The Lift of the Year Awards recognise outstanding crane lifts across Australia, celebrating excellence in planning, execution, and innovation.

The awards highlight exceptional lifts in different categories based on crane capacity and complexity. Entries are judged on criteria such as safety, engineering challenges, environmental considerations, and project significance.

The competition showcases the expertise of Australian crane operators and promotes industry best practices.

Winners are announced at the annual CICA Annual Conference.

Contact The Lift of the Year Team

Project of the Year

The Project of the Year is a prestigious accolade that recognises a remarkable and ground-breaking endeavour that has significantly raised the standards within the crane industry.

This award honours the project that best demonstrates innovation, precision, and exceptional teamwork, setting new benchmarks for safety and efficiency.

2025 Project of the Year Alevro - Pluto Train 2
CICA recognises ALEVRO for their outstanding achievement as the Project of the Year winner for the Pluto Train 2 Project. This landmark heavy haul project ranks among Australia’s largest and most technically demanding, with modules weighing up to 4,550 tonnes moved and installed with exceptional precision. From global equipment mobilisation to the seamless coordination of complex heavy lifts, the project demonstrated ALEVRO’s expertise, dedication, and technical excellence. Their commitment to quality, safety, and innovation sets a new benchmark for heavy lifting and transport in Australia.

Lift of the Year, <20 tonne load

CICA’s Lift of the Year for ≤20 tonne, recognises exceptional crane operations that demonstrate outstanding safety, innovation, and skill in handling lighter lifting projects.

2025 Lift of the Year, <20 tonne load - Brisbane City Cranes ​
CICA recognises Brisbane City Cranes for their outstanding achievement in lifting the 15-tonne dome onto the Virgin Mary Coptic Orthodox Church in Calamvale. By assembling the large dome structure at ground level, the team minimised work at heights and maintained a strong focus on safety throughout the project. Through detailed planning, innovative problem-solving, and expert execution, the Brisbane City Cranes team successfully delivered a complex lift safely and efficiently. This award reflects their commitment to excellence, safety, and technical expertise in lifting operations.

Lift of the Year, >20 tonne load

CICA’s Lift of the Year for >20 tonne honours crane operations that showcase exceptional safety, expertise, and innovation in handling heavy lifting projects.

2025 Lift of the Year, >20 tonne load ​- Premier Cranes & Rigging
CICA recognises Premier Cranes & Rigging for their exceptional achievement in lifting a two-storey-high, 94-tonne generator system at a fully operational data centre. The team successfully navigated extremely tight site constraints, retrofitting the generator into the heart of the plant with just millimetres to spare — at one point, the crane’s counterweight cleared adjacent pipework by only 15mm. This award highlights the team’s professionalism, meticulous engineering planning, and efficiency in plant selection and operation. Every stage of the project was executed with precision, reflecting Premier’s strong commitment to safety, technical excellence, and innovation in complex lifting operations.

Innovation Award

CICA’s Innovation Award recognises ground-breaking advancements in crane technology, equipment, or processes that significantly improve safety, efficiency, and performance, driving progress within the crane and lifting industry.

2025 Innovation Award Winner - John Holland, Gamuda Australia & Edwards Heavy Lift
CICA recognises the team behind the Super T Girder Access Platform (GAP), winner of the Innovation Award. The GAP has transformed the M1 Motorway Extension Project by providing a safer and more efficient method to access lift points on Super T girders. By removing the need for elevated work platforms and reducing manual handling risks, the GAP has increased installation rates by 75% and minimised traffic disruptions. This innovative solution is a testament to engineering excellence, safety, and forward thinking, earning high praise from riggers for its ease of use and the confidence it brings to every lift.

Contact the CICA team with any 'Lift of the Year' / Awards questions

Name