Tradeswomen Australia hosts Jill of all Trades breakfast

Dr Susan Alberti AC AO AM with two participants

Tradeswomen Australia hosted a celebratory breakfast earlier this month at the Launceston Country Club, dubbed ‘Jill of All Trades’. The breakfast brought together trade organisations, tradeswomen, apprentices, community leaders and dignitaries to celebrate the success of the organisation’s Diversity and Inclusion Program and Remade for Trades.

As always, forestry was well represented with participants there from Sustainable Timber Tasmania, Timberlink, Timberland Pacific, and Mechlog. We were happy to see some women apprentices in attendance. The forestry industry has been been fast to take up the opportunties offered, already enrolling staff in the projects in record numbers. Trades Women Australia has formed a special partnership with the forestry industry and is part of its Diversity and Inclusion Reference Group.

Headlining the event as a guest speaker was Tradeswomen Australia Patron, Dr Susan Alberti AC AO AM, one of Australia’s most inspiring philanthropists, businesswomen and mentors to young women. Well known for her role as Vice President of the Western Bulldogs Football Club, Suasan has paved the way for women in male-dominated industries and roles, and is an inspiration for women – as demonstrated by her many honours and awards. Susan encouraged the breakfast participants to continue breaking down barriers and making progress towards gender equality in trades.

One of the participants shared these lovely comments.

“Yesterday I attended a conference at the Country Club. The theme was ”Jill of all Trades ” held by Trades Women Australia. This was an incredible opportunity where I met women who understood my own story and had their own, women who are inspiring and courageous.”

“These women are all about empowering women to follow their dreams, persevere and achieve their wildest dreams. You don’t need a university degree to be successful, you just need to find the job that is right for you. Happiness = success.”

The breakfast was a chance for industry, community groups and employment agencies to connect and celebrate the inroads into making Tasmania a place for women to gain a trade. Together, we can break down barriers and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future.

For more information on Trades Women Australia, including the free Diversity and Inclusion Training that is available for Tasmania’s forest industry employers, contact Tanya Paterson at tanyap@twaus.com.au or on 0419 294 932.