Pip O’Donnell has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the energy industry at the 2025 Women in Industry Awards.

Pip was named a finalist for the Safety Advocacy Award for her leadership of Essential Energy’s Bushfire Priority Zone Transition project at a gala event held in Melbourne on Thursday 19 June.

“The nomination has been a lovely validation of the work that has gone into the Bushfire Priority zone Transition project, not just from myself but from the whole team. It's brilliant to see these achievements celebrated,” Pip said.

“Thanks to the recent progress to improve gender equality industry wide, and especially at Essential Energy, women in the Engineering and Energy sector have extensive opportunities available to them.”

Pip co-led the Essential Energy Bushfire Zone Transition Project over a two-year period, which was initiated in late 2023. The project is a significant community safety initiative, designed to better manage the risk of powerline-initiated bushfires, including from vegetation contacting the Essential Energy network.

The project has not been without its challenges, including some initial community resistance and the scale of work to be carried out. However, Pip’s tenacity and passion has led the project to see great success.

Perhaps the most significant result, both for Pip, the project team and the wider community is the projected reduction of vegetation-related network impacts by 79% in high-risk bushfire prone areas.

Pip O’Donnell (centre) with Dene Ward (left) and Brad Thomas (right) at the Women in Industry Awards Gala Night.

“It has been really rewarding to see Essential Energy adopt the most up to date climate science, and world class risk modelling that the University of Melbourne have supported us with, all in the name of protecting the communities we serve from bushfire,” Pip said.

Pip’s dedication to community safety and the project’s success highlights the significant contribution of women in the industry to creating a better, safer future for our communities across NSW.

Her impact in her field continues through her current role at Essential Energy as she continually develops and improves our network risk and safety management systems.

“Similar projects that improve the resilience of the electricity distribution network are of increasing importance to Essential Energy and our customers. I think the number projects of this nature will continue to grow,” Pip said.

The Women in Industry Awards recognise inspiring women shaping the future of industry through exceptional leadership, innovation and impact across their fields.