2026 Composites Australia Annual Industry Awards
The 2026 Composites Australia Awards were presented at this year’s Annual Conference, with Association President Lynden Vikingur welcoming Luke Preston, CEO of ACMCRC — this year’s Awards sponsor — to present on the night. Together, the recipients’ achievements are strengthening Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability.
The Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Contribution Award was presented to Leigh Spencer, R&D Technical Services Manager at RPC Technologies.
Leigh’s nearly four-decade career spans filament winding, infusion, RTM and resin chemistry. Starting as a lab assistant in 1986, he’s held senior technical roles industry-wide. At RPC since 2004, he leads R&D, oversees testing, evaluates new technologies, and mentors the next generation of composites professionals.
The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Genelle Coghlan, Managing Director of Colan Australia Pty Ltd.
A Composites Australia Board member since 2005 (President 2010–2016, 2023–2024), Genelle has championed sovereign manufacturing capability and supply chain integration for nearly two decades, with her service to the association spanning that entire period.
Under her leadership, Colan remains Australia’s sovereign manufacturer of advanced technical textiles, celebrating 70 years of uninterrupted production supplying defence, aerospace, marine and infrastructure sectors.
The Engineering Team Excellence Award — Carbon Revolution
Presented to Ashley Denmead, Steve Agius, Tim Corbett and Tim de Souza on behalf of the wider engineering team at Carbon Revolution. From a Geelong garage to automotive-scale carbon fibre wheel manufacturing, this team engineered a bespoke additive preforming process and validated composite wheels against OEM aluminium standards, withstanding pothole strikes, fatigue cycling and 1,000°C brake temperatures. Their Mega-line Industrialisation Program delivered a fully automated, digitalised production system producing multiple wheel variants for global OEM customers.
The Engineer of the Year Award was awarded to Tom Murphy, Senior Design Engineer, Dennis Southam & Associates (DSA), part of Novafast Holdings
Tom joined as a graduate fifteen years ago and now leads design, inspection and failure analysis of FRP systems for clients including BHP, Worley, BAE and Sydney Water. He heads DSA’s material testing division and contributes to Standards Australia’s AS2634 revision. Chartered Professional Engineer, RPEQ.
The Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Contribution Award was awarded to Murray L. Scott, Chairman, Advanced Composite Structures Australia Pty Ltd
Prof. Scott’s four-decade aerospace career includes 13 years as CEO of the CRC for Advanced Composite Structures, delivering technologies adopted in the Boeing 787.
He co-founded the Australian Composite Structures Society, chairs the Joint Board for Aerospace Engineering, and holds Honorary Fellowship from Engineers Australia plus international leadership roles across multiple aerospace societies.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Owen Hall
Across four decades, Owen shaped Western Australia’s composites industry through fabrication, technical sales, teaching and process development. From Windrush Yachts to South Metropolitan TAFE, he helped build WA’s self-reliant manufacturing culture. His most consequential contribution: introducing vacuum infusion processing to WA, then sharing that knowledge freely across the state’s fabricators for decades.
The Apprentice of the Year Award was awarded to Lionel Morell, Hart Marine
Lionel is working towards his MEM30719 Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction. Nominated by Scott Compson of the Australian Institute of Engineers, he earns this year’s award for his commitment to this multi-year trade qualification — backed by Hart Marine’s investment in his training.
The Apprentice of the Year award is sponsored by allnex Composites.
Manufacturing Excellence Award was awarded to Lee Charlton, Engineering Manager, Sykes Rowing/Racing
Lee has spent 35 years building Australia’s most decorated composite rowing shells — boats that have carried Australian rowers to four Olympic gold medals and over 30 Olympic/World Championship medals. He’s guided Sykes’ evolution into advanced composite manufacturing, driven continuous improvement and KPI initiatives, and mentored the next generation of composites practitioners.
Conference Dinner Sponsor — MVP Australia
Composites Australia thanks MVP Australia for sponsoring this year’s Conference Dinner.
MVP Australia supplies fluid movement and production solutions for industrial applications across the composites and adhesives markets, and is a leading equipment provider to the marine, infrastructure, pool and bath, oil and gas, transportation, aerospace and wind industries. We thank MVP for their continued support of the Australian composites industry
2025 – Composites Australia Annual Industry Awards
Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Martin Nikolas, Co-founder, Marky Industries Pty Ltd.
Martin, along with co-founder Krystyna were recognised for enduring service and leadership in composites manufacturing.
From a $50 start-up in 1978 to a leading manufacturer across multiple sectors, Martin and his family have been strong advocates for collaboration and local capability. A Board member since 2006 and Vice President since 2014 Martin has contributed to the direction of the Australian composites sector.
The Engineer of the Year Award was awarded to Simon Karpeles, Head of Engineering, RPC Technologies.
Simon is recognised for his outstanding contributions to engineering innovation and technical excellence across the composites sector.
With decades of experience in FRP and GRP engineering, Simon has led major infrastructure projects in mining, power, water and defence. At RPC since 1990, he has advanced composite fabrication methods, design optimisation and compliance with global standards for various projects, including Australia’s largest GRP vessels, landmark cooling systems, and deep shaft liners that continue strengthening RPC’s sovereign manufacturing capability.
Duane Johnson, Lamination & Infusion Manager at Riviera Australia, was awarded the 2025 Employee of the Year Award.
Duane is recognised for his exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing composite manufacturing excellence.
Duane has over 20 years of composites experience, rising from laminator to senior leadership roles in the UK and Australia. At Riviera, he has introduced advanced quality systems and leads the lamination infusion process for over 150 boats annually. Known for mentoring staff and ensuring flawless finishes, Duane’s commitment to safety, precision and continuous improvement has strengthened Riviera’s reputation for world-class composite manufacturing.
2025 Engineering Excellence Award – Central Interceptor Project: RPC Technologies Pty Ltd
Recognised for outstanding GRP engineering in large-scale infrastructure, RPC Technologies delivered over 1,000 tonnes of advanced composites for New Zealand’s $1.2B Central Interceptor.
RPC’s design, testing and manufacture of deep GRP shafts and cascade structures set new benchmarks for durability, seismic resilience and construction efficiency in future-ready underground infrastructure. Accepting the award, Gavin Engelsman, Tony Caristo and Simonn Karpeles
2025 Innovation Award for Advancements in Composites Technology – CST Composites
CST Composites is recognised for developing and commercialising Australian-made Towpreg, a transformative advancement in filament winding technology. Their proprietary resin impregnation system enables faster, safer and more precise composite manufacturing. Already applied in pressure vessels and Olympic-grade masts, CST’s innovation enhances performance, supports automation, and strengthens Australia’s sovereign capability in advanced composites manufacturing. Accepting the award for CST is Eden Murphy.
2025 Apprentice of the Year Award – Mikhail (Mickey) Hopa, Marky Industries Pty Ltd
Mickey Hopa, a Composites Technician at Marky Industries, is completing a Certificate III in Polymer Processing through PARTEC. Recognised for her technical skill, collaborative approach, and commitment to development, Mickey exemplifies the next generation of composites professionals. Nominated by PARTEC’s Dieter Heydenrych, she receives a $1,000 prize courtesy of allnex Composites. Congratulations, Mickey, on this well-deserved award.
We extend our sincere thanks to MVP for sponsoring this year’s Conference Dinner. As a leading provider of fluid movement and production equipment, MVP’s support reflects its longstanding commitment to advancing composite manufacturing.
The Composites Australia Annual Industry Awards – 2024
The Composites Industry Awards recognise outstanding achievements in the composites sector, honouring individuals and organisations for excellence, commitment, and innovation.
Congratulations to the following deserving individuals and organisations whose achievements propel our industry forward.
Leadership and Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Tony Caristo, Managing Director, RPC Technologies Pty Ltd
Tony is recognised for his enduring service and leadership in composites manufacturing.
Tony’s career, beginning in the 1980s, has transformed RPC Technologies, expanding its workforce to over 500 employees and establishing five facilities. We are proud to award Tony Caristo the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to engineering and manufacturing and for shaping Australia’s industrial landscape.
Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Kevin Skerman, R&D Engineer, Wagners CFT Manufacturing
Kevin is recognised for his transformative contributions to composites manufacturing.
Kevin’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, with over 1.4 million cross-arms installed across the Australian electricity distribution network. His work has not only seen the Wagners Toowoomba facility grow from a three-person startup but also instilled hope for its future, now a thriving hub with over 140 staff members.
Lifetime Achievement Award in the Education category was awarded to Roger Cater, Manager, PARTEC (Qld).
Roger is recognised for his outstanding services to education in composite technology and manufacturing.
Roger has elevated technical education standards in the composites sector through his leadership at PARTEC, shaping countless professionals. His innovative teaching methods and alignment with industry needs have prepared students for impactful careers, earning him the Lifetime Achievement Award – Education.
Engineer of the Year Award was awarded to Virginie Murphy, Engineering Manager, RPC Technologies
Virginie is recognised for her professional excellence in engineering within composite manufacturing.
Virginie, a leader in materials engineering, developed innovative carbon fibre and Permaglass technologies, improved rail system safety, and enhanced AMP Control enclosures. She holds advanced degrees and has led defence projects, earning recognition for her contributions to industry excellence.
The Innovation Award for Advancements in Composite Technology in the ‘Product’ category was awarded to Aquatic Leisure Technologies (ALT)
ALT is recognised for its transformative achievements in advanced materials for composite manufacturing, specifically graphene-enhanced pools.
This award recognises the development of Graphene Nano-Tech GRP pools, launched in 2020. ALT’s collaboration with First Graphene enhanced pool strength and durability by infusing graphene into the resin, overcoming moisture absorption challenges and scaling production despite pandemic obstacles.
The Innovation Award for Advancements in Composite Technology in the ‘Component’ category was awarded to Advanced Composite Structures Australia (ACS-A).
ACS – A is recognised for its transformative achievements in engineering lightweight composite azimuth arms.
This award recognises ACS’s lightweight carbon-fibre azimuth arms development for EM Solutions’ satcom systems. Achieving a 65% mass reduction, the innovative design enhances performance for naval operations, provides cost savings, and simplifies installation for military communications on naval vessels.
The Apprentice of the Year Award was awarded to Mitchell Olds, Zone RV, Certificate III in Polymer Processing /Composites with PARTEC (Qld) Pty Ltd.
Mitch is recognised for his advanced ability and commitment to composites manufacturing.
Mitchell, nominated by Dieter Heydenrych from PARTEC Institute, excelled in his apprenticeship by creating durable, reusable silicone vacuum bags. His leadership, clear communication, and commitment to personal and team development have set new standards in composites manufacturing.
The Apprentice of the Year award is sponsored by allnex Composites.
The awards were presented at the Composites Australia conference dinner – on 1st May 2024.
www.compositesconference.com.au
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Further information on the awards can be requested at awards@compositesaustralia.com.au