Cairns Inspired Minds Lunch

An opportunity for women in the in the building and construction industry, as well as those who support them, to come together to network.
About this Event

Breaking barriers: Empowering women to lead, inspire, and transform the future

Join us on at our , designed to bring together the women shaping the future of the construction industry and the advocates who support their journey. This event gathers the industry's brightest minds to focus on concrete steps for breaking barriers in construction and charting a clear course for a successful future.
The event topic of, Building Futures - Breaking Barriers, is centred around empowering women to lead, inspire and transform the future. This exclusive 2-course luncheon offers a dynamic platform for women to connect, share experiences, and support each other in a space that encourages growth. Featuring industry leaders who are fiercely committed to making it better for those who follow, the event will explore challenges, successes, and strategies for shaping the future.
Whether you're just starting out or have been in the industry for years, this is your opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, learn from industry pioneers, and leave feeling motivated to reach new heights.

Our speakers

Olivia Rees-Giotas
Project Assistant | Besix Watpac
Olivia Rees is a Document Controller and Project Assistant at BESIX Watpac, a national construction company delivering major projects across Australia, including here in Cairns.
She began her career in the construction industry shortly after graduating from school, entering the industry within days and gaining exposure to a variety of construction environments early on.
In her current role, Olivia plays a key part in supporting project teams through efficient document control, coordination, and administrative processes. Passionate about continuous learning and professional growth, Olivia brings a proactive and adaptable approach to her work and is committed to building a long-term career within the construction industry.

Chantelle Jones
Site Supervisor | Hansen Yuncken

Chantelle Jones is a site supervisor for one of Australia's largest tier 1, commercial builders, currently overseeing stages of the demolition & refurbishment of the Cairns Base Hospital. Having started as an apprentice tiler back in 2007 at the age of 15, Chantelle went on to run her own tiling business here in Cairns.
Off the back of winning the Qld Master Builder Women in Construction award in 2017, she moved to Sydney in order to pursue a career off the tools and gained a position with a building company as a 'fully fledged' site supervisor in the residential sector. Through years of hard work, determination & a can-do attitude she thrived in this position, however missed the Cairns lifestyle, moving back in 2024 and working in various capacities in the residential sector before finally breaking into the commercial space.

Rochelle Prien
Managing Director | Pro Form Tops
After spending 14 years as a hairdresser and becoming a mum to three beautiful children, Rochelle entered the family business and moved to the Torres Strait Islands where she managed the family-owned hardware store for 10 years. In 2015, Rochelle returned to Cairns and commenced her role as Managing Director of Pro Form Tops, later becoming the business owner. Not so long ago, this was a very male-orientated industry. However, Rochelle loves that in recent years, more and more women are joining the manufacturing industry and excelling in their roles.