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HIA Building Women

HIA Building Women

Everyday across Australia, women are working hard to build the homes of the future. The only limit to what you can do is your imagination.

We are committed to supporting everyone in the residential building industry to build a career that is exciting and challenging. Our Building Women program is just one way we are doing this – with dedicated events, training, mentoring and awards designed to help you grow your industry networks, to learn and to be inspired.

Be inspired by women in the housing industry

Come and join us at one of our Building Women events.

You'll hear from people just like you, who work in the building industry and from other inspirational speakers as they share how you can be part of the industry that builds people’s dreams – their home.

Find a Building Women event near you

HIA Building Women Awards

Our Building Women Awards celebrate the achievements and advancement of women in every role in the industry and celebrate businesses who support inclusion, innovation and progression.

The following regions participate in the award program:

Professional Business Woman | ACT

Bec Hopper - PAH Innovative Construction

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Building Woman of the Year | NT

Winner: Anna Kazouris - Kalon Homes

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Professional Woman of the Year | QLD

Winner: Rachael Turner - Front Porch Properties

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Professional Business Woman | SA

Winner: Gabby Finch - Finch Constructions

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Professional Service Excellence | TAS

Esther Fletcher-Jones , Tasmanian Fire Service

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How it begins...

Grow your career in the housing industry as an apprentice

Our apprentice and trainee program guarantees you will learn everything that you need to know to gain your qualification in a range of trades and administrative roles. HIA apprentices and trainees learn from the most experienced and skilled businesses, with the support of HIA. You will receive on-the-job training and mentoring mixed in with formal training courses, to help you become fully qualified. From there, the sky’s the limit!

Find out more Meet our apprentices

HIA's apprentice program guarantees that you get the best start in the industry.

HIA's apprentice program guarantees that you get the best start in the industry.

See what's on offer
HIA's apprentice program guarantees that you get the best start in the industry. See what's on offer

Kickstart your career

HIA's industry focused training courses will get you where you want to be. You'll learn practical skills and increase your confidence to grow your career. 

Find a training course

Success stories

In Focus Budget Building Women Federal government
Balancing act
Federal Budget 2024-25 is taking delicate steps forward to what we can hope will be a soft landing - offering cost-of-living relief and more housing.
Jun 24
3 mins
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Apprentice Building Women Kitchens People
Be the good
A passionate perfectionist, Kristy Francis of Lathams Kitchens is embarking on her 25th year in the building industry. An integral part of several HIA committees, she reveals her talent and what keeps her motivated.
Apr 24
4 min
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Building Women Construction Marketing
Digital marketing for builders
What’s the value of leveraging digital marketing? It can help build a captivating brand and craft content that attracts clients, taking your business to the next level.
Mar 24
4 min
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Kitchens Design Building Women Awards Projects
Alfresco and aquarium combo
Western Australia’s Carmen Hansberry is no novice when it comes to interior design. This Senior Creative Designer and business founder showcased her residential talents, winning the HIA 2023 Western Australian Residential Interior...
Jan 24
3 min
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Apprentice Awards Building Women
My island home
Fly-in, fly-out apprentice Kiana Villaflor knows the challenges of working in a remote Northern Territory location, but always has the support of the Darwin-based team at WTD Constructions for ground support.
Nov 23
4 min
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Awards Bathroom Building Women
Heart of the matter
When Jenny Matek joined her husband’s tiling and bathroom company, she soon realised that her business and design skills would be valuable assets.
Nov 23
5 min
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Apprentice People Building Women
Future direction
As Jocelyn Martin steps into HIA’s managing director role, she is focused on maintaining the Association’s respected industry voice and enhancing our connection with members.
Aug 23
2 min
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Apprentice Building Women Awards Residential People
Major league
Former university student Bailee Major made the unexpected jump from academia to carpentry. Her determination and unwavering commitment to her craft have set her on the road to success.
Aug 23
5 min
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Apprentice Building Women Small business People
The difference maker
Start with originality and imagination. Now add in problem-solving skills and a commitment to change and you have a future leader. Beth Mercieca, the 2023 HIA Jim Brookes Australian Apprentice winner, embodies all of the above and...
Jun 23
5 min
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Builder's licence Building Women Managing staff People
Steady at the helm
Debbie Johnson is a designer, planner, registered builder and the lover of all things residential building. Housing chats to HIA’s new National President about her career and focus for the future.
May 23
4 min
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Building Women Workmanship Administration People
Just right
After decades of hard work and passion, Alison Just was elected HIA’s ACT/Southern NSW President in 1997. It was certainly a case of the right person at the right time.
Feb 23
4 min
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Construction Building Women Business systems People
A tale of two careers
Home building is a long way from the university lab, but for Dana Valuzis the move from academia to construction has been a rewarding change.
Dec 22
6 min
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Building Women Managing staff Networking
Wonder women
Whether women are onsite or in the office, they understand the importance of networking. Meet two dynamic women who are HIA members and company leaders.
Jun 22
9 min
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GreenSmart Building Women Sustainability People
Green Guru
Janine Strachan, 2021 HIA Australian GreenSmart Professional award winner, looks at the shift in sustainable housing during her career and reveals why she’s so passionate about it.
Mar 22
7 min
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Inspiration Awards Building Women People
Taking care of business
As co-owner and office manager of Highwater Homes, Elizabeth Searle is enjoying a double celebration this year with her business’s 10-year anniversary and her win of the 2021 HIA Australian Business Partner award.
Dec 21
6 min
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Sustainability Inspiration Building Women People
Race for zero waste
The building industry is responsible for over 40% of the waste created in Australia. One woman is transforming some of this waste into sustainable building products – welcome to the materials revolution. 
May 21
7 min
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Apprentice Building Women People
A cut above the rest
Monique Juratovac threw convention out the window when she signed up for a bricklaying apprenticeship. Despite the naysayers, she is determined to carve out her own path in the construction industry.
Feb 21
5 min
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Design Innovation Building Women People
Open and agile
HIA award-winning interior designer Jasmine McClelland is one to take new challenges, pursuing her creative flair all the way into a housing industry.
Nov 20
5 min
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Building Women Sustainability Environment People
Game changer
Penelope Haley, owner of the award-winning company Valley Workshop, shares her ideas on incorporating sustainability in industry through prefabrication.
Sep 20
6 min
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Building Women Planning Sustainability People
Pursuing change
Sustainability expert Dr Shaila Divakarla is passionate about effecting positive change in the built environment, and shares her thoughts on how and when we incorporate sustainable principles in housing.
Sep 20
6 min
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Our team is here to answer any questions about HIA Building Women.

Get in touch