Florence i12

CONSTRUCTING A NEW PERSPECTIVE

VALE BRIAN SEIDLER

A life dedicated to making the industry better

Glow From Within:

How Mudganics Is Redefining Beauty and Aging for Women

In a world that tells women to chase youth, two Australian founders are leading a very different conversation—one grounded in nourishment, strength, and inner glow.

Mudganics, launched in 2022 by co-founders Courtney, Imogen & Wouter, is more than a skincare and supplements brand. It’s a movement—a growing community of women aged 25 to 65 who are embracing a new definition of beauty: one that begins within.

Built from a shared desire to help women feel confident in their skin again, Courtney, Imogen & Wouter created Mudganics with one clear mission: to make aging something to embrace, not fear.

At the core of every product is sea buckthorn, a golden berry rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants. It’s nature’s answer to dryness, inflammation, and dullness—working internally to hydrate, heal, and promote skin health, while calming and restoring on the surface.

But Mudganics is more than products. It’s a philosophy. A reminder that aging is not something to resist—it’s something to support with grace, intention, and care.

Whether it’s a woman navigating hormonal changes, struggling with skin confidence, or simply looking to feel more energised and in tune with her body, Mudganics offers more than skincare. It offers a return to self.

Because when women feel confident, they rise. And when they rise, they glow.

Courtney Thornton & Imogen van Haagen

Our Cover: Vale Brian Seidler, thank

CONTACTS

Editor: Alyssa Welke

Editorial Coordinator: Amanda Kelly

Custom Publishing Manager: Kyal Osborne 07 4659 1444 | 0438 425 669

Advertising enquiries: Roger O’Brien 07 4659 1444 | 0419 707 450 roger@greenridgepress.com.au

Designed & Printed by: Greenridge Group, 4 Freighter Avenue, Toowoomba QLD 4350

EDITORS NOTE

This edition of Florence, has rightfully, really looked at legacy and what legacy building can mean.

I have always been proud to be part of Florence’s legacy, as is everyone who has played a part of guiding it to where it is today.

No-one person made a bigger impact of Florence than Brian Seidler, the man who’s brainchild it was and we pay tribute to Brian, his life and thank him for his contributions to this industry (p. 8).

We also introduce you to some amazing women making a difference – Lily Smith at Stratti Building Group (p. 16) and India Hearne and Fay Crawford at BESIX Watpac (p. 18); while all of these women have different backgrounds and roles, they all bring passion and commitment and hope to leave a lasting impact on the building and construction industry.

We also meet three women working on an all-women team on Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop project (p.26) – lead by Isolde ‘Issy’ Piet, Chhunly Taing and Michele Killoran, are proud to be a part of this historic project.

We also introduce you to our Florence Ambassadors (p.24; a group of powerhouse women from diverse backgrounds in the industry who embody what Florence has always aimed to do – construct a new perspective. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role and want to see every woman in this industry rise to their full potential and with that build a lasting legacy.

Welcome to another edition of Florence, I hope it inspires and invigorates you as you build your legacy.

Greenridge Group is the exclusive Publishing Partner of Florence magazine, in conjunction with the Master Builders Association of New South Wales.

ABN: 97 056 269 713. Ph: (07) 4659 1444

Website: www.greenridgegroup.com.au

This publication is copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means including electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of Master Builders Association of NSW or Greenridge Group. Disclaimer: The information contained within Florence magazine is given in good faith and obtained from sources believed to be accurate. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Greenridge Group and the Master Builders Association of New South Wales will not be held liable for any opinion or advice contained herein.

Alyssa

Grand Dame builds legacy

Florence Taylor paved the way for women in construction

Florence Taylor was a pioneer of women in the construction industry and her legacy is still being felt.

As an architect and publisher, Florence believed in the notion that “a woman to marry, get into the confines of the home and never be articulate in public affairs is a disgrace” and her achievements in the male-dominated architectural industry proves that.

She was known for her energy, determination and outspoken nature, a nature which distinguished her well throughout her colourful career, first as a draftsman and ultimately as a publisher of trade journals.

She was widely respected, even if her questions and criticisms irritated some of her professional colleagues.

Her achievements within both of her fields had an indelible impact on the public acceptance of women in the professions.

She was a tall, striking woman and blue eyes, and was known for dressing (even in the 1930s) in long sweeping skirts and a picture hat decorated with ostrich feathers.

She was born on December 29, 1879, at Bedminster, Somerset, England, and was the eldest daughter of John and Eliza Parsons.

The family immigrated to Australia in 1884, and her father worked in the sewerage construction branch of the Department of Public Works. This gave Florence her first taste of the construction industry, as she assisted her father with his engineering calculations.

It was her father’s death in 1899 that pushed Florence into the architectural industry when she became a draftsman to support her family.

She learned her trade under architect Edmund Skelton Garton, and simultaneously attendee night classes at Sydney Technical

College unit 1904; during her time with Garton’s office she was promoted to chief draftsman.

Once she completed her training she became chief draftsman to J.B. Clamp, who nominated her in 1907 for associate membership of the Architects of New South Wales. Despite his defence of her talent (she “could design a place while an ordinary draftsman would be sharpening his pencil””, the nomination was defeated.

But this did nothing to deter Florence from thriving in the practice of designing homes; it wasn’t until 1920 that Florence was invited to join the Institute of Architects, which she accepted.

On April 3, 1907, Florence married George Augustine Taylor. Florence and her husband were founding members of the Town Planning Association of New South Wales in 1913, and she was its secretary for many years.

Together they started the Building Publishing Co. Ltd, which produced trade journals, three of which Florence edited: Harmony, Young Australia and the Australian (later Commonwealth) Home.

Through their journals they campaigned for urban planning, improved construction methods and better materials; they also promoted the interests of engineers, architects, and builders.

When George died suddenly in 1928, Florence was determined to carry on their business and although eight of the 11 journals they published were forced to cease, she maintained Building (later Building, Lighting and Engineering) (1907-72), Construction (1908-74) and the Australasian Engineer (1915-73) and edited them herself.

She continued to produce town planning schemes but relied on other so draw them as she was unable to spare time from publishing.

Photo Credit: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy ACP Magazines Ltd.

LOOKING AHEAD TOGETHER

AMANDA

KELLY, AWARDS AND EVENTS MANAGER,

MASTER

BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NSW

Inever imagined that Issue 12 of Florence would feature Brian Seidler on the cover.

While I know he would have hated the spotlight, it feels only fitting, as Florence was his vision from the very beginning.

His passion for supporting women in construction helped lay the foundation for this community, and we are committed to carrying that legacy forward.

Legacy is about more than looking back — it’s about building forward.

Through Florence, we strive to create a more inclusive, supportive, and thriving industry for all women in construction.

Since it’s inception, Florence has always strived to construct a new perspective — one that champions the contributions women make to the building and construction industry and how women can further improve the industry.

Improvements to work/life balance, mental health care, safety, innovation, and so many other aspects not only benefit women, but they also benefit all people who work in construction, and that in turns benefits their families.

Building and construction is made up of so many family businesses, so any small change and improvement is multiplied across generations. With the strength of this community and

the guidance of our Ambassadors, we will ensure Florence continues to inspire, support, and drive meaningful change for years to come.

To honour Brian’s vision and ensure the continued success of Florence Magazine, we are proud to introduce our Florence Ambassadors — a group of remarkable women dedicated to fostering growth, mentorship, and support within our industry:

• Alice Pamment – Director & Builder, Pamment Projects

• Diana Brajuha – Planning Director, EG Property Advisory

• Jane Langof – Feng Shui Master, Author & Speaker

• Narelle Warren – Managing Director, Brushwood Fencing

• Raquel Manning – Founder, Blue Diamond Property Group

Each of these women brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the role, spanning construction, business, sustainability, planning, and design.

Together, they will help grow our Florence community, championing connection, knowledgesharing, and empowerment for women in construction, which in the end is what we all want.

VALE BRIAN SEIDLER

A life dedicated to making the industry better

AMANDA KELLY

Iwas sitting in a café with family and friends on a Sunday when I received a text message saying Brian Seidler had passed away. At first, I couldn’t believe what I was reading; I went completely blank, trying to process what I had just read, then I burst into tears.

I’m sure every MBA New South Wales staff member, and everyone who knew Brian, has a similar story.

We knew Brian was unwell, but we truly believed he would recover. We thought he’d leave the hospital, go through rehab, and things would eventually be okay. Maybe not okay enough for him to take on his usual heavy workload, but at least well enough to stay involved perhaps sitting on a few boards, still contributing in his own way.

At the Master Builders, none of us have known a workplace without Brian Seidler. He was part of every major moment in our lives — our weddings, divorces, milestone birthdays and the birth of our children. To this day, when I hear loud footsteps

running down the stairs at work, I instinctively look up, expecting to see him. And I know I’m not the only one.

Brian drove us crazy always running late and never meeting a deadline! But he also had a way of making us laugh, and you always knew he genuinely cared.

If you had a problem, whether personal or professional, you could count on him to be there, ready to help. In many ways, he was ahead of his time, always taking a moment to check in and see how you were doing. Just ask any past or present staff member — they’ll all tell you the same thing.

So, who was Brian Seidler? Brian was born in Sydney on February 25, 1958, the second son of Marcus and Edith Seidler.

Brian attended Wahroonga Public School gaining his HSC at North Sydney Boys’ High, completed a Bachelor of Building degree at NSW University and studied Languages at the University of Vienna.

The Seidler name has long been associated with architecture, design, and quality construction. Brian was the younger cousin of architect Harry Seidler, Australia’s “father of modernism.” Growing up in a home designed by Harry, Brian developed a deep appreciation for mid-century design. Later in life, he lovingly restored heritage homes, preserving architectural integrity with the same dedication he brought to the construction industry.

Brian dedicated more than 40 years to the Master Builders movement, beginning in 1984 as a trainee industrial safety officer and eventually serving as executive director for 25 years.

He played a crucial role in shaping policies, guiding industry standards, and navigating some of the construction sector’s most challenging times.

Brian brought people together, bridging divides between employers and workers, government and industry, unions and business owners. His tireless pursuit of fairness earned him respect of all sides. He was widely respected and admired by industry members and leaders, politicians and even a few Union officials.

His contributions were widely recognised when in 2008, he was made a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Building, and in 2019, he was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to the construction industry.

In September 2023, Brian received the Florence Taylor Award, the highest award in Master Builders NSW for dedication and service.

Beyond Brian’s leadership, he will be remembered for his kindness and generosity; his life-long dedication to the Master Builders Association; its staff (past and present), and members; his championing of mental health in the industry; his commitment to training and education; his dedication to producing high-quality apprentices and advocacy for greater inclusion of women in construction.

Brian was a champion of women in the industry establishing this very magazine, Florence Magazine, of which he was so very proud of. He knew that for every strong man, there’s was an equally strong woman standing beside them.

His impact extended beyond the MBA. He served on numerous boards, including Mates in Construction, working to reduce suicide rates in our industry. He was a strong advocate for a Building Commissioner to uphold high industry standards. His work in industrial relations helped shape enterprise agreements, superannuation initiatives, and industry reforms that continue to benefit workers and businesses today.

Brian’s personal life was just as rich as his professional one. He met Donna King at the MBA, and together they built a beautiful life, raising their three children, Amelia, Mila, and Marcus in the very home where he grew up. He had a mischievous sense of humour, an infectious passion for his work, and an unwavering commitment to the people

around him. He was not just a leader but a mentor, a friend, and a person who truly cared about making things better.

His legacy is not just in the policies he helped shape but in the people he inspired and the industry he left stronger than he found it.

Brian, we want to make a few promises. We’ll never print a magazine on glossy paper! We’ll uphold the high standards of all MBA covers — we will save so many trees not having to print 300 versions of a cover before a decision is made. We won’t format any text using shadow effects and we will check everything that leaves the MBA office at least six times! But more importantly, we will all take on the role of “Guardians of the MBA” protecting our rich history and traditions.

Brian, you are deeply missed! The MBA will never be the same without you.

It feels only right to close this story as Brian would wrap up most meetings… “Now, get back to work!”

Q A

Lily Smith, Stratti Building Group

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Lily Smith, I’m 24 years old and I am a project manager at Stratti Building Group. I have been fascinated by architecture and construction from a young age and absolutely love the field that I work in. Outside of work, I have a keen interest in property development and have gained experience managing a number of small-scale renovations and projects. The latest project I’m working on is a nine-studio, purpose-built co-living development in regional Victoria, which just recently commenced construction. I’m grateful to be able to combine my passions for design, construction, and development in both my professional and personal life.

Where did you grow up and your early life history?

I grew up in the coastal town of Port Macquarie, on the mid-north coast of NSW. Sports were a huge part of my life from a young age. I was a competitive swimmer, which led me to become a swim instructor while completing my senior years of school and university — a very rewarding job.

Soccer was my other passion, which I played from the age of four.

My first job, at 14 years and 9 months, was at Bunnings. I loved learning about tools, renovation, and home improvement and interacting with trades and other customers.

I completed my HSC at St Joseph’s Regional College in Port Macquarie. I had always enjoyed the challenge of practical, hands-on subjects and, as such, for my Year 12 HSC, I chose to study Design & Technology and Visual Arts as my electives. I also studied Italian and was lucky enough, when I was 16, to have the opportunity to go on exchange to Northern Italy for a month. As part of my Design & Technology subject, I designed a satellite city for regional NSW, focused on innovative and sustainable technologies. After completing Year 12, I was invited to present this design at the International Urban Design Conference in Sydney, which was an incredible experience. Following high school, I went on to pursue a degree in Architecture at the University of Melbourne.

Do you have any interests/hobbies outside of work?

I have a keen interest in property development and have just commenced construction on a nine-studio Class 1B purpose-built co-living development in regional Victoria. I have also managed my own and my partner’s renovation and other small development projects across NSW, QLD and WA.

Outside of work and property, I love watching live sport at the SCG, particularly cricket and AFL games. I can also play the piano and like to keep up with my skills by practising from time to time. Currently, rock climbing is my go-to sport, which is great for pushing my limits and relieving stress.

Tell us about your career before Stratti Building Group?

I began my career at a mid-size architecture firm in Melbourne before relocating to Sydney and gaining experience at a couple of architecture practices ranging from multi residential and commercial projects to residential projects. Prior to joining Stratti, the last company I worked for was actually a combined architecture and construction firm. It was there that I had the opportunity to gain exposure to the role of construction project management.

How did you get started in project management?

My journey into project management started with my background in architecture. While undertaking my Masters of Architecture at the University of Sydney, I started working for a combined architecture and construction firm. This hybrid model exposed me to the construction side of the business and opened my eyes to the possibility of pivoting into construction project management. My employer at the time recognised my strengths in project management and encouraged me to pursue that pathway. During this time, I also had experience managing my own and my partner’s renovations and small developments which was very enriching and reinforced my affinity for this field.

Discovering this passion became the catalyst for me to fully transition my career into construction project management. I’ve found it to be a field where I can make a tangible impact and continue growing professionally in a direction that energises and fulfils me. The best decisions I’ve made have often gone against the grain of what people expect or want you to do and I’ve found that backing yourself with tough decisions is incredibly important. While the choice to leave my Masters degree to purse project management may have seemed risky at the time, it ultimately propelled me towards the path I am on now which I couldn’t be more grateful about.

Tell us about Stratti Building Group? What drew you to working with there?

Working at Stratti Building has been an incredible opportunity that I am deeply grateful for. As a young, ambitious woman it has been empowering to have my potential recognised and to be given the chance to prove myself in this industry. The

experience is made even better because I get to work with such great team.

One of the things I love about my role is the broad scope of work and responsibilities I’m exposed to. This has allowed me to learn and grow tremendously. I also appreciate being encouraged to find ways to continually improve our processes — my ideas are heard, and I have the chance to implement these changes, which is awesome.

I know I’m in the right place, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute as part of this incredible team.

What do you enjoy about your career?

Construction has always been a passion of mine; to me there’s something so exciting and rewarding about seeing a project come to life from start to finish, and I take great pride in the role I play as a project manager.

I’ve always had a deep appreciation for architecture and the impact that thoughtfully designed spaces can have on people’s wellbeing and experiences. My background in architecture has been incredibly valuable in my career as a project manager, giving me the ability to understand and appreciate all the little details that go into making a building exceptional. I take a lot of pride in having a sharp eye for detail and being extremely thorough in my work.

What I enjoy most about my career is the constant challenge of tackling new problems and expanding my knowledge base. Each project brings a unique set of obstacles to overcome, and I feel as though I thrive in those scenarios where I am pushed out of my comfort zone.

At the end of the day, it’s very fulfilling to step back and see how the finished building positively impacts the people who use it. That’s what drives my passion for my career in construction.

What do you find challenging?

Being a young woman in a male-dominated industry definitely comes with its own set of challenges, however I choose to see it not as an obstacle but instead use it as motivation to work harder to prove my capabilities and break through stereotypes. So, while being a young woman in my field isn’t always easy, it’s also an incredible opportunity to stand out from the norm, to make an impact and pave the way for other women to follow.

The projects I work on throw all kinds of challenges my way, and I’m constantly having to adapt and learn new things. But being pushed out of my comfort zone and thrown into the deep end is where I thrive, and I find this incredibly rewarding. I am grateful for all the challenges that come with the job because I know they make me wiser and more resilient every step of the way.

How do you balance home and work life? Is it hard to achieve?

I feel incredibly fortunate to work for a company that genuinely values work/life balance. A handful of

AS A WOMAN

IN CONSTRUCTION,

I VIEW MY GENDER AS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE THAT ALLOWS ME TO STAND OUT FROM THE ‘NORM’ AND I WOULD ENCOURAGE OTHER WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY TO ADOPT A SIMILAR MINDSET.

the guys on our team have young kids and they all prioritise and value the time that is spent with their families. The attitude is very much that when we are at work, we give our full 110% but when we go home for the day it is time for family, friends and other pursuits. I believe that cultivating that kind of culture is incredibly important for construction companies to have given the prevalence of stress, mental health issues and suicide in the construction industry.

For me personally, having my own passion projects and hobbies outside of work provides me with this work/life balance. It gives me an outlet to pour my energy into that is completely separate from my job and I’ve actually found that those side pursuits make me more focused and enriched in the work that I do, just like excelling at my job enriches my personal life too. I would say that’s the beauty of finding the sweet spot where your career and your passions can coexist and thrive.

What was the best piece of advice you have received?

The most valuable piece of advice I’ve received, and would pass on to others, is to surround yourself with people who have achieved the level of success you aspire to. I am fortunate enough to work for some amazing and very successful clients, and it’s been eye-opening to learn from them, to understand their approach and how they’ve built their success. There’s always more to learn, especially from those who have outpaced your current level of success. I find that immersing yourself in an environment of high achievers allows you to unlock new perspectives and adopt the habits and practices that drive success.

What advice would you like to give other women in construction?

As a woman in construction, I view my gender as a competitive advantage that allows me to stand out from the ‘norm’ and I would encourage other women in the industry to adopt a similar mindset. While the construction industry can sometimes get a negative reputation, I believe being a woman in this field provides a unique opportunity to make a positive impact.

Looking back, I realise how little I knew about the

breadth of possibilities in the construction industry when I first started out. So now I’m passionate about encouraging other young women to consider all the options — from project management to being on the tools and beyond. The construction field is so dynamic and rewarding and I feel incredibly fortunate to have found my niche in this space.

My advice to other women in construction would be to embrace being female as a strength, not a weakness. Use it to differentiate yourself and showcase the value you can bring. There are so many incredible opportunities in this industry, and I truly believe women have the power to thrive and make a difference.

FOSTERING CHANGE

BESIX Watpac empower women to lead extraordinary careers

RAQUEL MANNING

At BESIX Watpac, equality and diversity are not just ideals but integral pillars that drive the company forward. BESIX Watpac stands for fostering pathways for individuals and empowering women in the construction industry. Through policies such as paid parental leave and purchased leave, unconscious bias and inclusive recruitment practices training, as well as initiatives like Lean-In Circles and mentorship programs, the

company demonstrates its commitment to gender inclusion and diversity.

In this spirit, I enjoyed interviewing and writing about the remarkable stories of India Hearn and Fay Crawford, highlighting the advancements women are making in this traditionally maledominated field, and proving that resilience, ambition, and innovation can create extraordinary careers.

INDIA: FORGING A PATH IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

At just 21, India is already making strides in the construction industry, embracing the challenges and triumphs that come with carving a career in civil engineering. Her story is one of resilience, ambition, and a commitment to shaping the future of the field.

From a young age, India was immersed in the world of construction, inspired by her mother, who organised industry events. This early exposure fuelled her passion for civil engineering, leading her to pursue a Bachelors degree in Construction

Project Management at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). She completed her degree in November 2024 and is set to celebrate her achievement in May 2025.

During her university years, India’s practical experience blossomed through a cadetship — a role she credits for teaching her the invaluable lessons that come with hands-on work. Her time in the field as a cadet proved transformative as she discovered the diverse avenues within construction and honed her problem-solving skills. She acknowledges that the early days were tough, requiring her to build resilience, but her commitment and passion saw her through.

Since graduating, India has been promoted to site engineer at BESIX Watpac on a major project in Sydney, a significant milestone in her career. She describes the industry as challenging at times but emphasises the importance of mentorship in her journey. I asked India more about her journey into the construction industry.

What was it about your early exposure to construction that captured your interest and made you want to pursue a career in civil engineering?

As a primary and high school student I would attend innovation lectures that my mum organised being an event co-ordinator for an engineering think tank. Hearing how industry experts were planning on meeting the world’s biggest issues head-on was something truly inspiring and sparked a flame inside me. The built environment has the power to bring these solutions to life, and there is something rewarding about seeing your work take shape before your eyes. I always knew I didn’t want a job where you were stuck at a desk all day, I thrive off variety — so completing a Bachelor of Construction Project Management seemed like the right path for me.

How did your cadetship complement your university education, and what were the biggest lessons you learned on the job?

If anything, university complemented my cadetship. Being in such a multi-generational industry, the biggest lesson I’ve learnt is how to work proactively with people from all different generations to reach our common goals on-site.

Can you describe a particularly challenging project or situation you’ve encountered as a site engineer? How did you handle it?

All projects come with their unique challenges that stretch your thinking and problem-solving skills. Every day, we face challenges and difficult situations that we must overcome. No difficult project or situation stands out yet, I’m sure it’s

yet to come. The most rewarding thing is solving challenges together as a team.

Who have been the most influential mentors in your journey so far, and what advice from them has stuck with you?

My site manager has been instrumental in shaping me into the construction professional I am today. I met the site manager on my first project, another smaller project in Sydney, and I’m now working with him here on this new major project. He is one of the most knowledgeable people I’ve met and always has golden nuggets of wisdom to share during tough times on-site. My favourite golden nugget from him is to count to 10 and breathe during particularly difficult times, which has allowed me to solve problems under great pressure.

What inspired you to consider a Masters degree in Sustainable Development, and how do you see it influencing your career?

As I look to the future of my career, I’m excited about the possibility of shaping the way sustainability is thought about in the construction industry. While I’ve not yet committed to a Masters, it’s my wish to learn more about the connection between the social realm and the built environment so that as I develop as a professional, I can use my influence to the advantage of future Australians.

India’s message to young women considering a career in construction is clear: The journey is challenging, with tough days, but the rewards are immeasurable. She hopes to serve as an example and a positive influence for the next generation, showing them that with determination, resilience, and support, they, too, can succeed in this dynamic industry.

India’s story is not just about personal success at a young age, driven by her vision and drive; she is undoubtedly one to watch in the years to come.

FROM THE FARM TO FOUNDATIONS: FAY’S INSPIRING JOURNEY IN CONSTRUCTION

When you meet Fay from BESIX Watpac, it’s impossible not to be captivated by her energy and passion for the construction industry. Having spent the past eight years in Australia, Fay has embraced her role as a project manager (formerly an engineer) with a determination that stems from her unique upbringing on a farm in the UK. Surrounded

by fresh air and open spaces, Fay developed a love for the outdoors that continues to shape her career to this day.

With a background in maths and science and a focus on STEM, Fay’s journey to becoming an engineer was anything but conventional.

“I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving and the hands-on nature of construction,” Fay shares. Her five-year pursuit of this career path culminated in what has now become an 18-year journey in the industry — a journey defined by hard work, resilience, and a passion for building from the ground up.

Known proudly as the “Foundation Girl,” Fay thrives on being out on-site rather than confined to an office.

“The farm weather isn’t so different from construction,” she laughs.

“You learn to embrace the elements, and that’s where I feel most at home.”

Her career highlights include working on the iconic 2012 Olympic Stadium in London, an experience that allowed her to walk on the roof of the stadium — a memory she treasures as one of her most outstanding achievements. I asked Fay a couple of questions about her journey in construction.

What key lessons from your upbringing on the farm have shaped your approach to problemsolving and leadership in construction?

Growing up on a farm taught me the meaning of hard work and resilience, as we were highly

dependent on factors such as weather, disease, regulations, machinery breakdowns, and continual setbacks. This taught me to be adaptable and agile, and if I didn’t carry on and do my part, it could jeopardise 80 years of my family’s farming heritage. Being part of a small family, whose livelihood and future were solely dependent on growing crops, has shaped the person I am today and who I am as a leader. I care about forging relationships and being part of teams that work together while facing similar challenges to achieve combined goals. My experiences and skills gained on the farm have grounded me in my approach as a leader, with a firm emphasis on success being built over time, much like my family’s farming heritage.

Another key lesson is that the weather won’t wait for anything. Farming is heavily reliant on the weather, much like the construction industry, and as such, it taught me to plan, be prepared for anything, help wherever needed, and think quickly — all of which are pivotal in the construction industry.

Which construction project has been the most challenging or rewarding for you, and what did you learn from that experience?

My most challenging and rewarding project was Wood Wharf. Located in London, this project involved the development of 330,000sq m of existing dockland area, providing up to 3600 new homes, nine acres of public space, and two million sq ft of commercial space, comprising 37 buildings with the tallest being 57 storeys. My role was to manage the design, procurement and construction of all structural packages, including cofferdam works (480m long combi wall), reinforced concrete works (57 storeys- PT slabs and jumpform core), marine piles (152.no) and marine deck.

This project was challenging as it was my first experience of marine work. Coupled with the large scale of this project, the numerous stakeholders involved, authority approvals and overall high profile of the project. One challenging component was co-ordinating the installation of imported sediment within the cofferdam, which was undertaken from a 200m-long dredging vessel equipped with a conveyor belt that had travelled from Norway. Due to the size of the local lock and dockland area, I had to co-ordinate with the Marine Port and local dock users to ensure the vessel did not disrupt existing users whilst depositing material into the cofferdam.

Due to the tidal nature of the lock, there was also a risk that the vessel would beach itself and collide with the newly built cofferdam, which would have been catastrophic. Although my time at Wood Wharf was highly challenging, I was able to build my knowledge, experience and connections whilst having fun.

What motivates you to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in the construction industry, even on the most challenging days?

One of my main motivators is people. I thrive off being around people and having a sense of

belonging to a shared purpose. I enjoy mentoring, educating and being a female in the construction industry that other women can relate to. I have also been told I’m fearless, so I have a reputation to uphold!

Fay’s leadership style is as down-to-earth as her roots. She describes herself as the “salt of the earth,” a leader who believes in genuine connections and leading by example.

“It’s important to be approachable and supportive,” she explains.

“I want to be a role model for women entering this industry, showing them that success comes from authenticity and dedication.”

Outside of work, Fay’s zest for life is evident in her love for food, sports, exercise, and making memories with loved ones. Her passion for the construction industry is matched only by her commitment to mentoring the next generation of female professionals.

“I want to pave the way for more women in this field,” she says. “It’s about creating a more inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.”

Fay’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and staying true to oneself. From the farm fields of the UK to the foundation sites of Australia, she continues to inspire and break barriers in an industry that’s better for her contributions. Her journey serves as an inspiration for women seeking to make their mark in the construction industry.

The journeys of India and Fay shine as inspiration, not only for women entering the construction industry but for all individuals striving to challenge barriers and redefine possibilities. Their success mirrors BESIX Watpac’s vision — creating a workplace where everyone belongs. As Fay and India continue to break new ground, they embody the values of mentorship, diversity, and resilience, paving the way for future generations. At BESIX Watpac, stories like theirs are not anomalies but part of an evolving culture committed to empowering all employees to achieve excellence. Together, their journeys and BESIX Watpac’s initiatives illustrate how far the industry has come and how much further it can go.

AMBASSADORS

ALICE PAMMENT

Alice is a builder and the co-director of Pamment Projects, an award-winning construction company specialising in architect designed homes and tailored building services.

Founded in 2019, Pamment Projects has evolved to refine a portfolio of bespoke homes, earning acclaim for its commitment to quality and service.

Alice’s curiosity for building began during her experience cultivated locally and overseas.

Firstly, as an interior designer, project manager and contract administrator, before stepping into sitebased supervision.

As the company’s co-director, Alice manages business development and operations, nurtures stakeholder

DIANA BRAJUHA

Diana has a deep passion for planning and the built environment. With 25 years of experience in planning and development, she is particularly interested in the evolution and transformation of cities.

Diana is recognised as a leading expert in town planning, Diana has extensive experience across both the public and private sectors.

Her ability to navigate complex planning challenges, combined with a deep understanding of planning legislation, has made her a highly sought-after professional.

Known for her strategic thinking and problemsolving skills, she brings a practical perspective to the development process, shaped by her family’s background in residential construction.

Diana began her career at the former South Sydney Council while completing her Bachelor of Town Planning (Hons).

relationships, and implements building policies and procedures.

Her meticulous eye for detail and aspiration for excellence ensure that all stages of their projects are executed to a rigorous standard.

Alice’s commitment to improving Pamment Projects’ systems extends to their sustainable construction methods.

This inspired her to undertake a building biologist accreditation from the Institute of Building Biology and Sustainability, deepening her understanding of how the built environment impacts people and communities.

Alice is an advocate for women in construction and is committed to uphold Pamment Projects’ social and environmental responsibilities.

This motivation to transform builder stereotypes has led their B Corp certification journey, aiming to assure Pamment Projects becomes a business guided by purpose.

She then moved to the City of Sydney Council, specialising in both strategic and statutory planning, where she was awarded the Planning Institute of Australia’s Young Planner of the Year. She later completed a Master of Property Development from the University of Technology Sydney and went on to hold planning manager roles at leading property development firms, including Australand, where she managed large-scale commercial and industrial projects.

She also served as the NSW discipline leader for an international multidisciplinary consulting firm.

Since 2017, Diana has been the planning director at EG, a diversified property company with three decades of experience in value-add property solutions. She oversees the planning and approvals process for major developments and rezoning projects, playing a pivotal role in securing approvals for residential, industrial, and commercial developments that shape Sydney’s urban landscape.

Diana works closely with developers, government, and design professionals to create well-planned built environments, contributing to Sydney’s status as a world-class city. She believes that passion, dedication, and unwavering focus remain the key ingredients for success.

JANE LANGOF

Jane is an internationally accredited Feng Shui Master, founder of Feng Shui Concepts, and author of the award-winning book, Feng Shui: A Homeowner’s Guide to Abundance.

Since 2008, she has transformed homes, workplaces, and community spaces by blending traditional Feng Shui with modern design principles.

Jane combines practical insight with a creative approach, aligning Feng Shui solutions with her clients’ vision for aesthetics and functionality. She specialises in consultations for high-end homes, new builds, renovations, and

NARELLE WARREN

Narelle is Managing Director of Brushwood Fencing Australia and an active participant of the fencing community who has always been a huge advocate for the fencing industry, assisting to nurture and ensure its growth in all aspects.

She continues to advocate strongly for the fencing industry and regularly participates in forums and discussions on a multitude of topics within the fencing and construction sector and is striving for a

RAQUEL MANNING

Raquel is the visionary leader behind Blue Diamond Property Group.

Her exceptional leadership, business acumen, and extensive industry experience have earned her a strong reputation for securing and closing multi-million-dollar commercial development sites, particularly in the niche field of offmarket property.

Raquel’s leadership extends to fostering strong relationships with top industry builders, developers, and funders.

Her three decades of construction industry knowledge uniquely position her as a conduit between these key stakeholders.

refurbishments. Her portfolio includes residential properties, mixed-use developments, commercial businesses, hospitality and gaming venues, and cultural spaces in Australia and overseas.

Jane is accredited by the International Feng Shui Association in Singapore and the Design Institute of Australia. Her work has been recognised with industry awards from leading bodies, including the Master Builders Association and the Design Institute of Australia. She is also the recipient of the Australian Champion Small Business Award and was named Wellness Advocate of the Year 2024.

Jane is driven by a passion for helping property owners create spaces that radiate harmony and abundance.

She regularly shares her insights through the media and speaks at property, wellbeing and lifestyle events such as Design Show Australia, Sydney Home Show and Sydney Build Expo.

nationally recognised apprenticeship for the fencing industry.

Together with her husband Michael, Narelle founded Brushwood Fencing Australia that has been serving Sydney and surrounding areas for more 20 years.

The company has grown from humble beginnings into an award-winning provider of premium fencing solutions known for quality, reliability and exceptional service.

They specialise in customised fencing, gates and screens for residential, strata and commercial settings with a commitment to using sustainable and durable fencing materials like brushwood, aluminium and recycled plastic aligns with our vision to create outdoor living spaces that stand the test of time.

A proud Indigenous Wiradjuri Wailwan woman, Raquel is deeply involved in various Indigenous projects and a passionate advocate for gender equality in the industry.

She actively mentors aspiring female entrepreneurs and works to create a more inclusive and supportive environment in property and construction.

She is an ambassador for Women Building NSW and a columnist for Master Builders FLORENCE women’s magazine.

Raquel demonstrates a profound commitment to social justice and philanthropy as a board director of the Forever Giving Foundation.

She drives initiatives that create meaningful social impact, addressing critical issues, supporting vulnerable communities, and providing opportunities for those in need.

Raquel’s entrepreneurial journey, commitment to excellence, innovation, and empowering others have solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in her field.

WOMEN LEAD THE WAY

All-women crew tackle Suburban Rail Loop tunnel section

Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East will deliver 26 kilometres of twin tunnels and six brand new underground stations in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

In a world-first, the all-women tunnel boring machine (TBM) crew will be one of eight crews building the 16-kilometre twin tunnels on SRL East’s southern section of tunnels between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley.

The crew will be led by SRL East’s tunnels lead for the southern section of tunnels Isolde Piet, who was the first female TBM pilot in the world.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the civil construction industry, Isolde has worked around the globe, including in the Netherlands, Turkey and more recently in Australia.

Her hobby of surfing and learning about the

design of surfboards prompted her interest in technical design, construction and engineering.

Isolde holds a Master of Science Civil Engineering, Underground Construction from the Delft University of Technology.

Her first role out of university was working on what was considered the largest tunnel at the time — the Groene Hart Tunnel.

“Before I became a TBM operator, I did a lot of the works around the tunnelling but wasn’t really involved in the actual tunnelling itself, but that’s where my interest was really at the time,” Isolde said.

“I wanted to go on a machine, I wanted to understand how it works.

“The first couple of weeks were a bit scary, I felt like I was under a magnifying glass and like I had

Chhunly Taing is a member of the all-women TBM crew.

Isolde Piet will lead an all women tunnel boring crew working on the Cheltenham to Glen Waverley section of the Suburban Rail Loop.

to work three times as hard to get the same amount of recognition at that point.

“But, further down the line everybody accepted I was there and that I was doing a good job.”

In Australia, Isolde set up a precast factory to manufacture tunnel segments in Brisbane and has most recently worked on the North East Link project.

Isolde is a strong supporter of attracting more women into the construction industry and will lead the construction and operation of the tunnels, and all the tunnelling crews, including the world’s first all-women TBM crew.

“The all-women tunnel boring machine crew with Suburban Rail Loop is a game-changer — by showing that it can be done, we really hope to change the industry and encourage more women to see it as a career pathway,” she said.

“Training women and bringing them into the tunnel boring machine crew will hopefully leave a legacy for future projects — these women will help inspire the next generation of women in construction.”

There was an outstanding response to the Expressions of Interest to fill the positions on the TBM all-women crew roles with almost 900 applications; not only will this fill the all-women TBM crew roles, as well as allow applicants to be considered other suitable roles on the project as part of the assessment process.

The applicants have come from a variety of disciplines including those with tunnelling and construction backgrounds, as well as more than 100 applicants with no construction experience from sectors including administration, human resources, corporate sales, hospitality, beauty therapy and customer service.

The all-women crew will have a range of roles — some crew members will require previous tunnelling experience, but women not currently working in the industry will receive the necessary training to ensure they are suitably qualified to perform their roles.

All-women crew members Chhunly Taing and Michele Killoran have embraced their new roles on the SRL project.

Chhunly started her career as a business and sales executive at Optus before moving into traffic management and then construction as a labourer.

After completing a Certificate III in Civil Construction at Holmesglen Institute, Chhunly won the 2022 Victorian Apprentice of the Year Award, having started as a leading hand with John Holland on Metro Tunnel’s Parkville Station in August 2021.

Chhunly was promoted to supervisor with John Holland in April 2024 before joining the SRL project in February 2025.

“A highlight of my career is the men I’ve worked with telling me they love that I’m breaking barriers for their daughters and granddaughters,” Chhunly said.

Michele Killoran is on the all-women TBM crew working on the Suburban Rail Loop project.

Recruitment crowd shots: Almost 900 women applied to work on the all-women tunnel boring machine (TBM) crew, which is one of eight crews building part of the SRL southern section.

“I think every woman who is part of this world-first initiative is doing just that, and it excites me that we are paving the way for more women to get into tunnelling.”

Michele Killoran worked for more than 30 years in printing before moving to traffic management in 2016.

Since late 2022 she has worked as a labourer, overseeing the organisation and maintenance of the toolshed on the West Gate Tunnel Project before joining SRL East Tunnels South via subcontractor Cycon Civil as a labourer and warehouse coordinator.

“After a 30-year career in printing, I was looking for a new challenge, in a role that would help me build my self-confidence.,” she said.

“Most women don’t see what happens beneath the surface. Suburban Rail Loop’s all-women tunnel boring machine crew gives us that opportunity.”

SRL is a multi-decade project that will deliver a long pipeline of secure employment – supporting up to 24,000 local jobs and helping to train the next generation of skilled workers and creating jobs and training opportunities for young people, women, and Aboriginal and disadvantaged Victorians.

GIRL POWER

Innovative school program to drive female participation in construction sector

Multiplex’s grassroots primary school initiative is supporting future female participation in the construction sector, as the global contractor seeks to boost early interest in construction careers among young girls.

More than 1100 Year 5 and 6 students in New South Wales have now participated in the Jump Start Juniors Multiplex x LEGO Australia Schools Program, with a nation-wide rollout planned for this year.

Female participation in construction is critical for the future of the sector.

Master Builders Australia (MBA)’s ‘Future of the Workforce’ report recently revealed the construction sector needs an extra 130,000 workers by the end of 2024 to overcome its current skills shortage.

According to MBA, the construction industry continues to grapple with critical skills shortfalls, with women making up just 13.6 per cent of the sector’s workforce — despite it being the secondlargest industry employer in Australia.

It also highlights that occupations with a strong gender imbalance, like construction, are more likely to be in shortage.

The Jump Start Juniors Multiplex x LEGO Australia Schools Program aims to spark an early interest in construction among young girls by challenging biases and stereotypes around women in the construction industry.

It was successfully piloted at Panania North Public School in South-West Sydney in 2023 and has since expanded into 23 schools.

Centered around a one-day workshop, the

ground-breaking program provides students the chance to use creativity, planning and problemsolving skills to overcome construction challenges.

Activities include group scenes, high-energy challenges and creative experimentation with LEGO bricks, all with the support and guidance of Multiplex staff.

More than 1100 students have participated across schools in Sydney’s West, South-West and Northern suburbs so far.

“We’re thrilled with how much the Jump Start Juniors Multiplex x LEGO Australia Schools

Program has grown,” said Multiplex design manager and Jump Start mentor Natalie Haydon.

“What started as a pilot program at just one school in Sydney will have reached more than 30 schools by the end of (last) year.

“With our industry facing an ongoing skills shortage, we hope this initiative will inspire girls to consider careers in the built environment from an earlier age — and contribute to a paradigm shift for our industry.”

Throughout each workshop, boys and girls are guided by female Multiplex mentors to build

their understanding of construction careers, terminology and processes.

This approach benefits both boys and girls by providing female role models and showcasing female leadership in construction.

Students are acquainted with real-life high-profile Multiplex construction projects, such as the new Sydney Fish Markets and Western Sydney Airport, to foster early interest in the sector.

Parents and caregivers are also given take-home materials to extend the program’s messaging into the home.

Ten-year-old Queeness Gutierrez, from Bexley in Sydney’s South, participated in the Jump Start Juniors Multiplex x LEGO Australia Schools Program.

She also took part in LEGO Australia and Multiplex’s Unstoppable Academy, a mentorship program designed to empower girls to shake up stereotypes and shape a future defined by innovation and imagination.

The program allowed Queeness to gain invaluable industry insights and practical hands-on exposure to highlight the creative career pathways available, as she continues to nurture her passion for the field.

As an aspiring engineer or construction manager, the Schools Program encouraged Queeness to follow her passion — and inspire other girls in the process.

“I’ve always enjoyed being creative and building LEGO sets,” Queeness said.

“This program showed me that working in construction allows you to use that creativity to solve problems and bring amazing projects to life.

“EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE LESS WOMEN THAN MEN IN CONSTRUCTION, GIRLS CAN STILL FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS AND BE PART OF THE INDUSTRY.”

“Even though there are less women than men in construction, girls can still follow their dreams and be part of the industry.”

Jump Start Juniors is an extension of Multiplex’s successful Jump Start initiative, a formal program connecting young women with opportunities in the construction industry.

Jump Start offers tertiary and trade programs to girls in Year 11 and 12, providing site tours, hands-on training and pathways to a career at Multiplex.

“Jump Start originally began as a pathway for young women who are leaving high school, which gives them the inspiration and tools they need to launch their career in construction.

To see the Jump Start program grow, and to then see the launch and success of Jump Start Juniors, has been so rewarding,” Ms Haydon said.

“We’ve received great feedback from our participants so far, and it has been so encouraging seeing primary students engage with the program material.”

Nicole Sultana

her carpentry dream FROM THE FARM TO COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

chases

Third-year Master Builders Carpentry Apprentice

Nicole Sultana is making significant strides in the construction industry.

Currently working on the Mason and Main job site for Coronation, Nicole’s role varies from hands-on building tasks to assisting supervisors and even taking on some supervisory safety tasks herself.

Her journey is a testament to the growing opportunities and support for women in trades and Nicole is making the most of those opportunities.

Growing up on a farm, Nicole was always outdoors, working with her hands and embracing the nature around her.

This is the passion that led her to explore various trades during her high school years.

“I’ve always loved working with my hands growing up,” she said.

“In high school, I did a construction VET course which gave me a broad understanding of what different trades would be like.

Onsite with third-year Master Builders carpentry apprentice Nicole Sultana with Supervisor Glenn at the Mason and Main project for Coronation.

There was plumbing and electrical, but carpentry seemed like the better option for me.”

Nicole was introduced to Master Builders through a friend who recommended the PreApprenticeship program.

After completing the three-week introductory carpentry program, Master Builders helped Nicole secure a placement with a host employer to start her apprenticeship.

After spending some time in residential building,

Nicole decided she’d like to gain experience in commercial building.

Through the help of Master Builders, it is here that Nicole found her true calling.

An advantage of being a Master Builders apprentice, are the opportunities that are available to broaden your work experiences throughout your apprenticeship and find your niche.

One of the aspects Nicole enjoys most about her apprenticeship is the diversity of experiences it offers.

Nicole Sultana

“EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY, AND I CAN LEARN DIFFERENT THINGS. WATCHING A PROJECT GO FROM START TO FINISH AND FEELING LIKE I’VE ACCOMPLISHED SOMETHING WITHIN HELPING THE TEAM IS INCREDIBLY REWARDING,”.

Third-year Master Builders carpentry apprentice Nicole Sultana is chasing her dreams.

“Every day is a new day, and I can learn different things. Watching a project go from start to finish and feeling like I’ve accomplished something within helping the team is incredibly rewarding,” she said.

She aspires to build her career working towards a supervisor role and then project management.

Nicole feels well prepared for her future career thanks to the training and support from Master Builders and her host employer Coronation.

Being a woman in a male-dominated industry comes with its unique challenges and rewards.

Nicole’s experience has been mainly positive, thanks to the supportive environment fostered by the Master Builders and Coronation teams.

“In high school, when I was completing my teamwork assessment in the construction course, even though I was the only girl in the class, I was comfortable and at ease because I’d been learning with the boys since year seven,”: she said.

On the job site, Nicole emphasises the importance of resilience and camaraderie.

“You have to be able to work along guys and not take everything so personally. My advice to young females wanting to go into the construction industry would be that you’ve got to have an open mind and understand that the banter helps people get through their hardworking day.”

The support from Master Builders has been instrumental in Nicole’s success.

Her field officer Karen, has been a constant source of encouragement.

“Karen comes out for monthly visits to check in on how I am on-site and off-site to make sure I am okay,” Nicole said.

She has become a work mum and a work friend in one as well as my “field officer.”

This level of support has made a significant difference, especially during challenging times.

Nicole believes that the building and construction industry offers excellent career opportunities for women.

“I think doing a trade is a great career for women as you are exposed to a broad range of opportunities.”

Looking ahead, Nicole plans to complete the Diploma of Project Management and eventually become a project manager.

Nicole Sultana’s story is an inspiring example of how determination, passion, and the right support can help break barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Her journey not only highlights the importance of women in trades but also underscores the wealth of opportunities available to those willing to pursue them.

If you’re considering making a start in the construction industry or would like to learn more about the career pathways it has to offer, reach out to the Master Builders team at apprenticeship@mbansw.asn.au or by visiting our website mbaapprenticeship.com.au

FLORENCE LUNCHEON

MASTER BUILDERS NSW AUGUST, 2024

CONSTRUCTING A NEW PERSPECTIVE:

The last FLORENCE Luncheon, held on August 23, 2024 at The Grounds of Eveleigh, was another resounding success.

August 23, 2024, The Grounds of Eveleigh

AMAIYA IRVING-MACKINNON

s always, the sense of community at this luncheon was exceptionally strong, fueled by the warm nature of those passionate about FLORENCE.

Coupled with impressive, shared food platters, the event cultivated a feeling of togetherness and provided an environment for supportive networking.

Guest speaker Lisa Blair was the perfect fit for the day as she mingled with guests before captivating us all with the tales of her two sailing expeditions around Antarctica.

In 2017, she set the record as the fastest woman to sail around the continent with one stop.

Despite facing life-threatening challenges on the open ocean, Lisa returned to sail non-stop around Antarctica in 2022, setting another record by completing the journey in just 92 days as the fastest person ever.

Beyond her passion for sailing, Lisa has found a deeper purpose in making a positive impact on climate change.

During one of her group voyages through some of the world’s most remote regions, she was shocked to encounter so much ocean plastic that members of the crew had to physically clear it away from the ship’s hull to continue sailing.

At the luncheon, Lisa invited everyone to write on a post-it note about their personal contribution to reducing the effects of climate change.

These messages will cover her boat on her next voyage, symbolising a collective effort for a better future.

Lisa left us all with a thought-provoking question: What is your purpose and your passion, and how can you bring them together?

Thank you to all who attended this luncheon, and to our partners Master Builders Insurance Brokers and Excavation Equipment for your support in Constructing a New Perspective.

Find out more about FLORENCE at www.florenceaustralia.com.au or follow us on instagram @florencemagazine.mba.

FLORENCE LUNCHEON

FLORENCE LUNCHEON

FLORENCE LUNCHEON

FLORENCE LUNCHEON

BUILDING THE DOOR AND STEPPING THROUGH IT

The Importance of positive training in the construction Industry

Only one per cent of plumbers, concreters, roof tilers, bricklayers and carpenters are female. In an industry that is Australia’s third largest employer, women are slowly breaking down barriers and gaining access into this rewarding sector.

A large part of breaking down these barriers lies in offering practical skills, training and support in a welcoming environment that empowers women to have confidence to attain employment within the construction industry.

One such training program is Habitat Women — a social enterprise model where women receive training, career support and tangible qualifications including their White Card, First Aid and CPR certificates and safety boots so they can quite literally walk onto a job site tomorrow.

Most important to training programs, like Habitat Women, is that women walk out with intangible and enduring benefits. The program is supported

by the repairs and maintenance service where graduates are employed to undertake repairs and maintenance, or projects within their community.

Maintaining the quality of our existing homes has never been more important than in the current housing crisis, every home counts.

The women trained with Habitat Women upkeep this mission by serving domestic violence refuges, youth housing, and other supported accommodation settings, as well as the general public.

Encouraging more women into the building and construction industry is all about promoting a healthy lifestyle and providing a supportive and flexible work environment to continue to skillbuild, gain confidence and access the workforce.

People like Keils and Elizabeth demonstrate the transformative nature positive training and support has in building confidence that leads to employment.

KEILS

Before entering the training program, Keils worked in the hospitality industry for over a decade.

She had harboured an interest in the trade industry since leaving school but felt the environment was not conducive to her joining at the time.

Something most women in the construction industry can relate to.

Keils describes the program as a gateway into a field she previously thought inaccessible.

Saying she found the learning environment to be safe and inclusive, filled with kind-hearted women who shared her enthusiasm for learning and growth.

This allowed her to engage with tools and techniques in a way she had always dreamed of, fostering her confidence, and building her skill set.

Keils’ aspirations to enter the trade industry have been reignited, and her excitement about learning new skills and working in a supportive environment has empowered her to consider career opportunities she once believed were out of reach.

“I applied online and got to speak to some wonderful people who encouraged me to join the course, and I’ve just had the absolute best time learning with these beautiful women and getting into a field that I thought I didn’t have access to anymore,” Keils said.

For women considering a career in trades or construction, Keils’ message is clear: seize the opportunity.

ELIZABETH

Elizabeth had a diverse career before entering the construction industry.

She worked in communications and marketing for a charity for several years, and before this was a piano teacher.

Despite her varied experiences, Elizabeth was drawn to the industry because of her love for working with her hands, making things, and using tools.

She discovered the program Habitat Women through an ad on Facebook and decided to apply.

Surrounded by like-minded women in a supportive environment with peers and the training team, Elizabeth describes being allowed to be

herself; expressing her creativity while learning new skills.

Honestly, I think my favourite thing is the people and just being able to come in and be myself and everyone is so encouraging and supportive and that has been really, really nice”, Elizabeth said.

It is incredibly important for programs to be inclusive and accessible to all women of all skill levels. Elizabeth stated “its really good for all skill levels, I think most people could come in and find something they’re really good at”, which she believes fosters a sense of achievement and confidence.

Elizabeth has been able to explore various construction skills, broadening her horizons and opening numerous possibilities for her future.

While she does not have a clear career direction yet, the skills Elizabeth has built for herself have given her the confidence to explore different opportunities in construction and related fields.

She is optimistic about her future and the potential to pursue a career that aligns with her newfound passions and interests.

Both Keils and Elizabeth have now taken on supervisor roles within Habitat Women to foster the next group of women coming into the industry.

Their stories are a testament to the ability to inspire and equip women with the skills needed to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Highlighting the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry while not sugarcoating the hardships and difficulties that women may face once they’re in the workforce, but rather offering them the support and skills they will need to succeed.

In 2024, 46 women will graduate from the Habitat Women training program with 43% of the latest cohort employed in the construction industry and a further 36% undertaking ongoing maintenance work with Habitat Women.

These program initiatives are needed to not only be educational, but also empowering — opening doors to a fulfilling and rewarding career.

In return, we all reap the benefits of women who bring with them new ideas, diversity and growth to the built environment.

L U N C H E O N

FLORENCE Luncheons celebrate the achievements of women and the importance of gender diversity in the construction industry. These events connect women, foster insights, and inspire through remarkable guest speakers.

JANE LANGOF

FRIDAY 29 AUGUST 2025

12:00 pm - 3:30 pm

The Eveleigh Bay 3, 2 Locomotive St

Eveleigh NSW 2015

$198 per person

Jane is an internationally accredited, awardwinning Feng Shui Master, author, and speaker. As the founder of Feng Shui Concepts, Jane combines traditional Feng Shui principles with modern design to create harmonious and inspiring spaces. Her portfolio includes luxury homes, commercial properties, hospitality venues, and cultural and community spaces.

Abundance by Design: Align Your Space, Elevate Your Life

Discover how the design of your home and workplace can influence your well-being, success, and abundance. Jane shares practical and transformative Feng Shui insights, revealing how energy alignment in your living spaces can elevate every aspect of your life.

LEGACY DOESN’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

For many trades businesses, it’s never just about making a living — it’s about creating something that lasts.

As we celebrate the life of Brian Seidler, I’ve been reflecting on what it really means to leave a legacy. What drives us to do what we do? What keeps us pushing forward?

I met Brian a few years ago at a Master Builders meeting. At the time, TradieWives was still new — just a year old — and I was figuring it all out as I went. We got chatting, and he mentioned a magazine in the works for women involved in the building and construction industry. Then he asked if I’d like to write for it.

I laughed and told him I wasn’t sure anything I wrote would be worth reading. He just smiled, handed me his business card and that was that.

A few months later, he called me. He’d already set up a meeting with the editors and told me to prepare for my first deadline — I panicked but went along with it. Now all these years later, I find myself looking back at that moment — grateful for the opportunity he gave me to contribute to something meaningful and connect with so many amazing

women making a difference in this industry.

That’s the thing about doing what you love. It’s never just a job — it’s something bigger than you. But keeping that legacy alive takes more than passion. It takes planning, adaptability, and a willingness to grow.

It’s about knowing what your business stands for and making sure those values carry on. It’s about mentoring the next generation, getting them involved early, and giving them the tools to lead when the time comes. It’s about embracing change — not being afraid to evolve, improve, and stay relevant.

It’s also about relationships. With your team, with your community, with the people who trust your work. A strong reputation is what keeps a business going long after the tools are handed down.

Building a legacy isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s the result of years of hard work, lessons learned and the people who lift us up along the way. If we do it right, what we build will stand the test of time. Vale Brian. Thank you for everything.

HANNAH SHEPHARD Senior Solicitor, MBA Lawyers

WHERE’S THE MONEY?

People often don’t pay their bills.

Whether it be a result of genuine cash flow issues or stemming from a deliberate tactical choice, the effects of someone not paying a business for works carried out or services provided can range from frustrating to devastating.

When I first started working for MBA Lawyers at the Master Builders Association one of the finance staff at the time asked me why Australia doesn’t have debtors’ jail anymore. Being fairly fresh out of law school, and not having come across such a thing before (noting that debtor’s jail was abolished in Australia in 1843) I had no idea what he was talking about, although the concept is fairly easy to work out from the name.

Despite the staff member saying it half in jest (I presumed), given that insolvency and debt recovery laws have evolved to provide a framework for more humane methods for seeking payment, the underlying message of his comment was clear: quite simply, people should pay what they genuinely owe and not be able to “get away with it”.

I have never forgotten that conversation, and in the years since I have seen the impact that failure to pay can have on people and businesses.

In the modern-day world debt recovery laws provide different options for pursuing payment. Admittedly, if a debtor is made bankrupt or a company is wound up, or the debtor or director disappears and cannot be tracked down, the process can involve “throwing good money after bad”. However, there are a few key options and legal avenues which may achieve a good outcome.

Negotiation - An amicable discussion is always worth a try. A conversation can keep things informal, while at the same flag that the debt can’t remain unresolved indefinitely. However, if one conversation turns into multiple with the same theme, then it could be time to try another tactic.

Mediation - If there are disputed reasons why the debtor is not paying, a mediation conducted by an accredited mediator can assist the parties to nut out sticking points. There are various organisations who can appoint a mediator. Parties split the costs

equally, so it will soon become clear if the debtor is genuinely interested in resolving the dispute, or is not paying for some other reason.

Letter of demand - A letter of demand can be sent at any stage to put the debtor on notice that patience is running out. A well-structured letter of demand should set out a few key points:

• Original agreement;

• Work done;

• Outstanding invoice;

• Final demand.

Security of Payment - Many will have heard of or be familiar with the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW) (SOP Act).

The SOP Act was introduced by the NSW Government (with similar legislation in place in other states and territories) to increase cash flow through the industry and provide a “quick fix” for construction disputes.

The SOP Act can be used by contractors and consultants within the construction industry, and since March 2021 can be used by contractors claiming moneys from homeowners who live in the premises where the work was carried out.

The process culminates in an “adjudication application” where a decision is made on the paperwork rather than the parties needing to attend Court. It all starts with:

• A construction contract;

• Work done or related goods and services provided; and

• A “payment claim” issued.

There are strict timeframes for certain subsequent steps under the SOP Act so a discussion with one of the “Authorised Nominating Authorities” will provide a general overview of how the SOP Act works.

Court - No-one likes the idea of going to Court. It can be a time-consuming and expensive process. However, for a debt under $20,000 it is relatively straightforward to lodge a “Statement of Claim” in the Small Claims Division of the Local Court and be a self-represented litigant. The filing fee for a company is $336 and even if the debtor defendant engages a lawyer to represent them in the Court proceedings the maximum costs risk is $1259.20 (excluding GST). This means that if a person claiming between $5000 and $20,000 is

not successful after presenting all their evidence, the most they could have to pay towards the debtor’s legal costs is $1259.20 (increased by 25% if a reasonable offer was made by the debtor and not accepted). The maximum costs claimable are even less for claims under $5000.

Even in larger Local / District / Supreme Court cases, parties can try to negotiate a settlement at any stage. Often this happens once all the evidence has been produced, so parties have a better idea of the strengths and weaknesses of their case. Again though, it can be costly to get to this point.

If a case is not defended, “default judgment” can be obtained after 28 days and various civil debt enforcement procedure used. One such procedure is that the debtor’s bank account can garnished (meaning money is extracted out of it after a Court “Garnishee Order” is served on the relevant bank). It is a good idea to try to find out from the outset of a project which bank the other party banks with, in case this information in required in the future.

New South Wales Civil & Administrative TribunalA similar process to Court, with a few less rules.

NCAT is the primary place for residential building claims and is used to self-represented litigants. NCAT encourages conciliation and settlement negotiations at an early stage, which is designed to keep costs down.

Statutory Demand - A person or company owed money by another company can issue a “Creditor’s Statutory Demand for Payment of Debt” under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), together with a supporting affidavit. The Statutory Demand is served on the current ASIC registered office of the company and requires the debtor to pay the debt within 21 days or apply to the Court to set aside the Statutory Demand.

This option means that if the debtor still does not want to pay the outstanding moneys, they must engage solicitors to prepare an application to set aside the Statutory Demand and a barrister to attend the Court hearing of the application.

Generally, the debtor must prove that there is a genuine dispute about the moneys owed, or that they are owed more money by the person claiming than the debt, therefore having an “offsetting claim”.

A Statutory Demand puts serious pressure on a company to either pay within 21 days, or start incurring legal costs.

Conclusion - Understanding these options and choosing the most appropriate strategy can increase the chances of successfully recovering unpaid debts. The more effective use of these strategies and legal avenues may also encourage more people to simply pay bills that are properly due.

Specific legal advice should be sought for individual circumstances.

Photo Credit: Andrea Francolini

CAMPAIGNING FOR CLIMATE ACTION

Record-breaking sailor Lisa Blair sets sights on new record to inspire change

Australian adventurer, climate activist and multiWorld Record holding sailor Lisa Blair has set her sights on a new mission to protect oceans, drive innovation, contribute to science and inspire climate action now.

Lisa Blair, trailblazing sailor and climate activist, holds eight world records, including the fastest solo, non-stop, and unassisted sail around Antarctica in 92 days aboard her yacht Climate Action Now, breaking the previous record by 10 days.

Lisa collaborates with leading scientific organisations to advance sustainability and inspire climate action, working with schools and the marine industry to create meaningful impact through adventure storytelling.

Now Lisa has turned her eyes north and aims to set a world-first record, as the first person in history to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the Arctic, passing through both the Northwest Passage and the Northeast Passage, in one season.

This project, called The Arctic Impact Project, is only possible due to the continued impacts of climate change.

The Arctic Impact Project aims to redefine the future of sustainability by leveraging innovation, adventure, and collaboration.

It is a groundbreaking mission, through which, Lisa will spotlight the urgent need for climate action while advancing sustainable solutions like basalt fibre and bio-resin materials seeking to drive global awareness and create lasting environmental impact.

Building on the citizen science research that she undertook during her Antarctica record, Lisa also aims to complete an array of citizen science projects throughout the record, as well as develop and build the vessel from volcanic fibre (otherwise known as Basalt rock).

This material, which is currently available, is 10 times stronger than fiberglass but only 15-20 per cent more costly and holds much lower environmental impacts.

According to Colan Australia, basalt fibre is suitable for a wide range of applications such as automotive, aviation, construction, electromagnetic shields, high temperature seals and curtains.

Photo Credit: Andrea Francolini

Photo Credit: Andrea Francolini

The high tensile strength and excellent acid and alkali resistance, along with the non-magnetic and non-conductive characteristics, make it suitable for most composite projects.

Basalt is also non-combustible and offers good thermal protection, making it suitable for many insulation and high-temperature applications.

Lisa’s aim is to complete the required research to accelerate the shift from Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) recreational boats to a more long-term sustainable and attainable material.

According to a Stratview Research report into the Recreational Fiberglass Boat Market it was projected that the global recreational fiberglass boat market is set to reach more than US$9.5 billion by 2024.

But there is no long-term strategy for what to do with the waste of all these boats when they reach their end of life nor any real information regarding the abandoned vessels or the vessels lost at sea, microplastics, and ocean sustainability.

Between 2003 and 2012 alone, 1.5 million recreational boats were retired in the US; globally, more than 35-40 million fibreglass boats are reaching their end of life now.

Lisa’s vision is to coordinate a global collaboration between industry professionals, universities, researchers, and passionate professionals in this space and collectively tackle this issue through prevention.

The idea is to provide a proven alternative to FRP vessels, including the end-of-life closed-loop options and environmental impact assessments,

and then educate through storytelling via a TV series, documenting the developments and using the entertainment narrative of Lisa’s world record around the Arctic Circle.

This will further educate the public on alternative options and in turn, create a consumer market for sustainable boats.

The resulting data will be then shared with the boating industry globally before Lisa seeks commitments from manufacturers to transition their production to more sustainable solutions.

During Lisa’s circumnavigation of Antarctica, she seized the opportunity to amplify her message of Climate Action Now and collaborated with a number of scientific organisations, such as the Bureau of Meteorology, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and the Seabed 2030 project.

Lisa’s commitment to ocean health was evident as she deployed eight weather drifter buoys, one A.R.G.O research float, collected round-the-clock ocean health readings, and gathered over 180 microplastic samples, all while braving the perils of the world’s most treacherous ocean for an astounding 92 days.

This is something she want to replicate on her Arctic Impact Project, so as to obtain valuable data from the Arctic Circle.

To find out more about Lisa, her book Facing Fear: One woman’s solo voyage around Antarctica, and The Arctic Impact Project go to https://lisablairsailstheworld.com/

Photo Credit: Corrina Ridgeway

Photo Credit: Corrina Ridgeway

Photo Credit: Andrea Francolini

Photo Credit: Andrea Francolini

Photo Credit: Andrea Francolini

FLORENCE FOOD

We asked some of our Master Builders New South Wales staff to dig into their family recipe books to share the recipes close to their hearts. Enjoy adding the to your repertoire and share the love with your family and friends.

Here they share the recipes and some of the stories behind them.

Delicious slice

By Alyssa Welke

This recipe is one that everyone in my family absolutely adores. Passed down from my Ninny (Maureen), my mother’s mother, it was the recipe all of us grew up on, and asked Ninny to make every school holidays when we had sleepovers. She passed the recipe on to all of her daughters (there’s seven of them) and her daughter-in-law as well. But as with all good family recipes, she left out one vital ingredient, that completely changed the texture. It was only when one of her daughter’s was watching her make it one day that she realised why hers was never as good as Mums. Now it is being enjoyed by the next generation, with myself and, many of my cousins, making it for our children. And despite what some of my aunts may argue, it is not as good made with anything other than corn flakes!

Ingredients

140g butter

1 cup self-raising flour

¾ cup sugar

2tbs cocoa powder

1 cup corn flakes, crushed (approx. 2 cups uncrushed)

1 cup coconut

1tbs golden syrup

Approx 1tbs boiling water

Method

1. Preheat the oven the 180 degrees Celsius, and grease and line a 28cm x18cm slice tin.

2 Melt the butter and syrup until just combined and let cool slightly. Meanwhile in a separate bowl mix together the dry ingredients.

Icing:

1 cup icing sugar

2 tbs cocoa powder

Knob of butter

Enough boiling water to combine

3 Pour the butter and syrup mix over the dry ingredients. Rinse the saucepan/jug with the boiling water and add to the dry ingredients. Mix together until combined. Firmly press into the slice tin and bake at 180 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Let cool completely before icing in the time.

To Make The Icing

4. Combine all the ingredients, adding boiling water gradually until the icing is slightly runny. Ensure the butter is completely melted before icing the slice.

5. Cut into approximately 4cm square pieces.

Minestrone Soup

By Jayne Collins

My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me. It came with a whole extra page of her tweaks as her mother-inlaw always left out key ingredients when sharing recipes. Perhaps it’s a country women’s thing — no-one wants to be gazumped at the show with their own recipe. But we seriously had to have a family conference to find out how to recreate her lemon meringue pie.

I’m sharing my tweaked version here, but that’s the beauty of soup - make it your own! Add extra veggies, legumes, or a different pasta to suit your taste or leave out the bacon and beef stock for a vegetarian version.

Ingredients

2 tbs olive oil

1 clove crushed garlic

1 large onion

1 stalk celery

6 shortcut bacon rashers

1 medium carrot

1 medium zucchini

1 small potato

1 small sweet potato

400g can tomatoes

400g can red kidney beans

4 cups beef stock

Method

4 cups vegetable stock

1 or 2 bay leaves

1 tbsp tomato paste

½ teaspoon sugar

More liquid - 1.5 to 2 cups water

Parmesan rind (optional)

1 cup macaroni pasta

chopped fresh parsley, basil and oregano salt & pepper to taste parmesan cheese to serve

1. Grab your knife and get prepping — chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces.

2. Heat oil in a large stockpot, add crushed garlic, chopped onion, celery and bacon; sauté until onions are translucent, but do not brown.

3. Add previously chopped vegetables, tomatoes, beans, stock, bay leaves, tomato paste, water and if using, the parmesan rind. Pop the pot lid on and simmer for about 40 minutes.

4. Remove lid and when boiling add macaroni, herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 30 minutes uncovered until macaroni is tender. Or my extra cheat (because I put leftovers in the fridge and

the pasta goes soggy and drinks up all the liquid) cook the pasta separately then add when serving. Scoop out the bay leaves and parmesan rind before serving.

Delicious with freshly grated parmesan, crusty bread and a glass of wine — and if you’re feeling generous, shared with family and friends.

Rosa’s Traditional Eggplant Parmesan (Parmigiana di Melanzane)

By Daniela Fraumeni

This dish holds a special place in our hearts, as it was lovingly made by my mother-in-law, Rosa, at every family gathering, especially during Christmas and Easter. It is deeply rooted in her Italian heritage from Messa, Sicily, where she was born.

This recipe has been passed down through generations and remains unchanged — except for the option of baking the eggplant for a healthier twist. However, frying it, as Rosa did, gives the dish a creamier, richer consistency.

Now, my daughter Natalie has taken on the tradition of making this parmigiana, and every time we share it, we feel Rosa’s presence at the table.

Ingredients

For the Eggplant Layers:

4 eggplants, unpeeled, halved lengthwise, and sliced ¼ to ⅓ inch thick

Salt, for seasoning

Olive oil, for frying or roasting

1 batch of tomato sauce (recipe below)

1 bunch fresh basil leaves

1 large mozzarella, thinly sliced

1 ½ cups freshly grated good quality Italian Parmesan cheese (Grana Padano)

For the Topping:

1 cup fresh breadcrumbs

For the Tomato Sauce (Napolitana Sauce):

2 cans whole peeled tomatoes or 1 jar of passata (pureed tomatoes)

1 large garlic clove Olive oil, for sautéing

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Prepare the Eggplant:

If frying, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

If baking, arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes, flip the slices, and rotate the pan. Bake for another 10 minutes, until tender.

Make the Tomato Sauce:

3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

4. Add the tomatoes or passata, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, breaking up the tomatoes as they cook.

5. Assemble the Dish: In a baking dish, spread a generous layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange a layer of eggplant on top add the tomato sauce handful of the fresh breadcrumbs, scatter fresh basil leaves, then layer mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

6. Repeat the layers (eggplant, tomato sauce, fresh breadcrumbs, basil, mozzarella, Parmesan) until all ingredients are used. For the final layer, spread the remaining tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with fresh breadcrumbs.

Bake the Dish:

7. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown. Allow to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

MAY-SEPT

SYDNEY BUILD EXPO 2025

DATE: Wednesday, May 7 to Wednesday, May 8

WHERE: ICC Sydney, Halls 1-4, 6 & 7

WHAT: Back for another year, Sydney Build is Australia’s largest construction and design show. With more that 25,000 attendees from contractors, architects, civil engineers, developers, councils, housebuilders and construction professionals there is something for everyone. There’s more than 550 incredible speakers across 15 conference stages including Future Australia, MMC, Architecture & Design, Digital Construction, Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion. Enjoy the benefits of exclusive networking events co-hosted with leading industry bodies, Australia’s largest networking events for Women in Construction and Diversity in Construction and an inclusive Ambassador Programme supporting Women in Construction, Diversity in Construction and Mental Health in Construction. Take advantage of CPD training workshops and education and meet the buyers with procurement teams exhibiting from top contractors.

THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM

DATE: Friday June 13

WHERE: InterContinental Sydney, Warrane

WHAT: Be inspired and energised by real stories and practical insights from remarkable speakers. Welcome to the Sydney Symposium – the mustattend event for leaders of all genders dedicated to driving equity and inclusion in workplaces and beyond. Whether you’re an aspiring leader seeking role models or a seasoned executive looking for the latest leadership insights, this event has been crafted for you. Join us for an enriching and rewarding experience for leaders at all levels.

ARCHIFY LIVE SYDNEY

2025

DATE: Thursday, August 28 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm

WHERE: Doltone House Darling Island, 48 Pirrama Road Pyrmont

WHAT: Welcome the future of our built environment and discover the latest innovations that are shaping the world. Archify Live is an exclusive event for architectural, design and specification professionals to explore the latest designs and technologies within the construction and building industry. Enjoy a delicious selection of drinks and canapés as you network with leading suppliers and manufacturers and learn about the latest advancements. All persons are subject to the Event Conditions of Entry and Prize Draw Terms & Conditions.

FLORENCE LUNCHEON

DATE: Friday, August 29 from noon to 3.30pm

WHERE: The Eveleigh, Bay 3, 2 Locomotive St, Eveleigh

WHAT: Discover a new perspective at the FLORENCE Women in Construction Luncheon! Join us at the stunning Eveleigh, nestled in the historic locomotive workshops of South Eveleigh. Connect with industry peers over a delicious lunch, engage in dynamic discussions, and be inspired by our motivational guest speaker. Together, let’s celebrate and shape the future of women in construction.

For more information, visit our website (https://www. florenceaustralia.com.au/luncheons) , or contact us directly on 02 8586 3504, or events@mbansw.asn.au.

CIOB: THE WESTPAC PROPERTY ECONOMIC UPDATE

DATE: Thursday, September 18 from 7.30am to 9.30am AEST

WHERE: The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, 1 Martin Place

WHAT: Join the CIOB Breakfast Briefing: Property ECO Update sponsored by Newton Fisher Group. Hear expert speaker, Frank Allen, Westpac’s Director of Property Markets, as he provides an in-depth overview and outlook on the current financial market and how it effects the economy, interest rates and commercial property construction. Enjoy a gourmet hot plated breakfast along with additional continental treats during the presentation. The briefing is an opportunity to network with builders, developers, QS, engineers, planners, banking and financial services professionals.

@maidenbuiltcarpentry

Maiden Built Carpentry

Carmen D

Full Qualified Carpenter; Proud South Aussie; Proud Mum

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Elenoa

Sailor gone Tradie

Taup, New Zealand

Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying Apprentice

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Brittany 2 Pac spray painter

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Hello, my name is Amy. 33yo. Sparkie apprentice in Geelong

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Kelsey Forster

Qualified Carpenter, Trade Trainer & Mumma

Adelaide, SA

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Sarah Jackson Winner Leading Fencing Industry women award 2023; Project/Business management and sometimes on the tools @team247___ Shout out to women in trades

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