The HIA-Jason Windows Building Women Awards recognised the incredible talent, and huge contribution that women are making to the residential building industry in Western Australia.

HIA WA Executive Director Michael McGowan said that Alicia Kelly was an outstanding winner and fitting recipient of the highest accolade.

“As joint General Manager and Company Secretary of the family business JWH Group, one of the largest residential building groups in WA, Alicia is a leading and highly respected figure in the industry,” said Mr McGowan.

Alicia was also bestowed the Executive Leadership award for her exceptional leadership and organisational management skills.

Alicia has been instrumental in shaping the structure, strength, and resilience of JWH Group, leading the business through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and establishing a structure for future growth and success. 

Alicia is driven by doing the right thing, adhering to company values, and developing and empowering her colleagues. She actively champions the role of women in the industry, is visible in her balance of motherhood and leadership and demonstrated advocacy for equity and equality at all levels.

“Alicia is dedicated to the continual improvement of the home building industry, is actively involved in various industry committees and international leadership networks and is committed to sharing knowledge for the benefit of others. We are immensely proud to recognise Alicia as the first HIA Western Australian Building Woman of the Year,” said Mr McGowan.

Mr McGowan said an important part of the HIA Building Women Awards program was to recognise the excellence of women working in all facets of home building business.

“Our industry has always relied upon the many smart, hardworking women without whose contribution the home building industry simply does not function,” he said.

Demonstrating outstanding commitment to the industry, Jessica Berry, Managing Director of Pique Mod Pty Ltd was recognised for three awards including Achievement in Manufacturing and Supply, Industry Contribution, and Professional Business Woman.

Driven by a passion for redefining industry standards Jessica is revolutionising the modular housing landscape in Western Australia. She has been instrumental in changing the perception of modular builds, paved the way for better financing models, and increased the capacity for the supply of modular homes. 

Her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion is exemplified through her proactive efforts to empower female talent within the construction sector. The company is also host to two female carpentry apprentices. 

Recognising the vital contribution and skill of women who are qualified and excelling in an industry trade, Tradeswoman of the Year was won by carpenter Ashleigh Hiemstra, Director of Merge Building.

Starting as an apprentice 13 years ago when there were few female tradespeople, Ashleigh displayed great perseverance and determination to achieve her goal of gaining her qualification, becoming a registered builder and running her own successful home building business.

Ashleigh is now a role model for women in trades and her journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a passion for empowering women and sharing her experiences with other young women looking to enter the industry. 

Recipient of the Young Achiever/Trailblazer award, Hannah Martin, Project Manager at South West Building Company has expertly bridged the gap between office, site, client, and business administration, and plays a pivotal role in streamlining projects and introducing efficient methodologies. 

Hannah’s influence extends beyond her operational prowess as she has also been instrumental in the onboarding of new employees and the successful integration of new business ventures. Her remarkable contributions at a young age serve as an inspiration to aspiring professionals. 

Also providing inspiration, guidance, and support to others in the industry, Deanne McConkey from Glass Co Metro was recognised as the Business Leader/Mentor.

Deanne’s advocacy for female empowerment and inclusivity has led to increased female representation in the workforce and a supportive workplace culture. Her mentorship initiatives, coupled with her proactive engagement at industry events, highlight her efforts in fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture.

“Deanne has had a great impact on the organisation and the broader industry, she has also been a respected mentor in the HIA Building Women Mentoring Program in 2024,” said Mr McGowan.

In an important award recognising organisations that invest and demonstrate a commitment to creating roles for, and supporting women in the workplace, Progen Homes was awarded Inclusion and Advancement of Women.

Progen Homes has achieved remarkable success in championing the empowerment and support of women in the workplace by actively addressing gender-based wage gaps and ensuring fair compensation practices.

The custom home builder provides a notable example of a company demonstrating a steadfast commitment to providing opportunities and a nurturing environment for female employees.

Other outstanding winners include Jo-Ann Mendoza from Independent Timber Supplies, recognised for the Administration Executive award for her exceptional customer-focused approach, leadership, and dedication to continuous self-improvement in the field of business administration and office management.

Katherine Weston from Fox Modular the recipient of the Business Development Professional award for her strategic planning and market insights which have contributed to successful business development of the company’s premium residential brand Pique.

Whitley Gilbert of Homes by Nature awarded as an Innovation and Change Leader for her resilience and adaptability in navigating the construction landscape to help pioneer sustainable and ecofriendly construction.

HIA congratulates all the 2024 HIA Jason Windows Building Women Awards winners. The full honour roll and selection of images is available here.

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