial Award honours individuals for outstanding, long-term contributions to the crane industry. Nominations are invited annually through State Branches, with the award presented at the CICA Conference Gala Dinner.
To nominate any one for the Con Popov Memorial Award please send your nomination to nominations@cica.com.au
CICA Legend Award
Introduced in 2016 alongside the CICA Hall of Fame Award, the CICA Legend Award honours individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the Australian crane industry.
Following the establishment of CICA State Branches, this prestigious award was created to recognise those who have made a lasting impact on the industry.
Nominations are exclusively made by the CICA Board and must receive a three-quarters majority vote to be approved.
Danny Black received the award in 2022
CICA Hall Of Fame Award
Introduced in 2016 alongside the CICA Legend Award, the CICA Hall of Fame Award was established following the implementation of CICA State Branches as part of the One Association project.
This award recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to the crane industry at a state or national level.
Any member, with the support of a seconder, may submit a nomination for this prestigious award. Nominations are reviewed annually at the CICA Board’s July meeting and must receive a two-thirds majority vote to be approved.
Any member, with the support of a seconder, may submit a nomination for this prestigious award. Nominations are reviewed annually at the CICA Board’s July meeting and must receive a two-thirds majority vote to be approved.
To nominate any one for the CICA Hall of Fame Award please send your nomination to nominations@cica.com.au
CICA Excellence Awards
Each year, the CICA Board reviews nominations to recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the industry through the prestigious CICA Excellence Award.
To nominate any one for the CICA Excellence Awards please send your nomination to nominations@cica.com.au
Mike Hanchard, Jeff Wilson, Tom Smith, Jeff Sibbick, Bart Sutherland, Ray Brenton, Cheryl Woodhart, and Philip Allen.
Jeff Brundell
Stuart Edwards and Nick Morris
Reg Eggleton
Marcus Rigney
Chris Kolodziej
Steve Gonano
Simon Buxton
In 2022, the CICA Board honoured Simon Buxton with an Excellence Award for his outstanding contributions, alongside the Department of State Growth team, in developing and implementing the Heavy Vehicle Access Management System.
This innovative system has delivered significant benefits to the crane industry by drastically reducing the need for road access permits while enhancing transparency and certainty in road access. By streamlining processes and reducing resource demands, it has provided greater flexibility in crane selection and improved the industry's ability to efficiently serve the community.
Jon Dunn
In 2022, the CICA Board honoured Jon Dunn with an Excellence Award for his pivotal role in driving regulatory changes with WorkSafe Victoria.
Dunn’s Wodonga-based company, Twin City Cranes (DTCC), was issued a Prohibition Notice by WorkSafe Victoria, which DTCC successfully appealed. This victory led to constructive consultations with the regulator, enabling CICA to establish a steering committee. As a result, ongoing discussions with WorkSafe Victoria led to significant changes in the requirements for work boxes, improving industry clarity and safety standards.
Brian Sheedy, Andrew Taylor, Tom Clark, David Solomon
In 2024, industry leaders Brian Sheedy, Andrew Taylor, Tom Clark, and David Solomon were recognised for their invaluable contributions to the NSW Dogging and Rigging Guide.
Working alongside CICA CEO Brandon Hitch, they dedicated their time and expertise to developing this essential resource, which enhances safety in high-risk industries. The guide has set a new benchmark for best practices in dogging and rigging operations nationwide.
Praised for its practical application and industry-wide impact, the guide reflects a strong commitment to collaboration and the highest safety standards.
Launa Williams, Steve Gonano, Mark Happer, Danny Black
Simon Gould, Editor of Cranes and Lifting Magazine, has been recognised with a CICA Excellence Award. This accolade underscores Simon's unwavering dedication and significant contributions to Australia's Crane industry.
With over two decades of experience in the construction industry, Simon has been at the helm of Cranes and Lifting since 2017. Under his leadership, the magazine has evolved into a vital resource for professionals across the industry, offering in-depth coverage of the latest projects, innovations, and safety standards.
Beyond his editorial role, Simon has been instrumental in fostering industry dialogue and knowledge sharing. He has facilitated numerous panels and discussions at CICA's National Conferences, providing a platform for industry leaders to collaborate and address key challenges facing the sector.
CICA recognises Stephan Becherand with a CICA Excellence Award, acknowledging his leadership, professionalism, and dedication within Australia’s crane industry.
