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It takes drive and determination to be Woman of the Year in HVACR and this year’s winner, Kelli McDonald, has these qualities in spades.

The national JLL and ANZ commercial manager at Airmaster has worked in all areas of the business since she began her career in HVACR 17 years ago.

Ask her what qualities make an award winner and she doesn't hold back.

“Loyalty, hustle, resilience and grit, all with a positive can-do attitude,” McDonald said.

“Having that constant drive to better myself over the past 17 years and to tackle any challenges head on while still making sure I champion the career of others.”

McDonald recognises the importance of mentoring other women. She certainly has a love for the HVACR industry.

“I enjoy the diversity of this industry, no two days are ever the same which complements my love of learning new things,” she said. McDonald believes the industry needs to market itself more to young people.

“They need to know that HVAC&R is a highly skilled trade with great potential to excel,” she said.

“There are plenty of opportunities to progress into management or even start your own business.

“Technicians in this trade can travel the world utilising their skills.”

McDonald has a passion for customer relations and is moving into a national client relationship management role in the coming months.

She remembers being asked to relocate and move to Sydney at the age of 23, to help set up the NSW branch of Airmaster.

“Those years were instrumental in developing my confidence,” McDonald said.

Asked about the biggest challenge facing the industry right now, McDonald cites the rapid growth of technology.

“It's changing what we do. We are helping to educate customers on the benefits of these new technologies,” she said.

“But we have to ensure we have buy-in from old-school technicians that have been doing their work the same way for the past 20 or 30 years.

“New technology isn't easy for everyone so a certain level of compassion and patience needs to come into play sometimes.”
McDonald's biggest fan is her six year old daughter, Lilliane, who was thrilled to see her mum win an award.

“Now she wants to be like me and do my job when she grows up, that to me hits the heart of why I am doing what I'm doing.”

 Once again this award was sponsored by Daikin Australia. The company's general manager of finance, Kathryn Joseph, was at the presentation to announce the winner.

“Daikin is delighted to sponsor the Woman of the Year in HVACR Award and provide on-going recognition of the contribution of women to the HVACR industry," Joseph said.

"We warmly congratulate Kelli McDonald on her achievement and receiving the Woman of the Year in HVACR Award.”