Welcome to our dedicated website for the "Buildmore Women into Building Housing Showcase".

I am Sam Sheppard, the licensed builder behind this National first initiative; a small lot home designed, constructed and supplied predominately by women.

Without a doubt this has become a career highlight for me, inspired by a conversation between Carey DeBoer from Totally Workwear and Radmilla Desic, Queensland President for NAWIC. The suggestion was put to me and I thought it was fantastic but extremely ambitious, let’s face it, to cover all vocations and trades, women may be few and far between. Yet through word of mouth and the commitment of many people, I have been repeatedly impressed by the women we have connected with; who were  quietly going about their work.

A 360m2 block of land in Investa’s Bellflower Estate Master Builder’s Display Village went back on the market and I jumped at the chance. Now quite concerned that I have taken on the unachievable, I set about organising a committee meeting with all the Key Industry Stakeholders I had worked alongside of through many worthwhile initiatives.  

I need not have worried, at our first “All girls project” meeting all stakeholders were represented, they each offered their assistance, encouragement and commitment to see this project through to a successful result. Returning to my office that afternoon, excited and anxious wrapped into one, I already received my first two phone calls from emails that had been forwarded to women I had not yet met. Each of these women’s obvious excitement to be involved in the project in what ever way they could was palpable. I sat there listening to these (almost hyperventilating women) thinking, “wow this is big!” Both Helen and Wendy have proven to be immensely supportive and I have developed a great respect for their depth of knowledge and willingness to offer their ongoing skills and support throughout this project.

From that moment on, it has been a fantastic journey revolving around industry support for the underpinning message behind this project. Some trade partners were excited to participate in the spirit of the project, some of these trade partner initiatives will be profiled on this website. It has been exciting to witness trade partner enthusiasm to not only demonstrate their support of women in the building industry by contributing, but sharing their commitment in their own workplaces with us, to further establish an understanding that cultural shifts are already taking place with great success.

I feel very privileged to have these success stories shared with me with such enthusiasm and pride. RMAX, Langs and ATF Fencing are just three that I speak of.

In just 12 short weeks we went from a contract to purchase Lot 193 Creekside Drive Bellflower Estate from Investa, to ready for Frieda our machine operator, to dig the first dirt. As well as Naomi, a qualified Carpenter / licensed supervisor who relocated from the Gold Coast for the duration of the project.      

NAWIC and particularly Radmilla Desic have been outstanding for their continued referrals of people who can either be involved or assist with sourcing women to be involved with the project as well as offering encouragement. This is one amazing group of dedicated volunteer women, who all work and spend a great deal of their own time to encourage and provide opportunities for women's successes to be recognised.

Master Builders, both Sunshine Coast and Queensland, have been exceptionally helpful with our ongoing enquiries and requests for advice. They have endeavoured to keep updated with progress and to make sure that if there is anything they can assist with; they know about it.

The Team at Construction Skills Queensland have been nothing short of understanding. This project encompassed many of the manager’s portfolios and each has been committed to achieving results that have exceeded anyone’s expectations. For example, the sheer volume of response from Sunshine Coast School’s for student age girls who want to gain work experience through this initiative, have been unprecedented. This result demonstrates how initiatives such as the “Buildmore Women into Building Housing Showcase”, successfully inspires girls and women to consider the building industry as a career of choice. It also highlights the industries support of women taking up career paths within this dynamic industry to carve out a successful, rewarding career.

Looking forward; it is my goal to set a benchmark with this history making initiative; the “Buildmore Women into Building Housing Showcase” demonstrates that with a collaborative effort, both the industry and the general public can view building and construction as a dynamic industry that is not so “male dominated”. Women are still considered to be involved in non-traditional roles – but they are not isolated or ostrasised as people once thought. The Building indsutry really has moved on, but the public perception needs to catch up.

Goal #2: There are countless other geographical locations across this vast country; where other collaborative groups can initiate similar projects to not only further entrench this positive message – but offer many more women the opportunity to role model their success to other aspiring women, and network with likeminded professionals in this dynamic industry that holds so many vast and varying opportunities.

This project has captured the imagination of an industry, individuals, stakeholders and media alike. I hold great pride in the individual commitment demonstrated by each and every person who has contributed their own personal skill and enthusiasm to bring about not only a successful, innovative, unique outcome, but a positive message that there are opportunities for all of us in the building and construction industries, regardless of gender.

As long as you are focused on outstanding results, committed to professional development, and are driven to succeed, the vast opportunities for excellence in your chosen field are at your feet. You can do it, and we all encourage you to!