Posted on 18/08/16 in
Women leaders within the Queensland residential and construction industry were recently recognised at the HIA Recognition of Women in Industry awards.
The awards recognise the achievements of highly successful women in the industry and help to promote the industry to the next generation of women leaders.
In front of a crowd of about 150 people at Victoria Park Golf Club Marquee, carpenter Amelia Robertson was brought to tears after being announced as the 2016 Stylemaster Homes Bursary for Young Woman In Industry. The event was held on August 5.
“Oh my God, I can’t believe this. I am shaking,” Ms Robertson said.
“I’ve always had a passion for this industry.”
From Year 8, Ms Robertson knew her passion was working with wood, which led to completing Cert 1 in Construction and Cert 11 in infrastructure and resources at the SCC Technical Trade Training Centre.
She was the very first female apprentice for SCC East Coast Apprenticeships and is currently in her third year as an apprentice carpenter with builder Kane Constructions.
Ms Robertson has set her sights on becoming a site manager.
Qualified kitchen, bathroom and interior designer and licenced builder Di Henshall won the 2016 Professional Woman of the Year award.
Ms Henshall started her own successful business in a small garage/studio 28 years ago, and recently took the mammoth step to construct a purpose built studio combined factory to incorporate the manufacture of custom made furniture and cabinetry.
HIA executive director Warwick Temby said: “HIA is keen to demonstrate that women are operating in leadership roles in what is still a very male dominated industry”.
“The industry must do everything it can to encourage women into the industry at all levels to ensure that there is an in adequate supply of skills to meet the future demand for housing in the state,” Mr Temby said.
Judges included Sharon Piconi from Stylemaster Homes, Brent Fletcher (AUSBUILD), Mike Hutchinson (Hanson) and Debbie Johnson (Building Suncoast Green).
WINNERS LIST:
2016 Stylemaster Homes Bursary for Young Woman In Industry
HIA Recognition — Amelia Robertson
2016 Professional Woman — under 30 years
HIA Recognition — Lara Nobel
2016 Professional Tradeswoman of the Year
HIA Recognition — Laura Madden
2016 Constructive Woman of the Year
HIA Recognition — Fi Shewring
2016 Professional Woman of the Year
HIA Recognition — Di Henshall
Source: Courier Mail