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Robyn Kidston

jade Any industry relies on Role Models for others to look to; for direction and inspiration, the building industry is no different.

We are proud to present and salute the following Role Models; each of these inspiring ladies demonstrate skill and knowledge in their chosen fields, within the following categories;   

 

  Each of the ladies in our Construction Team have committed to work as an effective team, collectively contributing their knowledge, cooperation and talent to construct this showcase as a benchmark that demonstrates the outstanding quality, ingenuity and resourcefulness women bring to this dynamic building industry. They represent the coalface of changing perceptions; whereby the building industry offers many opportunities for those who are committed and determined to succeed, regardless of gender.

  • Your name:         Robyn Kidston.
 
  • Age group:         36-45.
 
  • Your role title/trade within the Building Industry: 

Administration Manager/Accountant.      

 
  • What is involved in training for your role?

I spent three years at Uni doing a commerce degree (quite a few years ago now) and then did some more study to become a Chartered

Accountant. 

 		  
  • How/why did you get into your chosen trade?

I’m reluctant to say it but I loved accounting at school!  I got involved in the Showcase home as I thought it was a brilliant idea to promote women in the construction industry.  It also gave me the opportunity to get a better understanding of what our staff does on a day to day basis.  It meant that I had to go through the building industry induction and I learnt quite a bit from that.  It also meant that I got to go out on site and get a very small taste of the work our men do. I’m not sure I’d chose to do it forever, but it was a great experience and adds to the respect I have for our staff.

 
  • What obstacles have you overcome on your path into and through the Building industry? 

My family became involved in the building industry when we moved to the Sunshine Coast 9 years ago and bought the business of Australian Temporary Fencing.  At that stage it was quite a small business with only one employee.  There have been many challenges in growing the business since that time, employing more staff and managing the changes to the working environment that come with growth.  We have been very fortunate though, to be a part of the growing Sunshine Coast and have had very few obstacles to deal with. 

 
  • Lessons learned?

Always make time for yourself, your family and your community.  Have a laugh whenever possible and don’t take anything too seriously. 

   		 
  • Why do you think it is important to help establish a name and better recognised opportunities for females in Building?

I came here from a coal mining community and while there, witnessed first hand the increase in women participating in the mining industry.  It is

now reasonably common to have women working alongside men in, what were otherwise, male-only roles ten years ago.  I think the construction

industry will evolve in a similar way if the right opportunities and training are made available to women.  The Buildmore Women into Building

Housing Showcase is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the skills of females and to draw attention to what we are all capable of.

 		  
  • What are your goals for the future?

To enjoy every minute with my family – we have 3 teenage children and our only daughter is planning to leave home next year for Uni. This will

be the start of a new stage in our lives and I will miss them all terribly when they leave. I would never have thought that the teenage years were

going to be such happy ones but we’re loving them.

 		  
  • How do you effectively deal with your workplace culture? 

We have a great team of men and women working with us at ATF and we share a laugh whenever we can.  Most of the boys enjoy rugby league

(and so do I) so have lots of banter around whose team has won or lost each week.  Basically though, we all get on well and this makes working

together fun.

 		  
  • Has there been a role model you have looked to for inspiration? 
I find inspiration from so many people.  It may be a small article about people working with charities overseas, a story about a mother raising a

disabled child or a wife who has lost her husband.  I am constantly reminded of how fortunate I am to have had a good education, married a

wonderful man, have 3 healthy children and live in the best place in the world – I don’t have any trouble motivating myself to make the most of

the every day!

 		  
  • Robyn's inspirational message:                   
Be positive whenever you can and make the most of every minute.  Look for solutions rather than problems and SMILE!		  
 
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