What to expect at Women in Trade 2025

Bowens Women in Trade is back in 2025. With a stellar line up of experienced and enthusiastic females supporting and inspiring those in trade and construction roles, this year’s event is shaping up to being our best yet.

Hosted at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne, Bowens aims to bring together a group of committed, empowered and resilient women, determined to break the mould and pave the way for women in building and construction.

As of 2023 research states, women made up only 13.6% of the construction workforce in Australia, compared to 46.9% in the overall workforce. So it is fitting that the theme of our event and International Women’s day this year is Accelerate Action.

“We know there is a gender imbalance and as much as we personally don’t think that there should be any barriers to women joining the building industry, the numbers suggest that barriers do in fact exist,” says Vesna Brown, Head of Human Resources at Bowens.

Industry change can be as simple as breaking down some of the barriers that prevent women from applying for construction roles such as gender-based adversity, lack of gender representation, lack of female specific safety equipment and lack of clean and accessible amenities onsite for women.

“There is that whole concept of ‘you can’t be what you can’t see,’” Vesna says. “It is events such as Bowens Women in Trade that can help show women that traditionally male dominated roles are possible for females and terrific careers can be built in our industry”.

Women in Trade Panel Line-up

Panel set up at Women in Trade event, 2023.

This year’s Women in Trade event promises an inspiring lineup, providing valuable industry insights from a female perspective.

“Our event speakers, led by our MC Brihony Dawson, are advocates for women,” Vesna says. “Clea, a fourth-year apprentice, will speak from the perspective of women coming into the industry. Farah, who has extensive experience in the building industry, will discuss her journey and the various opportunities available in the field.”

Brihony Dawson is a songwriter, entertainer, keynote speaker, and our MC for the night. Adding to the vibrancy of the event, their band will also perform on the night. Joining Brihony on the stage are two women in different stages of their careers.
Currently in her 4th year as a carpentry apprentice, Clea White works at Lizad Build, contracted by Croft Developments. Her passion lies in framing, where she finds satisfaction in seeing the house take shape.
With nearly three decades of experience, Farah Drake is a builder, retirement specialist and advocate for women in trade. She believes that every construction project should foster a sense of community and connection.

Among the formalities the Belinda Jackson Award and Margaret Hickey Awards will be presented. The Belinda Jackson Award highlights women within Bowens for their contribution to the industry and the company. We will also announce the Margaret Hickey Award, celebrating a female demonstrating leadership, determination and inclusivity within the building industry.

The Margaret Hickey Award

This year’s recipient of the Margaret Hickey Award will be announced at the Bowens Women in Trade event on March 28, 2025. Eligibility criteria includes a minimum of one year in the industry, residing and working in Australia, and fulfilling the specified criteria.

Learn more here.

The winner of the Margaret Hickey Award will receive a $2,000 voucher and be featured prominently in Bowens Builders Bulletin Publication, reaching over 28,000 industry professionals. Their achievement will also be celebrated across Bowens social media platforms, reaching a community of more than 10,400 followers.

“Get your nomination in, whether you’re nominating yourself or you’re nominating someone else that deserves the recognition,” Vesna suggests. “If you’re looking to grow and promote your business, this award is a terrific opportunity for you to get yourself out there.”

If you haven’t entered or nominated a female trade you admire, you still have time.

Enter Now

Helma Gash, winner of the Margaret Hickey Award 2023.

Helma Gash, winner of the Margaret Hickey Award 2023.

Women in Trade 2025 Event Details

This FREE event will give you access to a line-up of influential women, supplier workshops and demonstrations, experience live entertainment and enjoy a comfortable space to sit, relax and chat.

“There will be plenty of food and drinks, along with lots of networking opportunities. You’ll have a chance to meet like-minded women, seek advice and receive guidance,” Vesna says. “If you’re looking for a different angle on where your career can go, facing challenges, or simply need someone to turn to, this is the right place for you.”

You’ll find free drinks, wood fired pizza, coffee from our Coffee Van, Nem n Nem Vietnamese and tacos. Visit the Mitek stand where Stef Apostolidis from the Tradie Lady Club will be there chatting to the team and handing out free copies of The House That She Built, written by Mollie Elkman and illustrated by Georgia Castellano. Also, get your hands on a Women in Trade showbag including an exclusive Bowens gift.

Most importantly, this is your opportunity to spend time to learn from other female tradies, be inspired and help to accelerate action when it comes to gender equity in the building and construction industry.

Join us at The Timber Yard, 351 Plummer St, Port Melbourne on Friday 28^th March 2025 between 3.00 pm and 8.00 pm.

If you’re a female tradie, you won’t want to miss it.

Register now!

Accelerate Action: Women in Trade 2025

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