7 March 2023
This International Women's Day, we’re highlighting the progress so far, and programs available to women within the Queensland construction industry.
In 2022 the Queensland Government indicated that the construction industry employs 240,000 people in our state. Of these, 36,000 are women (15 per cent), just slightly higher than the national average of 12 per cent. Only 12,000 (or five per cent) of those are on site female builders.
Focusing on opportunities for women in the industry is something that should be championed, particularly as we face a future of skills shortages.
Gender diversity within the workforce can also broaden innovation opportunities, problem solving and help to create a safer working environment for all.
Mental health is the dark cloud over the industry currently, with construction workers more than six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work. A higher percentage of women on job sites could be the catalyst needed to break stigma of it being ‘weak to speak’.
Master Builders supports and acknowledges the empowering of women in construction through several initiatives.
Master Builders’ initiatives
Our workforce
In a leadership capacity, in 2022 we appointed our first Deputy CEO, Sue-Ann Fresneda, and four of our eight Regional Managers are women. Of our currently employed staff, almost 73 per cent identify as women.
Influencers event series
An opportunity for women and the people who support them, who work in building and construction, to get together, to discuss a range of building and construction industry business topics and network.
Speakers include women who work within the industry who discuss their specific areas of expertise and share their insight into working in and supporting other women in construction.
Housing & Construction Awards – Women in Building award
Each year, Master Builders holds our Housing & Construction Awards in each region, culminating in our Queensland Awards, where nominees are made up of all the winners from each region.
One of these award categories is the Women in Building Award. This award highlights the remarkable contribution women make to the building and construction industry.
Now in its 15th year, our previous Queensland winners have gone on to reach incredible feats. Our inaugural 2008 winner, Samantha Sheppard, has since been awarded an OAM in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours for her work promoting women within the industry.
Bridget Taylor, the 2012 winner is now the Construction Manager of Rork Projects Queensland, spearheading projects such as the new Performing Arts Venue, at QPAC.
Queensland’s Women in Building Award winners so far are:
- Amy Evans, 2022
- Andy King, 2021
- Alyssa Pepper, 2020
- Annette Sommerville, 2019
- Rachael Turner, 2018
- Chantelle Callard, 2017
- Katrina Tomkins, 2016
- Lee-ann Pitcher, 2015
- Julie Nutting, 2014
- Yvonne Pengilly, 2013
- Bridget Taylor, 2012
- Tracy Steinhardt, 2011
- Karen Logan, 2010
- Di Henshall, 2009
To be eligible for the Women in Building Award, the entrant must identify as a female, who is currently in a trade and/or profession directly engaged in the building and construction industry and be a member of Master Builders or currently employed by a Master Builders member.
Other initiatives
Women Building Australia
Women Building Australia is about attracting the best the workers regardless of their gender by promoting the opportunities for women and employers and the information and support that they need.
They work on:
- Promoting and championing women influencers and ambassadors within the Australian building industry
- Supporting and fostering Female-led Businesses
- Boosting the Careers of Women in Building & Construction by providing a mentorship program.
National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
NAWIC is an Australian not-for-profit organisation formed in 1995. Their mission is to drive changes that will aid in the increased recruitment, retention and further vocational development of women within all facets of the construction industry.
They work on:
- Advocacy and lobbying for change
- Education for individuals, companies, and industry as a whole
- Connection, celebration, and support for all women in construction through our membership community.
Major Sponsors
