Dr Gillian Miles AM named John Shaw Medallist

John Shaw Medallist, Dr Gillian Miles AM, has encouraged more young women to consider a career
in transport infrastructure, during a Transport Australia gala dinner where three of the four major
industry awards were won by women.Dr Miles was named the 31st recipient of the John Shaw Medal, the transport sector’s highest
individual honour, at the John Shaw Dinner in Melbourne on Thursday evening, attended by more
than 750 leaders from government, industry and academia.

A nationally respected transport reform leader, Dr Miles said she hoped the recognition of women
across the awards would encourage more young women to see transport as a long-term career
pathway.

“My biggest wish would be that this encourages young women to join transport, young women to
move through the system and to see transport as offering a whole career,” Dr Miles said. “To see women win awards, to have their work acknowledged and to be part of the conversation
about the future of transport in this country is incredibly important.”

Dr Miles has more than 30 years’ experience across transport policy, reform and public
administration, including as Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner of the National Transport
Commission, Head of Transport for Victoria, and in senior executive roles across the Victorian
public sector and local government.

She currently serves as Chair of the Australian Rail Industry Standards Organisation, Chair of the
Chisholm Institute Board, and a board member of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. She was
recently appointed a Commissioner of Infrastructure Australia.

In 2026, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the
transport and infrastructure sectors.

Dr Miles also played an instrumental role in establishing the National Women in Transport
initiative, helping create stronger pathways and networks for women across the industry.

Transport Australia Chief Executive Officer Ehssan Veiszadeh said Dr Miles’ influence extended well
beyond transport reform and policy.

“Dr Gillian Miles has helped shape Australia’s transport system through practical reform, public
leadership and a strong commitment to the next generation of industry leaders,” Mr Veiszadeh
said.

“She has consistently championed inclusion, capability and long-term thinking across the sector,
making her a deeply deserving recipient of the John Shaw Medal.

Transport Australia also announced Aimee Wescombe as the recipient of the 2026 Ray Fisher
Award for Technical Excellence, recognising her outstanding technical leadership and contribution
to road safety and infrastructure delivery.

The Fellowship Alumni Award was presented to Stuart Cook for his contribution to leadership
development and mentoring across the industry.

Claudia Elfar received the Emerging Leaders Award, recognising her outstanding leadership
potential and contribution to the future of the sector.