Hepburn Shire joins new program for women in building industry

Published on 04 February 2021

Hepburn Shire Council has joined the new Victorian Government's Women Building Surveyors Program, designed to help address the gender imbalance in the industry.

Hepburn Shire is one of 40 Victorian councils included in the program, announced recently by the Minister for Local Government, Shaun Leane.

The program also seeks to fill a skills shortage and drive stimulus projects by supporting 40 women to train as municipal building surveyors.

Hepburn Shire Council's Interim CEO, Bradley Thomas, said Council's Building Administration Support Officer, Robyn Hartmann, will participate in the program which will see her complete an Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying and gain work experience with Council in this field.

"On top of the study she will undertake, Robyn will also have access to professional development events and  opportunities through LGPro.

"The $150,000 provided for the program means we will be able to fund Robyn's studies and backfill her role during times of study leave.

"For Robyn to take the experience she has gained in her administrative role and develop that to become a qualified building surveyor is a brilliant thing, for not only Robyn, but Council as well.

"Municipal building surveyors play an important role at councils, ensuring buildings and works are compliant with relevant building regulations and codes and are safe to use," said Mr Thomas.

Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt welcomed the Victorian Government's announcement and the benefits it will bring to Hepburn Shire and the community.

"This new Women Building Surveyors program is an exciting opportunity for Robyn and for Council. Any program that tackles gender inequality in the building sector has our full support.

"With Robyn receiving this additional training and professional development to progress her career in building surveying, we can boost our capacity to deal with and process building investigations and enquiries."

Robyn said she was excited to see greater female representation in the building surveying industry.

"I have been part of the building team for nine years and know the importance of the work we undertake.

"This opportunity to gain training and qualifications, to be able to step up and become a Municipal Building Surveyor is a wonderful opportunity and I can't wait to get started.