Industry associations in the Northern Territory have joined together for an impressive International Women’s Day event entitled Balance the Scales.
International Women’s Day takes place this weekend on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
The sold-out event will be attended by the Australian Institute of Architects NT, Engineers Australia, Master Builders NT, National Association of Women in Construction and Planning Institute of Australia.
Keynote speaker at the event will be Jo Farrell, founder and director of ‘Build Like a Girl’.
Farrell is Australian of the Year 2024 and winner of the Excellence in Women's Leadership ACT 2024 just to name a few. She also serves on many boards including Trades Women Australia.
Her career spans three decades commencing as an apprentice carpenter in 1996.
She began the national not-for-profit charity Build Like a Girl in the year 2020 as a direct call to action to get more women in the construction industry.
Farrell will be supported by a panel of women from the built environment including: Anna Kanaris, company director and mentor to young women in trade; Dr Elisha Harris, Engineer of the Year 2025; Kate Finch from the National Association of Women in Construction (NAIWC) and winner of the Crystal Vision Award 2025 and; Maiya McKenna from the Australian Institute of Architects and winner of the Emerging Architect Prize 2025.
The IWD event is also supporting ‘Share Dignity’ with an opportunity for guests to provide personal hygiene products for those in need.
The event has been supported by partners, DCOH, Sitzler, Laing O’Rourke, Georgiou, Norstar Marine and Elite Interiors (DCT). Guests will be joined by the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory and Planning Minister Josh Burgoyne, along with key dignitaries.