A new push at Dubbo to build up construction businesses is putting the focus on supporting female family members who are often designing logos, running payroll and more.
The Exchange is moving to back both women and the firms in which they work to reach their potential.
It’s partnering with commercial builder North Construction and Building to deliver the Women In Construction program at Dubbo.
Key figures in each organisation are encouraging not only women, but also men involved in the construction industry to attend the two sessions, to be held on June 26 and July 24.
The Exchange community manager Minna Demetriou said one of the main value pillars at The Exchange was to support the community.
“Therefore, the Women in Construction program is our response to a community of wives designing logos, cousins writing SWMS, and in-laws running payroll,” Ms Demetriou said.
“Not only are these women ‘working on the business’ but they are working in the business.”
Ms Demetriou contested supporting women would have wider positive impacts.
“The success of the construction businesses lies in the scalability and professional operation of subcontractors on every job site,” she said.
“We need to help scale the trades, and to do this, we need to back the women working on and behind the scenes.”
Local presenters with relevant experience will feature in the program.
“We are thrilled to announce that for our first session, on Wednesday June 26, we will be joined from Alex Kelly from Alex&ria Digital and Melisa Wheatley from Martel Wheatley,” Ms Demetriou said.
North Construction was founded in 1987 on the Central Coast.
Managing director Matthew Cook, who grew up at Dubbo, said the Women In Construction program was one “close to this medium-sized commercial builder’s heart” as it worked hard to promote the industry and career opportunities available within it for all.
“As a male-dominated industry, there is a perception also that construction is a male-led industry,” Mr Cook said.
“An industry that has been challenged and found wanting in dealing with long work hours, project demands and sexism. To engage more women in the industry that fundamental perception needs to change and the industry can do more to recognise training, support and opportunities for women in construction.”
Topics will include single touch payroll, marketing for construction, licensing and contracting and more. Registration is free and can be done through Eventbrite.
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