In an industry where men’s success is seen as the norm, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) last week honoured nine inspiring women who are carving out extraordinary careers in the construction industry.
This is the 10th anniversary of the Victorian and Tasmanian Awards, which recognise the remarkable success of a diverse group of women with vastly different skills and backgrounds who have all demonstrated outstanding achievement in their chosen fields.
Among this year’s winners are various women who have broken down barriers to become the first female founder and director of a structural steel fabrication business in Victoria, delivered creative housing solutions for homeless and at-risk youth, and designed an innovative water treatment solution that’s kicking goals for regional economies as well as the environment.
The winner of last year’s outstanding apprentice award was so inspired by the experience she started her own cabinet making business and is back on the winner’s dais this year, wowing the judges and winning the outstanding achievement by a practising tradesperson award.
President of the Vic/Tas Chapter Donna De Martin said, “The field of candidates this year was incredibly impressive, and each of the winners has made a significant impact on both the construction industry and the wider community. We celebrate the hard work of these women and acknowledge their efforts not only to survive in non-traditional roles and fields, but to prosper.”
The winners were announced at a ceremony at the Plaza Ballroom in Melbourne. They received the recognition of their peers and, in the case of the Student and Apprentice Tradesperson winners, a cash incentive of $1000 from Architectus. The nine category winners included carpenters, plumbers, builders, project managers, architects and landscape architects.
The gala awards night also saw the winner of the City of Melbourne’s Crystal Vision Award announced: Maria Mavrikos from Structural Challenge. “Maria took out the overall award for 2005 for her outstanding success in identifying, encouraging and mentoring other talented women in construction,” De Martin said.
As the Victorian Crystal Vision winner, Maria will have the additional honour of being considered for the title of National Crystal Vision Award winner at NAWIC's National Conference, which is to be held in Melbourne in October to celebrate NAWIC's 10-year anniversary in Australia.