CALL it drive, call it determination or call it girl power.
In what has been deemed an Australian first, south-east Queensland’s finest female construction workers have come together to build one of the nation’s most unique display homes.
The Women into Building Housing Showcase is the brainchild of multi-award winning Sunshine Coast builder Sam Sheppard, who is known for passionately championing and mentoring women.
In June, she began working with a number of industry stakeholders to roll out a concept which will raise the profile of women in construction on a national level.
The project is now well underway in a bid to raise awareness and acceptance of women who choose to work in the construction industry.
The project has created work experience opportunity for dozens of women and bolstered employment and education opportunities for apprentices across a wide range of fields.
What’s more, it is raising the profile of Queensland’s building industry and highlighting the importance of sustainable design having already achieved a House of Stars six star energy rating.
Sam, through the directorship of her business The Buildmore Group, purchased a 385sq m block of land located in the Master Builders’ Display Village in Investa’s Bellflower neighbourhood, Sippy Downs.
From building plans, construction and right through to landscape – the project is being led by a female team.
“Women from all backgrounds, whether that be architectural, design, landscape, engineers or tradespeople, are creating not a display home but a showcase of determination,’’ Sam said.
Numerous high profile organisations have already committed to the project including the National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC), Master Builders, Office for Women, Construction Skills Queensland and Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council.
Senator for the ACT Kate Lundy was asked to be the national patron of the initiative given her background in the construction industry. Senator Lundy left college at 16 to enter the workforce as a labourer in the building and construction industry, removing asbestos for buildings, including the Australian National Library and is a huge supporter of women working in non traditional areas, particularly the building sector.
“I am really excited to be Patron of this important project. To me it symbolises the fantastic role and contribution women have made, are making and will make in the future to Australia’s dynamic building and construction industry,” Senator Kate Lundy said.
Businesses and organisations wanting to find out more should visit: www.womenintobuilding.com.au
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For more information please contact Candice Holznagel at PlaceMakers Communications and Marketing on 0410 332 579.
Annika Hutchins (Senator Kate Lundy) 0407 458 882 or 02 6230 0411
