Stop and appreciate

Jane Andrews, Digital Marketing Manager at Surfers Paradise-based Homecorp, was keen to take her teammates to a new level. She entered into the HIA Building Women award program.

‘When we looked at what we had individually done, the effect was magical. We had thought we had to be 100 per cent perfect to apply. We had to see the wood from the trees, or perhaps the frame, skirting and architraves,' she quips.

While not winning an award in 2024, the team had three finalists in the mix. This powerful result became second to the change meant to the team. ‘For myself and my colleagues, entering the HIA Building Women awards has been hugely empowering,' Jane says.

‘We’re getting to know each other more and getting involved in the industry. We’ve had conversations about what we wanted to be when we were younger and what we want to achieve in the future. It’s been such an incredible change, all sparked by entering the awards program.’

Now focused on upskilling, the team recently obtained their white cards so they can be actively present onsite and involved as much as possible in the industry. ‘It’s about removing obstacles,’ says Jane. ‘We all have so much more strength together. We now feel we can truly see each other.’

Changing the course

During the pandemic, Sydney builder Steve Mallinger was in a conundrum. With clients cancelling, his future was unknown, so he was looking for a way to change his situation.

When the HIA awards program opened, he was considering entering a recent build. After getting the courage to apply, Mallinger Constructions eventually won HIA-CSR NSW Home of the Year. It was a real surprise for Steve.

'I'd never applied before and thought I'd never win. I knew I was competing against major building and construction companies. The cost of this build was just over $2 million, and I knew I was competing against builds with a much higher budget.'

However, going on to take out the 2021 HIA-CSR Australian Home of the Year and HIA Australian Custom Built Home awards was both a surprise and delight. It’s given his business more exposure.

'It feels my street cred has gone way up,' he says, laughing.

Now, three years on, the regional and national wins have still improved Steve’s prospects. ‘The amount of support and opportunity we’ve been provided has been amazing,’ he says. ‘We now work with architects we may never have connected with before.’ That collaboration has appealed to both clients and investors.

‘For any prospective clients, they’re often attracted to a team of known architects and award-winning builders. It’s a definite bonus,’ Steve says.

The awards program was the boost he needed, and he continues to benefit from it.

Steve is not alone when it comes to awards success. Builder Con Kapnoullas and his wife/ co-director Magda of Victoria’s MK Building Group know it well. Con describes taking out the 2024 HIA Australian Townhouse/Villa of the Year award as 'like winning gold at the Olympics'. 'It's a credit to all our staff as well,’ he says. ‘They've been with us for 10-plus years, so it's really a reward to them,' he says.

The couple are incredibly grateful to the industry and HIA for recognising and acknowledging excellence. 'This is particularly important when the industry is weathering difficult times,' Con says.

'HIA makes us feel amazing, appreciated and represented. From a big-picture perspective, we're happy to have them on our side and advocating for what the industry needs.'

Support squad

Being recognised extends beyond peers to the broader industry. Manufacturers and suppliers support the awards through partnerships, providing further exposure for members through their brand channels.

'Our partners play a critical role in celebrating excellence across the industry,' says Lucy Vicars, HIA General Manager of Partnerships. HIA National Awards Manager Jenny Haling agrees: 'Our awards not only celebrate individual and team achievements but also strengthen the industry as a whole. So why not give it a go?'

Maavis Atchiamith from Caroma adds, 'The HIA 2024 National Conference and awards night raised the bar high, celebrating the outstanding achievements in our industry. The atmosphere on the awards night was vibrant and inspiring, highlighting the dedication and innovation of industry professionals.' 

Sam Cracknell from Clipsal by Schneider Electric echoes this sentiment. 'It's terrific to be involved.'

Learn about how the HIA Awards program can help you or your business 

Find out more

First published 7 January 2025