The Woman of the Year in HVACR Award is unique because it isn't based on a specific job title.
It has been won by women working in all areas of the HVACR industry.
HVACR is such a broad and varied industry that its a bit unrealistic to try to create an award based on a single job title, like engineering.
This is an award for women working in sales, finance, mechanical engineering, the shop floor or they could be a RAC technician. Because it is industry-based, nominations are not restricted by any job title. So what is important for finalists competing for this award?
The winner of this award must demonstrate excellence in her field, and be a source of inspiration for other women.
We already know the full-time average weekly ordinary earnings for women are 14.0% less than for men (ABS 2019, Average Weekly Earnings). We also know that the median undergraduate starting salaries for women are 4.8% less than for men. This gap widens to 14.6% for postgraduates.
This is why it is so important for women in industries like HVACR to celebrate success. This year there are three finalists for the Woman of the Year in HVACR Award which is once again sponsored by Daikin Australia. They are:
HVAC Energy Solution Specialist co-founder, Tracey Wyber, is passionate about energy efficiency and HVACR.
An ex-school teacher, Tracey stepped out of her comfort zone and managed to create a business combining all the things she loves most including education, the environment and HVACR.
Tracey's dedication to energy efficiency and researching the latest technologies and solutions for the HVACR industry has made her a thought leader in her field.
About Airconditioning owner, Jenny Smith, was the first woman in Australia to be employed by the Federal Government as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic.
Even after four decades in the industry and with her own RAC business, Jenny still gets on the tools and is an active member of the Woman of AIRAH Committee.
Projects of any size are not a problem for Jenny as she also has a Diploma in Business Management and a Diploma in Project Management.
Aurecon associate mechanical engineer, Danni Roberts, has had a career in the HVACR industry for the past 14 years working hard to develop her leadership skills as well as her technical abilities.
Danni completed the Consult Australia Future Business Leaders training course and was selected to be part of Aurecon's Foundations of Leadership training program.
Danni is actively involved in Engineers Australia and in her current role as committee chair is working hard to promote diversity.