Program Events

GETTING STARTED IN THE PROGRAM: BRIEFING SESSIONS

All enrolments for 2008 are now CLOSED, and no more Briefing Sessions are scheduled to take place.

UPCOMING STATE FORUM EVENTS

NSW
Thursday 24th July, 2.00-6.00pm
RAIA Tusculum, 3 Manning St, Potts Point NSW
Click here to view the event programme

ACT (combined with launch of NAWIC)
Thursday 24th July, 6.00-8.30pm
iNO Contract Furniture Studio and Helen Maxwell Gallery
1st Floor, 42 Mort St, Braddon ACT
Click here to view the event invitation.

VIC
Wednesday 20th August, 4.00-7.00pm
RAIA, 41 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC
Click here to view the event programme.

WA
Thursday 28th August, 4.00-7.00pm
Royal Perth Yacht Club
Australia II Drive, Crawley WA
Click here to view the event programme.

SA
Wednesday 3rd September, 4.00-7.00pm
RAIA, 100 Flinders St, Adelaide SA
Click here to view the event programme.

QLD
Friday 5th September, 9.00am-1.00pm
QMBA, 417 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill QLD
Click here to view the event programme.

Constructive Mentoring Events Archive

NSW State Forum, 13 November 2007

Constructive Mentoring's inaugural NSW State Forum was held on 13th November 2007 at RAIA Tusculum in Potts Point. The half-day event included a guest speaker panel and workshop speed-circuit followed by some informal networking. The theme of the day was 'Constructive Communication', chosen from survey results from our program participants.

Attendees were inspired by the guest speaker panel, which featured three high achieving women from different sectors of the construction industry: Christine Bartlett (CEO Australia for Jones Lang LaSalle), Dr Patrice Derrington (CEO of Penrith Lakes Development Council) and Lucy Turnbull (board member for Redfern Waterloo Development Authority and first female Lord Mayor of Sydney). The speed-circuit workshops also gave attendees the chance to interact in small group situations and discuss some key themes of communication.

If you couldn't attend the State Forum and you're interested in hearing the guest speaker panel, you can download the audio recording here:

State Forum Audio Recording - [Format : MP3; Size : 49MB)

Some feedback from those who attended on the day:

“I thought hearing the career paths of the three panel speakers was really interesting and helpful in knowing how others have negotiated their way through to be successful.”

“I thought the guest speakers were extremely interesting, their journeys were inspiring. I also liked the combination of topics on offer, especially the short but effective workshops”

"The emphasis on networking was great"

Constructive Mentoring Launch, 14 November 2006

The official launch of the Constructive Mentoring Program was held on November 14th 2006 at the Sydney Opera House. The program, which is an initiative and grant recipient of the Federal Government’s Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business program, has been formed jointly by the Master Builder’s Association (MBA), the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA).

The Constructive Mentoring program uses a structured mentoring system, supplemented by online resources to deliver practical and easily accessible information to women within the construction industry. Orijen, an independent consultant, has been engaged to develop the mentoring content and online components of the program and to manage its administration. The program links with professional development and business skills training programs already provided by the three partner associations, as well as providing opportunities for networking and creating professional connections. The program will initially be developed through metropolitan and regional NSW before being expanded throughout Australia by mid-2008.

The program was officially launched by the Honourable Fran Bailey MP, Minister for Small Business and Tourism. As a former small businesswoman, she expressed her empathy for many women in the construction industry, and praised the use of mentoring to provide education at a low cost and in a flexible manner. She also noted that it was wonderful to see increasing numbers of “chicks in charge” in the industry, and hoped that this would continue in the future!

Other speakers included Alison Halihan, national president of NAWIC, Brian Seidler, Director of MBA NSW and Dr. Deborah Dearing, president of the RAIA NSW chapter. The event was ably hosted by Caroline Pidcock of the RAIA. Guests included members of the three organisations, Orijen and representatives of Ms Bailey’s department. The event was held in the Utzon room of the Sydney Opera House which provided a wonderful backdrop for the afternoon.

MBA, NAWIC & RAIA are currently calling for mentees and mentors. Participation in the program is at no cost for financial members of the associations (and remember your membership fees are a tax deduction!) For registered architects and engineers, participating as a mentor may earn you credit points towards your annual professional development hours requirement.

Pictured L-R: the Hon. Fran Bailey MP; members of the steering committee; all members of the steering committee with Orijen representatives; Caroline Pidcock (RAIA past President and steering committee member). All Images Photocall Image Management.