Two Komatsu employees have been named as finalists in the 2026 Women in Industry Awards, recognising their contribution to leadership, mentoring and excellence across sectors including mining, construction, logistics, manufacturing and transport.
Laura Canning, Director Supply Chain – Australia at Komatsu, has been nominated for Mentor of the Year and the Women in Leadership award. Komatsu mobile plant mechanic Caitlyn Hayes has also been recognised, with nominations in both the Excellence in Construction and Excellence in Mining categories.
The Women in Industry Awards recognise outstanding women working across traditionally male-dominated industries, with the 2026 ceremony to be held in Sydney on 18 June.
For Canning, the recognition follows a 15-year career with Komatsu that began in a temporary administration role while she was also working as a personal trainer. Her career has since included multiple roles across the business, including a secondment in the United States and responsibility for global logistics during the Covid period.
“My time at Komatsu has seen me in a few different roles, including a secondment in the US which then led to me overseeing global logistics throughout Covid. It was definitely a challenging period, but it taught me a lot and when I look back at where I started, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come and the opportunities I’ve tackled along the way,” Laura Canning, Director Supply Chain – Australia at Komatsu, said.
Canning said the nomination reflected both her own development and the support she had received throughout her career.
“I think this recognition reflects that journey. A lot of people have invested time and trust in me over the years and I’ve also worked hard to continue developing and upskilling myself to be the leader I am today. I’m really passionate about fostering an inclusive culture at Komatsu and being in a leadership role now gives me the opportunity to mentor and support the next generation, just as others supported me throughout my career,” Canning said.
That focus on mentoring is also reflected in the work of Hayes, who is a dual trade-qualified technician in diesel fitting and automotive electrical. Hayes works FIFO in the Pilbara on a customer site, operating across both field service and workshop roles.
In addition to her technical work, Hayes has been involved in mentoring and training apprentices. She has also contributed to Komatsu’s apprentice recruitment campaigns, which the company says helped increase the proportion of new female apprentices to nearly 50 per cent across Queensland and nationally.
“I think a lot of work can be done in the space to get women in the door and to retain and support them once their apprenticeships are complete. I love supporting and mentoring the next generation of tradies entering the industry and sharing my experience with others coming through to help encourage them to build careers in these sectors,” Caitlyn Hayes, mobile plant mechanic at Komatsu, said.
Hayes said being recognised alongside other women in construction and mining was a proud moment.
“Being recognised for my work at these awards alongside so many other great women in both the construction and mining sectors is a great opportunity and I’m really proud to be nominated,” Hayes said.
The nominations highlight the range of career pathways available across heavy equipment, mining and construction support industries, from supply chain leadership to skilled trades and field service roles.
They also point to the increasing focus being placed on mentoring, visibility and retention as industries work to attract a broader workforce into operational, technical and leadership positions.
