There was plenty to cheer about at this year’s Women in Resources NT Awards, with a trio of Monadelphous legends flying the flag in Darwin.
Louise Waddell, Chyna Mayo and Hailee Espie-Baker were all named finalists, representing Monadelphous across three different categories. And while they’re all champions, one walked away with some extra accolades on the night.
Hailee scored top honours, taking home the award for Outstanding Tradeswoman, Operator or Technician for her work as a Mechanical Fitter.
Starting her apprenticeship in 2021, Hailee is known for her sharp technical skills, willingness to take on tough challenges, and her go-getter attitude on-site. Throughout her apprenticeship, she made it her mission to seek out projects that pushed her comfort zone and sharpened her abilities, especially in areas she wasn’t confident in.
By her fourth year, she wasn’t just smashing it in her own work; she was mentoring junior apprentices too. She trained and guided the next generation in the machining workshop, earning respect not just for her skills but for her leadership.
Since becoming a qualified fitter, Hailee’s been recognised as one of the strongest on-site. She’s admired for her work ethic and for being the type of person others genuinely want to work with.
But what really sets Hailee apart is her passion for lifting others up. As an Indigenous woman in the trades, she’s a fierce advocate for inclusion and diversity. Whether it’s encouraging women to take up mechanical trades or personally mentoring new female apprentices, she’s always finding ways to make the industry more inclusive.
Massive congratulations to Hailee on her well-deserved win and to Louise and Chyna for making it to the finals. We’re incredibly proud of all three and their impact on the industry.