WIBB networking breakfast recognises women in construction and mining industries with host Red Dust Holdings

The challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries like construction and mining took centre stage at a networking breakfast last week for local businesswomen. Diamond sponsor Red Dust Holdings shared their story as host of the Women Inspiring Better Business (WIBB) November networking breakfast at Spalding Golf Club on Thursday. Women from more than 20 local businesses came together for the occasion. = It was Jo Blayney’s turn for a “perfect pitch”, selling the audience on the joys of owning a Thermomix, while Teresa Italiano from Cut Loose Hair Design told the story about Wadjarri Yamatji Nuylu hairdresser Stellisha (Kaylee) Woodley’s time at an international hair expo in France. The event recognised the difficulties and challenges for women working in construction, mining and other male-dominant industries. As host of this event, Red Dust Holdings brought 15 of their female staff — who make up more than 20 per cent of their workforce — to the breakfast. The Geraldton-based business offers a range of civil and bulk earthworks solutions for both the private and public sectors and is recognised as a leading mid-tier civil construction contractor. Director Tanya Johnson took the audience through how her team created a community-focused business that was more than just the name sake of “building roads”. Ms Johnson met her husband in the Pilbara when they were in their 20s and from there RHD sprouted into a business delivering Statewide contracts and has become a major employer in the Mid West. More than 70 women attended the WIBB networking event, aiming to inspire others to reach their dreams.