Fourteen years after entering pest management, 2026 AWPMA Excellence Award winner Michelle Downs remains firmly connected to the practical work of the industry. Her career has been shaped by curiosity, technical judgement, generosity and a determination to make the path a little easier for those who come after her.

Michelle Downs has never followed the expected career path. Before pest management, there was panel beating, spray painting, hovercraft building, and conservation and land management.

After completing a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management, Michelle worked in vegetation restoration and weed treatment, eventually progressing to a Certificate III in Pest Management. She started Lethal Pest Control as a natural extension of her conservation work.

Fourteen years later, Michelle is still very much boots on the ground. She carries out inspections, termite work, quoting, customer education and follow-up. Remaining active in the field keeps her connected to the practical pressures technicians face every day.

Creating Another Pathway

One of Michelle’s most significant current projects is the School Hours Re-Entry Pathway for Mothers in Pest Management. The pathway provides a flexible, supported introduction to pest management during school hours, allowing women to start in administration or support roles before deciding on licensing.

AWPMA is proud to honour Meg Papadopoulos as the recipient of the 2025 AWPMA Excellence Award, proudly sponsored by BASF.

Meg’s journey in pest management is one of persistence, humility and quiet determination. From running a Mum and Dad business with her husband John, to stepping into the corporate world with Rentokil Initial, Meg has shown that consistent effort and resilience create extraordinary results.

When Meg’s name was announced at the Pesticon Gala Dinner, her initial shock quickly gave way to pride and emotion. She describes the moment as overwhelming, with happy tears flowing as she reflected on years of effort and learning.

Sue-Ann Tysoe’s venture into pest management began in 2014, when she and her husband Luke started Checkmate Pest Control. Over the years, she evolved from managing office administration to becoming a fully qualified termite and pest technician.

Early on, Sue-Ann struggled with self-doubt, particularly when it came to public speaking. However, through persistence and involvement with BNI, she grew into a confident industry leader who leads by example.

She advocates for higher standards across the board and works towards creating inclusive workplaces that empower individuals with disabilities and women entering the trades.

Delia Sanig, winner of the 2023 Excellence Award, founded IDeBug Pest Control motivated by personal experiences as a single mother and survivor of domestic violence.

Her company is distinguished by its commitment to providing a non-judgmental, female-friendly pest control service, offering free services to women in distress, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Kylee Enwright was the Director of CPR Pest Management Services and the inaugural 2019 Excellence Award winner. She combined strategic business management with hands-on field operations.

Tragically, Kylee passed away in 2023 following an accident, but her dedication, mentorship, and vision for women in the industry remain a beacon of inspiration for all of us.

The AWPMA Networking Breakfast brings women and allies from across the pest management industry together for a morning of encouragement, laughter, and genuine connection.

Whether you are a newcomer or have spent decades in the field, this event is designed to ensure no one is left standing alone. Supported proudly by Envu, it stands as a testament to the power of community over competition.

Keynote Speaker: Monique Bradley

Sally Mifsud, winner of the 2023 Administrator of the Year Award from AWPMA, shares her journey into pest control. Coming from a