Rita Excell AM Scholarship

Rita Excell Women in Asset Management Scholarship

Encouraging women to nominate for professional development in the field of infrastructure asset management.


Application Process


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Rita Excell scholarship header

Scholarship applications for 2026 are now open! 

With the number of women working across STEM based professions increasing in recent years (from 24% in 2016 to 28% in 2020) IPWEA, as a peak professional association representing the broad field of infrastructure and public works professionals, is in a prime position to support this continued rise in female participation.

The IPWEA Rita Excell Women in Asset Management scholarship aims to:

  • Support women building a career in STEM fields with a focus on infrastructure asset management;
  • Enable IPWEA to support and encourage increased numbers of women participating in the field of infrastructure asset management;
  • Enable IPWEA to communicate the value of infrastructure asset management to the broader community; and
  • Contribute to building the strength of infrastructure asset management practice.

Rita Excell

This scholarship is aimed at ensuring women are encouraged to nominate for professional development in the field of infrastructure asset management. I see this scholarship as the catalyst to encourage women to consider a career in asset management and removing the financial barrier to accessing this.

Rita Excell

Scholarship Inclusions

The scholarship recipient (1) will receive the following:

The Scholarship recipient will complete the following courses according to the dates below:

Event #1

Asset Management Foundations

Start Date: 9 March 2026, 9:00am AEST

End Date: 31st April 2026

CPD 25 hours
Online


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Event #2

Professional Certificate in Asset Management Planning

Start Date: 7 April 2026, 9:00am AEST

End Date: 16th June 2026

CPD approx. 50-60 hours
Online

Find Out More ➔

With a background in Civil Engineering, and in my current role as an Asset Engineer at Wollondilly Shire Council, I am passionate about driving the long-term sustainability and efficiency of critical infrastructure through asset management. I am thrilled to have been awarded the 2025 IPWEA Women in Asset Management Scholarship. This opportunity will provide me with invaluable professional development opportunities and networks to further my career while also empowering me to advocate for and inspire more women to pursue careers in this field. I look forward to using this scholarship to enhance my impact on both my organisation and the wider asset management community.

Karen Milner

Victoria Finlayson
Wollondilly Shire Council
recipient for the 2024/25 scholarship

Karen Milner

Megan Dale
Tweed Shire Council
recipient for the 2024/25 scholarship

As a civil engineer, I am passionate about creating real, lasting value for my community through asset management. Ensuring public infrastructure is maintained, sustainable and future-proof allows me to make meaningful, long-term impacts. While transitioning into this field, my knowledge of asset management was limited. The IPWEA courses will accelerate my learning and equip me with tools to make smarter, more effective decisions that benefit the community now and into the future. Receiving the 2025 IPWEA Rita Excell Women in Asset Management Scholarship is an incredible honour. This scholarship helps remove financial barriers and highlights how organisations like IPWEA are supporting and championing women in engineering and public infrastructure. I’m excited to continue advocating for greater opportunities and representation for women in this field.

Scholarship Application

The scholarship will be awarded based on merit and will be judged by a panel of IPWEA nominated representatives. Applicants must complete the following short-answer questions:

  • Please outline why you have chosen/or seek to develop your career in Asset Management.
  • Describe how being awarded the scholarship would assist you in your career journey in Asset Management.
  • Describe how you intend to use this scholarship opportunity to impact other women considering a career in Asset Management.

 

Scholarship Application Process

Only applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and submit a complete application will be considered. Applicants must submit:

  • A curriculum vitae
  • A response to the Scholarship Criteria
  • Proof of IPWEA membership
  • A letter of support from your employer

Scholarship Applications close 6 Feb 2026

Apply Here

Scholarship Selection Process

Scholarship applications will be reviewed by a Selection Panel comprising the IPWEA Asset Management Committee.

Eligibility

To qualify for the IPWEA Rita Excell Women in Asset Management Scholarship, applicants must:

  • Be a current IPWEA/IPWEA Aotearoa member;
  • Be currently working in an asset management role;
  • Be willing to sign a scholarship agreement, outlining the terms and conditions of the scholarship.

View T&Cs