Our support team have each shown their enthusiasm to assist with a successful result with this initiative. Each individual has taken time out of their own business and contributed enormous time and effort to champion this project. We commend them for their effort and express sincere gratitude for thier contribution to outstanding results.

Your name:    Wendy Moutlon  Age group:     46.-55 Your role/trade within the Building industry? Building Advocate - in my role I provide 'hands on' assistance for my clients to guide and direct them through their building disputes. Owners are sometimes confussed with the contractual issues and are unsure of their rights in either the completion of their homes or how to deal with defective work and their builder - even years after completion. Builders and trade contractors don't always comprehend the extent and also limits of their responsibility towards their work. They are often unsure of their dealings with Govenment entities and find that conflict can arise through owners' expectations of their entitlements under their contract or whether the building work meets industry standards. Investors and Property Managers find value in engaging my services to effectively deal with building related defects and the responsible builder - managing this process to ensure minimal disruption to tenants and limiting costs to owners to maintenance issues only. I prepare documentation and also represent clients at QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal) and formulate and respond to payment claims under the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act (BCIPA).
What is involved in training for your role? I worked for 15 years with the Building Services Authority (BSA) holding positions in their 3 major operational divisions - Licensing, Insurance Claims and Dispute Resolution. In particular my 6 years as a BSA Dispute Resolution Manager honed my skills as a mediator, and gave me a broad understanding of the construction process and the underpinning legislation. Through the University of Southern Queensland I completed their course on Alternative Dispute Resolution, achieving a high distinction in each subject. A selection of the personal training I have undertaken which I also draw upon is: - Contract Law for Non-Lawyers - Risk Management - Dealing with Change Effectively - Mediation Skills Training Certificate - Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training - Time Management and Problem Solving - Managing Stressful Customer Relationships - Teams and Teamwork - Dealing with Conflict
- Recruiting and Selecting Staff - Mentoring - General Safety Induction (Construction Industry) - Building Technology - Operational Management - Understanding Legal 'Entities' - Understanding Financial Statements relative to the Building Industry - Investigation and Court Procedure - Customer Service Skills Program - Conciliation and Mediation - Problem Solving / Decision Making - Anti-Discrimination - Defamation - Practical Training
What obstacles have you overcome on your path into and through the Building industry? - Gaining acceptance and credibility for my knowledge and ability in an industry with an historical gender imbalance. - Establishing networks of allied professionals built on a relationship of mutual respect.   Lessons learned? - Really 'listening' is how you learn the facts. - Never sign on a dotted line unless you are sure of the implications for you. - There is ALWAYS a solution; the skill is in achieving it. - On a personal note - be focussed. Set short term and long term goals. Measure you progress, and celebrate your achievements.
Why do you think it is important to help establish a name and better recognised opportunities for females in Building? To ensure a truly sustainable building industry in the world today, opportunity and recognition must be awarded to the best person for the job. Women have shown their ability to diversify their skill base and achieve well in the construction industry. As a mentor for NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) I am helping to guarantee that the future will hold meaningful career choices for those women who believe their destiny lies within the construction industry.
What are your goals for the future? - To use my innovation and initiative in achieving broader business opportunities. - To motivate others through NAWIC Metoring Program to Learn and achieve their ambition in the building and construction industry. - Learning how to dance with my two left feet... How do you effectively deal with your workplace culture? Every workplace is different. Acknowledge the differences, make allowances where required, but the key is that YOU remain constant. Believe in yourself.

Has there been a role model you have looked to for inspiration? No one person in particular, however the people who impress me are those who are proud of what they have achieved (whatever that may be), and who treat others with honesty and fairness. Recently I had the opportunity to meet the patorn of this 'Women into Building' project - Senator Kate Lundy and learned that she began her working life as a labourer removing asbestos from building and construction sites. These days she is a Federal Member for Parliment. She is a quietly confident, well educated woman who spoke proudly of her journey from humble beginnings in the building and construction industry to where she is today. She is walking evidence that women can and should challenge traditional working roles and will achieve well if they have the passion to do so. what a true inspiration for all women who want to follow their hearts and contest convention - simple starts can lead you anywhere. You are only limited by one thing - yourself.
Wendy's inspirational message: Live Simply, Love generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly. The happiest people don't neccessarily have the best of everything... but they do make the best of everything that they have..!