International Women’s Day: Master Builders levels the site

8 March 2026

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn joined Minister for Skills Andrew Giles MP, Assistant Minister for Women Rebecca White MP, Master Builders ACT CEO Anna Neelagama, sponsors, employers and apprentices at Master Builders ACT to highlight the ‘Level the Site’ program.

This is a national workforce initiative delivered by Master Builders Australia under the Federal Government’s Building Women’s Careers program. Over 50 female participants are currently engaged in the ‘Level the Site’ mentoring program, with apprentices describing the initiative as both practical and supportive. The program connects participants with experienced industry mentors who provide guidance on real workplace challenges, leadership development and career progression.

“The opportunity to reflect on real project situations with an experienced mentor has been extremely valuable in building confidence and refining my leadership approach,” said one participant.

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn thanked the program’s sponsors and supporters including Government, Australian Workers Union, Civil Contracts Federation, Brickworks, Bunnings and Master Builders State Associations including ACT, and stressed that part of remedying the over 300,000 national construction labour shortage is balancing the scales and unlocking the other 50 per cent of the population.

“At a time when Australia faces significant housing and infrastructure delivery pressures, expanding and sustaining the skilled workforce is essential,” said Ms Wawn.

“Women currently represent only 13.2% of the construction workforce and while the program places a spotlight on increasing the skilled participation of women, its broader objective is to create workplaces that work better for both males and females. When site culture improves and there is increased flexibility, leadership accountability strengthens and the entire workforce benefits.

“The mentoring program forms part of a broader national effort that also includes employer training, on-site toolbox talks, a pan-Australia awareness campaign and a series of networking events aimed at strengthening workplace culture across the construction industry.

“By equipping employers and workers with the tools to foster respectful, inclusive and high-performing workplaces, Level the Site supports cultural reform that strengthens productivity, safety and workforce stability.

“If we are to plug the 300,000 labour gap and meet the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million homes before the end of the decade, we need the right people through domestic apprenticeship reforms, skilled migration and more women on sites,” concluded Ms Wawn.

Master Builders ACT CEO Anna Neelagama commented that they were proud to host the celebration and be a ‘Level the Site’ partner as the ACT battles to fill its 7,600 construction worker shortage.

“Building and construction is an industry where women are not only welcome but essential. We need all hands on deck if we are to deliver the 30,000 new homes ACT needs before the end of the decade,” said Ms Neelagama.

Media contact: Dylan Hafey, Media Advisor

0497 330 064 | dylan.hafey@masterbuilders.com.au