HIA Building Women

Across the country each day, women help to shape the future of home building. The HIA Building Women community was conceived from a commitment to supporting women in the residential building industry. Through government funding, mentoring, awards and events, it empowers women to carve out exciting, challenging careers and break down barriers in what was traditionally a male-dominated space.

Kristin Brookfield, HIA Deputy Managing Director, has been involved in the program since its inception. ‘We launched this community in 2018 as a national program, so we’re in our sixth year. We have so many active, engaged women across the country helping each other build the skills, networks and confidence they need to succeed,’ says Kristin.

The program has gone from strength to strength, launching a dedicated digital hub, working group, and ambassadors program this year. It delivers successful networking events, awards program, mentoring and government-funded initiatives, with more opportunities in the pipeline next year.

‘The community has been long-standing, but it's come into its own in 2024. At the end of last year, we established the National Building Women’s Working Group, which helps inform our National Membership Committee in our advocacy space,’ Kristin explains. ‘The working group consists of women from every state and territory, meeting four times a year to develop a roadmap that will focus our efforts as an Association over the next year.’ 

The group has developed a clear plan: Engage, Belong, Attract, Support. This roadmap is designed to enhance engagement, foster a sense of belonging, and drive recognition through inspirational networking events and awards. Additionally, it aims to attract and support more women in the workforce through mentoring and government-funded programs.

The events are a cornerstone of the HIA Building Women community. ‘We see hundreds of attendees nationwide at these events. They are hugely popular and sell out fast,’ says Kristin. ‘Speakers come from all walks of life, sharing their inspirational and motivational experiences, and the challenges they've faced in their own careers – not just in construction, but across many different sectors.’

Kristin adds, ‘People know they'll be in a room with their peers, industry leaders and mentors. They’ll meet people like themselves and people they aspire to be.’ 

To further foster this sense of community, HIA has introduced a select group of HIA Building Women Ambassadors, a diverse and inclusive network of individuals who attend events to encourage conversations and facilitate introductions to industry peers, leaders and experts.

‘This year we introduced the HIA Building Women Ambassadors; not all of them are women but all are dedicated to connecting and supporting women in our industry. They’re easily recognised by their purple name badges. If you’re feeling nervous about networking or just want to get to know more people, you can walk up to an ambassador and have a chat.’

The program also celebrates the achievements of women and businesses championing inclusion and progression through the HIA Building Women Awards. These awards acknowledge the contributions of women in every corner of the industry and highlight businesses that are driving change.

‘The awards recognise women in the housing industry through stand-alone events or as part of our housing awards in the regions. We’re seeing some incredible entries year after year,’ says Kristin.

Attracting a more diverse workforce is a key focus, supported by both mentoring and government-funded initiatives. ‘We've had substantial government funding to support women in construction, which has been instrumental in advancing our initiatives,’ says Kristin. ‘We also have mentoring programs in several regions, with more opportunities coming in 2025.’

Whether it’s attending an event, participating in the awards program, or learning from others, the HIA Building Women community is a powerful reminder that we are building more than homes – we are building futures. Dynamic speakers champion inclusivity and inspire and motivate future leaders in the residential building industry.

Kitchen & Bathroom

HIA offers another vibrant community for those specialising in kitchen and bathroom design, bringing together interior designers, cabinet makers and manufacturers to foster collaboration and innovation in trends, design and craftsmanship. This group offers everything from practical, snack-sized learning sessions to in-depth training courses, business tools and awards that recognise outstanding talent within the industry.

Kerrie Wilson, HIA Director of Industry and Business Information, highlights the importance of this community: ‘It’s built on sharing knowledge, collaboration and recognising excellence.’

As HIA celebrates its 80th year in 2025, the community is part of a long-standing foundation of authority, reliability and expertise in the residential building space. This history has helped foster collaboration between builders, designers, manufacturers and suppliers, creating a cohesive, inclusive approach that benefits from shared knowledge, training and opportunities.

The National Kitchen & Bathroom Committee is headed by HIA member and Chair, Laurie Cosentino, who represents them nationally, advocating to the government on issues that impact the design and construction of these integral parts of a home build.

‘Alongside national representation, we also have regional committees made up of members from a wide range of businesses in the kitchen and bathroom sector, both big and small, who meet regularly around Australia to ensure local perspectives are represented,’ says Kerrie.

‘Our committee members are truly passionate, volunteering their time to ensure we’re heard at all levels of decision-making.’

Over the past 18 months, key policy topics of focus have included the Design Practitioners Bill, the engineered stone ban, and the NCC 2022 changes related to liveable/accessible housing and waterproofing. ‘We invest significant resources into securing our place at the table regarding these issues. Where other associations may not have a voice in the room, we ensure we do. We dedicate a great deal of time and effort to achieve results for our members.’

The community also thrives on its commitment to accessible learning and training. ‘We have a really diverse group of people in this community, so we cover a lot of ground,’ explains Kerrie. ‘We talk about trends and design but also dive into manufacturing and installation techniques. There’s a great synergy between kitchen and bathroom designers, manufacturers and the broader building industry.’ 

In addition to lobbying, the community invests in research and produces valuable reports for designers, such as the annual HIA Kitchens and Bathrooms Report, which provides crucial insights into current trends and economic factors influencing the industry. ‘We’ve also developed design-specific contracts, new technical guides, legal resources and business tools. Members can access comprehensive industry guides, and we’re planning to release more resources in the coming year.’

Meanwhile, the HIA Kitchen & Bathroom Awards program continues to showcase groundbreaking design and craftsmanship, celebrating those who push boundaries and set new standards. ‘The calibre of entries we receive each year is nothing short of incredible. It’s a testament to the level of talent and innovation in this space. The recognition these designers receive is well-deserved.’ 

This community serves as a source of inspiration and recognition while prioritising collaboration.

National Manufacturers Council

At the core of HIA's mission to support the residential building industry is our vast network of committees. These committees play an essential role in policy development, advocacy and shaping the direction of the industry. Whether focusing on technical standards, legal matters or environmental policies, HIA committees offer members the chance to make their voices heard and create positive change for our industry. 

A key part of this network is the National Manufacturers Council (NMC), a dedicated forum for building product manufacturers and suppliers who support the industry. For more than 20 years, this community of Australia's leading building materials manufacturers and suppliers come together to tackle public policy and industry challenges. Through collaboration, they work to advance policies, share insights, support one another and benefit the entire residential building industry. 

Simon Croft, HIA Chief Executive in Industry & Policy, emphasises the importance of the NMC in helping HIA shape effective policies for this critical sector of our economy. 'Our committees provide a platform for debate and collaboration, ensuring the policies we advocate for are grounded in the real experiences of our members,' says Simon. 'These committees not only allow members to contribute to the industry's success but also provide a valuable opportunity to network with other professionals.'

He continues: 'The advocacy work that HIA does for members and this particular sector can’t be underestimated. This dedicated council, where industry leaders can openly discuss their major issues, is essential for creating lasting change. The impact of the council is dramatic and, at times, exceptional.'

Manufacturing is an essential sector for both the Australian economy and the residential building industry, making it necessary for manufacturers to have a say in how proposed regulations and reforms affect them. 'Initially, governments didn't realise the extent to which we represent this group. Engaging directly with industry ministers, manufacturing ministers, and other government bodies to provide a voice for this sector is sometimes quite a challenge.'

This year, the federal government has renewed its focus on supporting Australian manufacturers and suppliers. Craig Jennion, HIA Executive Director and Council Secretariat, helps facilitate conversations between council members and government decision-makers.

'COVID highlighted the need for a robust manufacturing sector in Australia, especially for our industry, to ensure multiple sources of product supply and prevent prices from skyrocketing as we saw during the pandemic,' says Craig. 'For that reason alone, it's more important than ever that we represent these voices at all levels of government.' 

Topics such as decarbonisation, electrification, net-zero goals, material testing and compliance, environmental impact, workforce challenges and supply chain issues are all discussed within the council. 'The NMC provides a platform to come together with unified objectives and mutual support,' explains Simon. 'All members face unique challenges so while we work collectively, we also address individual needs.'

Craig agrees: 'There are universal issues that apply to all, and then there are regulatory changes that may only affect a specific portion of the council.' 

The council has been involved in addressing significant industry reforms such as the silica and engineered stone ban, industrial relations reforms, adopting the NCC 2022, and the upcoming NCC 2025 changes. Simon acknowledges the distinct challenges these reforms pose for manufacturers compared to building professionals. 'Some changes have a much larger impact on manufacturing processes and products. We're dealing with issues that may only affect building professionals downstream, but manufacturers are tackling them head-on.' 

Environmental challenges are also front and centre as discussions around Future Made in Australia and supply-chain legislation, such as building product certification reforms, take shape. 'Topics such as modern slavery in the supply chain, illegal logging requirements, and broader environmental sustainability measures – such as ESG standards and climate financial reporting – are at the top of our minds as they will impact manufacturers significantly,' Simon adds. 

Council members are well-aware that significant and often transitional change takes time. 'Change doesn't happen overnight,' Simon says. 'Sometimes we collectively work towards something over a long period, but we’re united in our goals and committed to making a lasting impact together.'

Built Different 

The path to success in the building industry is rarely a straight line. For many, it's filled with twists, turns and challenges that test their resolve. That's why Built Different, HIA's community for emerging trades and professionals, is so vital. This community is built on the belief that no two paths are the same, but with the right support and guidance, everyone can achieve their goals.

Ryan May, co-host of the podcast brains behind the Built Different initiative, reflects on how the program has been embraced, particularly through a series of successful TAFE roadshows across New South Wales. 'We're proud to support the next generation of building professionals and leaders. The response from these roadshows has been incredible,' says Ryan. 

Built Different offers young tradespeople a chance to connect, learn from experienced professionals, and share their own skills and experiences. 

Whether in your first year as a qualified tradie or a seasoned professional, this community helps you navigate your career, offering guidance on everything from job-site dynamics to career advancement. It's about being part of something bigger – a network that shares your passion for the building trade and your desire to think bigger and do better. 

With exclusive access to the online forum, dedicated newsletter, podcast and resources, Built Different is paving the way for the next generation of leaders in the industry.

Joining a community

Are you curious about joining a community and getting involved in the future of our industry? Find out more by visiting HIA Community.

First published 9 December 2024