Women in Trade 2025: Prepare for Change
2025 WIT Event Wrap Up
Women working in Melbourne’s building and construction industry gathered for the bi-annual Bowens Women in Trade Event. 430+ attendees walked through the gates at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne on 28th March 2025, to help celebrate, encourage and inspire one another.
“This event has truly evolved into something special. It’s no longer just a networking event, it’s become a forum where like-minded women in trade can come together and celebrate each other’s achievements,” said Will Keys, Senior Marketing, Sponsorships and Events Specialist at Bowens. “Our goal was always to make this a date on the industry calendar, and with the growth and recognition it has earned, it’s clear that we are doing this for the right reasons.”
While female trades are still underrepresented on worksites, this event works to help female trades find allies in the industry, build the confidence to speak up and be inspired by those who have paved the way.
Our Main Event
The weather helped to draw the crowd and attendees enjoyed a drink and some food in the sunshine before our main event kicked off.
Our MC, songwriter, entertainer and keynote speaker Brihony Dawson, kicked off the main event by performing ‘Let’s get it started’ by the Black-Eyed Peas. The crowd got out of their seats and got moving before Brihony introduced the speakers and led them through a series of thought-provoking questions.
This year we were lucky enough to have Farah Drake, builder, retirement specialist and advocate for women in trade, join us on the stage. With nearly three decades of experience, Farah discussed difficulties she experienced finding her feet in a job dominated by men, how she found a passion for the building industry when she first helped her dad onsite and why every female trade can’t stand port-a-loos.
When asked how women can continue to grow their careers and block out the noise from those with dated views on females in the industry, she said;
“You don’t let it hold you back, you let it propel you forward.”
Fourth year carpentry apprentice, Clea White, joined Farah on stage to discuss her experiences, working with her dad onsite, and the changes at TAFE and female participation over the past four years.
“When I started TAFE, there were only a couple of females on campus, but now there is a female in every class. And that’s so great to see.”
When Farah and Clea were asked if the industry can do more for women in trade roles, they both agreed that change needs to start at the top, and filter down into TAFEs, businesses and job sites. These women are not looking for special treatment, they are looking for equal opportunity – something that should be expected, not fought for, and it is well overdue.
From the Speakers to the Awards
This year, Bowens’ Head of Human Resources, Vesna Brown, presented the Margaret Hickey Award to a female who has contributed to the industry.
The winner of the award for 2025 was Sam Kurikawa. Sam changed careers in her mid-40’s to pursue a career in the building industry. After completing a Cert IV in Building & Construction and a Cert II Pre-app in Carpentry, Sam taught workshops to women to provide them exposure and confidence using tools. She later launched her business She Bangs ToolSchool, offering handywoman services.
“I help women understand how trades work and how to work with them. My free resources educate and demystify the building industry,” Sam said.
The Belinda Jackson award for 2025 was presented by John Bowen, Managing Director at Bowens, to Julie Shortt, Sales Manager at Bowens Croydon.
Julie has been an amazing support for women throughout the business and she always goes above and beyond for both customers and staff members.
“Julie consistently looks out for others. Her kind nature and calm demeanour instils confidence in those around her, encouraging them to perform at their best. She is an exceptional team player,” said Vesna.
Julie Shortt (Sales Manager – Croydon) Belinda Jackson Award. John Bowen, Managing Director. Sam Kurikawa (She Bangs ToolSchool) Margaret Hickey award.
It’s a Wrap
The event continued in the outdoor area, where there were food trucks, drinks and a coffee cart, along with live music, plenty of dancing and opportunities to speak with our guest speakers. The event concluded with some networking, and most of all, a feeling that maybe change wasn’t too far off.
Bowens would like to thank everyone who attended this event including our MC, special guests, Stef Apostolidis who spoke live from our supplier stands and Bowens staff who organised the event and helped on the day.
Lastly, our sponsors, Hard Yakka, MiTek, Innova, Chisholm Institute, Box Hill Institute, Holmesglen TAFE, Tradie Lady Club, Empowered Women in Trade, wedi and Shaffer & Co.
If you’re interested in a career with Bowens, feel free to visit our careers page for a list of current job opportunities.