Women on the Rise in the Construction Industry

Women on the Rise is this year’s theme for the annual National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Crystal Vision Awards, which celebrates the significant contribution made by women to the construction industry in Australia.

The QLD/NT awards held at the Brisbane Convention Centre on 26 October 2012, completes the NAWIC awards program for this year, which saw 5 women and 1 man, honoured for their achievements and contribution to furthering the interests of women in the construction industry.

Bridget Taylor (pictured with QLD/NT category winners) took home one of the prestigious Crystal Vision Awards on Friday night for her work on the BP Bulwer Office Building, where she was the first female construction manager for Lend Lease in Queensland to take a project from conception to completion.

“Operating in a male dominated industry can present challenges for women in construction,” said Bridget. “I attribute my success to having strong working relationships, an inclusive approach to workforce management and organisation and open, honest communication.”

Now in it’s 14th year, entrants for the QLD/NT awards were judged by a panel of industry experts in 13 categories.

NAWIC QLD/NT President, Janelle Kerrisk, said the quality of this year’s entries was outstanding.

“Each of these women has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to encourage and support their female peers,” Janelle said. “We hope their stories help to inspire the next generation of females who are considering a career in the construction industry to cast their fears aside and follow their passion.”

The NSW chapter of NAWIC actually awarded the top prize to a man this year at a glittering awards ball held in Sydney on 24 August 2012. The Chair and CEO of ARUP in Australasia, Peter Bailey, received the Laing O’Rourke Crystal Vision Award for advancing the opportunities for women within ARUP across Australia and the region.

The 2012 recipients of the NAWIC Crystal Vision Award are:

• Gesa Ruge – Assistant Professor, University of Canberra (ACT)
• Peter Bailey – CEO of ARUP in Australasia (NSW)
• Bridget Taylor – Lend Lease (QLD/NT)
• Donna Griffiths (SA)
• Karen Janiszewski – Director of UrbanXchange (VIC/TAS)
• Michelle Agioritis – John Holland Group Pty Ltd (WA)

One of NAWIC’s core objectives is to “encourage girls and women to pursue and establish careers in the construction industry”. To this end, the “Building a Better Future” project was created with funding by NAWIC and the Australian Government Office for Women, to highlight the diversity of fields, roles, career paths, opportunities and workplaces that are available to women in the industry.

To read the inspiring stories of women working in the construction industry visit the website: www.buildabetterfuture.com.au

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a diverse group of members spanning a broad range of construction related occupations, including: Engineers, Architects, Interior Designers, Educators, Tradespeople, Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Builders,
Suppliers, Subcontractors, Government employees, Developers, Landscape Architects, Building Inspectors, Academics, Students, and Solicitors.

NAWIC in Australia is affiliated with NAWIC in the USA and Canada. NAWIC was founded in Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America in 1953 and in Australia in 1995 where it is a national organisation with six state/territory chapters.

For more information visit the NAWIC website: www.nawic.com.au